Business News – by Ty Mellott

SF Boatworks Expands Services With New Custom Fabrication Shop

SF Boatworks, San Francisco’s only boatyard and leading Bay Area provider of boat maintenance and repair services, is excited to announce the grand opening of their new custom fabrication shop. This state-of-the-art facility represents a significant expansion of the company’s offerings, allowing for the creation of custom parts and components tailored to the unique needs of its clients.

Recently added equipment to the SF Boatworks fabrication shop.

The fabrication shop will be able to efficiently and precisely manufacture a wide range of products including custom instrumentation panels, uniquely shaped windows, thru hulls and transmission shafts, as well as quickly deliver on otherwise long lead items that may be difficult or time consuming to source elsewhere.

SF Boatworks has invested in several pieces of cutting-edge technology, including a CNC mill capable of producing large-scale parts from a variety of materials, a 3D printer for intricate plastic components and a recently added CNC lathe for the production of shafts, thru hulls and other cylindrical products. The fabrication shop also offers engraving capabilities, allowing clients to add personalized touches to their custom parts such as boat logos or other artwork. In addition to everything else, they are also looking to expand the shop quickly by adding a CNC water jet and additional 3D scanning capabilities for part duplication by this year’s end.

Logo cutting in process.

“The addition of the fabrication shop is a game-changer for our business,” said Sam Middlehurst, general manager of SF Boatworks and owner of SES Marine, a Bay Area pleasure craft service and repair company. “We are now able to offer our clients a level of customization and service that is unmatched in San Francisco. Whether it’s a small repair or a completely custom-designed component, our team has the expertise and equipment to deliver exceptional results.”

Heading up the custom fabrication shop is Francisco Isenberg, a licensed professional engineer with a background in aerospace engineering. Isenberg’s extensive experience in designing and building complex systems brings a unique perspective to the shop and ensures that all projects are executed with precision and efficiency.

Francisco showing a recent sample of work done in the fabrication shop.

SF Boatworks is committed to providing its clients with the highest level of service and quality. It is a full-service boatyard specializing in maintenance and repair services for sailboats and motorboats. They can do haul outs, bottom jobs, engine maintenance, electrical system work and various other maintenance, repair and upgrade services. In addition, it has its own rigging shop with swage capabilities and provides instructional courses such as engine maintenance and electrical systems for the SF Bay Area boating community.

With a focus on exceptional craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, SF Boatworks has built a strong reputation in the marine industry. The new fabrication shop is just one example of the company’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of boat owners. San Francisco Boatworks, located at 835 Terry A Francois Blvd., San Francisco, CA can be reached at sfboatworks.com or by calling 415-626-3275.


Helmut’s Marine Involved In Making Boating More Inclusive At “Waves Of Opportunity” Event At The Sausalito Boat Show

Boating offers countless ways to enjoy the water, yet this experience remains out of reach for many. The Sausalito Boat Show seeks to change that by highlighting diverse ways to explore the water – whether through boat ownership, paddling in a kayak, or embarking on a charter boat adventure. This event celebrates the passion driving the marine industry and its commitment to making boating accessible to everyone.

Ryan & Nadine Urciuoli with Helmut.

However, even as we work to open the water to more people, some parts of the marine industry face significant challenges. The fishing industry, particularly salmon fishing, has been hit hard by environmental changes such as warming ocean temperatures and habitat degradation. These factors have led to declining fish stocks, shortened fishing seasons, and reduced commercial and recreational fishermen quotas. Charter fishing boats, dependent on healthy marine ecosystems, are grappling with economic uncertainty and operational challenges.

Many people have never had the chance to experience the transformative power of the sea. Children from communities adjacent to navigable waterways like the San Rafael Canal often grow up without stepping on a boat. However, initiatives like “Waves of Opportunity” are working to change that.

Helmut’s Marine Service, in partnership with the San Rafael Channel Association and Big C Charters, is raising funds to take children from the Canal Alliance out on the water.

The Canal Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty for Latino immigrants and their families by removing barriers to success. Despite living so close to a navigable channel, many children in the San Rafael Canal district have never had the opportunity to explore the water. Through the Waves of Opportunity event, our goal is to dismantle these barriers and inspire a love for the ocean while supporting parts of the marine industry.

We invite you to the Sausalito Boat Show for a charitable Happy Hour event, “Waves of Opportunity,” from 5-7 p.m. on the charter pier at Clipper Yacht Harbor. Together, we can create waves of opportunity and ensure that everyone, regardless of circumstance, can experience the magic of life on the water.

For more information, please contact:

Nadine Urciuoli
415-525-9871
nadine@helmutsmarine.com


About Helmut’s Marine Service, Inc.

Helmut’s Marine Service, Inc. has been a family-owned and operated business since 1988, specializing in Volvo Penta products. With one of the largest inventories of Volvo Penta parts, engines, and accessories, Helmut’s Marine Service is committed to providing top-notch service through its factory-trained staff. The company is deeply involved in community initiatives, including the San Rafael Channel Association and support for the Marine Mammal Center.

About the San Rafael Channel Association

Founded by Nadine of Helmut’s Marine Service, Inc., the San Rafael Channel Association advocates for the dredging and maintenance of the San Rafael Channel. The association is dedicated to making a difference in the community by ensuring that the channel and its’ surrounding area remain a vibrant community for all.

About Big C Charters

https://www.bigcscharters.com

Big C Charters offers a variety of boat charters, from fishing trips to sightseeing tours along the beautiful coast of Northern California. With a commitment to sustainability and education, Big C Charters strives to provide unforgettable experiences on the water while promoting the health and preservation of marine ecosystems.

About the Canal Alliance

The Canal Alliance is a non-profit organization working to break the generational cycle of poverty for Latino immigrants and their families. By addressing the barriers to success, the Canal Alliance empowers community members to build better futures through education, career programs, and social services.


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