The Allied Boat Company Inc. emerged from a collaborative vision in the early 1960s, officially establishing its presence on September 9, 1962. It began as a partnership between Lunn Laminates, a fiberglass boat builder possessing the molds for the promising SEAWIND 30; Northrop & Johnson, a prominent yacht brokerage firm; and Thor Ramsing, a respected racing sailor who supplied the majority of the initial capital. Howard Foster, from Northrop & Johnson, took the helm as president, guiding the company from its building site on Catskill Creek in Catskill, New York.
Their inaugural vessel, the SEAWIND 30, was an immediate triumph. Based on molds from Lunn Laminates, its success was so profound that Allied struggled to meet the overwhelming demand. Early iterations of the SEAWIND 30 were even completed by Lunn Laminates and F.L. Tripp & Sons in Massachusetts. This model would carve its own place in history as the first fiberglass boat to circumnavigate the globe, beginning its legendary voyage in 1964. Ramsing's personal racing successes with his SEAWIND further amplified the company's growing reputation.
History and Evolution
Allied's initial success paved the way for an expanded fleet. Leveraging the expertise of renowned designers, the company introduced the SEABREEZE 35, designed by MacLear & Harris, which proved to be very successful. This was swiftly followed by the LUDERS 33, another model that enjoyed strong sales.
A significant shift occurred in 1964 when Northam Warren acquired a controlling interest, buying out the other principals. During the latter half of the 1960s, Howard Foster continued to manage production and sales at the factory, while Warren actively promoted the brand by attending boat shows and racing his own SEAWIND 30. At its zenith, Allied Boat Company employed 130 workers, and orders continued to pour in. The company rapidly forged a reputation for robust construction and offered a warranty that was virtually unparalleled in the industry at the time, even venturing into direct sales, bypassing traditional dealer networks. The fleet continued to expand with the addition of a 39-footer and the 42-foot XL-2, a design by the venerable Sparkman & Stephens. While larger models thrived, the smaller GREENWICH 24 proved less popular.
However, the late 1960s brought unforeseen challenges. After 1969, Allied began experiencing financial difficulties, largely due to escalating material costs, particularly resin. Internal disagreements among management also led to the departure of several key personnel. By 1969, mortgage foreclosure actions were filed against the factory buildings, and unpaid suppliers began to seek judgments.
In 1971, Northam Warren became the sole unencumbered owner of the company. The tides of ownership shifted again in 1974 when Warren sold Allied to Robert Wright and two other investors. Wright rebranded the company as the Wright Yacht Company and injected the necessary capital to keep operations afloat and fulfill existing orders. During this period, Wright commissioned Thomas Gillmer, the original designer of the SEAWIND, to create a new, slightly larger version, which became the SEAWIND II. Other notable models introduced during Wright's tenure included the PRINCESS 36, MISTRESS 39, and the MISTRESS Mark II.
Despite these efforts, the company faced insurmountable headwinds. A faltering U.S. economy and significant downturns in the stock market prompted Wright’s partners to withdraw their financial support. By the summer of 1978, the first of several liens were filed against the company. When the Wright Yacht Company became insolvent, the Job Development Authority (JDA) of Moore County, NY, took ownership of the company's assets, casting a shadow over the future of boat building at the Catskill site.
Several attempts were made to revive the enterprise. In 1979, Stuart Miller, a New York City attorney and owner of a PRINCESS 36, endeavored to save the business and jobs for Greene County in partnership with the JDA. However, this effort ultimately failed. Another rescue attempt was spearheaded by Brax Freeman, a former yacht dealer, but his tenure also proved short-lived, with the company folding yet again in late 1981 amidst mounting unpaid creditors and tax collectors. The JDA's efforts to preserve local jobs and fend off land developers were unsuccessful. Ultimately, in 1984, all remaining tooling and equipment were auctioned off, the land was sold, the buildings demolished, and in their place, waterfront condominiums arose.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Allied Boat Company quickly carved out a strong reputation in the marine industry for producing quality, well-built fiberglass sailboats. Their commitment to providing a robust warranty, a rarity at the time, underscored their confidence in their craftsmanship. The company became synonymous with boats known for their solid construction and admirable offshore capabilities.
A key aspect of Allied's identity was its collaboration with respected naval architects. Thomas Gillmer, known for his pragmatic and capable designs, was instrumental in shaping their early and later offerings, particularly with the original SEAWIND and the subsequent SEAWIND II [4,. The firm also engaged MacLear & Harris for the successful SEABREEZE 35, showcasing a commitment to diverse design talent. Later, the prestigious Sparkman & Stephens contributed their expertise with the design of the XL-2, further solidifying Allied's reputation for working with leading figures in yacht design.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Allied Boat Company left a lasting impression through several iconic models that continue to be cherished by sailors today.
- SEAWIND 30: This was the groundbreaking model that launched the company and became famous as the first fiberglass sailboat to complete a circumnavigation. Its robust construction and seaworthiness established Allied's reputation for building capable offshore cruisers.
- SEABREEZE 35: Designed by MacLear & Harris, this model was highly successful and contributed significantly to Allied's early growth and reputation.
- LUDERS 33: Another popular model, the Luders 33, sold well and further diversified Allied's offerings, demonstrating their ability to cater to different segments of the sailing market.
- XL-2 (42 ft): Representing a step up in size and luxury, the XL-2, designed by Sparkman & Stephens, showcased Allied's capabilities in building larger, performance-oriented yachts.
- PRINCESS 36: Introduced during the Wright Yacht Company era, the Princess 36 became a recognizable model, even having an owner who attempted to rescue the company.
- MISTRESS 39 and Mistress Mark II: These models further expanded the range, offering more space and comfort for cruising sailors.
- SEAWIND II: A refined and slightly larger version of the original, commissioned during the Wright Yacht Company's time, the SEAWIND II aimed to recapture the spirit and success of its legendary predecessor.
While production numbers for individual models are not readily available in comprehensive detail, the sheer demand for models like the SEAWIND 30 indicates their significant impact. Allied boats, even decades after the company's closure, are often referred to as "good old boats," a testament to their enduring quality and the loyalty of their owners.
The Builder Today
The story of Allied Boat Company Inc. is one of aspiration, innovation, and ultimately, the harsh realities of economic pressures and internal strife. The company ceased operations in 1984, and its physical footprint in Catskill, New York, has been erased, with the former factory site now home to waterfront condominiums.
Despite its dissolution, Allied Boat Company's legacy endures through the many thousands of boats it produced. These vessels, known for their solid fiberglass construction, respectable sailing characteristics, and seaworthy designs, are still actively sailed around the world. Owners of Allied boats often form dedicated communities, drawn together by their appreciation for the build quality and timeless designs that defined the brand. The memory of Allied Boat Company Inc. serves as a poignant reminder of an era when a commitment to craftsmanship and a robust warranty could propel a builder to prominence, even if only for a few impactful decades.
