As James Acheson describes in The Lobster Gangs of Maine, lobster fishing, to the layman, presents itself as, “nothing but the dull, interrupted routine of pulling the same traps day after day.” (Acheson, 21) The average person gives no thought to the intricacies that go into lobstering, such as the importance of considering the bottom structure in the context of lobster habitats, or the significance of the boat to its captain as more than just a means of getting to and from his lobster gear. A lobsterman looks at his boat as his livelihood. It is a symbol of the lifestyle and the beauty of the daily routine that the lobsterman partakes in, as well as the vast connections to other lobstermen partaking in the same everyday grind. Relating this to the class’ discussion on place versus space, the lobster boat, to the lobsterman, is a place, where as to anyone outside the industry, it is a space. The average person can not comprehend the significance of the boat to the lobsterman. Society’s misunderstanding of the true message of the lobster boat, is in my opinion, partially due to the increase in tourism in the area, which has created a glorification of the lobster boat. The lobster boats moored in the harbors have become an attraction, due to their beauty and classic Maine landscape appeal. This gap between the place that is a lobsterman’s boat, and the space that is a regular person’s perception of one, is expanding as tourism has increased, while lobster fishing has stayed fairly consistent. If one goes to see Maine lobster boats, they should engage in at least understanding what is involved in the business and culture. There is so much more to a Maine lobster boat than its appearance.