Lindell Yachts' Offshore Fishing Boats Featured In "Cult Classics" Series
The documentary highlights Lindell's durable, customizable fishing boats, tracing founder Jim Lindell's evolution from a young boater to a master composite boat builder.
In Episode Three of YachtWorld's popular "Cult Classics" documentary series exploring esteemed yacht builders throughout the industry, the spotlight is on Lindell Yachts, a company with a rich history of crafting rugged, seaworthy fishing boats built to handle the harsh marine environments of the world's top offshore fisheries. Known for their dedication to building safe, hardworking vessels, Lindell Yachts has earned a loyal following among the most ardent commercial and sport fishing enthusiasts.
"We chose to focus on Lindell Yachts for this documentary because of their unparalleled commitment to craftsmanship and the compelling story of their founder, Jim Lindell," said filmmaker Ryan McVinney, the creator and director of the series. "Lindell Yachts stands out not just for their rugged, seaworthy designs, but also for the passion and innovation that Jim his team have poured into each boat. Their unique blend of durability, performance, and customizability embodies the spirit of adventure that resonates with both commercial and sport fishing enthusiasts."
Jim Lindell’s Early Years
The foundation of Lindell Yachts was laid by co-founder Jim Lindell, who discovered his passion for boat building at a young age. Growing up around the waters of Camano Island, Washington, Jim built his first boat by age 18, utilizing his natural abilities and the knowledge he had gained from the local boating industry.
Above: Jim Lindell, the founder of Lindell Yachts, as a young boy sitting in a small boat in Washington state. Photo via Lindell Yachts.
Glassply Years: Mastering Fiberglass & Composite Manufacturing
Jim further honed his skills at the Glassply Boat Company (originally Glas-Ply), where he soon mastered fiberglass and composite boat manufacturing. Learning from Ken Smith and the team at Glassply, who'd been innovators in fiberglass boat building, he discovered his lifelong passion for building durable fiberglass boats.
Fiberglass Gillnetters: Commercial Fishing Years
In the 1980s, Lindell began working as a commercial gillnet fisherman in Alaska, where he noticed that many boats were inadequately built for the harsh conditions. Fiberglass Gillnetters In response, Lindell built his own 42-foot fiberglass gillnetter, "Gold Rush." This vessel, a composite construction masterpiece, excelled in speed and rough sea navigation, outperforming all competitors. Fishermen quickly sought Jim for his design expertise.
Above: Jim Lindell aboard a commercial fiberglass gillnetter boat in Alaska. Photo via Lindell Yachts.
Within a few years, Lindell gained a reputation as a master boat builder in the commercial fishing community. His meticulously crafted boats, often over-engineered, were dubbed the "Rolls-Royces of the Southeast fisheries." Due to high demand, Jim built over 50 custom gillnetters, all still in use today and appreciating in value.
Skagit Orca and Oceansport Roamers Years: Advanced Vacuum Infusion
Jim's expertise led him to build the Skagit Orca and later the Oceansport Roamer 30, incorporating advanced vacuum infusion fiberglass technology. This innovation extended to the widely recognized Oceansport Roamer 33, blending functionality and aesthetics with meticulous engineering.
Above: A 2007 Skagit Orca 24 SC boat for sale from Seattle Yachts in Anacortes WA on Boat Trader. Photo via Boat Trader.
Lindell Yachts Company History
In 2016, Jim Lindell partnered with businessman Brian Kott to launch Lindell Yachts, introducing a new line of sport utility yachts for recreational and prosumer use. These boats, customizable to meet specific needs and preferences, cater to hardcore hunters and fishermen targeting big fish species in challenging environments.
Above: Jim Lindell inspects the hull of a fiberglass fishing boat during the vacuum infusion process. Photo via Lindell Yachts.
Initial Models and Current Lineup
The initial models, including the Lindell 38, 42, and 46, were engineered for exceptional ocean exploration and fishing experiences while maintaining luxurious finishes. Today, Lindell Yachts offers four different models: the 38, 41, 42, and 48. Notably, the newer Lindell 41 features twin Mercury Verado V12 600HP engines, providing impressive range, fast cruising speed, and top-tier efficiency. Plans for a larger Lindell 54 are underway, reflecting the company's rapid growth.
Above: A Lindell 41 sport fishing yacht with twin Mercury Verado 600HP V12 outboard engines. Photo by Lindell Yachts.
A Zeal for Building Rugged Fishing Boats
Jim Lindell's passion for boat building, combined with his commitment to matching form with function, has driven the company's success and cultivated a loyal following. Lindell Yachts are designed for extreme ocean adventures and offshore fishing excursions, all while offering the luxurious fit and finish expected of a sport fishing yacht.
As one loyal owner aptly remarked, "What do you expect? It’s a Lindell."
Watch the full Episode 3 of Cult Classics featuring Lindell Yachts for an in-depth look at this iconic fishing boat builder. For more information about this builder, visit the official Lindell Yachts website or follow them on Instagram.
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