Building boats from Hourston glascraft molds

[kaelc]

Maybe these things went to the wrong people

It seems like such a hard game, I'm tempted to head down to the Seattle boat show and chat with some of the owners and brand managers and see how sales are shaping up, might be easier to find someone to build these for you now or in 3-4 months if rates don't come down.

 

[Rain City]

It seems like such a hard game, I'm tempted to head down to the Seattle boat show and chat with some of the owners and brand managers and see how sales are shaping up, might be easier to find someone to build these for you now or in 3-4 months if rates don't come down.

How could there be any sales without hard numbers or specs yet?

 

[kaelc]

How could there be any sales without hard numbers or specs yet?

They were going to get NMI or another firm to build the hulls for them. Considering some builders had build spots held on deposit months if not years ahead, it didn’t make economic sense to fill a production schedule with a lower margin contract build. I’m guessing things have shifted.

 

[ab1752]

Sorry, where is it noted they actually completed any builds?

 

[Thunder21]

NMI already builds 24’ and 27’ Orcas, Seasports and Osprey. I have nothing against Hourston but I don’t see a need. What does a Hourston hull have to offer that would make it a better option than the brands I listed above? I’d love to hear some specifics because I can’t really think of anything.

 

[Aquaholic]

NMI already builds 24’ and 27’ Orcas, Seasports and Osprey. I have nothing against Hourston but I don’t see a need. What does a Hourston hull have to offer that would make it a better option than the brands I listed above? I’d love to hear some specifics because I can’t really think of anything.

NMI would be a subcontractor merely building the hulls for the owners of the moulds. The Hourston 23 and 20 are great hull designs for our waters, but I don't see it happening, although they would fill a void in that size range. Campion is gone, does Double Eagle build in those sizes? Or anymore for that matter? Aluminum 23' boats are not cheap, glass boats in that range might be the way to go.

 

[scott craven]

Campion is gone, does Double Eagle build in those sizes?

Double eagle has all but quit building most models except the 18 and 20'.
Sales guy explained there is more margin in the bigger hulls.
Too bad as the 16 and 17' were once the backbone of the sport fishing fleet.

 

[CRGreg]

Double eagle is has all but quit building most models except the 18 and 20'.
Sales guy explained there is more margin in the bigger hulls.
Too bad as the 16 and 17' were once the backbone of the sport fishing fleet.

That is sadly true for most builders. Arima/Defiance is focused on their 19 - 22 foot models and not producing 17's currently. The margins are that much better on a bigger Hull while most of the costs are only slightly more.

CRGreg

 

[MiddlepointBight]

That is sadly true for most builders. Arima/Defiance is focused on their 19 - 22 foot models and not producing 17's currently. The margins are that much better on a bigger Hull while most of the costs are only slightly more.

CRGreg

Bingo yep.. even scaling up from there, look at Grand Banks - smallest hull they make now are I believe 70 footers?? The 36' and 42' are a thing of the past.

 

[Eden Island]

Hi. Sorry we went dark there. Covid and supply chain issues had made startup impossible. Things are starting to move now. Have been working on other projects. Time to restart the Heritage boats. Working to bring production back to BC. Short term I’ll try to stay up to date here and answer any questions. I would love to hear more about what options and features people would want. All boats will be under $250k.

5 months of darkness again. What's happening sir?

 

[Fixit]

I just don't see the market for a $250k Hourston. am I wrong?

 

[Fishalot]

Agreed, no market for $250k Hourston

 

[Eden Island]

Hi. Sorry we went dark there. Covid and supply chain issues had made startup impossible. Things are starting to move now. Have been working on other projects. Time to restart the Heritage boats. Working to bring production back to BC. Short term I’ll try to stay up to date here and answer any questions. I would love to hear more about what options and features people would want. All boats will be under $250k.

Coming up for a year since your last post. What can you tell us?

 

[RDale]

Coming up for a year since your last post. What can you tell us?

Hi. After trying to setup production in Bellingham, Sooke, and Port Coquitlam I’m looking for another option / partner. The fiberglass builders are almost extinct in BC now and options are very limited. I will continue to track down options but would be happy to discuss any leads.
The plan would be to introduce one model at a time with revised transom / pod drive and interior / deck design. I’m working with a naval architect to have the 26’ hull Canadian Coast Guard certified.

Thanks.

 

[Rain City]

Hi. After trying to setup production in Bellingham, Sooke, and Port Coquitlam I’m looking for another option / partner. The fiberglass builders are almost extinct in BC now and options are very limited. I will continue to track down options but would be happy to discuss any leads.
The plan would be to introduce one model at a time with revised transom / pod drive and interior / deck design. I’m working with a naval architect to have the 26’ hull Canadian Coast Guard certified.

Thanks.

I understand that setting up for production would be tough, but is there any chance of getting a prototype done for marketing?

 

[kaelc]

Hi. After trying to setup production in Bellingham, Sooke, and Port Coquitlam I’m looking for another option / partner. The fiberglass builders are almost extinct in BC now and options are very limited. I will continue to track down options but would be happy to discuss any leads.
The plan would be to introduce one model at a time with revised transom / pod drive and interior / deck design. I’m working with a naval architect to have the 26’ hull Canadian Coast Guard certified.

Thanks.

Did you try Jenkins Marine in Sooke?

 

[O-Fishally Skunked]

Did you try Jenkins Marine in Sooke?

I believe Jenkins has there own line of fibreglass boat they are restarting, resembles a Seaport/osprey boat

 

[Eden Island]

I believe Jenkins has there own line of fibreglass boat they are restarting, resembles a Seaport/osprey boat

Seawest 24' https://jenkinsmarine.com/seawest-boats

 

[Maxpri]

Seawest 24' https://jenkinsmarine.com/seawest-boats

View attachment 108787

There was one for sale a year or two ago with etecs, such a sweet setup. I think it’s about as perfect as it gets for a 24.

 

[Eden Island]

I'm starting to think that the only Hourstons will be ones that get rebuilt [like mine] -- Heritage Boats feels like a mirage.