Submitted by the Kitsap Regional Economic Development Council’s Business Assistance Committee

Bo Palmer, of Palmer Marine of Washington, is quick to note that they can sell as many Tiderunner boats as they can build. The company currently produces six to eight boats per month. In business for just over a year, Palmer Marine has dramatically increased sales of their signature walkaround fishing boats by listening to consumer input and implementing changes. Comments from attendees at an August 2002 boat show were heard and the new changes were rolled out at a February 2003 show.

Feedback on the new design has been tremendous – new customers love the design and owners of older Tiderunners state the redesign is the answer they were seeking to buy another Tiderunner. Palmer Marine is dedicated to listening to the customer and redesigning their boats. In light of that, they recently hired a marine designer.

An article recommending the boats in the June 2003 issue of Trailer Boats Magazine generated interest from East Coast dealers. Sales of the fiberglass composite boats are concentrated in the Puget Sound, on the East Coast and in the Great Lakes area. The attraction of Palmer Marine to those outside the Puget Sound is attributed to the mystique Palmer notes is attached to Northwest-built boats.

Basing the business in Kitsap County was a natural choice for Palmer, as he grew up in Kitsap County. Tiderunner boats were originally manufactured in Gig Harbor. Basing them at the Port of Bremerton’s Olympic View Industrial Park keeps them close to their roots.

As noted by others in the marine industry cluster, Palmer would prefer to do business locally when possible. However, his specialized needs are often not available on the peninsula. Doors for the Tiderunners are shipped from Florida, while other supplies are obtained from wholesalers in the Seattle area. Palmer estimates 10 percent of supplies and outsourcing is done in the local area, with another 40 percent procured in Western Washington. The remaining 50 percent is spread among suppliers throughout the U.S. Vinyl signage, printing and office supplies are among the services and supplies purchased locally.

Just as identifying suppliers and outsource providers is important to the growth of a particular cluster, equally essential is the presence of an adequate workforce. Palmer stated, “We could do many more sales if the workforce was skilled and in place.” The needed skills are in fiberglass lamination and systems rigging. To date, he has found the necessary workforce. Palmer is convinced that Kitsap could attract other small boat builders currently located throughout the Puget Sound if a training program designed to fit their needs was in place.

As noted in previous articles, your company may have the potential to link to the marine industry. Knowing this information helps identify existing links and gaps. Currently, Kitsap, Mason and Jefferson Counties are identifying those links and gaps for the marine industry with the goal to strengthen the marine industry cluster in the three county area. Does your company offer services or products that would contribute to the administration, operations, workforce or marketing of a marine industry company?

(Editor’s Note: This is the fourth 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 move. In July we continued with the marine cluster as we interviewed W-H Autopilots, a firm that manufactures and sells the product that guides your boat in the right direction. Last month we focused on Seattle Marine Construction, a company that completes the boat with welding, painting, cabinetry and more. We complete the marine cluster articles with Palmer Marine, a company that manufactures the entire boat.).