Interviewing Grant Bruggemann of Grant’s Signature Racing—as I did this morning for a Super Stock-class raceboat repower story—never gets old. And given the dozens of times I’ve reached out to him during the years, that’s saying something. From building out high-performance pleasure-boats and offshore raceboats to simple service jobs, the business Bruggemann runs with his wife, Kellie, and their small has team in Bradenton, Fla., is known as one of the finest rigging outfits in the country.
The founder of Grant’s Signature Racing, Grant Bruggemann operates one of the finest rigging shops in the country.
But the Grant’s Signature team does a lot more than install and rig outboard and stern-drive engines. They install interiors. They handle fiberglass repair. They provide service and storage for a host of customers from offshore racers from Chris Hopgood to Daren Kittridge to pleasure-boat owner Chris LaMorte. The list goes on.
Right now, they’re in the process of finishing up the interior installation of a spectacular new Skater 368 catamaran owned by Electronics Unlimited principal Ron Muller of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The 36-footer came painted and with its Mercury Racing 1100 engines installed—a chore most often handled Grant’s Signature—by the Douglas, Mich., builder. Bruggemann and took care everything else including the installation of its interior created by Jamie Borg of Cutting Edge Interiors.
Muller’s Skater is destined to be a show-piece and should be on Sarasota Bay for its first test-session in a week or so. Photographer Pete Boden will be on scene to capture Muller and Bruggemann when they pilot the cat on its maiden voyage.
“It’s a fantastic build,” Bruggemann. “I’m looking forward to seeing it finished and on the water.”
For the first time in years, Bruggemann isn’t throttling an offshore raceboat. He’s had offers and opportunities, but none of them have fit. He may not secure a ride this season, and he’s just fine with that. He treats the sport as the business it is for him. Like everything else, it has to make sense for Grant’s Signature Racing.
“Kellie and I have plenty to keep us busy here,” he said, then laughed. “If something comes up during the season, I’ll evaluate it. But I’m in no hurry to do anything. Offshore racing means more time away from home, and more time away from Grant’s Signature. We’re happy to be right where we are.”