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Bayliner Founder Sells Westport Yachts to Chouest Family
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Image courtesy Westport Yachts
Westport Shipyard, the largest yacht builder in North America, announced in an emailed statement they have been acquired by Westport, LLC, an ownership group that includes Gary Chouest and members of his Louisiana-based family.
The company’s management team led by Daryl Wakefield along with the 400 employees of Westport will remain in place however, with no expected changes according to the statement.
Since 1997, Westport’s majority shareholder has been Mr. John Orin Edson, the billionaire founder of Bayliner Marine.
“Similar to the history of the Chouest family business, Westport began five decades ago with a fishing fleet, and has diversified into many other core businesses, focusing on customer satisfaction and the pursuit of excellence,” said Gary Chouest.
Westport has facilities three locations in Washington state, as well as a marina and sales office in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The company has built more than 120 yachts since 2000, including one for Gary Chouest.
“Gary has always been passionate about our industry, and we are honored to count him as a customer, and now our majority owner, as well,” commented Westport president, Daryl Wakefield.
Westport is not the Chouest family’s first venture in the yacht-building business; they also own American Custom Yachts of Stuart, Florida.
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US superyacht builder Westport Shipyard under new majority ownership
US superyacht builder Westport has been acquired by Westport, LLC, an ownership group that includes members of Louisiana's Chouest family.
The Washington-based builder celebrated its 50-year anniversary in 2014. The builder has three locations in Washington state and a marina and sales office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The builder is renown for its composite built, semi-custom superyachts. Gary Chouest is an owner of one of the larger yachts in Westport's lineup.
'Gary has always been passionate about our industry, and we are honored to count him as a customer, and now our majority owner, as well,' says Westport’s President Daryl Wakefield. He will remain in his post, alongside General Manager Dave Hagiwara and Westport's senior management team and employees. Westport employees more than 400 employees.
The Chouest family primarily has holdings in the oil and gas marine transportation industry. They also own custom sportfish yacht builder American Custom Yachts, based in Stuart, Florida.
The mood at Westport post-acquisition is upbeat, and the investment influx should bring new visions from the shipyard. Ron Nugent in the Florida office confirms this notion and hints at exciting new action coming from Westport, which has its own in-house vessel design and development team. 'We are always tweaking our products,' Nugent adds, in reference to Westport's commitment to updating its popular models. 'You will be hearing a lot more from us.'
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World-class shipbuilding facilities.
The majority of ECO vessels are designed, engineered and built at Chouest-affiliated shipyards. These world-class shipbuilding facilities are models of operational integrity. Equipped to accommodate a wide range of new construction projects, as well as repairs, conversions and refits, ECO shipyards are expertly managed to ensure absolute quality control and strict delivery schedules. Chouest's ability to design, build, own and operate state-of-the-art, mission-specific vessels offers its customers a value unmatched in the industry.
North American Shipbuilding
North American Shipbuilding ( NAS ) was founded in Larose, Louisiana, in 1974 and has built more specialized offshore service vessels than any other shipyard in the world. Designing and constructing vessels for ECO has garnered many notable achievements for NAS , including the construction of the first U.S. Antarctic icebreaking research vessel, the first dynamically positioned vessel in the U.S. fleet, and the world's first floating production system installation vessel. Representative of all Chouest shipyard affiliates, NAS is expertly managed to ensure absolute quality control and strict delivery schedules.
LaShip is an ultra-modern facility and is now the largest shipyard in the Chouest family of companies. A model of operational integrity, LaShip is expertly managed to ensure absolute quality control and strict delivery schedules. The shipyard is equipped to accommodate a wide range of new construction projects, as well as repairs, conversions and refits.
Gulf Ship opened in 2006 and has established itself as a world-class shipbuilder specializing in building offshore vessels that support private industry and government. The shipyard has been recognized by Harrison County and the State of Mississippi for its positive economic impact on the region following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In late 2014, Chouest purchased the old Future Pipe Industries site located across from the shipyard, more than doubling the footprint of Gulf Ship.
Tampa Ship is a full-service conversion, overhaul and repair facility located in Tampa Bay, Florida, offering direct access from the Gulf of Mexico. Tampa Ship is the largest, most complete shipyard between Pascagoula, Mississippi, and Hampton Roads, Virginia. Equipped with four large graving docks and extensive crane capabilities, Tampa Ship specializes in conversions, general repair and overhaul of a wide range of vessels, including product tankers, container ships, general cargo vessels, drill ships and rigs, offshore supply vessels, bulk carriers, passenger/cruise ships, LPG and LNG carriers and reefer ships. Read more.
