San Diego Yacht Works History

Welcome!

it is the History of San Diego Yacht Works that makes us who we are today. In early 1975 at age 13, San Diego Yacht Works Founder, Sydney Griffin, recognized the need for customer oriented marine restoration, cleaned, polished and waxed high end Yachts on the docks of St. Clair Shores Michigan. Mr. Griffin started his business with one Bucket, polishing compound, wax, a couple of rags, He slowly built the company by instituting, and, in some cases, pioneering quality operating procedures, safety, and environmental protection standards. In early 1976 at age 14, Mr. Griffin, out of plywood, built his first sailboat and Sailed! Mr. Griffin expanded his services to marine Carpentry, Teak Restoration, Varnish and repair operating inside St. Clair Shores Mi. At that time, he decided he could and would continue to exceed customer satisfaction and did. Obtained great customer relation skills and was recognized by the marina for using marine friendly chemicals. In 1984, Mr. Griffin expanded again, this time to providing a certificate in small engine repair specializing in Outboard motors. After acquiring a Certificate in Small Engines in 1987, Mr. Griffin moved to Southern California and began working as a Small Engine Outboard motor mechanic, also, every Fall he helped children have the greatest time as a Lifeguard and Outboard Mechanic for the Bumper Boat exhibit at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds, Later In 1992, living in Tampa Florida In addition, Mr. Griffin has managed and participated in several complete refits. purchased his first project, a 1980 26 foot Thunderbird formula with twin Mercury Mercruiser 470”s, with Mystery Oil he broke loose the valves, cleaned and rebuilt both carburetor’s and started the motors! After a few years of much cleaning and polishing The Thunderbird was sold at a substantial profit! Then again, In mid-2002, Mr. Griffin while still living in Tampa Florida, purchased a 1982, 26 foot, Bay liner Buccaneer Sailing Vessel. Cleaned, waxed, Polished, Repaired the motor and used his marine carpentry skills to repair the teak and cabinets then donated the vessel to the Marina to be used for giving Sailing Lessons to Children in the community! Then In mid-2010, Mr. Griffin moved back to Southern California and purchased a 27 foot Catalina sailing yacht. As he did with his Thunderbird Formula in Tampa Florida, he cleaned, polished, waxed, repaired the motor and sold it for a profit.

In mid-2014 Mr. Griffin Purchased his 1980, 32 foot Pearson Sailing Yacht and decided it was time, in Mid-2015, After much experience, San Diego Yacht Works was formed as a company in the marine services and repair field, and the company desired to add to its ever-growing lists of services. Since then, San Diego Yacht Works has acquired a City Business License, Tax Certificate to operate in California and 1,000.000 dollar liability Insurance. after a substantial background check through Homeland security received the clearance and obtained a T.W.I.C. Card to work in any port in the United States, and receive a captains license, Mr Griffin is now looking to receive the OUPV ENDORSEMENT this summer 2016!

Conclusion

Since 1975 at age 13, Mr. griffin began exceeding customer expectations, providing professional marine restoration and repair services from St. Clair shores, Michigan, to Tampa Florida, to San Diego California, He has given to the community, and is recognized by the Harbor and marine industry for the professional and safe transportation of used oil’s and fuels to be disposed of properly, and the use of marine friendly Chemicals to preserve the marine environment.
Today, He continues to exceed customer relations by being Mobile and understanding most harbors in San Diego County have “Mooring Tie’s” or “Can’s” for the Mooring of Vessels. And that a lot of the owners are from out-of-state. Whether you are on a mooring Tie, in a slip, or on a trailer We have a Mobile Unit service set up to keep your Vessel Clean and ready to go, Weekly, Monthly, or Annually Services are available to all San Diego California communities.
Out-Of-Town? Tired of Traffic? No problem! Every project is recorded with our video equipment in real time. All the videos are uploaded into your personal account page and on our YouTube page. No more wondering what was done or how long it took; we want our customers to see the work being done without worry or having to travel. It is and will always be our goal to provide a “Worry Free” customer relation and to have your boat ready when you need it, your way. I built this Business on trust. Let’s keep the Dream Alive!

Thank You!
Sydney Griffin