Pacemaker Siedelmann Models

All production of Pacemaker Yachts had ended in 1980 when Mission Marine Corporation, then owner of the Pacemaker brand, filed for bankruptcy and began selling off assets. Another investor, entrepreneur and boatbuilder, Robert Siedelmann, who had been building Siedelmann Sailboats in New Jersey for just a few years, saw an opportunity to gather the ruins and maybe rebuild Pacemaker Yachts. At an auction in December of 1980 he was able to purchase some equipment and materials but did not obtain the trademark for the Pacemaker brand.

For a number of years Mission Marine continued selling assets and reorganizing. Then in 1985 they sold the Pacemaker trademark, which they had not been able to get rid of, to Siedelmann for $5,000. With the rights to the Pacemaker name that the trademark gave him, he would begin producing yachts with the Pacemaker brand. These were probably stamped with the "XFR" Manufacturer ID Code of Siedelmann Yachts. His success would last only a few years when this company too, would fall to the luxury tax and economic woes of 1991.

Defending Pacemaker

Robert Siedelmann's efforts to produce Pacemaker Yachts was not without challenges, but one in particular required Siedelmann to file a lawsuit and took years of effort. Perhaps this affected his efforts with Pacemaker and influenced buyers.

Seidelmann and his partner created a plan where they wanted to obtain capital to buy old hull molds for Egg Harbor Yachts from Mission Marine. They spoke, at a boat show in October, 1985, with an entrepreneur, Peter Tsou, who was building and importing boats from Taiwan, about investing and possibly building the boats in Taiwan. By early 1986 Tsou located the hull molds laying at the old Egg Harbor plant and purchased them himself from Mission Marine for $175,000. He shipped them to Taiwan and began building his own yachts. He imported his first yacht back to America in January of 1987. Tsou called his yachts "PACE" yachts. Tsou was even able to register "Pace" as a trademark in America.

Seidelmann sued Peter Tsou's company, Pace Yacht Corporation, for trademark infringement in the use of "Pace" in violation of his "Pacemaker" trademark. Testimony confirmed this did confuse and mislead the public The court (and an appeals court) agreed, and ordered Tsou not to use "Pace". The appeal wasn't complete until 1990, which marked the end of the Pace enterprise. Shortly after this, Siedelmann's efforts with Pacemaker Yachts failed as well.

Siedelmann Pacemaker Yachts

The models below were built in New Jersey by Siedelmann using his legal Pacemaker trademark.

31 Sportfisherman

1987-1989. The 31 Sportfisherman is a remake of the earlier 30 produced by Pacemaker, with a slightly expanded bow adding some length. It is produced from the Pacemaker molds for both the hull and cabin. Some updates are included within that. The cabin remains smaller to provide more space in the cockpit for fishing, making this model a favorite. The interior is entirely open giving a roomy feeling, especially with the front windows. A galley and table are provided. Open sleeping for about four is available. Standard power is twin 260 HP gas inboards.

34 Convertible

1989-1992. The 34 Convertible hull was built on a mold that was probably purchased rather than designed and built by Siedelmann. It has a slightly wide beam of 13ft 10in for a 34 foot boat, and a low deadrise bottom of about 5 degrees. The boat is designed as a convertible, able to be used for fishing or cruising. It was available with a second stateroom or large galley down. Most boats were delivered with twin gas 330 HP inboards, and diesels were also available. Speeds are about 20-27 knots.

37 Convertible