WEST SYSTEM: A Legacy of Innovation in Boatbuilding
Since our beginnings on Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay, WEST SYSTEM has been at the forefront of innovative boatbuilding and design. Founded by Meade and Jan Gougeon, our story started with racing iceboats, which became a proving ground for high-performance, lightweight construction methods. The Gougeon brothers, with insights gained from local mentor Vic Carpenter and collaboration with chemists at Dow Chemical, pioneered epoxy technology that transformed wooden boat construction.
In 1969, we launched our first commercial product—DN iceboats. By 1970, our epoxy-bonded trimaran ADAGIO demonstrated the longevity and resilience of fully bonded wood/epoxy structures, a feat that changed marine building standards. This led to the creation of WEST SYSTEM Epoxy, designed for bonding, sealing, and building lightweight, durable vessels that would inspire marine enthusiasts worldwide.
Contact Us
Today, WEST SYSTEM continues to innovate in marine epoxy technology. For inquiries on custom builds, boat designs, or the application of our products, please contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to assisting with your project and sharing our knowledge and passion for high-quality, long-lasting marine construction.