Baja Marine recently launched a new series of Pro-Line boats. The company collaborated with the Hemingway family to produce a boat Ernest Hemingway would have been proud to call his own.
The Hemingway Edition was inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s beloved boat Pilar and includes the author’s signature on the hull side wrap.
The first boat of the series, a Pro-Line 23 Sport, was unveiled by Hemingway’s grandchildren, Mina and John Hemingway, at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
“That boat is one of a bunch of boats we’ll be doing with the Hemingway’s,” said Johnny Walker, CEO of Pro-Line parent company Baja Marine, LLC.
The series took between 130 and 150 manhours for the Chocowinity manufacturer to produce.
“We did it in about a four-week period,” Walker said.
The Hemingway design will be available on any Pro-Line that is 21 feet or bigger. Each boat is custom made to buyer specifications.
The Hemingway Edition package features a custom angled rigid T-Top with storage and two extra rod holders. It has a flat black powdercoat bow, T-Top and seat rails.
Buyers have options like folding rear seats and aluminum helm seats with upgrade upholstery.
There is an AM/FM stereo with four speakers and an iPod control. The head compartment has a Port Potti.
The Hemingway is the first Pro-Line to feature a green graphic design.
“I think it’s very unique and the graphic on it is absolutely fantastic,” Walker said. “Our graphics guy, Clint Garant, did most of the work. We sent it to Hemingway and they loved it.”
The collaboration came about after Baja Marine Vice President Nick Miller participated in a fishing tournament with Mina Hemingway a few years ago. He ran into her again at a charity function and the partnership was formed.
“Collaborating with the Hemingway Family on the design of this new Pro-Line series was a pleasure and a privilege for me and the rest of the Pro-Line team,” Walker said. “The Hemingways are all avid anglers and are extremely knowledgeable about both the aesthetic and the practical aspects of fishing boats.”