About Westerberg

The Westerberg family is now fourth generation Albanians. Professional fishing was the family business and out of necessity began building fishing boats to service their activities.

Such was the success of their purpose built fishing boats that soon other professional fishermen wanted Westerberg’s to build their boats too.

In 1977 Westerberg’s operated a smash repair business on the corner of Vine and Douglas Streets in Albany and a new product aluminium was being used with great success in boat building due to its strength and light weight. A new business was established with sons Mike Westerberg managing and Colin Westerberg designing boats. Cliff Simpson was employed by Westerberg Panel Beaters at this time, but took up the challenge of boat building and aluminium welding.

Initially tender boats were produced to service the strong mulie fishing fleet at the time, however soon the recreational fishermen recognized the superior design and strength of Westerberg aluminium boats and wanted boats built for them too.

The 1980’s were a very successful period for Westerberg Aluminium Boats, in 1998 they won boat of the year and by 1989 the business employed 18,

In 1990 the business moved to new premises at (Lot 5) 186 – 190 Princess Royal Drive Albany

In 2007, Paul Gilbert purchased the business using Westerberg Aluminium Boats Pty Ltd a private company incorporated for that purpose from Mike Westerberg. Paul is an Accountant by trade and has applied his skills in business management to keep the boatbuilding traditions of the Westerberg family alive in aluminium boat fabrication.

The Gilbert family also has a strong boat building tradition. Paul’s grandfather Robert “Bob” Gilbert built a number of clinker style boats in Albany using local wood. Paul’s great grandfather Dr Gilbert and son Bob built a number of sail boats and raced them at the Princess Royal Sailing Club, including an 18 foot with 9 foot beam named Seabird, built in 1925 and which won Albany Municipal Council trophy in 1927.

The strong history of the Westerberg brand, together with the energy of our current boatbuilding team lead by Drew Mayfield will ensure the future success of the business. This has been proven by Westerberg Aluminium Boats being awarded 2010 WA Boat of the Year – Aluminium under 6m.