Remembering Ivor Jones: A Pioneer of Delta Marine and the Boatbuilding Industry

Delta Marine Boatbuilding Legend Ivor Jones Dies at Age 86

August 1, 2025

Ivor Jones, a pioneering figure in the boatbuilding industry and co-founder of Delta Marine, passed away last month at the age of 86. Alongside his brother Jack, Ivor established Delta Marine in 1967 along the Duwamish River in Seattle, with a vision to create durable fiberglass commercial fishing vessels designed to withstand the harsh conditions of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.

Under their leadership, Delta Marine delivered over 600 vessels in its early years, including seiners, gill netters, and charter boats. The Delta 58 model remains a benchmark for Alaskan fishing vessels, a testament to the brothers’ innovative spirit.

“Ivor had a bold vision for the yard’s future,” Delta Marine stated in a heartfelt tribute. “He invested in infrastructure, assembled a talented team, and fostered an environment for world-class boatbuilding.”

In 1984, the Jones brothers transitioned into yachting, crafting their first 70-foot yacht from a Delta crabbing hull. They expanded their shipyard to 18 acres, enhancing their capabilities to build custom megayachts and incorporating steel-hull fabrication.

Among Delta Marine’s most notable creations is the 240-foot steel-hulled yacht Laurel, launched in 2006, which was the largest yacht built in North America since 1934. The company also launched the 2,066-gross-ton Albatross in 2016, marking a significant achievement in yacht construction.

Today, Delta Marine operates under the leadership of Ivor’s daughter, Michelle Jones, in a sprawling 300,000 square feet of manufacturing space on 25 riverside acres. The company continues to uphold the values Ivor championed, focusing on integrity, care, and dedication to craftsmanship.

“Ivor led with heart, grit, and a deep sense of responsibility to his craft, his team, and his family,” Michelle said in a statement honoring her father. “We are committed to honoring that legacy in everything we do.”

As the boatbuilding community mourns the loss of Ivor Jones, his legacy of innovation and dedication will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of craftsmen and women in the industry.