Since the completion and launch of its first vessel in 2006, Estaleiro Navship has established itself as a leading example of efficiency in shipbuilding. Located in Navegantes, Brazil, the facility features a 124,000-square-foot erection building featuring 14 overhead cranes, allowing vessels to be built out of the weather, reducing man-hours and increasing quality. A new floating drydock allows Navship to perform additional inspections and repairs to meet the needs of the rapidly growing Brazilian fleet.
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- June 07, 2014
Chouest family buys yacht builder Westport
Yacht launch at Westport
JUNE 7, 2014 — The assets of Westport Shipyard, Inc., the largest yacht builder in North America, have been acquired by Westport, LLC, an ownership group that includes Gary Chouest and other members of the Chouest family.
As well as owning Edison Chouest Offshore, the Chouest family also owns American Custom Yachts in Stuart, FL.
Westport, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, has three shipyards in Washington State, in Westport, Port Angles and Hoquiam, and a marina and sales office in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
With over 400 employees, Westport has completed more than 120 yachts since 2000. And one customer was Gary Chouest.
Westport president Daryl Wakefield, who will remain in the position, says “Gary has always been passionate about our industry, and we are honored to count him as a customer, and now our majority owner, as well.”
Westport says General Manager Dave Hagiwara will also remain, along with the rest of Westport’s management team and employees.
“Similar to the history of the Chouest family business, Westport began five decades ago with a fishing fleet, and has diversified into many other core businesses, focusing on customer satisfaction and the pursuit of excellence,” said Gary Chouest. “We are pleased to join the Westport family, and look forward to pursuing the synergies that exist between the Chouest companies, ACY, and Westport.
“We will continue to pursue the employment of skilled local workers, and will remain an active participant in the communities Westport serves.”
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By SuperyachtNews 19 Jun 2014
The Best Possible Client for Westport
Just in time for its 50th birthday, westport gains new investment from one of the best possible sources: a happy customer….
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Chouest boat boasts speed, passenger comfort and cargo capacity
Cutting the water like knives sweeping aft from the bow of Fast Hauler , the splash rails folded a V-shaped white blanket of foam over the still water of the Gulf of Mexico on a sea trial in November 2012. It was a perfect day for a boat ride aboard the 194-foot fast/supply boat built by Breaux Brothers Enterprises of Loreauville, La., for Edison Chouest Offshore of Galliano, La.
Breaux Brothers, their yard hugging the bank of the serpentine Bayou Teche, has built seven of the 194-footers with two more in the series underway. Then the company will build two 201-foot fast/supply boats for Chouest, confirming a stellar relationship — past, present and future — with a company that seems to have an unquenchable thirst for new offshore oil vessels.
| Seating for 86 passengers. |
| 3,222 square feet of deck space for carrying cargo. |
| Capt. Scott Dufresne at the helm for sea trials. |
“The craftsmanship of Breaux Brothers is the best,” said Capt. Scott Dufresne, a veteran Chouest employee. He noted with enthusiasm the smooth transition as he brought Fast Hauler up from 9.5 knots to 26.8 knots.
The propulsion train consists of four soft-mounted Caterpillar 3512B mains, rated at 1,810 hp each at 1,600 rpm, with 2.529:1 ZF 4650 gears turning 56-by-60-inch propellers.
The DP-2 vessel has two 250-hp Thrustmaster 30TT250AL 30-inch integrated through thrusters. The electronic steering and propulsion controls are from Mathers Clear Command.
John Deere supplied an 80-kW model 6068TFM76 generator and a model 6081AFM 330 auxiliary engine that drives a Crane Deming 2,500-gpm fire pump piped to an Elkhart Giant Python fire monitor. Caterpillar supplied a second 80-kW model A264110000 generator.
Capacity is the mantra of the offshore oil industry and the crew boat designers and builders have answered the call, turning what used to be essentially crew transfer vessels into fast supply boats with passenger seating.
On Fast Hauler the 3,222 square feet of deck cargo area reflects that change in focus. The boat can carry 86 passengers.
The care and feeding of the boat crews have also changed in recent years, addressing the ever more difficult task of attracting and retaining valuable crewmembers.
