Western Boat Building Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Shipbuilding, Boat building |
| Founded | 1916 |
| Founder | Martin Petrich, Joe M. Martinac, William Vickart |
| Defunct | 1982 |
| Headquarters | Tacoma, Washington , United States |
| Products | Wooden pleasure boats, fishing vessels, high-speed vessels |
Western Boat Building Company was active in Tacoma, Washington from 1916 until 1982. The company was originally established by Martin Petrich, Joe M. Martinac, and William Vickart. Early in its history, Martinac departed to work for Tacoma Shipbuilding Company before founding his own enterprise. Following Vickart's passing in 1921, Petrich assumed full ownership. The shipyard initially operated at the base of Starr Street on land previously owned by Tacoma Mill Company, subsequently relocating to sites on East 11th Street, D Street, and Marine View Drive.
In 1937, Western Boat Building crafted the , a purse seiner that gained recognition for transporting John Steinbeck during his 1940 voyage chronicled in The Log from the Sea of Cortez. By 1949, the firm had launched the , a tuna clipper that was the largest of its kind at the time. Near the conclusion of World War II, Western Boat Building introduced its Fairliner division dedicated to manufacturing high-speed vessels. Before experiencing a significant fire in 1950, it held the distinction of being the foremost wooden pleasure boat manufacturer on the United States West Coast. The company continued its boat production activities until ceasing operations in 1982.
Shipbuilding
Throughout its 65 years of operation, Western Boat Building constructed numerous vessels, such as:
- (formerly known as Western Traveler)
See also
References
External links
- Defunct shipbuilding companies of the United States
- American boat builders
- American companies established in 1916
- Manufacturing companies established in 1916
- Shipbuilding in Washington (state)
- 1982 disestablishments in Washington (state)
- Defunct companies based in Tacoma, Washington
- 1916 establishments in Washington (state)