Anyone with Mainship History files / info feel free to add them here.
I'm moving a couple files from the MS Yahoo site here to start things off.
I'm moving a couple files from the MS Yahoo site here to start things off.
Is the Yahoo site still up? I thought Yahoo closed it decades ago?![]()
Perhaps you can help me. I am trying to get a Coastwise endorsement on my USCG Certificate of Documentation. The coast guard is requiring Evidence of Build, which is just a form stating where the vessel was built. The plaque on my MS 390 says it was built in St. Augustine FL. Both Mainship and Marlow are out of business, so I am seeking a solution. Do you know of any former Mainship employees. USCG has stated to me any former employee can fill in the form.I owned a 1978 Mainship 1 for 14 years and was one of the yahoo forum moderators.
I saved some files but not sure what I still have. A lot of it was on cd and I may have tossed those as I don’t have a cd drive in my laptop.
Over the next month or 2 I’ll go thru everything I still have that seems pertinent and make it available if it’s not already in the library here.
I’ll work thru Baccus as he seems to be the focal person now and I believe he’s also a moderator that can post to the library.
Thank you. The USCG documentation agent I spoke said they won't accept a photo of the manufacturing plaque but will accept a form signed by any former Mainship employee.Wayne
I'm posting here so others with similar question might find some answers in the future - I'll also answer your Conversation.
I was not a MS employee and don't have any contacts so can't help there. I can provide some info / documentation that might satisfy USCG request.
Hope something from the above helps out - I would think the strongest confirmation is the Mfg Plate on YOUR boat.
- I would think a photo of your Mfg plate listing St Augustine would help document the origin/
- I have paperwork from the previous / first owner of my MS 34HT that includes a pre-delivery record from Mainship that shows their location as 255 Diesel Road, St Augustine, FL 32086. The boat was purchased from Bayside Yacht Sales, 1000 1st Ave W. Ste A, Bradenton FL 34205. I have no idea if they are still around and could confirm MS factory location in St Augustine.
- I know Gioia Sales in NJ was a supplier of Mainship. I believe Don Gioia is still there and running it and might be able to provide the confirmation as he supplied them when they were in NJ and believe he opened a southern branch when they moved to At Augustine in 1992.
- Here is a link to an industry article that corroborates the history
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Mainship- an international success story
The history of Mainship reads like the archetypal American dream: in the 1830s a young European dreams of success in the new world; he leaves his native Germany and settles in New York City where he struggles to build a chandlery business in the rough and tumble of the busy harbour district.www.sail-world.com
- I will attach a PDF that covers MS Manuf. that confirms the St Augustine location.
- A search on MS history turns up other references such as Wikipedia
- If Gioia doesn't help if you access the part pics (info in a sticky post in the Marlow-MS section) Clicking on the part pics brings up source info that might still be in business and be able to confirm Mfg location they sold to.
- I believe Marlow is still in business (last I knew) but they have not been very cooperative / helpful to MS owners. I tried 2 emails that went unanswered and I gave up.
Jim Krueger was a VP at Mainship before it closed and according to this article he has started a photography business in retirement. His email is in the article, he may be able to help you if that email is still valid. https://www.tradeonlytoday.com/manu...etires-after-46-years-in-the-boating-industryPerhaps you can help me. I am trying to get a Coastwise endorsement on my USCG Certificate of Documentation. The coast guard is requiring Evidence of Build, which is just a form stating where the vessel was built. The plaque on my MS 390 says it was built in St. Augustine FL. Both Mainship and Marlow are out of business, so I am seeking a solution. Do you know of any former Mainship employees. USCG has stated to me any former employee can fill in the form.
Here is a link to an industry article that corroborates the history
![]()
Mainship- an international success story
The history of Mainship reads like the archetypal American dream: in the 1830s a young European dreams of success in the new world; he leaves his native Germany and settles in New York City where he struggles to build a chandlery business in the rough and tumble of the busy harbour district.www.sail-world.com
I've emailed and left a couple of messages for Jim Kreger using contact infor on his photo business website, but so far no response.Jim Krueger was a VP at Mainship before it closed and according to this article he has started a photography business in retirement. His email is in the article, he may be able to help you if that email is still valid. https://www.tradeonlytoday.com/manu...etires-after-46-years-in-the-boating-industry