“They (Breaux Brothers) don’t just build a boat; they build a boat for the captain and crew,” said Dufresne. “The handling and performance is great, but they also build them for the comfort of the crew.”
| View aft from the pilothouse. |
| ZF Mathers Clear Command electric controls. |
| Engineer Charlie Fuller. |
| Breaux Brothers’ Jerry Boudreaux tests the Elkhart fire monitor.
The vessel is propelled by four Caterpillar 3512B mains generating 1,810 hp each at 1,600 rpm through ZF 4650 gears. |
By Professional Mariner Staff
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JWY Senior Member
From Marine Log: "Chouest family buys yacht builder Westport JUNE 7, 2014 — The assets of Westport Shipyard, Inc., the largest yacht builder in North America, have been acquired by Westport, LLC, an ownership group that includes Gary Chouest and other members of the Chouest family. As well as owning Edison Chouest Offshore, the Chouest family also owns American Custom Yachts in Stuart, FL. Westport, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, has three shipyards in Washington State, in Westport, Port Angles and Hoquiam, and a marina and sales office in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. With over 400 employees, Westport has completed more than 120 yachts since 2000. And one customer was Gary Chouest. Westport president Daryl Wakefield, who will remain in the position, says "Gary has always been passionate about our industry, and we are honored to count him as a customer, and now our majority owner, as well." Westport says General Manager Dave Hagiwara will also remain, along with the rest of Westport's management team and employees. "Similar to the history of the Chouest family business, Westport began five decades ago with a fishing fleet, and has diversified into many other core businesses, focusing on customer satisfaction and the pursuit of excellence," said Gary Chouest. "We are pleased to join the Westport family, and look forward to pursuing the synergies that exist between the Chouest companies, ACY, and Westport. "We will continue to pursue the employment of skilled local workers, and will remain an active participant in the communities Westport serves."
olderboater Senior Member
I'm glad to see that. Obviously Edson couldn't keep it forever at his age. Glad to finally see a US boat company acquired by a boater instead of a venture capitalist.
captholli Senior Member
This will be interesting to watch for a few years. AYC has a huge chunk of property on the St.Lucie river with loads of room to build sheds and larger haul out or syncro lifts. Much easier to get your product to marker via the east coast for sure. Christensen says that the lake Telico plant in Knoxville is a go once again now that the economy for yachting has turned the corner for them and the Vancouver plant is running at full capacity with 3 years of scheduled builds
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COMMENTS
Westport Yachts, part of the Edison Chouest Group, stands as the largest yacht builder in the US, with Gary's MY GIRL yacht exemplifying their expertise. Gary Chouest's estimated net worth oscillates between $1 billion and a colossal $7 billion. Gary's sons, Dino and Ross Chouest, are integral to the family business and have their unique ...
A growing number of Chouest vessels offer ROV capabilities, providing innovative subsea solutions to the many complex challenges facing today's offshore industry. Read more. ECO operates over 200 offshore vessels, most of which were designed, engineered and built by Chouest. ECO also offers expansive port facilities at Port Fourchon and subsea ...
Key Takeaways: My Girl yacht was delivered by Westport Yachts in 2016, with both external and interior designs by Donald Starkey. Boasts performance metrics with top speeds of 24 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots, powered by dual MTU engines. Owned by Gary Chouest, CEO of Edison Chouest Offshore, a global leader in offshore marine solutions.
The growing demand worldwide for Chouest vessels is evidenced by recent deployments to South America, Africa and beyond. ... Capable of speeds nearing 30 knots, ECO's fast supply boats deliver crew and cargo quickly and safely around the clock to keep jobs on schedule. The fast vessel fleet is a vital component of Chouest's deepwater operations.
Fifty-year-old Westport Shipyards has new ownership. It includes the Chouest family, Louisiana-based investors already involved in the yachting industry. Westport's new majority shareholder is a company called Westport LLC. The Chouests, with a boating and shipbuilding background, are part of it. Edison Chouest used his shrimp boat to service offshore oil rigs more than 50 […]
Westport Shipyard, the largest yacht builder in North America, announced in an emailed statement they have been acquired by Westport, LLC, an ownership group that includes Gary Chouest and members ...
A trailblazer in employing composite materials for yacht and commercial vessel construction, Westport boasts a legacy of over 140 yachts and a myriad of commercial vessels. Renowned for their high-quality, bespoke luxury yachts, the MY GIRL yacht, owned by Gary Chouest, stands as a testament to their craftsmanship.
Gary Chouest is the owner and president of Louisiana-based Edison Chouest Offshore, which owns more than 200 offshore vessels for the oil & gas and wind power industries. The firm was founded by ...
