BOAT OF THE MONTH
24 • March 2021
Hilton’s Express
Coast River Business Journal
Story & Photos by Luke Whittaker
Coast River Business Journal • lwhittaker@crbizjournal.com
Vessel: Hilton’s Express
Owner: Pacific Seafood
Homeport: Port of Peninsula, Nahcotta
Year built: 2007
Designer: Everest Marine
Engine: John Deere
Cruising speed: Up to 15 knots
Fuel: 600 gallons diesel
Length: 64.5 feet
Beam: 15 feet
Draft: 2.5 feet
Use: Hilton’s Express skipper Nick Morrison,
30, said he and the crew are currently
harvesting oysters.
“We go out and get oysters from the harvest
beds and then ship them to the canneries,”
Morrison said. “We fill up every tub, there’s
800 bushels there. It’s about a $9,000 load
every time.”
Hilton’s became a famous consumer seafood
brand starting in the mid-20th century, based
in South Bend, Washington. Hilton’s Oyster
Stew remains popular.
ABOVE: Oysterman David Ross reaches for a rope as the Hilton’s Express pulls into the port. BELOW LEFT: The Hilton’s Express is
homeported at the Port of Peninsula in Nahcotta. BELOW RIGHT: The Hilton’s Express, as seen at the port.