secondary-1The History
Steve and Stephanie Rowe left General Electric to take the helm at Great Island in 2005. Both engineers by degree, they worked in many capacities and industries ranging from small family businesses in New England to power plant construction in Asia and Europe. Steve’s last role at GE was General Manager of the GE Environmental Services business. The boat yard offered a refreshing change. When Steve and Stephanie acquired the yard they made a long-term commitment to Harpswell, Maine and to building a quality boat yard and marina. For 15 years, they ran it as a family business. The Rowes raised two boys, Gavin and Keegan, less than a mile down the road from the boat yard. As teens, the boys joined the marina dock crew. On June 15, 2020, Steve and Stephanie joined the Safe Harbor group, becoming Safe Harbor Great Island and Safe Harbor’s 100th location. Steve continued to serve as the General Manager, with the same dedicated staff, until 2024 when he joined the Safe Harbor Acquisitions team. He now travels frequently helping to expand the Safe Harbor network.

Trevor Davis

Steve Rowe

The Leadership
Trevor Davis, a graduate of Colby Sawyer College, has held many positions of increasing responsibility within the marine industry. He worked in the trades, performing all types of general marine maintenance and repairs before specializing in rigging at New England Boatworks. He then held several marine industry management positions including, service manager, general manager, and operations manager. In 2023, after building strong relationships and the trust and respect of the Great Island team over a seven year period, Trevor took on the role of General Manager at Safe Harbor Great Island, replacing his mentor, Steve Rowe. Trevor embodies the important cultural aspects that make Safe Harbor Great Island special. He is the right person for the job.

The Crew
Our team of year-round professionals is our most important asset.  The capability, pride and attention to detail of our crew allows us to care for the fleet of quality boats that are entrusted to us. We seek out technicians and craftsmen who want to be the very best, and then give them the tools and training they need to accomplish their work.

The Business
Safe Harbor Great Island cares for well over 200 boats in the winter and hosts over 100 in the marina during the summer. We offer “shipyard” capabilities with the personal and friendly service of a small family business. Over half of our customers come to us from other New England states. A parade of boats makes the 120-mile trip between Great Island and the Cape Cod Canal every spring and fall. The team paints, repairs, repowers, and refits dozens of sailboats and motor yachts annually.

SHGI 2024 – 2025 Rate Sheet

Quick Facts

Docks

  • 57 Slips
  • Max 90’ LOA
  • MLW 10’ depth max
  • 15 – 30 – 50A Service

Mooring Field

  • 40 Moorings
  • Max 65’ LOA
  • 10-14’ MLW depth

Storage

  • 94,400ft² indoor heated
  • 1,500ft² indoor cold
  • 220 vessels stored annually

Facility

  • 15 Acres
  • 1,000’ Waterfront

Hauling

  • Hydraulic Trailer:
    • Max 70’ LOA
    • Max 60 Tons
    • Max 8’6” Draft
  • Travel Lift (available fall 2022):
    • Max 70′ LOA
    • Max 75 Tons
    • Max 9′ draft

Services

  • Rigging
  • Mechanical
  • Electronics
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Refrigeration
  • Carpentry
  • Glass Repair
  • Awlgrip
  • Varnish & Paint
  • Canvas
  • Fabrication

Crew

  • 35 Marine Technicians
  • 45 Total Employees

Driving Miles To

  • Portland – 35
  • Camden – 60
  • Boston – 140
  • Freeport – 15

Location

Safe Harbor Great Island is situated at the head of Orr’s Cove on the north end of Quahog Bay.

Our address is: 419 Harpswell Islands Road in Harpswell, Maine  04079.

BY LAND

  • We’re located about 40 minutes north of Portland.
  • Take I-295 North to Exit 28, Brunswick.
  • Follow Route 1 toward Bath; exit at Cook’s Corner.
  • Continue straight through the light on Route 24 South for six miles.
  • Safe Harbor Great Island will be on your left.
  • Get Detailed Driving Directions.

BY SEA

  • Safe Harbor Great Island is located at 43˚49.792N and 069˚54.915W.
  • Enter between Green Can #3 and Saddleback Ledge (split the difference between the two). 
  • From there, steer approximately 28˚magnetic, keeping an eye on ledges, both sides.
  • Enter Quahog Bay keeping Pole Island to starboard; there’s a red marker south of Pole (R N “4”) – keep that to starboard.  From there, it’s straight up into Orr’s Cove. 
  • You’ll see our mooring field and to the north, four sets of T-docks in front of the white marina building on the west side of the cove.
  • The dinghy dock is located on the opposite side of the fuel dock, right outside the marina office.