In 1992 they set out to find a workboat they could convert to explore America’s inland waterways. They looked at boats from Maine to Miami but none were quite right. They had almost given up the search when Garvey got in touch with noted Maryland boatbuilder Francis Goddard, and pitched the idea of converting one of his boats to a river cruiser. Built as a Skipjack in 1984 the OysterCatcher, then known as the Connie Francis, had worked the waters of the Chesapeake Bay dredging oysters. She was originally built and subsequently refit (more like transformed) by Goddard, along with his son Wayne, both long time Maryland watermen and boat builders.

Relaunched in the fall of 2000, the OysterCatcher is now a U.S. Coast Guard-inspected river cruiser. She is 57 feet on deck, crafted of Maryland pine, and outfitted with a double-level cabin. She sleeps up to eight guests in three air-conditioned staterooms for long-term charters, and can accommodate 49 passengers for day charters. She’s powered by twin 130-hp diesel engines, and her keel draws 5 feet.

The OysterCatcher specializes in U.S. Civil War history charters but will be available in the Northeast beginning in early summer, making it's way south as the season progresses. But best of all, the soul of the Bitter End resonates in every timber and every detail. Call for more information at 312-640-5520 or visit our website at: www.OysterCatcherCharters.com