Business Details
30 Years
experience
Custom Aluminum Boats Built for Alaska's Waters
Bay Weld Boats was founded on a simple principle: build boats strong enough for Alaska. What began as a one-man welding operation is now a full-scale custom boatbuilding company serving clients across the North Pacific. Every vessel that leaves our yard reflects decades of experience in Alaska's fisheries, a relentless pursuit of quality, and a commitment to doing the job right. We don't build to a templatewe build to your mission. Our team of 50 year-round employees brings deep experience from across the maritime trades, combining marine-grade aluminum craftsmanship with modern design. We stand behind every boat we build, providing cradle-to-grave service that supports clients before, during, and long after delivery.Our in-house engineering team blends CAD precision with real-world experience to create vessels that perform beautifully in Alaska's toughest waters. From concept to creation, we work closely with clients to understand their goals, environment, and daily demands. Our commitment doesn't stop when your vessel hits the waterwe're here for the long haul, offering comprehensive service and support to keep your Bay Weld vessel in peak condition. Located in Homer, Alaska, we're proud to build boats in one of the state's most dynamic marine communities, supporting local jobs and investing in our team.
Services
Vessel Manufacturing
Custom Fabrication
Marine Support
Vinyl Graphics
Structural Repairs
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of custom boatbuilding experience in Alaska's harsh conditions.
- Our vessels are designed and built to meet your exact operational specifications.
- Our team of Alaskan maritime experts brings deep local knowledge and expertise.
- We provide comprehensive cradle-to-grave support for every vessel we build.
- Our boats combine traditional craftsmanship with modern CAD engineering and technology.
What people say
Relentless pursuit of quality
Collaborative build process
Decades of maritime expertise
Durable in harsh conditions
Lifetime support available
Services
Vessel Manufacturing
We create custom aluminum vessels tailored to specific missions. Our process combines CAD precision with hands-on expertise to engineer boats that withstand Alaska's toughest conditions. Each build involves close client collaboration from concept to delivery, ensuring optimal safety, fuel efficiency, and functionality for commercial fishing, passenger transport, or recreational use.
Custom Fabrication
Our in-house fabrication team delivers marine-grade solutions beyond boatbuilding. We handle complex stainless steel projects and one-off aluminum builds with accuracy and durability. Services include structural repairs, vehicle/trailer graphics, and custom fabrication for commercial operations, leveraging advanced welding techniques and materials designed for harsh marine environments.
Marine Support
We provide comprehensive cradle-to-grave support for all Bay Weld vessels. Our services include annual maintenance, system diagnostics, electronics upgrades, and emergency repairs. Our Homer-based team offers haul-out coordination and long-term maintenance plans to ensure your boat remains in peak condition through decades of operation in demanding marine conditions.
Vinyl Graphics
Our vinyl and signage shop creates durable marine graphics that withstand harsh conditions. We offer full vessel wraps, compliance markings, and commercial signage for businesses. Our design team works closely with clients to ensure branding solutions meet both aesthetic goals and functional requirements for visibility and longevity.
Structural Repairs
We specialize in structural reinforcement and repairs for aluminum vessels. Our certified welders use TIG/MIG techniques to restore hull integrity and reinforce critical components. Services include deck gear installation, ladder/railing repairs, and safety system upgrades, ensuring continued performance and compliance with marine safety standards.
People
Allen Engebretsen
Founder
Founder Allen Engebretsen grew up commercial fishing in Homer. After learning welding under George Hamm, he started Bay Welding in 1974. He built the first Bay Weld skiff in 1996, establishing the company's reputation for durable, high-quality vessels that meet Alaska's demanding conditions.
Eric Engebretsen
Owner/Operator
Eric Engebretsen took over operations in 2009, expanding Bay Weld into a full-service builder. A commercial fisherman and engineer, he introduced CAD design and expanded capabilities while maintaining custom standards. He became owner in 2020 after the company's 220th build.
Questions
What types of boats does Bay Weld build?
We build custom aluminum vessels for commercial fishing, passenger transport, recreation, and specialized workboats. Our clients include fishermen, tour operators, government agencies, and private owners requiring mission-specific designs.
Can I customize my boat's specifications?
Every vessel is fully customizable. We work closely with clients to design boats that meet exact operational needs, from hull shape and fuel systems to wheelhouse layouts and safety features.
Do you offer service after purchase?
Yes, we provide comprehensive cradle-to-grave support including maintenance, repairs, electronics upgrades, and emergency services for all Bay Weld vessels, regardless of age or usage.
Where are your boats built?
All our boats are designed, built, and serviced in Homer, Alaska. Our location allows us to test vessels in real-world conditions and maintain close relationships with local maritime professionals.
What materials do you use?
We specialize in marine-grade aluminum for its durability and corrosion resistance. Our fabrication shop also handles stainless steel projects and composite materials for specialized applications.
How long does a build take?
Custom builds typically take 12-18 months depending on complexity. We maintain open communication throughout the process and can often accommodate urgent requests through our support services.
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Reviews (1)
Jim Lavrakas
Oct 20, 2016
Report
They built my dream boat. Great, honest, communicative folks at Bay Welding. Love, love, love our boat! Eric and Alan are the best people, true gentlemen. They make a workhorse of a boat.