Building boats from Hourston Glascraft molds

[Boatboy96]

Just to stay true, the bankruptcy was 2005 with an easy internet search. Financial crisis was 2008.

Have you approached any lodges about a bulk purchase/lease?

West Bay did not go bankrupt in 2005.


In 2005 most our customers were American and played the dollar advantage. After the Canadian dollar rose sharply it bit hard. Also had some internal management changes, but the shipyard continued full production through 2007 with new SonShip builds still being completed and delivered. Even building some spec boats in 2008

The actual restructuring people refer to happened in 2009, after the 2008 financial crash, when the luxury yacht market collapsed. At that point the yard reduced production and shifted towards refit, service and custom work, but the company and brand never ceased operations.


2005 = dollar increase / management restructure


2009 = financial/market-driven restructure


Two totally different events that get mixed together online.

 

[wildmanyeah]

Mad respect for explaining that

 

[Dorman Point]

My 17’ has a few years in her still (I hope) but I love knowing that when it’s time for a new one, I’ll still be able to get one. And with composite transom and stringers to boot!

 

[salmonkiller01]

Once the 17’s are out a new 20 or 23 would be awesome Do you have those molds?

 

[Eden Island]

Once the 17’s are out a new 20 or 23 would be awesome Do you have those molds?

He doesn't. That's RDale on the other thread with this name. This is what Boatboy96 said

 

[Boatboy96]

Happy New year everyone. Just would like to provide everyone an update. We currently have spots available for summer builds. 1-3 boats. We won’t be building a spec boat. We are leaving the layout and design the same as it was previously. Current issues with the salmon closures etc and current goverment makes it difficult to justify more spending on things like renderings / Boat show. This is the first year we stopped doing the boat show as the cost compared to the customers acquired wasn’t worth while. Already have enough word of mouth and repeat customers to stay busy year round. Shop is already packed and booked out until summer. Have turned away multiple offers to build new vessels before summer. We have limited shop space if you want a boat. email or call the shipyard. West-bay shipyards. Book your build for Summer 2026.

 

[casper5280]

Thank you for the update. I have one question that continues to come up.

If multiple boats have already been built and delivered, why are there no photos of completed boats or any public feedback from owners who have purchased them? Most builders, even those focused primarily on custom work, typically have at least some images or owner references they can share. The lack of visuals or owner engagement makes it difficult for potential buyers to fully understand what is being offered.

Could you clarify whether any finished boats are currently in service, and if so, whether photos or owner references might be available upon request?

I don’t mean to sound critical, and I genuinely wish you all the best. I’ve owned three Hourstons over the years and currently run a 23-foot Hourston, and I’d truly love to see more of these boats being built. I’m simply trying to understand the reason behind the lack of photos and reviews from owners. I believe sharing that kind of information would go a long way toward building confidence and helping sell more boats.

 

[Corey_lax]

Thank you for the update. I have one question that continues to come up.

If multiple boats have already been built and delivered, why are there no photos of completed boats or any public feedback from owners who have purchased them? Most builders, even those focused primarily on custom work, typically have at least some images or owner references they can share. The lack of visuals or owner engagement makes it difficult for potential buyers to fully understand what is being offered.

Could you clarify whether any finished boats are currently in service, and if so, whether photos or owner references might be available upon request?

I don’t mean to sound critical, and I genuinely wish you all the best. I’ve owned three Hourstons over the years and currently run a 23-foot Hourston, and I’d truly love to see more of these boats being built. I’m simply trying to understand the reason behind the lack of photos and reviews from owners. I believe sharing that kind of information would go a long way toward building confidence and helping sell more boats.

I don’t think they have built any of these boats. I don’t feel like scrolling through the whole thread though. Pretty sure they are a fine boat builder but they want someone to buy the boat before they build the first one

 

[Boatboy96]

Thank you for the update. I have one question that continues to come up.

If multiple boats have already been built and delivered, why are there no photos of completed boats or any public feedback from owners who have purchased them? Most builders, even those focused primarily on custom work, typically have at least some images or owner references they can share. The lack of visuals or owner engagement makes it difficult for potential buyers to fully understand what is being offered.

Could you clarify whether any finished boats are currently in service, and if so, whether photos or owner references might be available upon request?

I don’t mean to sound critical, and I genuinely wish you all the best. I’ve owned three Hourstons over the years and currently run a 23-foot Hourston, and I’d truly love to see more of these boats being built. I’m simply trying to understand the reason behind the lack of photos and reviews from owners. I believe sharing that kind of information would go a long way toward building confidence and helping sell more boats.

We are building boats currently. Larger models for 3rd parties, we dont have availability till summer for more builds. None of the 17’s have been built yet by our yard. However we are offering notice that if you would like one. We can get that going in the summer for you. On a first come first serve basis with limited production capacity.

 

[RiverBoy]

I have never heard or seen a business idea like this before. proceed with caution kings…

 

[Soup Knot Sea]

Seems pretty straight forward to me. We have a well established boat builder with a product offering for a niche market. He’s provided plenty of info about the company, anyone interested can begin their due diligence. I wouldn’t expect a large marketing plan for a niche product offering that likely amounts to a very small part of their business. They seem like a reputable boat builder, they’ve acquired the molds to a very popular 17’ runabout from 50+ years ago, they’re offering to build new ones. If you’re a boomer with $60+k (I’m guessing?) in your pocket for a runabout and you want a new version of an awesome boat you ran back in the good ol’ days, go check these guys out?

I love it, and I hope I see some new 17ft Hourstons on the water soon



(not financial advice. Do your own research. )