By Andy Tyska, Bristol Marine
As we prepare to deliver our second 30-foot Downeast style outboard powerboat to a customer near our Boothbay Harbor, Maine, shipyard, I’m reflecting on the journey that brought us here. It started with an unplanned project that began over a year ago, and it’s a source of pride and valuable lessons for our entire team.
The venture into boatbuilding wasn’t a strategic decision for Bristol Marine. It arose organically when we acquired Southport Island Marine to expand our storage space. The yard’s previous owner had just begun constructing a new boat, so we faced an early decision on whether or not to continue the project. We recognized the potential for our company’s growth, but we also knew there were challenges in finding efficiencies in small-scale production. Ultimately, we committed to building not just one, but three boats.
Building a custom boat is a complex process that balances meticulous engineering with hands-on, real-time decision making. It’s a dance between careful planning and adaptability. We quickly learned that the design spiral and the construction spiral often merge, requiring constant adjustments and problem-solving. Some aspects we nailed on the first try, while others needed multiple iterations to get right.
For me, the collaborative spirit of our team is what stands out most from the process. Across our three facilities, our best painters, mechanics, carpenters, electricians and composite technicians all came together, supporting each other to overcome challenges. This project became a unifying force, fostering a sense of shared purpose and pride.
At the end of the first Bristol 30’s boating season, she returned to us to be hauled. As its Kelly-green hull caught the light, I overheard one of our team members remark, “Hey, that’s one of ours!” Another added, “That’s one pretty boat!” These simple comments encapsulated why we embarked on this project: to create something that instills pride across our entire organization.
There were even more takeaways for me and my team:
1. Opportunities often arise unexpectedly. What began as a search for storage space led to a new business venture.
2. Effective teamwork is crucial for navigating complex projects. The diverse skills of our staff proved invaluable in addressing unforeseen challenges.
3. The process of creation is as important as the final product. The journey of building these boats has strengthened our team and improved our capabilities.
4. Pride in craftsmanship is a powerful motivator. When team members take ownership of their work, it elevates the entire project.
5. Flexibility and adaptability are key in custom manufacturing. The ability to adjust plans and solve problems on the fly is essential.
We’re now looking ahead to building our third Bristol 30 with a mix of excitement and informed caution. We have a better understanding of the the challenges that lie ahead, and we’re also confident in our team’s ability to meet them. This project has not only resulted in beautiful, high-quality boats but has also honed our skills, tightened our teamwork, and reinforced our commitment to excellence.
The Bristol 30 is more than just a product line; it’s a testament to what we can achieve when we combine skill, teamwork, and a shared vision. In many ways, this boatbuilding venture mirrors our broader approach at Bristol Marine. We’re constantly building — whether it’s creating something from scratch or improving upon existing work. It’s a continuous process of overcoming setbacks, celebrating successes, and always moving forward.
