Our Story Begins in 1967
When Ben and Leidy Vermeulen founded SonShip and West Bay Shipyards, they had modest plans to build and repair boats. Ben had arrived in Vancouver from war-torn Holland eight years earlier, equipped with just $52 in his pocket and some early training as a goldsmith. He worked with a Lower Mainland wrought-iron fabricator, started a steel company, and turned to boat building in 1967. It became a lifelong passion – and a family labour of love.