ABOUT US
WELDING A LEGACY.
BUILT ON EXPERIENCE. DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
Bay Weld Boats was founded on a simple principle: build boats strong enough for Alaska. What began as a one-man welding operation is now a full-scale custom boatbuilding company serving clients across the North Pacific. Every vessel that leaves our yard reflects decades of experience in Alaska’s fisheries, a relentless pursuit of quality, and a commitment to doing the job right.
We don’t build to a template—we build to your mission. And we do it all in Homer, Alaska.
from the dock up.
Founder Allen Engebretsen grew up commercial fishing and homesteading in Homer. In the off-season, he learned to weld under legendary boat builder George Hamm. By 1974, he had hung up his own shingle and started Bay Welding to service the local fishing fleet.
After decades working on boats and fishing Alaska’s waters himself, Allen built the first aluminum Bay Weld skiff in 1996. The response was immediate—fishermen recognized the quality, and demand grew. Over time, Bay Weld became known for producing some of the toughest, best-crafted aluminum vessels on the water.
A NEW ERA.
In 2009, Allen’s son Eric Engebretsen took over day-to-day operations. A commercial fisherman and engineer at heart, Eric expanded Bay Weld into a full-service custom builder. He introduced in-house CAD design, added machine, vinyl, and wood shops, and brought new efficiency to the build process—while maintaining the uncompromising custom standards Bay Weld is known for.
Under Eric’s leadership, Bay Weld broadened its reach to include vessels for tourism, freight, government, research, and recreation—building on a strong foundation to meet the growing needs of Alaska’s working waters. In 2020, after the company’s 220th build, Eric became owner and continues to oversee operations today.
PROUDLY BUILT IN ALASKA.
We’re proud to build our boats in Homer, Alaska, in the heart of one of the state’s most dynamic marine communities. Our crew of 50 year-round employees brings deep experience from across the maritime trades. Welders, designers, builders, and systems experts work side-by-side to deliver boats that perform where it counts: on the water.
PROVEN IN ALASKA
Engineered, designed, and tested in Alaska’s toughest conditions—because that’s where our boats work.
ACCESSIBLE SUPPORT
We provide cradle-to-grave service with every build—supporting our clients before, during, and long after delivery.
BUILT BY ALASKANS
We’re proud to hire locally, invest in our team, and support our community through steady,
meaningful work.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
We have had 3 US Coast Guard inspected passenger vessels designed and built by Bay Welding over the past 4 years or so . Each was a collaboration to devise a unique boat to meet very specific operating missions. EVERY project was a joy, every step of the way.
KIRK HOESSLE
President, Alaska Wildland Adventures
When it was time to build the boat of our dreams, we knew the dedicated team of master craftsmen at Bay Weld would deliver. They spent countless hours guiding us through the build process, helping us understand our options, developing innovative design solutions, and delivering our dream boat.
Mike & Amanda Frison
Personal Boat