Business - Business News

POSTED: Monday, Jun. 22, 2009

Bellingham's Sea Sport Boats acquires Fluid Marine

A Bellingham boat-building company will soon be expanding its product line after acquiring another company.

Sea Sport Boats Inc. purchased the assets from Fluid Marine of Auburn and will now be building C-Dory, Skagit Orca and Tom Cat boats at its Bellingham facility. This will be in addition to Osprey and Sea Sport lines the Bellingham company already makes at 4654 Guide Meridian. Financial terms of the purchase were not disclosed.

Jon Lindout, co-owner of Sea Sport and president of BoonDocks Boats & Motors Inc., said the acquisition will allow the business to become the premier builder of pilothouse style boats. He expects Sea Sport will be able to start building the new lines within a month.

"We're taking advantage of an opportunity to purchase some of our competitors, solidifying our position in this market," Lindout said.

It'll also give the Bellingham facility a chance to build its workforce. Currently the Bellingham boat-building operation employs around 25 people, down from its peak of around 60. By increasing its dealer network and the number of boats it makes, Lindout said they hope to return to the peak level again.

"With more boat lines, I see a situation where production gradually increases," Lindout said.

Recreation boats have been one of the harder hit industries with this recession as consumers shied away from big ticket purchases. Lindout said this acquisition was made with the idea of being in a good position as the market recovers. While the market is still very slow, Lindout said he's optimistic about a turnaround.

"We're not ready to jump up and down yet, but there are more people actively looking and buying boats," Lindout said.

For details about Sea Sport's new line of boats, call 733-3380.