When ABBRA was founded in 1943, its purpose was, among other things, to “foster the trade, commerce and interests” of boatbuilders and repairers, and to “reform abuses which may be relative thereto.” Based on this last phrase, it is apparent that the original ABBRA founders felt a need to set themselves apart from what was apparently builders and repairers who were less than honorable in their business dealings, both with the boating public, and perhaps, between businesses themselves.
It is not unknown for eyes to glaze over and groans and mutterings to be heard once the phrase “Code of Ethics” is uttered. Many professions have codes that their members must follow, or risk being banished from that profession or professional group. Some of those organizations require an annual refresher course on the topic. In our world of boat repair and boat building, there is not an industry-wide code that we must follow; anyone can open a shop and practice in any manner they choose. Granted, they may suffer a loss of business if they behave unethically, but that isn’t the case if there isn’t the choice of another shop down the road that customers can go to, as is often the case.
That little ad that ABBRA use to run in Woodenboat was what caused me to walk up to the ABBRA booth at IBEX in Louisville 14 years ago. For me, it was the ABBRA Code of Ethics that was the motivating factor for wanting to join ABBRA. It enabled us to set ourselves apart from others in our region who were (and are) engaging in abuses and we wanted to point to our ABBRA membership to show we are professional in our practice and follow a Code of Ethics.
What are “ethics” anyway? Basically, they are a “flushing out” of our values, the standards of right and wrong behavior. A 19th Century lawmaker (Lord Moulton) defined ethics as “obedience to the unenforceable.” Laws are enforceable; they are imposed regulations. Break the speed limit and you may get a ticket. Ethics rely on self-regulation. ABBRA does not have a “police force” to see if all 180+ members are following its ethical code. It relies on the integrity and values of each member, when they join or renew, to uphold the Code as they go about their daily work with customers and peer businesses. Should there be an ethical complaint against an ABBRA member, the ABBRA Bylaws outline a process for processing it. But ultimately, it comes down to self-regulation and the integrity of each member business to commit to following that Code and doing our part to, as the founders stated, “reform abuses that may be relative thereto.”
It seems we do live in an ethically challenged time. Almost daily, you read of lapses in the practice of values and ethics in all sectors of society – government, business and nonprofits. Let’s all work together, as ABBRA members, to lessen those lapses in our sector and set ourselves apart. Our Code of Ethics truly is a the core of ABBRA.
Chad Morse, ABBRA Board Member
Ashbreez Boatworks, Anchorage, Alaska
If you are attending IBEX 2025, ABBRA is sponsoring “Boatyard Ethics: A Few Golden Rules” on Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Room 105. Todd Lochner and Chad Morse are presenters. For registration information, go to https://www.ibexshow.com/ibex365/
As a refresher, the ABBRA Code of Ethics, adopted by the board and membership in 1984, are highlighted below.
Mission: ABBRA cultivates a strong and cohesive community, ensuring a vibrant network that
fosters collaboration, education, and knowledge-sharing which elevates the marine industry to
new heights.
Vision: ABBRA provides its members invaluable resource tools, training, and cutting-edge
insights that contribute to their business success. We will provide communication, networking,
and educational content that ensures ABBRA members stay informed and connected, and
contribute to the highest standards of craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovation in the boat
repair and boat building industry.