Custom Paint Project – Seafox

This is the kind of project we love! The client, Derek Hopkins, came to us from, Birmingham, Alabama, by word of mouth from a previous customer. The boat needed a general aesthetic makeover with some structural updates for the T-Top, Tower Structure, Electrical System/Dashboard, Outrigger and New Hull Color Treatment. Upon completion…the FIBW staff and the owner are elated with the new look and ‘Like New’ condition!

Customer comment:

Integrity. Skill. Creativity. Reliability. I’m satisfied when I discover that the business I’m dealing with has any one of these qualities. Flat Island Boatworks has demonstrated all of these attributes every time I deal with them. Mike Bredesen is a true craftsman in every sense of the word and a pleasure to deal with. I own a high tech, cold-molded epoxy and Xynole custom-designed ketch – it’s a very demanding material to work with and easily mangled by the lesser skilled “glass patcher’. Mike has done absolutely amazing work on it, and his team of technicians have never failed to come up with the perfect fix to any challenge! I won’t let anyone else touch my boat for repairs, modifications, or upgrades.

—David McGehee, P.E.
“Tien Hou”

Pirate Ship, “Good Fortune”

This extensive project lasted more than a year, presenting many ‘firsts’ for the Flat Island Boat Works team. Working side by side with “Sterling Marine, LLC”, an award winning Marine Design Service…the project began with inspecting hull moulds in Wetumpka, Alabama, and ended many months later with a striking Pirate Ship cruising the waters of Pensacola Bay. Follow the photo albums to see the process from start to finish…

Marlin at “Oar House”

The saltwater environment is rough on more than boats! This project required sculpted glasswork and surface prep for artistic airbrush painting. The ‘Sign’ is an example of Project Management, NOT involving boats. FIBW has a history of creating creative Commercial Signage, Tables, and Unique Structures for a wide range of clients.

The life size marlin hangs permanently at a local seafood restaurant, directly on the water. Marine Grade Paint was airbrushed in 8 separate colors (true to live marlin markings) over the repaired and resurfaced sculpture…guaranteeing many more years of colorful display at “The Oar House”.

I own an Endeavour 33 sailboat in Pensacola, but live out of state. Recently I needed some fiberglass work, blister repairs, bottom job & some tricky toe rail work done. I received several recommendations from local ‘yachties’ for Flat Island Boatworks. Mike Bredesen and his staff were meticulous in their inspection of the problem areas and actually found some crucial work that I didn’t realize existed. They took and sent photos of the work to be done for my approval first. The bottom and repair areas looked great after completion, and the toe rail/rub rail looks brand new. I was very satisfied with all the work done and will definitely use Flat Island Boatworks in the future. Mike and his staff were always very helpful and extended some additional courtesies not mentioned above. I would highly recommend them!

—Rex Crawford
Endeavour 33

Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville

Flat Island Boat Works, is often called upon to create custom structures for non-boating clientele. A request for the perfect Beachside Table design for Margaritaville’s poolside bar, sparked Mike Bredesen’s surfing origins and the idea to use actual Longboard surfboards as the surface for multiple tables. The curved classic Longboards were excellent visuals for the seaside environment…yet presented hardships in that there is no flat surface anywhere on the foam and glass boards. Mikes’ solution was a crafted frame system of natural wood, scribed to the multiple angles of each surfboard. Having no flat surface to place a glass or plate…Mike’s idea was to create a custom paper dam on the top of each Classic Longboard. Raw glass was then poured into the moulds, requiring extreme care in balancing the surfaces and curing the thick glass. Photos show the final Longboard Tables in place near Pensacola’s top surf break in front of Margaritaville, Pensacola Beach…where they are enjoyed by thousands of visiting beach goers each season.

I have used Flat Island Boatworks several times over the last few years for painting, gel coating and repairs. I’ve been pleased with the professionalism and knowledge Mike has shown to us each time. He has probably been painting as long as I’ve been fishing! Good job Mike and crew.

—Capt. Buz Pitts
Charter Boat “Gambler”

A Visual Vestibular Balancing Sphere

This was an unusual ‘technical’ project, for Control Engineer, Tom Allen of “Control-X”. Requiring very strict applications of measured dimensions and surfacing, the Spherical Mould Segment, composed of Marine Materials. Once assembled, the segments produce spherical devices which allow the designer’s invention to measure the visual/brain functions of individuals who sit inside the device. Research of ‘brain injured’ subject reactions to varying degrees of rotation, are measured, recorded and analyzed for possible treatment advances. FIBW is proud to take part in such a unique and potentially helpful project.

The Flat Island shop worked closely with me throughout the renovations to my aged O’Day Mariner. From strengthening the decks to hardware replacement and caulking for leaks all work was professionally finished beyond my expectations. The immaculate ‘Awl Grip Fighting Lady Yellow’ hull paint and black antifouling job made her an impressive little head turner. Thanks guys for the incredible care and work!

— O’Day Mariner
“Tam”