Ralph Heil has been named President and Chief Operating Officer of Thunderbolt Marine. He will continue his hands-on management style as General Manager bringing TMI into the forefront of the marine repair and refit industry. Since the yard’s return to yacht repair in 2003, Ralph has focused on building a successful team, upgrading facilities and developing both local and international clientele.

A graduate of Duke University, Ralph’s career in the marine industry began in the charter industry as an owner/operator based in Spain and led to a broad scope of project management of new construction, refit and repair both in the states and Europe. Before joining TMI, Ralph was General Manager of an FAA certified repair station specializing in aircraft and mega-yacht interiors incorporating his expertise in industry specific marine coatings and progressive technologies.

With an eye on the growing demand for yacht repair facilities, Ralph’s mission to provide quality repairs, guides TMI’s growth and expansion for the future. By implementing modern business strategies and solutions that are firmly rooted in the solid values of this locally owned yard since 1965, Ralph continues to build the TMI legacy.

Thunderbolt Marine Inc is a full service yacht repair facility with a 7.5 acre basin dredged to 14 ft. and over 2,000 ft of floating docks. It serves yachts up to 200 ft with hauling capabilities of 160 tons by Travelift and 1,150 tons by Syncrolift. Conveniently located 12 miles from the sea buoy on the Wilmington River, just outside the historic city of Savannah, TMI is an easy approach from sea with no overhead height restrictions.