Rich history of Whiticar Boat Works continues as two marine industry leaders separates assets, continue to provide same quality service

Whiticar Boat Works, a family-established and family-run business that has been a part of marine life in Stuart, Florida for nearly seventy-five years is charting a new course for the future. With little fanfare and great excitement, Whiticar announces that the owners have chosen to separate the assets of the company. 

Incorporated in 1959 by Curt Whiticar and John Dragseth, the rich history they built in the boating and marine industry has stood the test of time. Their sons, John Whiticar and Jim Dragseth, joined the company and eventually took the helm of the business as the popularity of the recreational boating lifestyle continued to grow. 

Under the leadership of John Whiticar and Jim Dragseth, the company expanded from the original boat yard in Stuart to include other marine repairs, services and equipment sales locations in Stuart and Ft. Pierce. Today, Whiticar Boat Works employs 48 people at three locations and in 2019 had more than $8 million in gross revenue.

With the separation, John Whiticar will become president of Whiticar Boat Works, retaining ownership of the boat yard on Willoughby Creek at 3636 SE Old St Lucie Blvd in Stuart, Florida, located just west of the old charter boat fleet docks started by John’s grandfather in 1917.

Jim Dragseth, past president of Whiticar Boat Works, will be the owner and president of Shearwater Marine FL, Inc. doing business as, Shearwater Marine & Industrial, located at 4519 SE Commerce Ave in Stuart, Florida as well as the Whiticar North boat yard (soon to be Shearwater Boat Yard) located at Safe Harbor Harbortown Marina in Ft. Pierce.  

“Our genuine commitment to taking care of our customers is a form of southern hospitality for us. It’s a way of life and we will continue the family tradition and the reputation of excellence we’ve built in marine service and repair as we move forward,” said Dragseth.

“Whiticar Boat Works has survived and thrived over the years by operating our business with integrity and producing quality work. We take pride in the professional and courteous service and the lasting relationships we have with our customers,” said Whiticar.

Whiticar and Dragseth look forward to the continued success of all locations on the Treasure Coast. Current management and personnel will remain the same at the locations where they currently work.  For more information visit www.whiticar.com or www.shearwaterfl.com.

 

Location information:

              

Whiticar Boat Works, Inc.

3636 SE Old St Lucie Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996

772-287-2883

 

Shearwater Marine & Industrial

4519 SE Commerce Ave, Stuart, FL 34997

772-781-5553

 

Shearwater Boat Yard

2010 Harbortown Drive, Suite K, Fort Pierce, FL 34946

772-460-0660