Wesmar News

Roger Fellows, owner of Western Marine Electronics (WESMAR), Arcturus Marine Systems (ABT-TRAC), and SmartCatch, announced Wednesday the formation of a new marine technology company, INOV8V Marine Group, encompassing all three legacy brands.Fellows says combining the three companies produces a more complete, higher-performing product line, with improved service after the sale.“Whether operating pleasure yachts or commercial fishing vessels, our customers demand performance, reliability and aftermarket support,” Fellows said. “INOV8V Marine Group is in a stronger position to deliver than our component brands would be by themselves.”WESMAR has been innovating since introducing the world’s first solid-state sonar in 1965.

Diverse and conveniently located, St. Johns Ship Building has quickly developed into a reliable partner for its many repeat customers. Today, and as a direct result, a lot more people know exactly where Palatka, Florida is located.On the St Johns River, just 60 miles south of Jacksonville, lies the sleepy town of Palatka, Florida. Founded as a trading post in 1821, its location on the highly navigable river made the area attractive to orange growers and timber men alike.In its heyday between 1875 and 1900…

Lindblad Expeditions' new vessel National Geographic Endurance, billed as the world’s most advanced polar expedition ship, is currently under construction at Ulstein in Norway.The new expedition cruise ship features a range of state-of-the-art technologies that will help it to navigate safely through some of the world's most remote locations, including several planned cruises through Arctic and Antarctic waters.Wesmar’s EV860 sonar was chosen for the vessel for a variety of reasons…

Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation, delivered again for New York City-based Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, Inc., this the sixth 165-ft., 599-passenger sightseeing vessels. Designed by DeJong and Lebet, N.A. and builf from steel, the 165 x 34 x 12.8 ft. vessel has a top speed of 14 knots powered by twin Cummins QSK-38M1 diesel engines delivering a total of 2600 hp and connected to ZF W3355 gear boxes, spinning 60-inch, 5-bladed bronze propellers. For dockside maneuvering, the vessel is equipped with a 125 hp Wesmar bow thruster, powered by an electric motor.

Advanced Mechanical Enterprises (AME) has added hydraulic service and repair to its broad range of predictive, preventative and corrective maintenance solutions. “Adding hydraulics to our line of services was a natural progression for AME. We have two-full machine shops that can quickly help troubleshoot hydraulic issues as well as trained hydraulic technicians on staff that are readily available,” said Rich Merhige, President, AME. The Fort Lauderdale, FL-based company's newly formed hydraulics division will be led by industry veteran…

Marine News showcases the best of North America’s 2017 workboat deliveries. There is something for everyone. Notwithstanding the lingering offshore energy downturn, there were plenty of bright spots for North American shipyards in 2017. If a hull was delivered in 2017, we took a look at it, with several areas as a focus for inclusion into this edition. For starters, it is always exciting when a domestic yard delivers a vessel – or multiple vessels, for that matter – to foreign buyers. We can compete in a foreign arena; on price, quality and on-time delivery. This year was no different. No less important is the environmental footprint of a vessel, and there was plenty to report on from that angle in the past 12 months. The domestic waterfront is indeed getting greener and cleaner.

Bruce H. Blakey, founder and President of WESMAR (Western Marine Electronics), has sold his company to local businessman Roger Fellows, effective November 1, 2017. Blakey has sold the company to a new innovator whom he says is poised to take the company and its products to new heights. The name of the company will remain the same. Headquarter operations will remain in Woodinville, Wash. and employees will remain with the company, says its new owner and president Fellows. “WESMAR is impressive,” Fellows said.

WESMAR said it will display its stabilizers, thrusters, sonar and hydraulics at the 58th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show November 1 to 5, 2017. Held in what is known as the “Yachting Capital of the World,” the exhibition covers an area 9-miles-long and draws visitors from around the world. “As boat values continue to increase and moorage and dock space become more crowded, WESMAR products have become among the most important equipment owners and captains have come to rely on,” said Bob Sentz, WESMAR Vice President.

