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| Boats & Yachts |
Bespoke Customization
Michael Verdon
06/01/2004
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If Benetti
defines one end of the semi-custom continuum, Westport Shipyard lies at the
opposite. This Pacific Northwest yard, which builds a series of 98-, 112- and
130-foot composite motor yachts, has injected the discipline of a volume
production boat-builder into its manufacturing process to increase efficiency
and shorten delivery time.
 | | SUCCESSFUL BRAND names with moderately customized interiors draw top dollar on
the secondary market. |
Westport builds its yachts on a fixed schedule,
whether or not it has a buyer for them. Structurally, the vessels have identical
hulls, superstructures and engines, and owners have some choice in the “soft
goods,” or nonstructural interior decor, if they buy in early enough in the
build process. Westport President David Jones says the interior is designed with
subtlety in mind. “We call it ‘enduring,’” he says. “We don’t use faddish colors
or designs. We’re more interested in the resale value of these yachts.”
“Our
rule of thumb is that a yacht can be delivered in about a year,” adds Jones.
“The competition likes to use the fact that we’re not a custom builder against
us, but we believe the series build is by far the better value. We live in an
era when buyers like to get products quickly, and not wait two or three
years.”
Photo by Julian Hickman
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