Nestled near the vibrant resort town of Pattaya City on Thailand's Eastern Seaboard, Pantawee Marine Co., Ltd. has quietly forged a reputation as a significant player in the global yachting landscape. Since its inception, this family-owned enterprise has consistently delivered a diverse range of vessels, adapting to market demands while upholding a commitment to quality and international standards.
Pantawee Marine Co., Ltd. was established in 1986 by New Zealand boatbuilder Jack Hall and his wife. As pioneers of the pleasure boatbuilding industry in Thailand, their vision was to create a wholly family-owned business capable of constructing both power and sail vessels. While the company's very first boat is not specifically detailed, their initial foray into the market encompassed a range of power and sail vessels up to 65 feet in length, laying the groundwork for their future expansion and diverse portfolio.
History and Evolution
From its humble beginnings, Pantawee Marine has experienced notable growth and evolution. A significant milestone occurred between 2004 and 2015, when the company became the sole authorized builder of the classic Hans Christian Yachts. This partnership solidified their standing in the global sailing community, allowing them to produce these renowned vessels, first introduced to the market in the late 1970s. While some sources indicate the discontinuation of traditional Hans Christian sailing yachts around 2015, others suggest it was announced in February 2017, marking the end of an important chapter.
Further demonstrating their commitment to expansion and modern manufacturing, Pantawee Marine relocated to a new, significantly larger facility in late 2007. This expansive 20,400m² (approximately 204,000 ft²) site near Pattaya City enabled increased production capacity, with the second stage of the new plant coming online in 2009. This move underscored the company's long-term vision and its dedication to maintaining a state-of-the-art production environment.
In a pivotal shift, Pantawee Marine has transitioned its focus towards the construction of multihulls. This strategic move reflects the growing demand for catamarans and other multi-hull designs, utilizing cost-effective composite construction methods and materials.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Pantawee Marine has cultivated a reputation for building robust vessels that meet stringent international benchmarks. All their yachts are constructed to meet or exceed ABYC (American Boat & Yacht Council) or CE (Conformité Européenne) Standards for Small Craft. This adherence to rigorous standards, coupled with qualified foreign supervision, ensures that their vessels are suitable for export to discerning markets such as the USA, Europe, and Australia.
A key figure in maintaining this commitment to quality is Mr. Paul Back, a marine engineer from the USA, who supervises the installation of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and general systems. With over 30 years of experience and a comprehensive understanding of both ABYC and CE Rules and Regulations, Mr. Back plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and functionality of every vessel.
The company's design philosophy has evolved from building monohull power and sail boats to specializing in multihulls. They are particularly recognized for their collaboration with renowned naval architects and designers, such as Schionning Designs. Pantawee Marine is now actively building Schionning Design sailing models, including the popular Arrow series and G series catamarans. This partnership highlights their focus on producing contemporary, high-performance multihulls.
Iconic Models and Legacy
While specific production numbers are not readily available for all models, Pantawee Marine's most significant impact on the industry, historically, came from its role as the authorized builder of Hans Christian Yachts. Models like the Hans Christian 33, among others, were part of their production line during that period, contributing to the legacy of these classic cruising yachts.
In recent years, the company's legacy has shifted towards its expertise in multihull construction. Their current ranges focus on custom-designed multihulls, both power and sail, which include the well-regarded Schionning Designs. This diversification underscores their adaptability and commitment to staying at the forefront of marine construction trends.
The Builder Today
Today, Pantawee Marine Co., Ltd. remains a wholly family-owned business, continuing its operations as a prominent yacht builder in Thailand since its founding in 1986. Located with its office and factory in Chonburi Province, near Pattaya City, the company appeals to a global clientele seeking high-quality, custom-built power and sail multihulls.
The modern boats built by Pantawee Marine, particularly their Schionning Design catamarans, cater to owners looking for efficient, spacious, and well-engineered multihulls for cruising and offshore adventures. The ownership experience is characterized by vessels constructed to international standards, ensuring reliability and compliance for global navigation. While specific details on a formal owner community are not available, the appeal of a long-standing, family-run shipyard specializing in reputable designs likely fosters a sense of trust and community among its clients.
