With origins as a family-owned repair yard tracing back to the 1920s, Steiner Shipyard has evolved into a present-day incorporated shipyard, with diversified interests. To be sure, fishing vessels - the company's bread and butter - still remain a priority for the Bayou la Batre, Ala.-based builder, but the company has found success in its diversification into workboats and passenger vessels, as well. In 1927, William Steiner (grandfather of present owner Russell Steiner), and his sons Joseph and Clarence (Russell's father) built six bay shrimpers. At the time, says Russell, they were considered big boats, measuring 46 ft. in length. The Steiner family owned and operated the vessels while continuing to run the repair yard. Two of the vessels, Sea Gull and Eagle, are still in use today.