Alfred Baurley of Arid Bilge Systems interviewed Bob Sparks, Derek Rawnsley, and Connor Henley of Bahama Boat Works to talk about the Arid Bilge System.
See below for a transcript of the entire conversation!
Interview Transcript
Bob Sparks: At Bahama Boat Works, we’re always striving for quality. Our saying is, our quality is impeccable. Just keeping up with new things. Arid Bilge Systems just really helps keep the bilge dry.
Derek Rawnsley: Our customer expects the absolute best in appearance, in quality, and the Arid Bilge System really makes it easy for them to have that neat and clean bilge. The owner opens it up, looks in there, and everything’s tidy and clean. It’s really a perfect fit for what we’re doing.
Bob Sparks: It’s perfect for the consumer to protect their investment with all their electronics and components in the bilge. Just a win-win situation with Arid Bilge Systems.
Alfred Baurley: Hello. At the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show here with Connor Henley from Bahama Boat Works. He’s gonna go ahead and tell us a little bit about the history of Bahama Boats. It’s a family business. Tell us a little bit about the Arid Bilge System and how it coexists very well with the Bahama Boat brand.
Connor Henley: Absolutely. Thanks for having me, Alfred. So, Bahama Boat Works was started by Scott Henley. Company’s been in business for 15 plus years, and the biggest thing that he strived for in the industry is just having the best fit and finish of any center console boats out there. Scott’s been in the industry for over 40 years, originally started his career as a boat captain. He knows exactly how to fix things and how difficult it could be to work in these compartments in these boats. So originally, one of the founders of Jupiter, and also went on to be one of the founders of Venture Marine. And then, of course, here we are with Bahama. So there’s a lot of DNA that helped bring the Bahama together to really show what it takes and, you know, with everything being finished, nice to actually build a quality fishing machine.
We’re very limited production. We build anywhere from 12-15 boats a year depending on spec, and that’s how we’re able to actually achieve the level of fit and finish that we do. Like Alfred said, we’re a family owned company, so when you do purchase a Bahama, no matter the size, you are joining a family. And so with that, you get a product that’s second to none, and you also get a resale value that really can be compared to any of the best in the industry. So keep the level of finish and quality that we do, we also need to work with brands that are able to help bring them to help as well. Unfortunately, one of the most overlooked items that you can actually get for your big boat, center console is an Arid Bilge System.
I recommend that all our customers get them put in, especially in that bilge area because there’s a lot of moisture that builds up in that area. And we’re in a marine environment. It’s one of the harshest environments that you can be in, especially with saltwater. And there’s a lot of things that people don’t take into account. You know, you have dark areas when your hatches are closed. You got moisture build up. You know, you are constantly getting rained on, sun. You can mix that heat, you know, hot, humid air with dark environments, and that leads to one of the worst things possible–mold. The Arid does an excellent job in keeping these compartments clean and dry, so that when you open that up, you’re never gonna be met with a horrid nightmare–when it comes to the mess to clean up and as well as your health too.
Alfred: Tell me about any brands that you guys carry. A little bit about the major brands. Like, making sure that you guys have the best possible product that you’re selling the customer. I mean remind me, you guys produce, like 12 I mean, it’s not a huge quantity that you’re producing, but I get the point. You guys are producing an absolutely top quality product, and that is the standard that you guys are trying to always achieve. And that’s why you guys are doing limited boats. You guys are doing a custom boat style, but that that’s gonna fit the needs of every one of your customers. Tell me about that.
Connor: Yeah. Absolutely. So, as far as brands, I mean, we’re a semi custom, but, you know, we obviously have our preferences of what works best for us. But, of course, you know, if you’re a die-hard fan of a particular brand, that’s something that we’re not gonna shy away from when it comes to electronics, and VHF antennas, you know, anything that there’s a wide variety of brands for custom boats. You know, we want the boat to be yours, and we’re gonna work with you throughout that whole experience to make sure that when you take delivery, it’s exactly what you’re looking for. We offer all the state of the art equipment now that you could find: Garmin electronics, SeeKeeper, or anything new that’s for Mercury, their electric steering. So technology is rapidly improving. We’re right there with all those big brands to make sure that all that new tech is incorporated with our boat.
Read more about Bahama Boat Works on their website.
