Hy-Line Cruises

From Scudder & Taylor Oil Company

Hyannis Harbor Tours, Inc. was born in 1962 from the team effort of Richard and Robert Scudder along with E. Raymond Taylor. The Scudder brothers, who were both graduates of the prestigious Massachusetts Maritime Academy, ran the successful “Scudder’s Sunoco” gas station on the corner of Ocean and South Streets in Hyannis. Mr. Taylor had been involved in the oil business on Cape Cod for many years and founded Scudder & Taylor Oil Company with Frederic Scudder, the father of Dick and Bob.

The election of John F. Kennedy in 1960 sparked an increased demand to view the homes in the Kennedy Compound. This motivated the brothers to enter the marine sightseeing business by leasing a parcel of land (which they received as payment for an outstanding oil bill) at the “north end” of the Ocean Street Docks. When they saw an advertisement in a local paper listing the 150-passenger M/V “Prudence” for sale, the partners decided to take action and purchase her.

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To Hyannis Harbor Tours

The Prudence, which dates back to 1911, began being used for service in 1962 by the Scudder brothers. They took turns captaining the ship while the other ran the gas station. Having the Prudence turned out to be a very successful venture for Hyannis Harbor Tours. In 1966, the business decided to branch out into deep-sea fishing excursions, so they got The Sea Queen II and The Sea Swan II. These boats ply the waters of Nantucket Sound for full and half day fishing trips. Then in 1970, the Scudder brothers made another decision to start running a boat seasonally to Martha’s Vineyard. The M/V East Chop (which is named after a lighthouse on Martha’s Vineyard) was launched in 1971 and it started doing daily trips from the docks at the “north end.”

Establishing Hy-Line Cruises

In 1972, a decision was made that had a profound impact on the company’s future. Hyannis Harbor Tours purchased the Nantucket Boat Company, which included three of its five vessels, the docking facility, ticket office, parking lots and the trade name Hi-Line. The new owners changed the Hi-Line to Hy-Line. Hy-Line was now operating two boats seasonally to each island (including the newly built M/V “Brant Point”) at the “south end” of the Ocean Street Docks along with the sightseeing and fishing boats at the “north end.”Hy-Line continued to grow and expand their services in 1988-1989 with the introduction of a “first-class” traveling option to Nantucket aboard the newly built, 800 passenger “Great Point.” They also started, through licensing of the Steamship Authority, seasonal service between the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard commonly known as “inter-island” service with the M/V “Cross Rip” based on Nantucket Island.

Private services

Looking to put the fun in your function? Let us help you out with a private charter for your party or meeting group! Our charter can comfortably accommodate your group, leaving plenty of room for catering and even a small band or DJ. Cruise around Cape Cod with your friends, family, or co-workers and enjoy a truly unique experience.

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Beverage and bar service

You’ll love our delicious sandwiches, wraps, salads, and appetizer plates made fresh daily at our Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard high-speed ferry snack bars. And we have a wide variety of snacks and sweets, plus all your favorite soft drinks–many of them locally made.Our fully stocked bar features local and regional beers, fine wines and spirits for those of you 21 years or older with proper ID. Don’t miss our famous Bloody Mary or Dark ‘n’ Stormy!