Page 40: of Marine News Magazine (September 2022)

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Silverback Marine “Elliot Bay has been a very key partner for us because share resources, do joint ventures, taking the top talents, they share our vision that having quality renderings avail- or the top value offerings from multiple different compa- able for people to review is such an important thing, more nies, combining it into one could help a customer real- than just blueprints,” Gracey said. “Their team is very ? ex- ize an outstanding vessel. Boatbuilder A might be really ible in accommodating customers’ needs. Then, not only good at one thing, and boatbuilder B might be really good is the design side of what they do very good, the actual at another. If you could get a meeting of the minds, and engineering of it is very good. Often, we will come up with get those people to collaborate and cooperate, that’s where the look of the vessel and hand that off to them to basi- we’ll see a catalyst for change in this industry.” cally translate into a buildable project. That just adds a lot Gracey said that Silverback, as still a relatively young of value to us. We have that freedom to come up with a name in the industry, is looking to gain people’s con? - concept, and then they take it from there.” dence as it eyes opportunities for growth. “We would like

In fact, collaboration is very important for Silverback. to increase awareness with government agencies, and go “I’d like to see more boatbuilders working together, rather after the multi-vessel contracts,” he said. “But it’s usually than against each other,” Gracey said, referencing Silver- the old established builders that [win these contracts], just back’s good working relationships with other Paci? c north- because they’re the ones that have been around.” west builders such as Wooldridge Boats and SAFE Boats “I think that the blue economy can embrace change by

International. “We’re able to meet together, talk about trying new ideas, trying new concepts. When fresh blood ideas, brainstorm, share resources.” comes in, that’s when innovation happens,” Gracey said. “I think that if boatbuilders could network more, and “Just because we’re new doesn’t mean we can’t be better.”

A truckable tug design developed by Silverback

Marine and Elliott Bay

Design Group is an example of the fresh approach the builder is trying to bring to the workboat industry.

Elliott Bay Design Group 40 | MN September 2022