Yanmar Acquires Boatswain’s Locker to Expand Western US Marine Support

Yanmar brings a long-standing distributor into the group

Yanmar has acquired Boatswain’s Locker, its long-standing marine distributor for the western United States. The move is intended to expand dealer coverage, servicing and customer support across a region that includes California, Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Hawaii.

Founded in 1939, Boatswain’s Locker has served as Yanmar Marine International’s exclusive servicing distributor across those markets. The business will now work more closely with Mastry Engine Center as Yanmar develops its recreational marine operations in the United States.

Distribution and aftersales move closer to builders and owners

The acquisition is designed to connect product development, sales and aftersales support more directly with US boatbuilders, dealers and owners. Yanmar says that closer integration should shorten communication paths between field experience and technical support.

Boatswain’s Locker also distributes Vetus products, bringing another Yanmar-owned marine brand into the transaction. Vetus sits within the same Marine Recreational Business Unit as Maxwell, Flexofold and Smartgyro.

Existing leadership remains through integration

Robert Apted will remain president of Boatswain’s Locker and oversee integration between the distributor and Yanmar. That continuity allows the group to retain local dealer knowledge while adding the resources of a wider international network.

For yacht builders and service companies, the practical effect should be seen in parts availability, technical response and coordination across propulsion and onboard systems. The acquisition also reflects a broader trend toward manufacturers taking greater control of regional distribution and aftersales support.