St. Augustine Record: Sunday, February 05, 2006

The Way Marine Design founders have invented a clever product

By Darlene Schnittker Talking Business

PICTURED FROM left: Bryan Hinman, Bob Way, Chris Way and Bobby Federer stand next to a 'No Profile' boat lift installed at a home located on Salt Run. The lift is 12 feet wide and 36 feet long and can lift up to 10,000 pounds. It is designed so that all of the mechanical devices are hidden and allows for the lift to lie completely flat and flush with the dock. Owners are given the benefit of easy access to their vessel for cleaning and storage. Photos by JUSTIN YURKANIN, justin.yurkanin@staugustinerecord.com

Problem: You purchase a beautiful home on the water with a dock and a beautiful view. You invest in a boat and a lift, and now your waterfront view is obstructed by a large, ugly, metal boat lift.

Solution: A boat lift that is virtually invisible and can withstand a saltwater environment.

Way Marine Design founders and brothers Bob and Chris Way have a patent pending on a boat lift that they say can accomplish this.

"We are trying to educate the public that there is another alternative to a bulky lift," said Chris.

Called the No Profile Boat Lift, this hydraulic lift began as a concept developed by Bob Way. He has been involved in engineering, aerospace field service and aviation electronics through various employers. Though he never received a degree in engineering, brother Chris calls him a "mechanical wizard."

THIS 'NO PROFILE' boat lift is 12 feet wide and 36 feet long and can lift up to 10,000 pounds.

While living in Tampa, Bob built a prototype lift for himself. Over the next five years, he has worked on changes and improvements to the lift.

According to Chris Way, the boat lift industry is regional and fractured. "No one has changed the basic design in years," he said.

Brian Hinman is a machinist who was recently hired to help. "Brian helps me look at the big picture; I feel blessed to have him," said Bob.

The No Profile Boat Lift is invisible and engineered. It works on a hydraulics system with the use of a microprocessor. The stainless steel cable is under constant tension and does not coil unto itself, thus helping to increase the longevity of the lift.

All machinery is under foot. Twin hydraulic rams are mounted horizontally with twin power supplies.

Each hydraulic ram is encased in an aluminum cable-handling unit. The ram is only exposed when the lift is lowered.

"Boat lifts have been made with gear boxes for years. Some companies have tried using hydraulics, but quit," said Bob.

The Ways spent more than a year on a business plan.

They approached the business department at Flagler College for help in writing a business plan. Former student Bobby Federer spearheaded the project. He now works in marketing and operations for Way Marine Design.

Based on this business plan, entrepreneur Chris Way found sources for funding. Some of the investors have purchased boat lifts for themselves.

The employees of Way Marine and Design have produced 30 boat lifts so far. Work is done on a per order basis. "Inertia is building," said Chris.

The Ways attend boat shows in Atlanta and Miami. "We are motivated when we see people's reactions to the No Profile Boat Lift," said Chris. "Everyone who sees one wants one," he said

Contact Way Marine Design at 819-0128, or 1-800-688-1033. Web Site: www.noprofileboatlifts.com