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Born and raised in Urbanna, Virginia. Benjamin, Owner and Captain of the “Ramblin’ Rose” has been on the water his entire life. In fact, his first trip ever was at six months old when his grandfather took him by boat to Tangier Island. Benjamin’s rich seafood heritage runs deep in Virginia. His great grandfather J.W. “Buster” Ferguson, Sr. and grandfather Waverly Ferguson owned and operated one of the largest oyster packing plants on the east coast of the United States, J.W. Ferguson Seafood CO., Inc. Growing up on the docks and in their oyster house was where Benjamin’s passion for Chesapeake Bay Deadrise boats began. The first workboat that he ever ran and docked was his fathers 38’ workboat. He was seven! His grandfathers last workboat was the 45’ “Miss Rappahannock” and it was this boat that hooked him! The time spent on that boat left a lasting impression that is evident to this day!
In early 2023 when Benjamin had the chance to purchase his own workboat, he didn’t hesitate! He wanted to make sure that his children could experience what he did growing up on these beautiful boats. Since he has owned her, he took notice of all the requests he received from others asking questions like “what kind of boat is this?” or “is there anyway you could take us out for a ride sometime?” After a year and a half of restoration and a lot of work. Benjamin, decided that what he took for granted was something that others were really interested in. It was at that time that he chose to “spread the word” if you will. To see that others could experience the ride and the smells of Virginia’s “State Boat” the deadrise. There are not many of the these boats left now. Most have rotted and are no longer with us. In Benjamin’s words “It’s our heritage and I don’t want to see it fade away in my time. I want others to enjoy this! I want children to look back one day and remember the boat ride they took with me. Just the way I look back on the happy times I spent with all those special members of my family on all of our workboats.”
Docked in Remlik, Virginia just yards away from where J.W. Ferguson Seafood CO., Inc. stood and where it all began for Benjamin is the beautiful “Ramblin’ Rose”. We invite you to come join us for a cocktail cruise with friends. Or maybe a dinner cruise with family. We will bring six of your guests with us to watch a beautiful sunset on the Rappahannock River! “Ramble On” River Cruises has teamed up with Urbanna Seafood Market & Raw Bar to give you a great dining experience right on the engine box of the Ramblin’ Rose. Just the way we did it growing up around here! We offer trips over to The Black Duck at Yankee Point Marina on the Corrotoman River and to Carter’s Creek to the Fish Hawk Oyster Bar at the timeless Virginia waterfront destination “The Tides Inn”. Come join us this fall to watch all the hard working watermen/women as they harvest our wonderful oysters right here in the Rappahannock just minutes away from Lagrange Creek, Robinson Creek and historic Urbanna Creek. You will get to see first hand how the delicious oysters we all love to eat so much are caught using drudges and hand tongs!
The “Ramblin’ Rose” is a very sturdy and smooth riding vessel. She is 45’ long and 13’6” wide. Built in nearby Mathews County, Virginia, The “Ramblin’ Rose” is a wonderful example of the Chesapeake Bay Deadrise. 2024 marks her 60th year steaming up and down the waters of the Bay! She is powered by a Cummins diesel engine and is comfortable cruising at higher speeds or a slower “laid back” pace. As long as the weather is agreeable. We invite you to join us for a fun, informative and enjoyable experience right here on the river! Call us to book your trip now! Each trip is different and we will completely customize your charter. Call us (804) 366-2382 for details. We hope to see you soon!
