Hutchins Com-Pac Factory Visit

[Gerry]

As a snowbird in Tarpon Springs, FL from Wisconsin; I decided to visit the Hutchin's Com-Pac factory in Clearwater.  After a quick e-mail I was invited to just drop in anytime.  Yesterday, I did just that.  Imagine my surprise to be greeted by one of the owners who quickly asked his son to give me a tour.  Two owners (brothers), and three son's (cousins) all busy making boats with four other workers (three production workers and one office person).  I was shown the construction area, the woodshop, the machine shop and the storage areas.  I saw the new "launch" as well as sailboats in production. 

What fun and a good education.  This family business is poised to move on to the third generation of boat builders.  Good luck to all of them.  To celebrate my visit I bought a cap which I will proudly wear on Green Bay this summer.

Suggest everyone in the area visit the plant and get treated like royalty.  Thank you Hutchins.

Gerry
WyattC (CP16 #1330)

[Elk River]

Gerry:

     That sounds like a good, fun deal.  My wife and I are down here in Davenport, FL for a bit and expect to do the same soon.

     Elk River

[HenryC]

I had the pleasure of enjoying the hospitality of the Hutchins brothers when I spent the day visiting their boatyard while doing research for my Good Old Boat article (Jan-Feb 2005) on the brand. In fact, I started contributing to this website when the folks here so generously helped with that same research.  In today's age of shabby merchandise and questionable business practices, it is a true pleasure to be able to give a shout out for true American entrepreneurs, solid craftsmanship and a quality product. 

A copy of that article is available on this forum, (Sail and Boat Related Articles), "Hutchins Company Profile", June 14, 2014.

[rbh1515]

You might have seen my boat in production...Horizon Day Cat, white hull.  I think it may be close to done.
Rob

[Gerry]

While I visited, one of the cousins was polishing to chrome on the port hole.

[rbh1515]

While I visited, one of the cousins was polishing to chrome on the port hole.

On my boat? 
Rpb

[KKorner]

Thanks for the tip. I live close, might have to check it out.

[hoddinr]

I also visited the shop last week to pick up a part for my SunCat.  Gerry had left it on the front desk with a receipt with my name on it.

Although I didn't take the time to visit the production facility I could look right through the door, and see a large white Horizon DayCat being finished up.

Gerry was very nice when I had a few minutes to chat with him.

Ron