About Kane Bars
How it started
Growing up in and around the waters of New England, I have always been close to the water physically and spiritually. Boating and fishing have been a big part of my life that has helped shape my nautical interests. Fortunately, my wife Annette shared that enthusiasm. While raising our three sons, we spent many days enjoying the waters of
Growing up in and around the waters of New England, I have always been close to the water physically and spiritually. Boating and fishing have been a big part of my life that has helped shape my nautical interests. Fortunately, my wife Annette shared that enthusiasm. While raising our three sons, we spent many days enjoying the waters of New England whether it was Long Island Sound, Marthas Vineyard or Rhode Island we were typically in, or on the water. When winter came upon us, we always had a trip planned somewhere south to keep up our water mojo. I’ve been fortunate to boat in many locations around the world and spent countless hours watching the beautiful display of foamy water peeling back into the wake beyond the transom while underway. It was during those times that my mind creatively wandered into wondering how I could preserve that beautiful sight. How could the transom of a boat be utilized in such a way that would allow us to enjoy it, even while at home? That U-shaped wraparound cockpit was such a unique and utilitarian space that allowed for maximum efficiency and access all the way around. It was after one memorable offshore fishing day while sitting in the fighting chair with a cold beer in hand, that my idea was born. Why not cut off the stern of a beautiful sportfish and turn it into a well-appointed gorgeous “transom bar"? It would spark conversation, bring people together, and celebrate the boating lifestyle in a truly unforgettable way.
Years went by before time and circumstances created the opportunity to get started on this dream. Not wanting to cut a perfectly good boat in half, I was determined to find one headed for the salvage yard that could be repurposed to facilitate my idea. I was only interested in locating one of the classic brands that had traditional teak coverboards across the stern that could be the basis for a fabulous bar top. Eventually, I came upon a 1981 Egg Harbor 33’ Sportfisherman that had been dry docked for many years in a perpetual state of disrepair.
The Process
Though the boat was severely damaged by years of weather and neglect, that old teak covered transom gave me some hope. After removing the gas tank under the deck, we were able to cut the last 5’ off the Egg Harbor to separate it, and transport it to its new home in Rhode Island.
Then began a year long journey that involved hundreds of ho
Though the boat was severely damaged by years of weather and neglect, that old teak covered transom gave me some hope. After removing the gas tank under the deck, we were able to cut the last 5’ off the Egg Harbor to separate it, and transport it to its new home in Rhode Island.
Then began a year long journey that involved hundreds of hours of physical work to convert this 2000 lb. hulk into a gleaming well-appointed boat bar. It became an obsession of sorts…constantly researching fiberglass repair and wood restoration while scouring websites for marine supplies. I worked nights and weekends to strip down, repair, rebuild, and ultimately create what I had always dreamed of.
Completed
Let's make more of them!
A fully functioning home bar complete with a beer/wine fridge, ice maker, sink, recycling containers, and lots of storage for glasses and our favorite bottles. We named it “BlockTales” for its view out and over the beach towards Block Island, and the many fishing stories both old and new that will be told around her. It quickly became the
A fully functioning home bar complete with a beer/wine fridge, ice maker, sink, recycling containers, and lots of storage for glasses and our favorite bottles. We named it “BlockTales” for its view out and over the beach towards Block Island, and the many fishing stories both old and new that will be told around her. It quickly became the centerpiece for many gatherings of family, friends, and neighbors celebrating life on the water – with a proper beverage in hand of course!
Let's make more of them!
Let's make more of them!
Over and over, I was asked by friends about how they might be able to acquire a similar type of bar. Knowing the amount of labor, money and blood/sweat/tears that went into BlockTales, I knew that it would never be feasible to do another project like this while taking all of that into consideration. How could I re-create this great nautic
Over and over, I was asked by friends about how they might be able to acquire a similar type of bar. Knowing the amount of labor, money and blood/sweat/tears that went into BlockTales, I knew that it would never be feasible to do another project like this while taking all of that into consideration. How could I re-create this great nautical addition to our home in such a way that would be economically viable? As a product designer and multi-generational manufacturer, I knew there was an opportunity to create this unique home furnishing in a more efficient manner than what I had undertaken. So, I set off to work designing a perfectly sized hull that embodied the beautiful lines of a traditional sportfish and the handsome fit and finish of a yacht. After many iterations, we eventually decided on the right version and ordered the fiberglass mold that would be able to cost-efficiently produce transoms ready for a customizable bar platform. Significant thought went into a design that would allow each individual unit to be customized specifically for the customer. We have over a dozen different bar top and countertop variations depending on chosen wood type and color preferences. There are various layouts that can be offered depending on your entertaining style and preferred appliances. A wide variety of stainless-steel accessories will allow you to put your finishing touches on the bar to align with your taste. LED lighting packages that allow you to provide some subtle ambiance or turn into a vibrant showstopper! Go ahead and imagine a clever boat name, hailing port and color pattern that will enhance your home and provide years as a conversation piece. We have a master marine carpenter with 45 years of experience doing yacht restoration and custom woodwork personally responsible for the production of each unit. From start to finish the Kane family is involved in making sure that you end up with a spectacular focal point for entertaining in your home. Our name is on it, to make sure you know we are standing behind it.