Jim Backus is a graduate of Mitchell College, New London, CT, Bryant College (Bryant University) Providence, RI and Westlawn School of Yacht Design, Stamford, CT. Between Bryant and Westlawn Jim served with the U.S. Marine Corps.
Jim is a past member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers and the American Boat & Yacht Council. With ABYC he served on the Structure and Arrangement Committee while at Westlawn.
Professional Accomplishments
As an independent design firm the following boats and yachts were developed:
Fiberglass: Victory 37 and 49 tugs, the Gatsby 39 and 49 Lake Union Dreamboats, Cherubini 45 trawler, Kodiak 23 fisherman, Cigarillo 14 powerboat, Cigarillo 24 powerboat (prototype), GlasPly 21 powerboat, the BYC twin engine runabout, 36' Multi-Purpose Day Cruiser, Benchmark 45 Long Distance trawler, 42' Police/Rescue/Fireboat, 60' Gondola Dinner Boat, 46' Sport fisherman professional tournament boat (prototype), Livingston 18' fishing boat, Livingston 13' tender/fishing boat, 22' prototype power cat, 24' mid-engine powerboat, and 18' and 22' power multi-hulls
Aluminum: 36' Sandman classic cruising ketch, Pamplin 32' 80 mph performance powerboat, Bulldog 26' tug/work boat, Bristol Bay 32 fishing boat (first with 16' overall beam), 50' tractor tug (prototype).
Composites: Simpson 40' production houseboat/barge, Czarina 32 powerboat hull development
Non-Boat Designs: Transportable docking system, diving platforms, close circuit sailboat racing course, floating chaise lounge chair, floating sales office
President of Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology (formerly the Westlawn School of Yacht Design) from 1996 to 2003. Westlawn is an independent study school with students located in 59 countries worldwide.