Schaefer Marine has acquired Ideal Windlass Company, expanding Schaefer’s product offering and servicing existing Ideal Windlass customer base.
"We are pleased to announce the acquisition of Ideal Windlass. They have been a family run operation with great heritage and a fantastic reputation. We hope to continue and expand upon that tradition"
– Fred Cook, President of Schaefer Marine
Ideal Windlass Company, currently of East Greenwhich, RI, was founded in 1936 by the late Burton S. Raymond. Ideal's growth was rapid and it supplied the U.S. Navy with windlasses and cable retrievers for sub chasers and mine sweepers throughout WWII and then through the Korean Conflict. At the same time the company was supplying most of the U.S. pleasure craft industry. Ideal's client list over the years has included Bertram, Viking, Chris Craft, Tollycraft, Bayliner, Ocean Yachts, Broward, Burger, Hinckley/Little Harbor, Roscioli and Palmer Johnson to name a few.
The company was then taken over by Burton Raymond Jr. and run since the 1970’s by his son Cliffe and wife Betsy. They prided themselves on superior customer service and custom capabilities to make Ideal a builder of top quality equipment. Ideal believes Schaefer Marine was the right fit for their company.
"We cannot think of another company we would sell to. Ideal and Schaefer have long shared a tradition of quality manufacturing and we know that will continue."
- Cliffe Raymond, Ideal Windlass Company
Effective immediately, Schaefer Marine will continue sales of all Ideal Windlass products, as well as service existing models. Cliffe Raymond will continue in a consulting role with Schaefer, ensuring continuity and new product development.
For over 35 years, Schaefer Marine has stood at the forefront of marine hardware design and construction, offering rugged, durable gear engineered to perform no matter how demanding the conditions. At Schaefer, we are committed to customers and dedicated to providing the highest levels of service and support in the industry. As a result, there is no name in marine hardware more trusted than Schaefer. For more information, please visit the website at: www.schaefermarine.com.