Gulfstream Shipbuilding launched a custom passenger/vehicle ferry for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on July 12, 2017. This 118 x 27 x 10.75 ft. crew boat-style vessel will be delivered in the fall 2017 to service the New York and Connecticut waters. The aluminum ferry will service the DHS Directorate of Science and Technology Plum Island Animal Disease Center in Orient Point, NY. The vessel is capable of transporting passengers, freight and vehicles in and around the waters of the Eastern Long Island Sound and Gardiner’s Bay.

All American Marine (AAM) in February announced a deal for the construction of a new hybrid electric, 600 passenger aluminum monohull vessel to be delivered to the Red and White Fleet of San Francisco, Calif. AAM’s latest contract follows an earlier announcement made by the company regarding a construction agreement for a 500 passenger aluminum monohull tour boat for Argosy Cruises of Seattle, Wash. Both operators were originally pursuing construction contracts for steel monohulls…

Gulfstream Shipbuilding’s Custom Aluminum Ferry: U.S. Department of Homeland Security awards Ferry Contract for vessel built specifically for Eastern Coastal Waters. In December, Gulfstream Shipbuilding was awarded a contract through the United States Department of Homeland Security for a passenger/vehicle ferry to service New York and Connecticut waters. This crew boat-style vessel will be capable of transporting passengers, freight and vehicles in and around the waters of the Eastern Long Island Sound and Gardiner’s Bay. The vessel has an expected delivery date of April 2017.

Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation, said it has delivered Circle Line Bronx, the first of three new sightseeing vessels for Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, Inc., in New York City. “The new vessels will offer guests an enhanced sightseeing experience on every level,” according to Costas Markou, president and chief operating officer of New York Cruise Lines. Gladding-Hearn previously delivery three sister ships to Circle Line in 2009. Like the earlier vessels, the new 600-passenger all-steel vessel Circle Line Bronx…

Gulfstream Shipbuilding won a contract through the United States Department of Homeland Security for a passenger/vehicle ferry to service the New York and Connecticut waters. This 118 x 27 x 10.75 ft. crew boat-style vessel will be capable of transporting passengers, freight and vehicles in and around the waters of the Eastern Long Island Sound and Gardiner’s Bay. The vessel has an expected delivery date of April 2017. “Gulfstream Shipbuilding is not only familiar with the Eastern Long Island Sound waters…

Shipbuilder Blount Boats delivered a 79-foot bunkering tanker, Chandra B, to American Petroleum and Transport, Inc. in New York on September 6. Designed by Farrell & Norton Architects and built to USCG Subchapter D specifications, the new vessel will operate in New York Harbor and New Jersey, replacing the Captain Log. The vessel is equipped with two Tier III Cummins Model QSL9, six-cylinder diesel engines rated at 330hp at 1,800 rpm with ZF Model W325 marine hydraulic gears that will have 4.91:1 reduction ratio. The vessel is also equipped with a 50hp Wesmar hydraulic bow thruster.

A new partnership between maritime security company MAST and marine sonar systems provider WESMAR has been established to protect super yachts and the maritime industry from security risks. Phil Cable, CEO of MAST, said: “Global threats to assets and personnel operating in the maritime environment are complex and continually evolving. WESMAR President Bruce Blakey said: “Our sonar technology is used as a navigational tool for obstacle avoidance and other underwater threats. In addition to being an asset to vessels…

Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation, has begun construction of the first of three new sightseeing vessels for Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, Inc., in New York City. A keel-laying ceremony at the Somerset-Mass., shipyard in January, was held in commemoration of the Circle Line’s 70th anniversary year. The new boat order follows the shipyard’s delivery of three sister- ships for the company in 2009. Delivery of the first new vessel is scheduled for 2016. According to Costas Markou…

WESMAR (Western Marine Electronics) announced that its heavy duty Bow Thrusters have been selected for three new 165-foot, 600-passenger excursion and sightseeing ferries operated by Circle Line Cruises, the New York City sightseeing company. Circle Line Cruises made the announcement in January as part of its 70th Anniversary celebration. They currently operate a dozen boats in New York Harbor and move more people in the city than anyone else, including thousands of school children and visitors from all around the world.

