Marine Group Boat Works

What Marine Group Boat Works does

Marine Group Boat Works (MGBW) is a full-service maritime vessel construction and repair company headquartered on San Diego Bay in Chula Vista, California, with a second facility in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. Founded as South Bay Boat Yard in 1980 and rebranded in 2006 after a $6.5 million facility redevelopment, the company operates from a 15-acre, one-million-square-foot main yard with more than 2,100 linear feet of dockage across 25 docks, supported by 100-ton, 300-ton, and 820-ton variable-width Marine Travelifts capable of hauling vessels up to 220 feet in length. MGBW serves four primary vertical segments: U.S. Navy and government agencies (under GSA-approved, MSRA, and ABR contract vehicles), commercial operators (ferries, workboats, catamarans up to 220 feet), superyachts (ABS/Lloyd's-class refits and dynamic propeller balancing), and coastal recreational boaters across Southern California.

The company's underlying technology base is industrial and capital-intensive rather than software-based: ABS- and NAVSEA-certified welding (including MIG-MAG and TIG for steel, stainless, duplex, copper-nickel, and aluminum), Q.P.1-certified sandblast and NACE Level 2 coatings, waterjet/router/plasma precision metal cutting operating around the clock, PropScan dynamic balancing to ISO Class S/I tolerances, a Marine Foreign Trade Zone for foreign-flag superyachts, and engine repower certifications across Caterpillar, MTU, Yanmar, Scania, and Northern Lights. Revenue is generated through project-based professional services for vessel repair, refit, and new construction; complementary divisions include Marine Group Global Services (yacht agent, marina management, crew placement, maritime consulting), The Good Stew (crew uniforms and yacht retail), Vessel Assist Cabo (24/7 on-water assistance), and the Fifth Avenue Landing boutique marina. Headcount is approximately 250 across both facilities.

MGBW pursued more than $1 billion in contracts over a 20-year period per company leadership, with marquee wins including $30M+ for three Navy Range Training Support Crafts, a $32M naval dive boat contract, over $22M in San Francisco Bay Ferry work, and a potential $197M Department of Defense boat services ceiling. The business was family-owned until a July 2025 management-led buyout by Co-Founder/CEO Todd Roberts, Chairman Chip Besse, and Vigeo Investments (Skye Callantine), with all 250 employees retained. The company holds ABS, NAVSEA, USCG, Lloyd's, GSA, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and Q.P.1 certifications, and was awarded $1.4M+ in federal grants (MARAD, U.S. Navy) between 2021 and 2026 for workforce development and capital equipment.

Name

Marine Group Boat Works

Legal name

Marine Group Boat Works, LLC

Website

https://marinegroupbw.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Marine Group Boat Works is a full-service maritime vessel construction and repair shipyard serving U.S. Navy, commercial ferry, superyacht, and coastal yacht markets through its 820-ton capacity Chula Vista facility and Los Cabos shipyard.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Shipbuilding and Marine Repair Services

NAICS

Ship Building and Repairing (336611)

SIC

Ship & Boat Building & Repairing (3730)

akta.pro primary industry

Luxury Yacht Systems Integration & Commissioning (Shipyard) (IMAJAMAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Landing Craft & Amphibious Workboats (LCM/LCT-style, Beaching Craft) (IMAJADAK), Heavy Lifting & Material Handling Infrastructure (Goliath Cranes, Jib Cranes, Hoists) (IMAJALAD)

Keywords

• Ship repair services
• Vessel construction
• Superyacht refit
• Boat haul-out
• Naval shipbuilding

