Genmar AS owners...A visit to the factory...

[wingtime]

That's a crazy story Bob.

[seabob4]

Yeah Bruce, from what we knew, the dude sorta stalked her, knew she was going to the Southern Comfort that day (probably a habit, she could put away a few drinks), ambushed her and her friend.  Shot her in the neck, she basically choked to death on her own blood.  Her and Mike were still pretty good friends, shook him up real bad.  That part of Bradenton, just S of downtown on 14th St ain't the best of neighborhoods...

Bryan, although Marine Concepts has no affiliation with Ebbtide, there is a strong possibility that they have been contacted by Ebbtide.  Marine Concepts designs and builds a lot of molds (primarily deck molds) for a lot of different builders, it's just not "advertised".  They're are also not cheap.  A new mold, designed and built, ready to pop out parts, was/is typically around $200K...

[wingtime]

So wait...  it wasn't Mike that shot her it was another guy named Michael?  Oh OK I see the last names.

[seabob4]

So wait...  it wasn't Mike that shot her it was another guy named Michael?  Oh OK I see the last names.

No Bruce, not my buddy.  Mike really cared for Lisa, they just couldn't be married...if ya know what I mean.  Mike was a hell of an engine man, especially I/Os.  4 installs in an 8 hour day, no problem.  And done right.  He was just good.

So while I'm thinking about other stuff that happened over those 6 years, the visits by INS always gives me a chuckle.  As I've said, fully 65% (I'd say a pretty close guess) of our work force was either Hispanic or Haitian (lamination).  So I would just be working along, oh, say 8:30 in the morn, and one of my buds would tell me, "Hey, Immigration's here!"  Go out and look, there would be 3-4 INS school buses and a few Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies...and you would see people scramble everywhere!  Usually over the fence on the E side of the property across the railroad tracks.  Always wondered how many illegals they actually snagged. From what I knew, someone could get a green card and papers in Newtown for around $200, and Wellcraft wasn't too picky about verifying all that chit.

Next day, those same workers were back on the job, as if nothing happened.  Guess they got an "excused" absense for the day...

[floridamisser52]

Great post SB. Lots of cool memories. Used to go that way all the time to see Family in Palmetto. Used to launch a canoe on the South West side of the Skyway. Can't beat a mess of KeyWest Grunts! Thanks for the pics and the tour

[seabob4]

My pleasure FM.  Lot of good flats fishing by the approaches to the bridge.  If you didn't get a chance to fish the Manatee River, you missed some excellent fishing!  Lots of reds, snook, and trout, with a healthy population of permit and pompano as well...and ladyfish!!

I need to get my butt down there on a weekday and see what the Marine Concept boys are up to.  Rick, if you ever get by that way on a weekend (Saturday), see if any cars are there...that would be a GOOD sign!!

[RickK]

I work a couple hundred yards south of the place - across from plant #1.  I was at work last Saturday and drove past the place but don't remember if anyone was in there.

[seabob4]

I work a couple hundred yards south of the place - across from plant #1.  I was at work last Saturday and drove past the place but don't remember if anyone was in there.

No chit!  I didn't know that!  Nasty looking dump plant 1 is, ain't it!?

Jeez, you can take your lunch break at Marine Surplus and not even have to drive...

[RickK]

It is a dump.  And I try to stay away from Marine Surplus  
I'll take some pics this week of plant #1.

[seabob4]

It is a dump.  And I try to stay away from Marine Surplus  
I'll take some pics this week of plant #1.

I'd appreciate it...

[Aswaff400]

bob,c im guessing this was plant 1? looks like some scarab molds laying there




and for those that dont know exactly where/what the plants look like

[seabob4]

Aaron, indeed that is plant #1 in your first link, plant #6 (which includes plant #3, the Scarab building) in your second link.  I can not believe there are house behind plant 1...Jesus, they must have purple lawns!!

The building to the N in the plant 1 pic, that was basically an indoor dry stack...hundreds of Eclipses, Excalibers, smaller Wellcraft I/Os were stored there, not a one with an outdrive or motor.  Just all with transom assemblies.  They would pull down 1 or 2 a week, slap a drive and a motor in them, then off they'd go.  That's where I would install my t-tops, as it was like 5-6 bays high, plenty of room.

Tell ya what, when I get done with this Mako (should be end of next week), I'm gonna take a day (stay at Scott and Mary's, if they don't mind) and head down there during the week.  See whats going on at plant 6, maybe get inside if I know the right people...or at least a phone call can get me entrance.  Might be cool to see what kind of molds Marine Concepts are putting together.

Aaron, if it's Monday, want to tag along?

[Aswaff400]

Aaron, if it's Monday, want to tag along?

i'd like to rummage through one of the old buildings  

[seabob4]

Aaron, if it's Monday, want to tag along?

i'd like to rummage through one of the old buildings  

That would be fun, wouldn't it?

[RickK]

They appear to be all gutted now - no windows, seem to be empty.