Master Boat Builders is based in Coden, Alabama. Its main shipyard is in the Mobile Bay area.
What kinds of boats does it build?
It builds workboats, including tugboats, offshore supply vessels, fishing boats, dive support vessels, and government or defense vessels.
What is the brand known for?
It is known for family ownership, custom commercial workboats, and durable builds for heavy-duty service. The company also has a reputation for innovation in tugboat design.
Master Boat Builders is a family-owned boat and shipbuilder based in Coden, Alabama. Founded in 1979 by James and Michael Rice after Hurricane Frederic destroyed their seafood shop, the company builds workboats for customers in the United States and abroad. It says it has delivered more than 450 vessels over more than 40 years.
History and shipyard
Master Boat Builders began as a small family venture in Coden, Alabama, after Hurricane Frederic in 1979. The company was started by James and Michael Rice and grew from a seafood-shop pivot into a commercial shipbuilder. Its official history emphasizes long-term family ownership, in-house management, and a focus on building durable vessels. The shipyard remains in Coden, with additional operations referenced in the Mobile area for larger projects.
Model range and design
Master Boat Builders specializes in workboats, with most of its output centered on tugboats, offshore supply vessels, fishing boats, dive support vessels, and government or defense craft. The company has also been associated with hybrid and all-electric tug development, including the eWolf project. Its published material highlights custom construction, practical designs, and builds intended for commercial service rather than leisure cruising. The brand is best known for rugged aluminum and steel workboats built for demanding operating conditions.
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