Bayliner Founder Sells Westport Yachts to Chouest Family

Image courtesy Westport Yachts

Westport Shipyard, the largest yacht builder in North America, announced in an emailed statement they have been acquired by Westport, LLC, an ownership group that includes Gary Chouest and members of his Louisiana-based family.

The company’s management team led by Daryl Wakefield along with the 400 employees of Westport will remain in place however, with no expected changes according to the statement.

Since 1997, Westport’s majority shareholder has been Mr. John Orin Edson, the billionaire founder of Bayliner Marine.

“Similar to the history of the Chouest family business, Westport began five decades ago with a fishing fleet, and has diversified into many other core businesses, focusing on customer satisfaction and the pursuit of excellence,” said Gary Chouest.

Westport has facilities three locations in Washington state, as well as a marina and sales office in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The company has built more than 120 yachts since 2000, including one for Gary Chouest.

“Gary has always been passionate about our industry, and we are honored to count him as a customer, and now our majority owner, as well,” commented Westport president, Daryl Wakefield.

Westport is not the Chouest family’s first venture in the yacht-building business; they also own American Custom Yachts of Stuart, Florida.

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