Master Boat Builders Receives New Floating Drydock

Master Boat Builders Inc. recently took delivery of a new floating drydock constructed by Conrad Shipyard. The drydock was delivered to Master Boat Builders’ location in Coden, Ala., where it will launch new boats.

Prior to the delivery of the new drydock, the company had to rely on other facilities to launch vessels, making it dependent on third-party schedules. The drydock gives Master Boat Builders more autonomy by allowing the company to launch new vessels along the Theordore Industrial Canal on the company’s schedule.

“This drydock means we control our launch windows, improve schedule certainty and keep delivery momentum strong, especially as we gear up to take on more complex government and defense programs,” said Garret Rice, president of Master Boat Builders Inc.

The new drydock, which employs a barge bow design, measures 155 feet long and 66 feet wide, with wing walls measuring 41 feet and boasting a 2,000-ton lifting capacity.

“This is about capacity, reliability and doing right by our customers,” Rice said. “When we own the process, we can deliver critical vessels with confidence and predictability.”

Master Boat Builders Inc. is a family-owned company based in Coden, Ala., dedicated to building and delivering workboats. Founded in 1979 after Hurricane Frederic, the business has evolved from constructing small utility boats to expanding its expertise with shrimp boats, oil supply vessels and tugboats. With the new drydock, Master Boat Builders will be able to take on larger and more involved projects.

“Together, we’re strengthening the Gulf Coast maritime industrial base and creating surge capacity for future demand,” Master Boat Builders Inc. said in its announcement. “We’re proud of what this means for our team and our customers.”

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Featured photo caption: Master Boat Builders recently took delivery of a new floating drydock built and designed by Conrad Shipyard. (Photo courtesy of Master Boat Builders