SB: What sets Rattlesnake Marine Center apart from other competitors? How has it accomplished this and how will it continue to do so?
MS: Rattlesnake Marine Center has an 80-ton and 165-ton Travellift to be able to haul yachts up to 120 feet in length. We are a one-stop shop from oil changes to entire interior and exterior refits and full vessel paint jobs. We can manufacture interior components with on-site mill shop and CNC equipment.
SB: How has it developed and changed over the years?
MS: The property was purchased by two yachtsmen from a yacht-building company late last year. Both owners want to bring their values and dedication of dependable service to the market.
SB: What are you most proud of accomplishing in your position of General Manager?
MS: Putting a team of former yacht builders and service techs together to be able to offer any and all services to the client.
SB: What do you love most about what you do?
MS: Having a 500-ton captain’s license, I have always enjoyed all activities involving water and deliveries of medium and large motor yachts on all oceans. I have been employed in the yacht building industry for the last 30 years and worked in the past for prestigious yacht builders like Lazzara, Magnum, Chris Craft, and others, which gave me a unique view of how vessels are manufactured and how to efficiently repair or restore them to their original beauty.
SB: What should we expect from Rattlesnake Marine Center for 2015?
MS: Rapid growth in the yacht repair and restoration business, being able to offer excellent turnaround times, reasonable labor rates, onsite Wi-Fi service and office space for crew and/or owners.
SB: Are you involved in any outside marine organizations? If so, what are some of your responsibilities and what do you enjoy most about them?
MS: I have assisted the local Auxiliary Coast Guard to conduct safe boating courses and participated in some search and rescue operations.
SB: How involved in the boating and marine community are you? Do you own a boat yourself? What do you love most about boating?
MS: Having owned vessels from 11′ to 48′, I presently enjoy a well-preserved twin engine 23′ Aquasport that I use on the weekends with my family and my three Great Danes. Spending time on the water makes the stress of everyday life disappear and easy to manage.
By Ana-Christine Cook, Southern Exposure June 2015
