David P. Martin Sr.

I was saddened to hear of Dave's passing, but he left a legacy of fine boats, great stories and warm friendship. Spending time with Dave meant learning about his childhood as a boat nut in Atlantic City, his father's achievements as a boat designer and engineer, his acquaintance with characters of various degrees of oddness, his time working as a boatbuilder at Egg Harbor Yachts, his study of yacht design, his brief employment at Sparkman & Stephens, his unique method of towing models to evaluate hull form -- not in a tank, but behind a boat on the creeks of south Jersey. Dave always had a funny story, sometimes not printable, which often doubled as a teaching moment. He gave me a set of his early books of designs, boats he drew way back at the start of his career, which I keep close to my desk and look at often, and he always sent me a digital version of whatever new book he'd finished, or maybe a new design he was developing. Work stopped for as long as it took to study whatever Dave had sent. I knew about Dave long before I met him -- I was a boat-nut kid, too, and Egg Harbors and Pacemakers were favorite boats around my house, many of them from Dave's board. When I did meet him, in the 1980s, I was surprised at how warmly he greeted me at his home -- I expected someone more impressed with himself, given what he'd done. But that wasn't Dave -- if you didn't know he was one of the finest yacht designers around, you wouldn't know from meeting him. I am proud to say he was my friend, and I'll miss getting those sketches in my inbox.

To the family and friends of Dave Martin, I'm saddened to read of his passing. I am the proud owner of a boat of his design (25-foot Pacemaker Alglas) and had the pleasure to discuss with him his thoughts and memories of the design of that boat and of other Pacemakers as well as broader thoughts on efficiency, etc. I also have a copy of some of his publications and enjoyed very much reading and listening to him weave together technical insights with personal experiences going back to the earliest days of power-boating. I imagine he was a very interesting character in real life and I wish that I would have had the chance to have met him in person.

Under the circumstances, it's gratifying to know that he is survived by a number of children and remembered by so many people. We can all only hope to have accomplished a fraction of this when our time comes - so it seems he lived a full life worth living.

I'll remember him the next time me and the "Bright Idea" are out on the water.

Kindest regards and condolences from Tampa Bay,

Brian Rathert

I'm sorry to hear that Dave is gone. I only met him once but it was at a Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Philadelphia Section, meeting in the mid 90s. Dave presented a paper which I have on my shelf to this day. I enjoyed hearing his stories about his father's days racing hydroplanes in New Jersey! He discussed all sorts of interesting design issues, hydrodynamic, arrangement and systems (e.g., "The Trim Tab Rocker Switch form Hell"). Dave was a genuine and friendly person who also happened to have extraordinary talent. He was a great conversationalist. Of the story he told of his 27' Atlantic City Catboat showing less resistance going backwards, he told the story of telling that story to Olin Stephens. "We had 12 metres do that too!" (Remember: early in Dave's career, he worked for Olin, who was something of a God of racing yacht design.) Condolences to the family: Dave was a good influence on the world around him.

My deepest condolences for your loss. Marje and Rob thinking of you. Sympathies and courage.

Marje, I couldn't help but notice that in almost every picture your dad is smiling. It reveals so much about him. I am really so sorry for your loss.

My heartfelt condolences to Marje and Rob, and to the entire Martin family for their loss.

Our thoughts are with Marje, Rob, and family as they grieve, and hope they also celebrate the joys they have experienced with her dad throughout his life. Her dad gave Marje a love of boats and being on the water that she still shares with Rob today. A great gift he has given them.

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our friend Dave. We got to know Dave and Peggy over many years at Farley Marina where we all docked our boats. Our sincere condolensces to Peggy and Dave's family. The world has lost a wonderful man.

Extending my deepest condolences to family and friends. It is evident that kindness, love and his passion for boats have been passed on to his family. I'm a friend of dear Marje and she spoke so highly of her dad. I recall her sharing articles about her dad's boat design and sharing precious pictures. His kindness and outpouring love shines through his children. May the family find comfort and may he rest in peace. Alison, Eon, Kayla and Brendan Schroeder

Our sincere condolences to Marje, Rob and family. So sorry to hear, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Stephen, Julie and family.

I am grateful for Dave's gift of friendship and good example over the past 40 years. He squarely met his responsibilities and obeyed the commandment to love one another by actions instead of words.Dave will be sorely missed.

Words cannot begin to express my sympathies. A lifelong friendship, lifelong memories. A true PC who I hope gets to catch up with my dad on a boat in heaven. My deepest condolences to all of you. Uncle Dave, I'll never look or go to the Pirates Den again without thinking about you. Aunt Peg, Patty, Marje, and Dave be assured I am here for all of you no matter what

Skip

MY condolences to Dave's wife, family, and friends. He will be much missed in this life, RIP Dave you left us with beautiful memories
My condolences to Dave's wife, family and friends. You were definitely an inspiration to all and will be much missed, thank you for your positivity always. RIP my friend.

Mizz Martin, Patty, Marje, David and family, I am heart fully sorry for your loss. David, I will always remember you and your father fiber glassing the boat in your garage. The next year we would sleep over on the boat and your dad would be up early to make us breakfast and take us sailing for the day. He inspired my love of boats and he and your family made my summers so special.

My heart felt condolences to the family.
Like Mr. Martin, fathers have an extra level of love for their daughters and that is a beautiful memory to cherish. Prayers to the entire family.
I am a friend and coworker of Marje.

Sending our love and condolences Peggy to you and your lovely family. Dave always made us laugh and feel so comfortable. We didn't know him for a long time, but when ever we were in his presence we felt welcomed and loved! He was so kind to share his wonderful knowledge with Al! Love and prayers, Anne and Al Whitehead

Our sincere condolences for the loss of a very special person! Our thought me and prayers are with your family and your dad/husband.

Thinking of you today all day and sending love to Peggy and your family. Going out on one of your boats with you and listening to your stories enriched our lives! Your friends, Sharon and Randall in Kauai (formerly Brigantine)

So sad to loose the head of the Martin family. Generous and kind , Boss man's laugh greeted me over the years. No family could ever make you more welcome. So sorry for the passing of a much loved , larger then life, Icon. Boss man , you are loved and sorely missed. ,