Get to know
Will
Boat
36-foot vessel powered by a 671 Detroit engine with 485 horsepower
Location
Madison, MD
Years
Extreme Boat Docking since 2013
Will Watkins: Waterman, Entrepreneur, and Boat Docking Competitor
Will Watkins grew up immersed in the waterman lifestyle, surrounded by boats, docks, and the thrill of competition. His boat, No Smoke, is a 36-foot vessel powered by a 671 Detroit engine with 485 horsepower—a name fitting for Will's high-energy docking runs, infamous for their dramatic black smoke and daring style.
From a young age, Will was inspired by his father, Bo Hughes, and his cousins, Benny Horseman and Alex Horseman, who introduced him to the world of boat docking. By the time he and his brother, Hunter Hughes, were old enough—around 13 years old in 2013-2014—they were already competing at events, making their mark in the sport.
In addition to his love of boat docking, Will is a dedicated waterman, working year-round on his boat crabbing, oystering, and repairing propellers. At age 24, in 2023, he launched NexGen Propeller LLC, a propeller repair business that combines his expertise with his entrepreneurial spirit.
Will is best known for his fearless approach to boat docking—pushing his boat to the limit, diving overboard for the last line, and putting on an unforgettable show. While he’s yet to establish a Facebook page for his business, you can follow his adventures on Instagram