Ross Hartman’s grandparents were avid boaters. His grandfather was an electrician, gunsmith and handyman who could fix anything. He re-furbished and retrofitted existing boats. At 15, Ross’s potential for time on the water with his grandparents was cut short, when his grandfather passed away.
It wasn’t until many years later that the water bug bit him. He was building a custom log home for a client. The job site overlooked an expansive lake. Ross thought of his grandfather. He paused to take in the view and had the sudden urge to buy a boat, get out on the water, and leave the stress behind. While researching the market, he realized that for him something was missing. In his mind’s eye he saw the boat he wanted and got busy sketching it onto pieces of scrap wood he picked up at the job site.
The idea began to take shape. The boat would have a silhouette inspired by automobiles and boats of the 50s and 60s; and art deco, stainless details. A design from a simpler time, when things were less disposable – when people had pride-in-ownership, took immaculate care of their cars, and treasured the Sunday drive. The boat would be solid and powered with American muscle. If he longed for those qualities and iconic details in a new powerboat, then maybe others did as well. As the idea was flushed out into an actual concept, he began to receive positive feedback.
He immersed himself in the industry and in 2004 he established Danalevi Powerboats. Then, to further test the waters, he placed a Web advertisement on BoatTrader.com, showcasing the retro-inspired powerboat concept. The ad pulled between 3 to 4 times what BoatTrader ads normally deliver and with a very modest campaign. He was ready to take it to the next level.
It would come in handy that Ross hails from the construction and building industry, with an understanding of engineering and architecture. But he needed naval experts. Ross sought out and worked with many leaders in the industry, including Marine Concepts. Their naval architects helped to convert his concept into a sea-worthy vessel, from engineered CAD drawings through temp molds. Meanwhile, his drawings and design reached the desk of Volvo Penta’s marketing team. Impressed, they contacted Ross directly, eager to participate in the project. Their engineers partnered with him to create a power plan for his one-of-a-kind powerboat.
In 2013, ten years after his sketched idea, Ross Hartman launched Furina 22 his unique 22-foot powerboat at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Since its debut, Ross has stretched Furina to 24 feet, upgraded the interior styling, added bespoke options, and fine-tuned her power. Ross has gained the respect of naval architects for his designs. And while boat enthusiasts appreciate Furina, the most heartfelt compliments come from his now 94-year-old grandmother. She sees the boat, then closes her eyes and says, “I remember when…”
To see what’s possible for you go to> BUILD YOUR BOAT
FURINA Powerboats
P.O. Box 1311
Belchertown, MA 01007
800-882-1795
info@furinapowerboats.com
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