Pacific Dolphin Inc. was a boat builder based in Southern California, eventually listing its address in Oceanside, CA 92054. While the precise year of its inception and the identity of its founder are not widely documented, the company's legacy is firmly rooted in its production of sailing yachts, notably those sharing a lineage with the iconic "Dolphin" design. Their primary contribution to the marine landscape was the PACIFIC DOLPHIN 28, a fiberglass sailboat that echoed the success of its predecessors.
History and Evolution
Pacific Dolphin Inc.'s operational history is closely intertwined with other prominent Southern California builders of the era, particularly Yankee Yachts. It appears Pacific Dolphin Inc. served as a supplier to Yankee Yachts, and both companies were involved in the construction of the "Dolphin" series of sailboats. Notably, Pacific Dolphin Inc. manufactured the PACIFIC DOLPHIN 28, a design that shares significant similarities with the earlier Yankee 28. This collaboration and shared design lineage underscore the vibrant, interconnected boatbuilding industry that thrived in California. While fiberglass had become the material of choice for production yachts, allowing for standardized construction, the quality of the finish and the integrity of the build remained paramount. Unfortunately, like many builders from that era, Pacific Dolphin Inc. is no longer in business, having contributed its chapter to the rich tapestry of American yachting history.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Pacific Dolphin Inc.'s identity was largely defined by its association with the "Dolphin" family of sailboats. The original Dolphin 24, a highly regarded vessel, was a creation of the legendary naval architecture firm Sparkman & Stephens, designed in 1959 as design #1497. These boats gained a reputation for their spirited performance and seaworthy characteristics, often described as good performers and well-balanced. While the PACIFIC DOLPHIN 28 appears to be based on the Yankee 28, which was designed by Robert Finch, it carried forward the ethos of capable and enjoyable sailing. The shared molds and designs among builders like O'Day/Marscot Plastics, Yankee Yachts, and Pacific Dolphin Inc. speak to the popularity and enduring appeal of this particular design lineage. This suggests a focus on proven, well-engineered designs, rather than a unique, proprietary design philosophy, allowing them to deliver a reliable product to the market.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The most significant and arguably sole documented iconic model produced by Pacific Dolphin Inc. is the PACIFIC DOLPHIN 28. This sailboat, as mentioned, appears to be fundamentally the same design as the Yankee 28. While exact production numbers for Pacific Dolphin Inc.'s specific output are not readily available, the enduring presence of these vessels on the water speaks to their solid construction and classic lines. Owners of these boats, such as the Beaufin, Pacific Dolphin #270, often express appreciation for their quality and performance, contributing to a loyal, though perhaps informal, owner community dedicated to maintaining the history of these "wonderful boats." The legacy of Pacific Dolphin Inc., therefore, lives on through the continued enjoyment and appreciation of the PACIFIC DOLPHIN 28 by its owners.
The Builder Today
Pacific Dolphin Inc. is no longer an active boat builder, having ceased operations at some point in the past. Its physical address, 2025 Oceanside Blvd., Oceanside, CA 92054, now serves as a historical marker rather than a bustling shipyard. The company's contribution to the marine industry is primarily remembered through the robust and capable sailing yachts it produced, particularly the PACIFIC DOLPHIN 28. While there is no formal corporate entity or modern product line, the spirit of Pacific Dolphin Inc. persists within the community of classic boat enthusiasts and owners who cherish and maintain the vessels that bear its name, ensuring that these classic designs continue to grace waterways for years to come.