The Chouest family primarily has holdings in the oil and gas marine transportation industry. They also own custom sportfish yacht builder American Custom Yachts, based in Stuart, Florida. The mood at Westport post-acquisition is upbeat, and the investment influx should bring new visions from the shipyard.
World-Class Shipbuilding Facilities. The majority of ECO vessels are designed, engineered and built at Chouest-affiliated shipyards. These world-class shipbuilding facilities are models of operational integrity. Equipped to accommodate a wide range of new construction projects, as well as repairs, conversions and refits, ECO shipyards are expertly managed to ensure absolute quality control and ...
JUNE 7, 2014 — The assets of Westport Shipyard, Inc., the largest yacht builder in North America, have been acquired by Westport, LLC, an ownership group that includes Gary Chouest and other members of the Chouest family. As well as owning Edison Chouest Offshore, the Chouest family also owns American Custom Yachts in Stuart, FL. Westport ...
The 140-by-54-foot Commander arrived in Valdez, Alaska, this spring. Starting July 1, it will escort tankers in Prince William Sound for Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. It is the first of five identical escort vessels built and owned by Edison Chouest Offshore. Virtually everything about this tug class, based on the Damen ASD 4517 design, stands out.
Gary Chouest, who founded the Galliano shipyard Edison Chouest, has led a group that purchased Westport Shipyard Inc., a Washington company that is one of largest yacht builders in North America.
Professional Mariner Staff April 6, 2018. (VALDEZ, Alaska) — The first of nine new tugboats from Edison Chouest Offshore has arrived in Port Valdez for the Alyeska Pipeline Service Co., marking the shift in oil spill prevention and response from Crowley Marine Services, Alaska Public Media reported. On Monday, Alyeska staff and the boat's ...
Superyachtfan. · June 25, 2018 ·. Gary Chouest is the owner of the 50 meter (164ft) yacht My Girl. Gary is President of Edison Chouest Offshore, founded by his father. Edison Chouest is active in the marine transportation services and operates a fleet of well over 200 vessels. The net worth of #Chouest is estimated at US$ 1 billion.
Galliano shipbuilder Gary Chouest is a lead investor in a group that has bought one of the largest yacht builders in North America. Chouest and members of his family are part of Westport LLC, a ...
Westport built his yacht EVVIVA. In 2014 Edson sold the company to Gary Chouest, owner of the yacht My Girl. Westport 112. The company had and still has a big success with its semi-custom 112 series. More than 65 hulls have been built of this 34-meter / 112-ft superyacht. In 2022 the latest Westport 112 Well Played was delivered. Westport 130
The prolific American yacht shipyard Westport recently was the beneficiary of a remarkable new investment from Gary Chouest, a Westport client who also runs the private family business: Edison Chouest Offshore. ... Edison Chouest Offshore, based in Louisiana, with a recent audacious expansion into Brazil is a specialist in the offshore oil and ...
What began as a pastime for yacht spotting has evolved into a leading online destination for yachting enthusiasts, with thousands of visitors engaging with our content every day. Launched in 2009, SuperYacht Fan transitioned from a gallery of yacht imagery to a pivotal resource, culminating in the Super Yacht Owners Register —a meticulously ...
Then the company will build two 201-foot fast/supply boats for Chouest, confirming a stellar relationship — past, present and future — with a company that seems to have an unquenchable thirst for new offshore oil vessels. Seating for 86 passengers. 3,222 square feet of deck space for carrying cargo. Capt. Scott Dufresne at the helm for sea ...
JWY Senior Member. JUNE 7, 2014 — The assets of Westport Shipyard, Inc., the largest yacht builder in North America, have been acquired by Westport, LLC, an ownership group that includes Gary Chouest and other members of the Chouest family. As well as owning Edison Chouest Offshore, the Chouest family also owns American Custom Yachts in ...
The Harborage Marina, St. Petersburg, Florida, 33701, United States. Welcome to Preferred Yacht Sales With extensive experience as a sailor, boat builder, yacht broker, businessman and a proven negotiator, I will provide you with sound advice and representation. You will find my practical experience and broad product knowledge insightful in ...
Motorized yachts are more common than sailing boats in Saint Petersburg with 492 powerboats listed for sale right now, versus 54 listings for sailboats. Yacht prices in Saint Petersburg Prices for yachts in Saint Petersburg start at $15,718 for the lowest priced boats, up to $2,857,127 for the most expensive listings, with an average overall ...