Blount Boats signed a contract with American Petroleum & Transport, Inc. to construct a 79x23 foot, double hull, steel, fuel bunkering tanker for service in New York Harbor and New Jersey. The vessel, designed by Farrell & Norton Naval Architects, will be built to USCG Subchapter “D” specifications and admeasure to less than 100 GRT. The new tanker will be named Chandra B, and will replace the Capt. Log. Blount noted that the vessel will be powered by two, Tier III Cummins Model QSL9…

“The WESMAR thruster works really well. It turns the boat on a dime,” says Wylie Sacks of Pembroke Pines, Florida, who with his son, ‘Vinnie,’ a 100-ton licensed captain, operates a charter boat out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. They installed a WESMAR Model V2-10m 13 hp thruster on their 43-foot Torres the YB NORMAL. “The WESMAR thruster works really well. It turns the boat on a dime,” says Wylie Sacks of Pembroke Pines, Florida, who with his son, ‘Vinnie,’ a 100-ton licensed captain, operates a charter boat out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. They installed a WESMAR Model V2-10m 13 hp thruster on their 43-foot Torres the YB NORMAL. “Our customers fish for tuna, dolphin, kingfish, swordfish, tilefish, and more,” said Captain Sacks.

WESMAR (Western Marine Electronics) delivered one of its bow thruster systems to another fireboat this month. This systems will be installed on a ‘super pumper’ for the city of San Francisco. The new fireboat is being built by Vigor Fab, Seattle, a subsidiary of Vigor Industrial, and is scheduled for delivery next year. Per specifications her ability to maneuver and dock in tight situations and to hold steady during fire fighting and rescue operations will be facilitated by WESMAR’s Model V2-20 NS 100 HP stainless steel, dual prop, counter-rotating bow thruster system.

WESMAR announced that another ferry, the MV Norcon Galatea, has installed WESMAR’s commercial bow thrusters. The 387-ton, 125-foot Ro-Ro Passenger Ferry, owned by Norcon Marine Services, Clarenville, Newfoundland, provides support for the provincial ferry fleet serving Bell Island and Portugal Cove, Newfoundland. The Galatea has capacity for 70 passengers and 20 cars. The 40-year-old Ferry was previously the MV Hamilton Sound and owned by the Provincial Government, but in 2011 they sold her, and after extensive upgrades by its new owner the Provincial Government leased her back.

Italy is a region marine electronics and equipment manufacturer WESMAR has served with its roll fin stabilizers and its stainless steel counter rotating bow and stern thrusters for many years. Today, WESMAR announced a further expansion into the Italian market with the appointment of Yachtalia of Massa, Italy, as its newest international dealer. Yachtalia joins a network of hundreds of WESMAR dealers around the world. The company is situated on the Mediterranean Sea between the western coast of Italy and the islands of Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily. According to WESMAR’s International Sales Manager Michael Vourtsis, Yachalia will work closely with WESMAR’s Southern Europe Operations Manager Pierre Marachel.

WESMAR (Western Marine Electronics) announced today they will introduce two new trawl systems and five new sled options at Pacific Marine Expo in Seattle November 20-22 at Century Link Field Event Center. The TCS785 and TCS 385 trawl systems, with sled options, will be on display in Booth 933 along with WESMAR’s line of hull mounted sonar and commercial bow thrusters. Rolling out its largest group of trawl sonar options in its 50-year history, WESMAR is giving trawlers sophisticated electronics with unprecedented information and sleds designed for nets of all sizes.