El Mar Boat Co. was based in Roseville, Michigan, USA. Overview While detailed records regarding the company's founding, its visionary founder, or their initial motivations remain largely unchronicled in readily available historical documents, it is clear that El Mar Boat Co. emerged as a builder of fiberglass sailboats. The specific year of its establishment is not widely documented, nor is the identity or background of its founder.
History and Evolution
The history of El Mar Boat Co. appears to be relatively brief, with its known period of boat production primarily centered in the mid-1970s. The company specialized in fiberglass monohull sailboats, a material choice that was becoming increasingly prevalent in the marine industry during that era due to its durability and ease of manufacturing. While specific milestones like corporate changes or manufacturing expansions are not extensively recorded, the company's operation from Roseville, Michigan, points to its contribution to the region's boat-building heritage. El Mar Boat Co. is no longer in business, and the exact date of its cessation of operations is not publicly available. Overview
Design Philosophy and Identity
El Mar Boat Co. developed a reputation for producing cruising sailboats, designed for recreational sailing. The hull material for their known models was fiberglass, a common and reliable choice for marine construction, particularly for boats of their size. One notable designer associated with El Mar Boat Co. is E. A. Brown, credited with the design of the Sundance 20 sailboat. While a comprehensive design philosophy beyond functional cruising remains undetailed in historical records, the existing boats suggest a focus on practical and accessible sailing vessels.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The most significant and successful models produced by El Mar Boat Co. were the Sundance series, specifically the Sundance 20 and the Sundance 23. The Sundance 23, for instance, was first built in 1975 and is characterized as a 23-foot fiberglass monohull cruiser with a draft of 3.5 feet. A 1976 model of the Sundance 23 was equipped with a pop-top cabin, indicating a design aimed at maximizing interior space and versatility. The Sundance 20, slightly smaller, also contributed to the company's compact fleet.
Although production numbers are not readily available, the continued presence of these models in the secondary market and the existence of an "El Mar Boat Company Sailboats" Facebook Group suggest a resilient ownership community. This online group serves as a testament to the lasting appeal and functional longevity of these boats, allowing owners to connect, share information, and preserve the legacy of a builder whose direct footprint has faded.
The Builder Today
El Mar Boat Co. is no longer operational. The company's existence is now primarily remembered through its fiberglass sailboats, particularly the Sundance 20 and Sundance 23 models, which occasionally appear for sale in the used boat market. The enduring owner community, exemplified by online groups, speaks to the utilitarian design and sturdy construction of these vessels, which continue to offer a gateway to sailing for enthusiasts. While the company itself is a part of marine history, the boats it built continue to sail on, embodying a small but significant chapter in American fiberglass boat building.
