Captain Jim's Marine Salvage and Nautical Antiquities in Portland is a hidden gem of buried treasure for the experienced sailor, casual boater, or fan of authentic nautical pieces. Don't show up without plenty of time to explore because, just like real buried treasure, you'll have to dig to find the gems.

Steering the ship at the marine salvage and nautical antiquities shop on Presumpscott Street in Portland is Captain James J. Harkins IV. If you blink, you might pass it, because the warehouse is set back from the road with a yard of stored and salvaged boats keeping it camouflaged. Once in the yard, you might have to make your own parking spot between sailboats.

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Captain Jim's Marine Salvage & Nautical Antiquities
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Captain Jim's is open to shoppers on Saturdays from 9 AM-3 PM and his selection changes wildly from week to week because Captain Jim buys old sailboats and ships for parts and accessories and piles them into his open warehouse space. You'll find big items like lanterns, portholes, lamps, clocks, reclaimed wood, and wooden ship wheels to small pieces like cleats, bolts, chains and more.

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Captain Jim's Marine Salvage & Nautical Antiquities
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You'll also find Captain Jim to be a treasure himself. He's friendly, quick-witted, and dry, as every sailor should be, and he's full of stories to share about the pieces you find in his shop. Take the lights below, for example. I picked up a pair of these brass sconces from Captain Jim to install in my space for a nautical flair. Captain Jim was excited I found the lamps and told me that they came from a ship that sailed in Bangladesh. Is the story true? I trust Captain Jim.

Kylie Queen
Kylie Queen
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Captain Jim says, "We're constantly in search of unused and unwanted sailboats. They may not be seaworthy, in fact, they may never sail again...But they once had great lines, a fast hull, shiny brass, and a fresh coat of varnish!" Captain Jim also offers boat hauling, boatyard and captain services, and other boating and marine needs.

Captain Jim's Marine Salvage & Nautical Antiquities
Captain Jim's Marine Salvage & Nautical Antiquities
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Visit Captain Jim's on a misty Saturday morning and find yourself a treasure a two. No need to be a seaman yourself, you'll feel nautical enough being surrounded by all of the unique marine antiquities. Tell Captain Jim I sent ya.

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