Headquarters

HQ city

Chula Vista

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Vessel Repair and Refit Services: Core revenue from haul-outs, repairs, refits, and maintenance for coastal yachts, superyachts, commercial vessels, and government vessels. Services include bottom paint, engine repowers, structural work, prop services.
2. New Construction: Design and construction of vessels including patrol boats, dive boats, passenger vessels, tugboats, barges, workboats. Has constructed boats for Navy including 27 aluminum/steel boats and 3 RTSC vessels.
3. Marine Group Global Services: Yacht agent services, customs clearance, shoreside support, crew placement, fleet maintenance, marina management and maritime consulting services.
4. Vessel Assist Cabo: 24/7 on-water assistance services including towing, battery jumps, fuel delivery for recreational boaters within 20-mile radius of Marina Puerto Los Cabos.
5. The Good Stew Products: Crew uniforms, yacht wear, marine appliances (Miele), Kanberra products, vacuums, floor care products sold directly to yacht crew and management companies.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Marine Group Boat Works operates two full-service shipyards providing vessel construction, haul-out, repair, and refit services for steel and aluminum boats up to 220 feet. The company serves government/military (U.S. Navy, Coast Guard), commercial operators (ferries, tugboats, catamarans), superyachts, and coastal recreational vessels, with specialized capabilities including 820-ton lift capacity, ABS- and NAVSEA-certified welding, propeller dynamic balancing, coatings, and engine repowers.

Product overview

Marine Group Boat Works is a family-owned, full-service maritime vessel construction and repair company offering a broad portfolio of integrated services rather than a single unified software product. Its core offerings center on boat repair and refit services (haul-outs, bottom paints, engine repowers, mechanical and electrical repairs, propeller service, custom fabrications, structural and pipe work, and coatings) for vessels up to 220 feet, complemented by new construction of steel and aluminum boats and a premium superyacht division with 665-ton lifting capacity. These core services are supported by dedicated divisions: Marine Group Global Services (yacht agent, maritime consulting, marina management, and vessel/crew management); The Good Stew (crew placement and specialty yacht products); Vessel Assist Cabo (24/7 on-water emergency assistance); and a Welding Certification Program funded by the Navy to train NAVSEA-certified welders. The company operates two waterfront facilities—one in Chula Vista, San Diego (with 820-ton lift) and one in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico (with 75–150-ton lifts)—along with managed dockage at Fifth Avenue Landing marina. Beyond physical services, the portfolio includes precision metal cutting, Prop Scan and dynamic balancing, ABS/Lloyds/USCG survey and inspection, fiberglass and composite work, and custom joinery. The company holds ABS, NAVSEA, USCG, and GSA approvals for government and military vessel work.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Boat Repair and Refit Services

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduced vessel downtime with 100% passing rate on first Navy welding certification class
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• San Diego Unified Port DistrictmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 March 2026Contract awarded to design, fabricate, and install multi-deck live fire training simulator on LCM-8 vessel for San Diego Harbor Police Department. Simulator project reflects expertise in complex marine fabrication.
• U.S. NavycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 January 2026Awarded $633,005 grant (75% of program costs) for maritime welding certification program. Navy holds Master Ship Repair Agreement (MSRA) and Agreement for Boat Repair (ABR) with MGBW. Multiple FMS contracts including Jordan patrol boats and Range Support Vessels.
• Puerto Los Cabos MarinacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 12 December 2025Location for Vessel Assist Cabo 24/7 on-water assistance service and MGBW's Los Cabos boatyard operations. Strategic location for supporting vessels traveling between Southern California and Mexico.
• San Diego Port Tenants AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 December 2020MGBW partnered with association for Steel Strong Against COVID initiative supporting maritime industry during pandemic.
• San Diego Working Waterfront GroupminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 December 2020MGBW partnered with group for Steel Strong Against COVID initiative supporting maritime industry during pandemic.
• U.S. Superyacht Association (USSA)coreOthersMGBW's Dawn Stofberg serves as USSA Southwest Regional Board Chair. MGBW works with USSA on policy initiatives including Assembly Bill 2005 for superyacht tourism. Association facilitates industry networking and standards.
• Maritime Institute of San DiegocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to develop and deliver customized curriculum combining accredited technical instruction with NAVSEA quality and safety standards for Navy shipbuilding certification program. Program pays workers to learn welding and covers certification costs.
• Engel Family (Art, Herb, David)coreOthersFounding family that operated waterfront companies since 1977. Original owners who built MGBW alongside Todd Roberts. Herb Engel sits on Living Coast Discovery Center board.
• Fifth Avenue LandingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMGBW operates and manages this 12-slip boutique superyacht marina in downtown San Diego under Global Services division. Marina accommodates vessels up to 300+ feet.
• American Equity Underwriters (AEU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPreferred USL&H provider since 2013. Partnership for Work the Waterfront program. Multiple safety awards received. MGBW's Leah Yam serves on AEU Advisory Council.
• Living Coast Discovery CenterminorOthersDonated over $30,000 in-kind products and services. President Herb Engel sits on Nature Center board. Leah Yam serves on marketing committee. Pro-bono work including signage and volunteering.
• San Diego CoastkeeperminorOthersParticipates in bay clean-up programs as part of environmental stewardship initiatives.
• Foss MaritimemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommercial vessel operator served by MGBW for vessel maintenance and repair services.
• Catalina Classic CruisesmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommercial cruise operator with vessels serviced at MGBW facilities.
• Evans HotelsmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHospitality company with vessels serviced at MGBW for fleet maintenance.
• NASSCOmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGeneral Dynamics NASSCO - awarded tug boat new construction contracts.
• Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation DistrictmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMultiple ferry drydocking and capital improvement contracts for MV Napa, MV Golden Gate, MS Marin.
• San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFerry vessel drydock, repairs, and refurbishment contracts including MV Peralta, Intintoli, MV Lyra.
• San Francisco Golden Gate FerrymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGolden Gate Ferry fleet reconstruction and maintenance services.

