Founded: 1993

Geoff Prior
Brendan Prior
Kelly Armitage
Chris Bouzaid

Our Story

Our goal is to supply and service quality products to the marine industry with an emphasis on improving the sailing experience.

AB Marine was founded in 1993 by New Zealand yacht racers Steve Armitage and Chris Bouzaid.  Initially representing one propeller manufacturer, the company grew to import and distribute several products throughout USA and Canada.

In 2004 another Kiwi, Geoff Prior, joined the team.  Geoff was an ocean racer on all the maxi’s including Kialoa, Condor, Boomerang and Nirvana, winning Fastnet, Syndey Hobart and other international races.  Geoff represented New Zealand and other countries in the Quarter, Half and One Ton Cups and designed sails for Hood.  Ashore since 1996 Geoff has run shipyard facilities at Little Harbour Marine/Hinckley and Derecktors.

By 2015 we added GORI and Variprop propellers, as well as our own Shaft Shark line cutter.  Steve retired and sold the company to Geoff who is ably assisted by Steve’s daughter Kelly who runs the office.  Additions to our product line included Moonlight Hatches in 2019 and Hundested Controllable Pitch Propellers in 2021.

Additions to our product line in 2022 were Lasdrop Mechanical Face and Dripless Lip Seals.

In February 2023 we welcomed Geoff’s son Brendan to the team.  Brendan is very experienced in all sail and power technologies and trades (mechanical, electrical, paint and carpentry).  He is very passionate about the marine industry, having run his own service and repair operation, served as yard manager at Bristol Marine and led RIMTA Futures (under 40 marine professionals) for RI Marine Trades Association.  Brendan races at the very top level of sailing and is an avid fisherman, going offshore for the big ones.

Collectively this team has crossed all oceans and anchored in places that others have yet to discover.  This vast knowledge from our experience is here for our customers and clients to draw from.  We stand ready with innovative products and a sincere commitment to help our customers enjoy their boating experience.

Call us anytime!