Pacific Marine Center, established by Delta Marine and Gary Merlino Construction of Seattle, has already invested in a new Fidalgo Bay boat ramp and improvements to a previously vacant yacht construction facility on “T” Avenue. As this newsletter went to press, Pacific Marine Center managers Bill Filip and Ron Barkly were hosting a booth at the Seattle Boat Show, touting their new business and the community of Anacortes.
Filip and Barkly bring impressive experience, passion and connections to the Northwest boating community. The men worked 20 and 31 years, respectively, for U.S. Marine Bayliner. They also had periods of employment with Maxum, Meridian yacht divisions. Filip, whose career dates back to age 15 and a job at a marina in Illinois, also worked seven years for the PD&E Yacht Division of Sea Ray in Meritt Island, Florida.
Anacortes, notes Filip, boasts market attributes including proximity to the San Juans, North Puget Sound, and Canada. It also features other marine services businesses that can be tapped to meet the needs of Pacific Marine Center clients.
“We are basically a full marine yacht services center,” said Filip. “In addition to dry storage, which represents a savings over in-water moorage, we offer services ranging from yacht commissioning to finish rigging and warranty service. Our new boat ramp and 350-foot staging dock make it possible for us to respond to a client call by having their boat in the water and ready to go by the time they travel from home. When they return from their outing, we will tie up the boat and take it out of the water, almost like a concierge service.”
Pacific Marine Center, which will grow as the market demands, looks forward to a healthy working relationship with the chamber of commerce and other area businesses. From food to fuel, marine products to custom marine services, Pacific Marine Center clients will make a positive impact on the local economy.
“Early indicators at this time are that boaters are out and spending a little more money these days,” said Filip. “They are ready to relax and spend more time in the San Juan Islands and North Puget Sound, and we are ideally situated to accommodate their needs. Some of our clients will come from long distances. Others are likely to drive 60 to 90 minutes, and launch from our facility will cut down considerably on the “commute time” to their destinations.”
Filip, who is also a certified professional yacht broker, said he and Barkly intend to take advantage of relationships built over decades of work in the Northwest boating industry.
Barkly serves the company as service manager, responsible for client needs including mechanical, electrical and fiberglas. As operations manager, Filips’ responsibilities include engineering, testing, sales and service.
“Ours is a hands-on staff,” said Filip, “and we invite our clients to be personally involved in all aspects of our service to them. We offer walk-throughs, detailed estimates and opportunities to see firsthand what is happening with their boats at all stages of the process.” Pacific Marine Center, now boasting one of the largest indoor services facilities on the West Coast, promises to contribute to the city’s reputation as a leader among marine services communities.
“We are all about client service built on a foundation of experience, commitment and a passion to grow,” said Filip. “We’ll not only ‘leave the light on for you,’ but meet you at the dock with engines warmed up and furnace turned on, if that is your request. We want everyone to feel welcomed to Anacortes.”
- from the Chamber's February 2011 newsletter