Florida boatbuilders

[cgeist]

Are there any boatbuilders on the westcoast of Florida that build a cold molded sportfish?

[Bligh]

Are there any boatbuilders on the westcoast of Florida that build a cold molded sportfish?

Up in the panhandle yes. I think miller marine is still building. and there is no Finer than Buddy Gentry at G S boats in destin. Ive met them both and If I had a need for a custom SF it would be buddy. I believe he builds only with a foam core but thats only because that is what he believes is best. why would you not go to stuart FL? where you would find all those builders still using Okumi plywood if thats what you want.

[Questsportfishing]

then you get down on the east coast and who is there??? can you say whitiker, Merritt, American... wow good to live in florida... take a good look at the Miller boats also they are nice rides even the ones he built for charter rigs

[Bligh]

then you get down on the east coast and who is there??? can you say whitiker, Merritt, American... wow good to live in florida... take a good look at the Miller boats also they are nice rides even the ones he built for charter rigs

Hey quest I was living in pompano when Jim Smith was there. I used to dream of those boats like ****! that was a long time ago! I dont think the guys serious or he would have done his home work! And some of my walks through merrit and whittacars yards were like walking into a topsecret govt facility only they didnt seem to care?

[fishvenezuela]

reelfast123@yahoo.com

Try this e-mail address for Alan Rieke. He is in Sarasota, FL. I do not have his current phone number. He may be able to steer you in the right direction.

Good luck.

[Questsportfishing]

makes ya feel alive...

[Nimrod]

Although not cold molded, Scott Gerber at Legend Custom Yachts in Sarasota is building some awesome Pre Preg sportfish boats. The shop is immaculate and the process is incredible. Probably the largest oven I have ever seen.

The kevlar and carbon fiber materials make for a super strong and light weight battlewagon. If the lines of the 37 Express look familar they should........

http://www.legendcustomyachts.com/index.html

[cgeist]

I appreciate the responses. I was aware of Scott's Legend operation. His previous partner is a family friend. I was hoping to get some hands-on in the jig application. I am getting to make a career change after my construction manager position was eliminated at a local high end builder in the Sarasota area. It is not about doing your job correct anymore. It is about sheer lack of confidence in this economy. I am using it for a new opportunity for this 36 year old.

We have some really nice boat manufacturers here but they all are designing with molds. I would like to learn the jig method. It does not seem possible in this immediate locale.

[Satans_Chariot]

jim smith, they have a 95 footer in their shop rite now. it is unreal. you could wedge a dozen midgets up the exhaust ports on that thing, no problem. might even have a picture or two laying around from the last time i stopped by.

not sure how big a boat your looking at, but i must say, stopping in at any of the builders over in stuart for an afternoon is well worth the trip.

[Capt. Danny]

Yes there are. Im building this one in Panama City , Fl. However, it mostly laminated juniper, instead of plywood. It's going to be a charter boat.