Originally established in the 1880s and owned by the Scopinich family since 1956, the Hampton Shipyard has served generations of boaters and remains a familiar part of the local maritime landscape. The new owners—who all live locally and share deep ties to the East End boating community—acquired the property in 2024 with a clear vision: to preserve the shipyard’s historic character while carefully modernizing the facilities so it can successfully continue to operate as a vibrant working waterfront for today’s boating community.
Importantly, the shipyard’s marine service tradition will continue under third-generation Scopinich family member Kevin Scopinich, who will continue operating the marina service business on site.
“Our goal is to honor the legacy of this place while ensuring it continues to function as a vibrant working waterfront,” the group said. “We feel strongly that the shipyard should remain an active marine facility that the community recognizes and values.”
Modernizing the Marina
The first phase of the long-term plan focuses on upgrading marina infrastructure while maintaining the authentic character of the traditional shipyard. Plans include the installation of new floating docks accommodating approximately 34 slips, improving safety, accessibility, and resilience for boaters. These improvements will allow the marina to better serve local boaters while maintaining its traditional working waterfront use. Permits are in place and construction is anticipated as early as this spring.
Supporting a Generational Marine Business
Supporting a Generational Marine Business
The well-known blue building on the property will be improved to enhance the marina service area and expand indoor boat storage for Kevin Scopinich’s marine service business. This investment ensures the continuation of the Scopinich family’s long-standing connection to the shipyard and the East End boating community, maintaining the working waterfront tradition that has defined the property for decades.
Revitalizing the Historic Shipbuilding Building
Revitalizing the Historic Shipbuilding Building
The large shipbuilding building, long a defining feature of the property, will be renovated to provide indoor winter boat storage, supporting the marina’s ongoing marine operations. During the warmer months, the building may also be used for a seasonal pickleball court, offering a recreational amenity while preserving the structure and character of the historic building. The exterior will remain largely unchanged but may be refreshed with a new coat of paint.
A Farm-to-Sea Dining Experience
A Farm-to-Sea Dining Experience
Looking further ahead, the existing workshop and paint buildings are envisioned to be thoughtfully repurposed into a restaurant and club space with a pool, creating a welcoming waterfront gathering place that complements the marina.
The restaurant will feature a farm-to-sea-to-table dining experience, highlighting locally grown produce alongside fresh seafood sourced from East End waters. In addition, the property hopes to include a small farm stand and seasonal food truck, offering locally sourced foods and creating a casual destination for boaters and neighbors alike.
Environmental Improvements to Weesuck Creek
Environmental Improvements to Weesuck Creek
An important aspect of the project focuses on improving the environmental condition of the shoreline along Weesuck Creek. Plans include eliminating stormwater runoff that historically flowed directly into the creek and replacing it with improved drainage and filtration systems designed to protect water quality.
The project will also introduce native shoreline vegetation, improving habitat, stabilizing portions of the shoreline, and enhancing the natural character of the waterfront. These improvements reflect the owners’ goal of balancing working waterfront activity with responsible environmental stewardship.
Safer Access and Neighborhood Improvements
Safer Access and Neighborhood Improvements
The project also includes improvements to Carter Lane, the private road that provides access to both the shipyard and neighboring properties. Plans call for widening Carter Lane to approximately 20 feet, creating a safer and more functional entrance for vehicles accessing the marina and surrounding homes.
In addition, the shipyard entrance and portions of Carter Lane will be landscaped with screening and plantings, helping beautify the area while softening views of the working waterfront facilities and enhancing the overall character of the neighborhood.
A Long-Term Vision with Community Input
A Long-Term Vision with Community Input
The project is envisioned as a long-term plan, beginning with the construction of the permitted new marina docks and slips, followed by the permitting applications and implementation of the upland improvements, all while continuing open dialogue with neighbors and local agencies. As a courtesy, the ownership group recently hand-delivered letters to neighboring residents outlining the early concepts and inviting open communication as the project moves forward
Our intention is to be thoughtful neighbors and responsible stewards of the property,” the group said. “We want this to be something that benefits both the boating community and the surrounding neighborhood.”
Preserving a Piece of East End Maritime History
Preserving a Piece of East End Maritime History
For over a century, the Hampton Shipyard and its predecessors have played an important role in the region’s maritime culture. By preserving its historic character while making thoughtful improvements, the new owners hope the shipyard will continue serving boaters, neighbors, and visitors for many decades to come while maintaining its role as a historic East End working waterfront
