Watkins Yachts, though no longer in production, holds a notable place in the history of American fiberglass sailboat manufacturing. From its beginnings in the early 1970s to its eventual cessation of sailboat production in 1989, the company carved out a niche for producing accessible and comfortable cruising yachts.
The story of Watkins Yachts begins in 1973 in Clearwater, Florida, with the vision of four brothers. The Watkins brothers — including Redford and Richard — founded the Watkins Yacht and Marine Company with the express purpose of building sailboats. Their inaugural vessel, the WATKINS 23, launched in 1974, marked the company's entry into the marine industry. This first model was a modified version of the Helsen Yachts 22, produced with the explicit permission of its original designer, Johannes "Jopie" Helsen. The WATKINS 23 laid the groundwork for the company's focus on practical and family-friendly designs.
History and Evolution
Watkins Yachts experienced several significant transformations throughout its relatively brief history. A key early milestone was the introduction of the WATKINS 27 in 1977, a design for which the Watkins brothers enlisted the expertise of naval architect Walter Scott. This model would become one of their more recognizable offerings, with approximately 500 units built between 1977 and 1984.
Around 1980, a major corporate change occurred when Al Larson, owner of Auroraglas, a boat building company that had previously been acquired by Watkins Yachts, took over the management, becoming president of Watkins Yachts. This period heralded a shift in the company's production strategy. Watkins Yachts began to roll out a number of larger yachts, including the WATKINS 25, 32, and 36. These new models were significantly based on tooling and molds acquired from the now-defunct Columbia Yachts, which also included the sister Coronado brand. While the tooling provided a foundation, Watkins extensively modified these designs, making it challenging to discern their similarities to the original Columbia models even upon close inspection. For instance, the Watkins 36C was a modified version of the Coronado 35 and Columbia 36 designs, with contributions from William H. Tripp Jr. and the Watkins brothers.
A final pivotal moment came in 1986 when Watkins Yachts was sold to the McLaughlin Body Co. Following this acquisition, the sailboat line was rebranded as 'SEAWOLF'. However, the primary focus of production shifted dramatically towards powerboats, with only a limited number of sailboat hulls — about one or two per month of the three remaining models — continuing to be built. The last WATKINS sailboat model was produced in 1989, marking the end of the company's sailboat manufacturing era.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Watkins Yachts established a reputation for producing sturdy, fiberglass cruising sailboats that prioritized comfort and affordability. Their design philosophy often revolved around creating vessels suitable for family cruising, known for their wide beams and relatively shallow drafts, which contributed to comfortable and stable sailing. While specific signature design features beyond these general characteristics are not widely detailed, the company's willingness to adapt and significantly modify existing designs, such as those acquired from Columbia Yachts, speaks to a pragmatic approach to boat building. Notable collaborations include Walter Scott for the Watkins 27 and 29, and William H. Tripp Jr. along with the Watkins brothers for models like the Watkins 32 and 36C.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Throughout its history, Watkins Yachts produced several models that became popular among cruisers.
- Watkins 23: The inaugural model, introduced in 1974, was a trailerable sailboat based on the Helsen 22, proving to be a capable small cruiser.
- Watkins 27: Designed by Walter Scott, this model was a significant success, with approximately 500 units built. It cemented Watkins' reputation for mid-sized cruisers and even saw a "P" (presumably for 'Performance' or 'Pilot house') variant in 1981.
- Watkins 25: This model, later marketed as the Seawolf 25 from 1986, continued the tradition of comfortable cruisers.
- Watkins 32 & 36: These larger yachts, including the Watkins 36C, were developed from acquired Columbia/Coronado tooling. The Watkins 32 was designed by William H. Tripp Jr. as a cruiser, first built in 1982. The Watkins 36 became the flagship of the line, incorporating unique features that were carried into subsequent designs.
- Watkins 29: Another collaboration with Walter Scott and the Watkins brothers, expanding their offering in the mid-size cruising range.
Watkins Yachts left a legacy of robust and accessible cruising boats that continue to be enjoyed by owners today.
The Builder Today
Watkins Yachts ceased sailboat production in 1989 and is no longer an active boat builder. Despite the company being defunct, a vibrant community of Watkins boat owners persists, evident by active online forums and the existence of resources like the Watkins Owners website. Website, 23 This enduring community speaks to the lasting appeal and practical nature of the yachts produced by the Watkins brothers and their successors, many of which continue to sail the waters decades after their construction.
