Wil Hamm’s boating passion drives his lifestyle as well as his business of manufacturing and selling W-H Autopilots. While some companies saw their business decline after 9/11, W-H Autopilots saw its business increase as yacht sales increased. This trend is attributed to individuals reviewing their day-to-day lives and determining to enjoy each day. Yachts valued at $1 million and above are the most common recipients of a W-H Autopilot.

The W-H Autopilot is a highly praised product among yacht owners. An autopilot uses both magnetic north pole and GPS satellites to steer a boat to designated destinations automatically. One good comment follows another when you view bulletin boards, newsgroups and search engines on the web. Most orders are received via telephone and fax. Testimonials of those making the orders, as well as details on the product can be found at www.whautopilots.com.

W-H Autopilots was started in 1975 in Bellevue and the business moved to Bainbridge Island in 1996. Hamm moved his residence to Bainbridge Island eleven years ago, fulfilling a lifelong dream to live on the water. He is adamant he is never leaving and consequently, neither will W-H Autopilots.

Hamm’s background in medical and electronic equipment research and production provided the knowledge base for his transition to this marine industry business. He admits that the marine industry cluster is stronger in Seattle, but a strong presence on the web and extensive word-of-mouth marketing help W-H Autopilots extend its reach.

The overall Kitsap business climate is positive for W-H Autopilots, although finding skilled workers can be a challenge. Hamm notes younger workers often prefer the cultural and social amenities found in a city like Seattle. Quick access to Seattle via more foot ferries can be part of the solution to this problem.

The specialized materials used to create the W-H Autopilots are not available locally and are obtained from suppliers — or factory direct — throughout the United States. In fact, some of the same suppliers used by W-H Autopilots are those used by Boeing. Reason argues that if the component manufacturers did not relocate to be nearer to Boeing, it is not likely they will move to be closer to a small marine cluster. This is not a negative, as knowing whom not to target for recruitment is as valuable as knowing whom to target.

As part of the Kitsap marine industry cluster, W-H Autopilots shares some of the linked companies and organizations that we explored in the June article: boat builders, boat owners, marinas, marketing consultants, web page designers, yacht clubs, boating organizations, boating publications, boat show organizers, employment services and office supplies. This company utilizes local resources when possible, including purchasing office supplies, machinist services, Web design and employment services.

Knowing who provides these services locally and regionally is essential as the Kitsap Regional Economic Development Council (KREDC) assists other companies in the marine industry. Exposing where the gaps exist and determining how to fill them will assist in growing this cluster. Does your company fit into the marine cluster? How can your business be linked to the marine industry?

(Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series of articles on industry clusters in Kitsap County. In June, we presented Premier Propellers, a Bremerton company that tunes and sells propellers that make your boat go. This month we continue with the marine cluster as we discover W-H Autopilots, a firm that manufactures and sells the product that guides your boat in the right direction.).