Business Details
28 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Boat Dealers & Services Solutions
Bristol Marine has grown from a single DIY waterfront workshop into a full-service network of boatyards across New England, driven by core values of pride, commitment, and mutual support. Founded in 1998, the company revitalized Bristol, Rhode Island's working waterfront and expanded through strategic acquisitions, including historic shipyards in Somerset, Massachusetts, Boothbay Harbor, Maine, and Huckins Yacht in Jacksonville, Florida. Our team of marine service specialists combines decades of experience with traditional craftsmanship and modern technology to deliver superior care for boats of all types, from classic wooden sailboats to commercial vessels.We prioritize preserving maritime heritage while fostering workforce development and community partnerships. Our leadership team, including founder Andy Tyska and key executives, emphasizes relationship-driven service, employee development, and sustainable waterfront expansion.
Services
Restoration & Boat Building
Maintenance & Repair
Refit Services
Storage Solutions
Slips & Moorings
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We combine decades of maritime experience with a network of full-service boatyards.
- Our skilled technicians handle all boat types, from classic wooden sailboats to modern powerboats.
- We prioritize preserving working waterfronts and maritime heritage.
- Our team includes certified experts in restoration, refit, and marine systems.
- We offer comprehensive services including storage, maintenance, and emergency repairs.
Services
Restoration & Boat Building
Specializing in restoring historic and well-used watercraft, our team combines traditional techniques with modern technology to rebuild wooden boats or construct fiberglass powerboats from scratch. We create comprehensive plans to ensure projects stay on budget and schedule while preserving the vessel's heritage. Our expertise extends to complete rebuilds, structural repairs, and custom craftsmanship for both recreational and commercial vessels.
Maintenance & Repair
We provide comprehensive maintenance programs to prevent wear and damage, including winterization, hull care, and underwater protection. Our technicians handle emergency repairs from storm damage or collisions, utilizing skills in paint, fiberglass, metal, and woodwork. Regular diagnostics and owner consultations ensure vessels remain in peak condition for safety, performance, and aesthetic longevity across all boat types.
Refit Services
Our refit services update boats' systems, cosmetics, and arrangements while maintaining their original character. Project managers collaborate with owners to define scopes, timelines, and budgets, offering options from minor upgrades to multi-season transformations. We integrate modern technology with traditional design elements to enhance performance, safety, and comfort without compromising the vessel's heritage or structural integrity.
Storage Solutions
We offer diverse storage options including heated/ unheated indoor spaces and secure outdoor facilities across three states. Our locations accommodate boats up to 120 feet with seasonal or transient slips and moorings. Storage periods are utilized for maintenance and upgrades, ensuring vessels are ready for immediate use while providing event spaces and convenient amenities for boat owners and crews.
Slips & Moorings
Our waterfront facilities provide seasonal and transient docking solutions with depths accommodating vessels up to 65 feet in Bristol, RI, and 120 feet in Massachusetts and Maine. Services include launch assistance, crew transportation, and event amenities like boardwalks and tents during peak seasons. Moorings and slips are maintained for safety and accessibility, with proximity to historic sites and local attractions at select locations.
People
Andy Tyska
Founder/CEO
Andy Tyska founded Bristol Marine in 1998 after a career in naval architecture. He revitalized Bristol's working waterfront through strategic acquisitions, preserving maritime heritage while fostering workforce development. His vision expanded the company to four locations, emphasizing relationship-driven service and sustainable growth.
Patrick McLoughlin
President
Patrick McLoughlin leads operations with a background in yacht design and marine trades. He transitioned from Pearson Marine Group to Bristol Marine in 2013, focusing on process refinement and customer experience. His expertise in engineering and operations management drives the company's evolution into a network of full-service boatyards.
Joe Mariani
Vice President
Joe Mariani oversees community relations and customer experience, leveraging his maritime career from charter fishing to marina management. He rejoined Bristol Marine in 2022, emphasizing employee development and sustainable waterfront projects. His work bridges environmental partnerships with operational growth strategies.
Nick King
Growth Strategist
Nick King joined Bristol Marine in 2005, driving property acquisitions and cultural development. He revitalized Franklin Street in Bristol and expanded facilities in Somerset and Boothbay. Now serving in an advisory role, he focuses on strategic growth while maintaining the company's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to employee investment.
Jill Doyon
Culture Architect
Jill Doyon shaped Bristol Marine's HR practices and family-oriented culture since its founding. Managing finances, payroll, and employee development, she instilled core values across expanding locations. Though retired in 2022, she continues contributing daily to maintain the company's unique culture of mutual support and professional growth.
Questions
What services does Bristol Marine offer?
We provide boat restoration, maintenance, refit services, and storage solutions across four locations. Our expertise includes wooden boat restoration, fiberglass work, mechanical systems, and full-service marina facilities.
Where are Bristol Marine's locations?
We operate in Bristol, RI; Somerset, MA; Boothbay Harbor, ME; and Jacksonville, FL, offering regional accessibility with specialized facilities at each location.
How long has Bristol Marine been in business?
Founded in 1998, we've grown from a single Rhode Island boatyard to a multi-state network while maintaining our commitment to maritime heritage and quality service.
Can Bristol Marine handle both classic and modern boats?
Yes, our team works on all vessel types, from historic wooden sailboats to modern powerboats, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary technology for every project.
What makes Bristol Marine unique?
We preserve working waterfronts while delivering personalized service, emphasizing employee development, sustainable practices, and a culture of pride and mutual support across our network.
Do you offer storage and docking options?
We provide heated/unheated indoor storage, outdoor spaces, and slips/moorings accommodating boats up to 120 feet, with amenities and maintenance services available during storage periods.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Marc Tempesto Palumbo
Jul 08, 2019
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Beautiful harbor, quick sail to Newport and a day or so to Block Island. Service is good, place is clean, and the yard does good work. The Herreshoff Museum is just around the corner with some fine wood examples as well as former America Cup winners.
Keith Duncan
Sep 23, 2017
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We have utilized Bristol Marine's services for a few years now and would highly recommend them. Their work has been on time, as quoted, and of good value. A great yard to have work done, store for the winter, or to simply utilize their mooring / launch service.
Paul Murgo
Sep 01, 2017
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After much deliberation we selected Bristol Marine in Somerset, MA to paint The Rose, our 37' trawler. We worked with Chuck Kelley and his crew of technicians. Quality work that is second to none. They explained what they planned to do and costs at every step. Excellent facility with a crew that is proud of their work. We'd highly recommend this yard for your boat.
Mike D.
Mar 07, 2013
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Was a customer for a number of years. Lots of great people work there, but got fed up with frequent damage to my boat because of sloppiness (which they did generally took care of at their expensive to their credit) lack of supervision by management and an owner that is too busy doing other things to care about what's going on in the yard. Nice people, but better to go elsewhere.
