Beckson Marine celebrates 60th anniversary
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — By producing the first all-plastic bilge pump, Beckson Marine helped introduce thermoplastics to the marine industry. Throughout the years, it also brought many other now common materials, including rigid PVC, Korad®, Rovel®, Teflon®, Cycolac®, Hypalon®, Lexan® and polypropylene. As the company celebrates its 60th anniversary, it still enables boaters today to enjoy the safety, performance and convenience of plastic components and accessories.
In 1955, the first Beckson Thirsty-Mate pump was manufactured. It may have been the first durable, 100% thermoplastic machine to operate in the world, and its successful design is still used by modern boaters. After the proven quality of this bilge pump, consumer demand propelled the development of other Beckson products such as utility pumps, cruiser pumps, flexible hoses and a boat hook throughout the rest of the ’50s.
In the 1960s, Beckson continued the expansion of its line with the introduction of clips, vents and rod storage tubes. By the ’70s, plastic was recognized as state-of-the-art since it eliminated electrolysis, corrosion, lubrication, maintenance, and annual repainting problems.
Beckson’s focus remained on creating products that enhanced safety aboard. It introduced the first pop-out deck plate that didn’t need a spanner wrench, as well as a watertight, screw-out, self-centering deck plate. In 1974, the company moved to its current Bridgeport, Connecticut location. By 1979, as the company expanded into other markets, it incorporated as Beckson Marine Inc. with Bob Beckerer as president.
Throughout the next four decades, Beckson increased its pump lines and created a broader range of patented products including watertight hatches, opening ports, soft cowl vents, deck plates with storage bags and the Vent-o-Mate exhaust ventilator.
Recently, Beckerer was named CEO and Steve Anschutz took the reins of the company. Beckson holds more than two dozen patents and carries over 900 products, including utility and cruiser pumps, hoses, hooks, clips, hatches, vents, port lights and deck plates.
Contact Beckson Marine, 165 Holland Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06605. Email: sales@beckson.com; Visit www.beckson.com.
Congradulations on 60 years. My father Bill Hill represented Beckson from the beginning until he retired in the early 80s. I was able to see the company grow through the years with innovated new products.
Jay Hill