nice things…

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When they come and buy a new boat, you can see in the eyes of these proud owners a certain light of excitement when they start listing the accessories and ‘nice things…’ they want on the new toy. Or gift. Or well deserved treat, the Predator 165.

Then a long list begins: life jackets, extra seats, a bit of these, some of that, a shiny VHF, a fish finder, a wide screen chart plotter, ropes upon ropes.

And rod holders. How many rod holders must a man have on his boat?

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And how many gimmicky high technical multi-tools must I carry with me?

You know what? Never too many. Same for torches: one in the car, two at home in strategic points, one at work, one in the panniers of the bike, one on each {sigh!} boats. And on each single key ring: small, handy and somewhat fashionable: one for the car, one for the house, etc.

We like our gadgets, our accessories. We like and praise the characteristic of our Predators:  the shiny lines, the stainless steel, the seats cover, the manoeuvrability, the power of the engine, the thermal flask we bought to use specifically on the boat, the new coastal trousers and jackets we will proudly wear. And we can sit on our boat/s and count all the rod holders that we have purchased. As a gift: not for us, but to please her.

We don’t simply own a boat. We have an emotional connection with the Predator. We didn’t buy it because we simply trusted Douglas Marine (the manufacturer) and we believed in the ads, and were pleased with the coffees and teas offered.

We bought it because we fell in love with her.

Her distinctive design stirs the emotions. It is something individual, something custom-designed for me personally. It is not like just ‘another boat’, but the Predator has ‘something’ that has become part of myself.

I bought that boat because she tells a story about me: I am respectful, reliable, fast, fun to be with, safe and sensible.

I am my Predator!

 

ph+txt: copyright © 2012 mtph – All right reserved. Any unauthorised copying, downloading or reproduction of both text and photo will constitute an infringement of copyright. Do obtain permission. 

teasing wind

In the morning, when I drive down the lane, sometime I have the feeling I can ‘smell’ the boats moored just some yards from me.

Hey, ‘smelling’ boats? What is this all about?

douglas boatyard

I have a passion for boats, and for water. And boats do have a particular smell which is recognisable by anyone who loves them. You know what I mean by it.

I drive down, park the car and take a good look at them. Because, yes! I work in a boatyard. I work among boats. We build, repair, take good care of, are amazed by some, laugh at some others, listen to all sorts of stories and tales; we listen to the wind teasing us, ‘only humans,’ among masts and booms. Because we are by the water, and not in the water.

But I smile, at the wind, trying hard to understand which stories does it bring from other marinas, shores, little boats, big boats, sailing boats, fishing boats, bays, seas, rivers… every day, a new story.

I am simply ‘human’, as it likes to sinuate. So, I can only go inside, make myself a brew and a new working day begins.

ph+txt: copyright © 2012 mtph – All right reserved. Any unauthorised copying, downloading or reproduction of both text and photo will constitute an infringement of copyright. Do obtain permission. 

and we are…

Ray and Chris Jackson

Ray is the Managing Director of Douglas Marine Limited. He is a chartered engineer who has had a life-long passion for boats and the sea and you may see him sailing on the Irish Sea in his yacht “Kon-Tiki”.  Ray is also a keen angler, enjoying both sea and freshwater fishing.

Ray  and his wife, Chris, established Douglas Marine Limited in 1999 to purchase and run Douglas Boatyard, where sea-going boats have been built and repaired for over 100 years.  Predator Boats was established around  four years later with the launch of the Predator 160, on which the best-selling Predator 165 Sea Angler is based.

You can email Ray at: info@predatorboats.biz

Grant Jackson

Grant is a director and shareholder of Douglas Marine Limited, has an honours degree in engineering and has been involved with boats since childhood. One of his  responsibilities is for new model development and he is currently working on the development of the 2012 Redfinn 6M.

You can email Grant at: douglasboatyard@ymail.com

The Team

Ray, Chris and Grant are supported by a team of skilled and time-served shipwrights, boat-builders and boatyard operatives who have experience of working on all types of sea-going and inland pleasure craft, from ocean-going yachts and off-shore power boats, to canal cruisers and even sailing dinghies.

Whether you are considering buying your new boat from Predator Boats, or simply asking us to repair or maintain the boat you already own,we have the professional skills and experience to inspire confidence.

Matilde Tomat (Millie)

Millie is the Boatyard Office Manager, taking care of the day to day running of the business and helping the Directors to look after the boatyard’s customers. Millie has a combined degree in Oceanography & Marine Biology and has been a boating enthusiast since childhood, having learned to sail with her parents on their classic timber yacht on the Adriatic Sea.
Millie joined Douglas Marine Ltd in October 2011.
You can email Millie at: douglasmarine@ymail.com

Hello world!

Hello World!

Hello Sailors, Walkers, Boat Enthusiasts, Fishermen, Dog-Owners, Passers-by… and Friends!

This is Douglas Marine, its Boatyard and Predator Boats…

Douglas Marine