About Us

Belonging to the eighth generation of a family long noted for craftsmanship, integrity and pure Yankee ingenuity, Edward M. "Ned" Crosby, Jr. perpetuates a legacy of local boatbuilding begun in the 1700's. Along with his co-workers at E. M. Crosby Boatworks, Ned continues to offer services to mid-Cape boat owners in the spirit of two particular family traditions:

• Custom Boatbuilding: his great-great-grandfather, Horace (1826-1894), has been widely celebrated for having designed and built the first of what became known at the Crosby Catboat. "Uncle Max" Crosby (1893-1979) designed the Wianno Senior, a 25' day sailor which remains today the principal one-design class of the Wianno Yacht Club.
  
  
• Full Yard Services: his grandfather, Chester, forged a sterling reputation for the complete care and maintenance of all kinds of vessels, as well as custom boatbuilding. First opened for business in November of 2001, Ned's shop can be found in West Barnstable, inland and central, just five miles from its predecessors, which historically lined the passage between Osterville's two primary harbors.

Ned grew up sailing in his native Osterville, and started learning the boatbuilding craft early in life. Though the yards once owned by family have long been sold, he is happy to carry on the tradition and still seeks the experience and advice of the people who taught him his craft.

"There are a lot of people from Osterville who've always done business with my grandfather
or the family and are very supportive of me and want to see me do well. I'm so grateful for their support…"

Ned Crosby, Cape Cod Times, June 8, 2001