Eight Bells: Paul M. Hureau

Paul M. Hureau, founder of Maritime Skiff, passed away suddenly at the age of 73 on November 9, 2013, with his family by his side.

Paul graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 1961 and immediately joined the Coast Guard. He eventually became the chief of the district’s Boating Safety Branch where he earned a Coast Guard commendation medal for his efforts in promoting boating safety.

After leaving active duty with the Coast Guard, Paul joined Boston Whaler in Rockland, Massachusetts, where he spent the next 18 years, eventually establishing the Commercial Products Division. Paul supported hundreds of state and government agencies with patrol, fire, police and military boat models and equipment installations.

Paul’s commitment to marine safety continued with two tours in the Coast Guard Reserve and as an active member of the National Boating Safety Advisory Council (BSAC), National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), and with the New England and Massachusetts Marine Trades Associations.

When Boston Whaler moved their facility to Florida in 1991, Paul stayed behind and established his own company, Maritime Skiff, with his wife and business partner Bev Brown. Paul applied his deep technological expertise and passion for safety into the Maritime hull design — small, fuel-efficient and stable center console skiffs. Working with North End Composites in Maine, Paul introduced the first Maritime Skiff in 1992, and developed over 20 different center console, center cabin, full cabin and express-style boats over the subsequent 15 years.

In 2004 Maritime Skiff contracted with Kenway Corporation of Augusta to be their fiberglass hull and components provider. In 2007 Paul and his wife Bev sold Maritime Skiff to the owners of Kenway, who established Maritime Marine and continued to promote the brand.

“Every time Paul stepped on a boat, he would immediately start thinking of ways to make it safer, stronger or ride better,” said Peter Galvin of Maritime Marine. “The Maritime Skiff line was engineered from his vast experience in — and dedication to — boating.”

In 2011 Paul and his wife moved to Maine where Paul continued to be an active member in the marine industry providing consulting services for patrol boat manufacturers and volunteering time with the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, Maine.

Paul Hureau is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren. A memorial service will take place 11 am Saturday November 23, 2013, at the First Parish Church, Maine Street, Brunswick, Maine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maine Maritime Museum, 243 Washington Street, Bath, Maine 04530; the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Class of 1961 fund, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532; or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.tg.stjude.org.