Florida-based Luhrs Marine Group, parent of Hunter Marine, Silverton Marine, Mainship Corp. and Luhrs Corp., announced on November 26 the acquisition of controlling interest in JY Sailboats of East Lyme, Connecticut.

JY Sailboats is producer of Plastic Composite Technology (PCT) sailboats from 2.4 to 6.4 metres in length. PCT is a patented combination of a special plastic, fiberglass mat and injected foam that chemically bonds into a durable and highly finished structure. The end product is ultraviolet protected and five times more impact-resistant than traditional fiberglass, said the company.

This thermoforming process can be utilized in many marine areas, including manufacturing boats, hardtops, motor box covers and even head liners.
JY Sailboats has been making, under license, four models for Hunter Marine. Hunter has marketed and distributed the boats under the Hunter brand and through the Hunter dealer network. JY builds, markets and distributes the JY Club Trainer and JY 15 under sailing's one-design rules.

"The acquisition allows our Hunter Marine brand to expand its successful small boat line, and the technology will certainly be transferred to some of our power companies as well," said Bill Finney, chief executive officer of the Luhrs Marine Group. "We look forward to continue working with Dave Eck, JY's founder and president, to develop new and exciting products and to expand the potential of thermoforming in the marine marketplace," he added.

The company will continue to manufacture at its East Lyme, Connecticut, facility. The sailboat product line will be marketed and distributed through the current marine dealer network, and the company will be pursuing new marine and non-marine product development with the PCT process.

See www.jysailboats.com and www.huntermarine.com