Hawkes Harbor by S.E. Hinton

HAWKES HARBOR tells the story of Jamie Summers, an orphan who grew into adulthood as a tough grifter and opportunist. Jamie eventually finds work --- both legitimate and of the con-artist variety --- on the high seas. Despite the constant dangers of pirates, sharks and hurricanes, Jamie comes face to face with an even greater terror after arriving in the East Coast town of Hawkes Harbor....

Hardcover Info: ISBN 0765305631, Tor Books, 2004