The three boats of The Albatross Fleet are unique. Custom built to Capt. Ernal Foster’s design at the Willis & Sons Boatyard in Marshallberg, NC, they were built specifically for fishing the waters off Hatteras.
They are sturdy and “sea kindly” and have stood the test of time. These boats are equally at home in the shallows of Hatteras Inlet and the Gulf Stream currents.
The boats are meticulously maintained and they are periodically re-powered and equipped with the modern electronics.
These historic fishing vessels are visually striking. Made of atlantic white cedar (locally called juniper wood) they are unique with their rounded sterns and graceful lines and are easily recognizable by their red and white “candy cane” outriggers. Having been completely reworked and fiber- glassed, they are arguably stronger structurally than when originally launched.
The boats are equipped with marine heads and airy cabins with great front windows. You will find them comfortable for both Offshore and Near Shore trips.
They are, in fact, a tourist attraction bringing many visitors to the Albatross Fleet docks to see the last of the traditional wooden working boats that were once found throughout the North Carolina coast.