The History
The Beginning
In the early 1950's, James (Jacko) Femino purchased a parcel of waterfront property located at the end of the South River, bordering Congress Street in Salem, Massachusetts.
The river basin was in poor shape and at low tide had little to no water. It was used mostly for ferry boats, operated by Captain Freddy Jalbert, to traffic people to their vacation homes on Baker's Island. Though movement in the area was restricted, because boats could only use it at mid to high tide, Jacko could still imagine that the area could be developed into a thriving marine service center that could accommodate many boating enthusiasts.
Over the next 30 years, major projects accomplished and Salem Marine Basin Inc. was established. These projects included:
- Motor and boat rentals to local Salem residents who liked to fish and boat but could not afford the luxury.
- A dredging project that left the basin 5 to 6 feet at mean low water. This allowed for boats of various sizes to enter and leave the basin continuously.
- The wooden bulkhead was replaced with an enormous granite wall that extended the length of the property and to what was Finz Restaurant.
- Numerous floats and finger piers were constructed using fiberglass buoyancy (also a first of its kind in the North Shore). These floats accommodated 90 to 100 pleasure boats.
- A marine travel lift was designed and installed to haul and launch both power and sail boats. Another first of its kind. This also allowed for winter storage.
- An innovative boat rack system was designed and built. The concept is known as "rack storage". It was a new concept of launching boats by appointment, and increased storage to 155 boats.
- A new building was constructed for M.F.G. Boats and Evinrude Franchises. The building still stands today.
- An innovated bubbler system was designed by Richard Femino (Jacko's son). The system kept the ice from forming in the basin.
In the late 1970's, Jacko retired. Salem Marine Basin was sold and is now part of the Pickering Wharf Project. All that remains is the wet, seasonal slips and storage. At the point of the business being sold, Richard established his own business: Richard's Marine Service Inc.
Richard's Marine Service Inc. was created with the same values Jacko brought: be knowledgable about your product and occupation, invest in good tools and equipment, take pride in your work, have good customer service relations (always listening to criticism), and never give up on a problem.
Richard's Marine Service Inc,. has now been run by the grandson of Jacko and son of Richard for seven years. Anthony Femino grew up in the marine business, and has also maintained many certifications from various marine mechanical schools. He continues to carry the family's enthusiasm for customer service, quality, and safety on the water. Anthony has a unique passion for serving our customers of many years while extending our services to new generations of boaters.
Anthony has delved into advancements to better serve our customers, and has made the bold move to relocate the company after 35 years of being rooted in Marblehead. He continues to find the best quality products to offer, while becoming a dealer for one of the most advanced and best built inflatable lines on the market. With all of his care and devotion to making sure his company is run at high standards, he has also intertwined many eco- friendly alternatives in his maintenance of customers' boats.
The history is unforgettable, and the future will be even greater.