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About Biscontini BoatWorks Inc. and James Craft
 The James Craft brand was founded by Capt. Jim Shotwell as “Jim Shotwell – BoatBuilder” in the early 1980’s as a boat building, restoration, repair and sales company. After many years as a leader in the Antique and Classic boat community providing these services, the company was incorporated as James Craft Marine Services, Inc. At this time the Chris Craft Kit Boats of the 1950’s Kit Boat Division were researched, developed and re-introduced. In 2007 the assets of James Craft Marine Services, Inc. and the rights to the James Craft brand and the Kit Boat Division in the United States and Canada was sold to Biscontini Boat Works, Inc. The Biscontini family elected AJ Biscontini as President, Kevin Hess {a long time associate of James Craft} VP of Operations and Donna Kishbaugh, Executive Assistant/Office Manager. They are now leading James Craft to the next level.
AJ {Arnold James} started out working in the construction trades. After a few years he decided that walking across a snow-covered 2x6 in the winter was not for him. So, he enrolled into a cabinetry program in Ft. Largo, FL. After a few years of doing cabinets he grew tired of making square boxes. He grew up on a wooden boat and at this time in his life he decided to make a career in boat building. He enrolled in the Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design located in Arundle, ME, and began his journey in the art of boatbuilding. After graduating and still having the thirst for more knowledge he immediately enrolled in the International Yacht Restoration School(IYRS) in Newport, RI. Upon graduation, he felt confident that he had achieved the best instruction and was ready to persue his new career. After working for a few years in the Thousand Island region of Upstate New York helping to maintain the in-water fleet of the Antique Boat Museum at Clayton, NY, AJ’s thirst for more knowledge once again took control of his destiny. “The ABM, in my opinion has the highest quality collection of classic and antique boats in existence today” AJ BIscontini. While still thirsting for more knowledge and experience he moved to Seattle, WA and began working in a shipyard. Trading in his chisel and hand-plane for a sledge hammer and a chain saw, he began working on ships as large as 200’ long. “The experience I gained on my trek out west was priceless but I yearned for the finess and mystique of a classic craft again”. Deciding to relocate back to New York, he worked yet again on the elegant vessels that adorn the Thousand Island Region. It wasn’t long after that when he crossed paths with Captain Jim Shotwell and found he was looking for someone to carry on the art and legacy that Chris Craft built and he has maintained with the James Craft Kit Boat Division. The legacy, grace and elegance of the Chris Craft Kit Boat line continue forward as it has in the past, with a new captain at the helm.
AJ Biscontini
President
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