MEET THE FOUNDING MEMBER

Keeven Taylor was born and raised in Louisiana during the 60’s and 70’s. His family owned a generational commercial marine business, that all family members were automatically expected to work in. His family also taught him about the shipyards and manufacturing of vessels, both Steel and Aluminum. Learning the water based Oil & Gas industry and Commercial fishing, both Inland waters and Offshore in the Gulf of Mexico is always a part of it. Being taught all the different aspects of boating life in Louisiana, but also about hard work and its positive return. The everyday hands-on work within his family’s commercial marine business was key to Keeven’s vast knowledge in the boating industry. Plus, by the age of 18, Keeven was a certified technician for Mercury Outboards.

Keeven relocated to Arkansas in the 1980’s and started a rental operation for the tourists who wanted to enjoy the beautiful freshwater lakes during the summer.  There you could rent pontoon boats, ski boats, jet skis and parasail rides. This rental business taught Keeven even more about the boating industry - through the maintenance of the rental vessels, discussions with the renters, noticing what some boats lacked in construction integrity, and coming up with new and unique ways to make the vessels better. The following year, he and family members also began a boat sales, full service and winter storage dealership.

Keeven is the founding member of Lockhart Marine, a pontoon boat manufacturer in Arkansas. Lockhart Marine’s design and manufacturing teams goal is to truly custom build pontoon boats, so that their customer has their unique wants or needs fulfilled and they’re delivered their very own dream boat. The Cajun heritage that made boating become forever ingrained in his blood, and his experience, knowledge and creativity in the field – makes Keeven and Lockhart Marine look forward to building your family’s dream pontoon boat. They’ll deliver your new pontoon boat to anywhere you want!

DIRECTOR OF FABRICATION & PRODUCTION

William Allen is the Director of Fabrication and Production of Lockart Marine and Bahamas Pontoon Boats. He started his quest in the profession of fabrication & welding over 25 years ago. Following his passion, he recieved a formal education in the industry at the Welding Technologies of Oklahoma. He then went directly into the industry, working inside factory settings & outdoors in the field.

MIG, TIG & Stick Welding. Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Conventional Steel & Specialty metals - William received accreditations from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He also received the National Board Certificate of Authorization R symbol stamp for the repair and/or alteration of boilers, pressure vessels, and other pressure-retaining items. Requirements are described in NB-415, Accreditation of R Repair Organizations.

William earned his F fillet welding certificate and he also received the hardest certification test to pass, specializing in different types of metals, materials and utilizes different positions and types of welds, he earned the 6G welding certification that qualifies a welder to weld pipes and plates in all positions.

He manufactured products using high impact materials needed for crash barriers in the public transportation industry while working with Amtran. The following respective companies, providing William with Blueprints and WPS including specific weld settings, voltage & wire feed bead size, etc…. William’s skill & knowledge manufactured parts & components for Navistar Military, Paccar & Caterpillar.

Lockhart Marine is grateful to have William Allen as a major part of our team. His vast array of fabrication, design, vision & welding knowledge, along with his strong work ethics help our company produce the very best pontoon boats with longevity for your families fun & enjoyment for years to come.