From hull-and-deck molds to CNC machines, powerboat companies are loaded with big, heavy and generally bulky stuff that doesn’t move easily. That’s the nature of the boat-building beast, so to speak. One trip to the likes of DCB Performance Marine in Phoenix, Ariz., is all it takes to comprehend what relocating all that equipment to a new facility—even if the new digs are just down the street—entails.
But that’s exactly what DCB has been up to, while maintaining current production and releasing two new models, since this year began. Two years ago, the custom high-performance catamaran builder moved from its original location in Southern California to Arizona. That much of the relocation happened in the dead of summer didn’t make things easier. Yet the result was a far-larger and more modern facility that was just about perfect for boat-building.
But the key words are “just about.” A structure outside the main DCB plant still housed all gelcoat and lamination operations. The meant with every build the DCB crew had to move completed hulls and decks from one facility to the another
In a perfect boat-building world, production never leaves the main plant. Instead, boats flow from lamination to rigging to interior installation under the same roof. Though far better than DCB’s original location, the Phoenix space simply didn’t allow for it.
Late last year, a facility that could handle it all became available. Like DCB’s first Arizona location, the space is owned by managing partners Craig and Kim Hargreaves. Plus, it was within walking distance of DCB’s first Arizona location. Daunting as moving again was for everyone involved, relocating made sense. So it had to happen.
Now the move is nearly complete. Instead of one gelcoat/lamination booth in another structure, DCB has three of them—one for primary hull-and-deck production, one for small parts such a hatches and another gelcoat touch-ups—lined up under one roof. DCB catamaran-production can now move from one end of the facility to the other before they are delivered to their owners
An M37R model has been laid up in the new plant. It will be first DCB built from start to finish in the place.
“We have 95 percent of everything from the old place moved into the new one,” said Tony Chiaramonte, the vice-president of DCB. “Everything will be here in the next weeks. The old place is almost empty.”
To celebrate what has been a whole lot of necessary effort, the DCB crew will hold a grand-opening celebration on Saturday, January 17. Some 35 years’ worth of DCB customers, vendors and friends will be on the guest list.
Added Chiaramonte, “We’re excited to have all of our DCB family members come see the new place and celebrate with us. The entire DCB team pulled together to make it happen and we couldn’t be more proud of the result.”