The Waterline Systems Story
Waterline Systems has been helping customers get the most out of their boats since 1988.
Waterline Systems is a boatbuilding and repair company based in a 75,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility situated on 65 acres of waterfront property on the Intracoastal Waterway in North Carolina. We operate a travel lift, crane service, and dockage with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean. Located halfway between New York and Florida, we are ready to provide world-class service to all types of boats including sport fishing and center console recreational boats, catamarans, trawlers, commercial craft and sailing yachts.
Randy Borges, owner and managing director of Waterline Systems, began his boatbuilding career on sailing’s biggest stage – the America’s Cup. In the early ‘80s he worked first for the world-renown Newport Shipyard, which built numerous 12-meter yachts, including the Cup-Defender Liberty. Randy then went to work for Williams & Manchester Shipyard where he assisted in the construction of three 12-meters for the America II syndicate. In the next Cup cycle, he worked and sailed for the New York Yacht Club, overseeing maintenance and modifications to its boats for the 1987 Cup series in Australia.
After returning to Rhode Island, Randy went to work for Merrifield & Roberts supervising construction of a Claes Oldenburg designed 52-foot spoon sculpture, which is now on display in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden near the Walker Art Center. After that he spent time working for Concordia Custom Boats and again at Williams & Manchester Shipyard assisting in several new boat construction projects.
It was during this time that Randy, along with two partners, formed Waterline Systems. At first the company focused on repair work. Randy traveled to regattas with his tools in his pick-up, sailing during the day and fixing the inevitable breakdowns and making hull repairs at night. Ultimately Randy became the sole owner of Waterline Systems and in 1988 moved the company from the pickup to a dedicated facility in Rhode Island.
Waterline grew steadily and became the U.S. builder of many early J/Boat and Farr Yacht Design sailboats. Waterline was instrumental in refining the infusion-molding build process pioneered by TPI after purchasing the True North (powerboat, later sold), Alerion Yachts (sailboats) and North Rip (fishing boats) from TPI’s marine division.
Fast-forward to today, with the Waterline Systems facility now located in North Carolina.
“Our incredible location means that we can provide a greater level of service and convenience for those who are traveling north/south along the ICW and the I-95 corridor,” Borges said. “We specialize in getting your boat serviced and ready for the upcoming season so you can enjoy more time on the water and less time in dry dock.”
Waterline Systems is the parent company to several marine brands, including US Watercraft (aluminum commercial work boats), North Rip Boats (composite recreational fishing boats), Carolina Cockpit (composite molded and aluminum marine enclosures) and the Waterline Store (ecommerce site for hard-to-find sailboat parts). In addition, Waterline Systems is the trusted licensed builder behind several high-performance composite boats, including the electric Still Water rowing launch, Alerion Yachts, and the Colgate 26.
For more information on how Waterline Systems can provide service or upgrades for your powerboat, sailboat, or commercial vessel contact us today.