Eastern Boats donates refurbishment of boat that lets disabled veterans drop a line

Veteran Fishing Adventures president, Ed Moore. left, shares a hug with Eastern Boats President Greg Hopkins during a plaque presentation at his boat production facility in Milton. (Courtesy photos)

MILTON - Two years ago a Virginia nonprofit whose mission is to take disabled and elderly veterans out for a day of fishing on the Potomac was looking to refurbish an older Eastern Boat Explorer 248.
They reached out to Eastern Boats of Milton, and Greg Hopkins, president of Eastern Boats, said it wasn't long before the boat builder became a full-fledged partner in a complete refurbishment stem to stern.
"I got involved, and my family got involved," Hopkins said on Tuesday. "We went down to Alexandria and met their staff and we decided to donate all the parts they needed. This is a great nonprofit. The vets they take out are disabled. It's kind of like a make-a-wish thing. This is giving them a nice day out on the water."

The boat's cabin got a full custom makeover

But Eastern Boats didn't stop there, not by a long shot.
"We sized up the boat, a 2010 model, and saw it wasn't suited for what they're doing," Hopkins said. sized up boat, isn't suited for what your doing and we totally refit it beginning in October."
Included in the refurbishment was painting an American Flag on the vessel, making it totally handicap accessible and a spectacular makeover of the interior.
Now it looks brand new.
To celebrate the reveal of the finished product several hundred turned out in downtown Milton on April 15 for a parade that included police, fire and rescue vehicles with the Explorers 248 the star attraction.
The parade wound its way from Milton Town Hall to the Eastern Boats production plant on Industrial Way where hundreds more including scores of veterans gathered to celebrate the day and view the boat.
"We all have been touched by veterans, directly or indirectly," Hopkins said. "I think we owe them and we should give back and show how much we appreciate them."