
Winter Custom Yachts has been building custom boats in North Carolina since 2006. Owner Tim Winter and his team have never shied away from a challenge when aiming to meet a customer’s expectations. This is evident in their recent launch of an impressive 65′(20m) express fishing boat, First Light. This boat currently holds the title for the largest express boat built in North Carolina and is also Winter’s largest yacht splashed to date.
While this build required some out-of-the-box thinking, one decision that became easy to make was the choice of coatings. Like nearly every Winter yacht constructed in the company’s 13-year history, First Light utilized the benefits of applying the full Alexseal system. Although Winter’s crew of shipwrights never back down from a challenge, they are very pleased with how simple it is to achieve stunning results using Alexseal products.
Winter exclaims, “It has always been my desire to build the best boats on the water. I never compromise on details and will always deliver the finest custom sportfishing boats that my clients are proud to own.” This passion for no compromise is what keeps Winter and their team coming back to Alexseal for each new custom cold-molded boat they build.
First Light is built for a Florida family who enjoys traveling and fishing on the open water. The owner wanted something bigger than their current 52′(16m) boat to accommodate their family on long trips but insisted on an express boat design to keep the captain in the fun and action instead of alone up on a bridge. Equipped with a pair of the latest fuel-efficient and low-emission V12 engines from MAN, First Light hits a top speed of 40 knots and comfortably cruises around 34 knots.

With Alexseal protecting the hull and topsides of First Light, the owner and family will be able to enjoy the beauty and protection of Alexseal with minimal maintenance for many years. And, when it comes time for a color change or repaint, the original fairing and coatings system can remain and fresh 442 Primer and 501 Topcoat can be applied with minimal prep work. This provides a substantial savings in products and labor and minimizes time ‘on the hard’ for any boat that enjoys the full Alexseal system.
The new construction crews at Winter’s North Carolina production facility have their hands full with several new builds in different stages. Each owner of a Winter Custom Yacht will be enjoying the peace of mind and superior durability and gloss of Alexseal for many years after they take delivery of their new custom yacht.