Sealver is a brand of rigid and semi-rigid motor boats. This shipyard is based on a very particular concept, since the boats are propelled by a jetski. This one, whatever its brand, comes "embedded in the hull" and serves both as propulsion and steering. Often copied, it is the only shipyard in the world to offer this alternative, this concept called WaveBoat.
New buildings
Faced with the strong increase in demand, the yard had to expand. Patrick Bardon, the CEO, welcomes us in Sanguinet, in the Landes, to visit the factory: " There was just a building to assemble the boats, and next to me a subcontractor who built my polyester hulls. With his disappearance, I thought of moving. But in the end, the opportunity to buy his premises allowed me to stay. Now, Sealver has 26,000 m2 of land and 6,000 m 2 of covered space. "
26 000 m 2 of land
The visit of the area lets discover a beautiful factory, clean, organized and taking into account its environment. We even discover a swimming pool, usable by the 25 employees, in the center of the site! The manager specifies: " I want to remain a human-sized company. Here, everyone is responsible for his work. The notion of hierarchy is not predominant. "
6 buildings for 6000 m2 covered
On the ground, we discover 6 buildings newly inaugurated in May 2022. Each building represents a workshop with a specific skill. Thus, there is the polyester building that builds the hulls and molded parts. A stainless steel building for all the hoops and other t-tops. A building for the semi-rigid hulls, which are entirely glued on site. A building for the realization of the parts in rotomolding which are used for the connection between the jetski and the boat. Finally, the fittings building, the last point of passage for the boats before delivery. The building on the road side, the first one visible to the visitor, houses a showroom and the administrative offices. Patrick Bardon adds: " The only thing missing is the saddlery skill so that all our boats are built on site. "
The largest construction site in France
With nearly 200 boats between 5 and 8 m, which leave the factory each year, the Sealver shipyard represents the largest production in France of small units, the large shipyards, including the Bénéteau group, having moved their production abroad. The expansion of the factory is welcome, even if Patrick Bardon concludes: " The demand continues to grow and despite the new premises, we are already a little cramped! "