Scale indicators24 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• SAFE Boats International: Bremerton, WA-based builder of aluminum patrol boats, workboats and government vessels. Directly comparable to MGBW's small-craft new-construction and Navy/government work, including the same customer set of U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and law enforcement agencies.
• Metal Shark Boats: Louisiana-based aluminum shipbuilder producing military patrol boats, workboats and commercial vessels. Closely comparable to MGBW on government vessel new-builds, aluminum welding capabilities and high-speed workboat programs.
• Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding: Somerset, MA builder of aluminum pilot boats, patrol boats, tugs and other workboats. Comparable in scale and scope to MGBW's workboat new-construction line and government/commercial customer mix.
• Conrad Shipyard: Louisiana-based shipbuilder of tugboats, barges, liftboats and government patrol vessels. Closely comparable to MGBW's tug and barge construction, Navy patrol craft builds and steel/aluminum new-construction capabilities.
• Rybovich: West Palm Beach, FL superyacht refit, marina management and yacht services operator. Directly comparable to MGBW's superyacht refit division, concierge services and dedicated yacht marina model.
• Eastern Shipbuilding Group: Panama City, FL shipbuilder of patrol boats, commercial vessels and government platforms. Comparable to MGBW on Coast Guard/Navy patrol vessel contracts and steel/aluminum new-construction programs.
• Washburn & Doughty: East Boothbay, ME builder of commercial tugboats, ferries and government vessels. Comparable to MGBW's tugboat new-construction and commercial ferry repair/refurbishment services.

Broad incumbents

• Vigor Industrial: Portland, OR-headquartered large-scale shipbuilder and ship repair operator with West Coast yard footprint. Directly comparable on commercial vessel repair, ferry overhauls and Navy/Coast Guard workboat MRO across the Pacific Coast.
• Safe Harbor Marinas: Largest U.S. marina operator with deep superyacht service offerings including haul-out, refit and concierge. Comparable to MGBW's integrated marina management, superyacht refit and yacht agent services, though at significantly larger scale.

Regional players

• Bay Ship & Yacht: Alameda, CA shipyard providing vessel repair, conversion and new-build services on San Francisco Bay. Directly comparable on West Coast commercial ferry and vessel repair work — overlapping with MGBW's SF Bay Ferry and WETA contracts.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MarineGroupBW
• Facebookfacebook.com/marinegroupboatworks
• Instagraminstagram.com/marinegroupbw

Compliance11 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Marine Group Boat Works