A lifetime at sea. A passion for sailing. One more invention to leave behind.
I first discovered sailing in 1974. More than fifty years later, I am still learning, still building, and still finding new reasons to love the sea.
BOWREX is the latest chapter in that journey.
In 1974, I entered Korea Maritime University and began dinghy sailing. I graduated in 1978 and went on to serve as an officer and navigator in the Republic of Korea Navy.
What began as a young man's interest in sailing became the foundation of my entire life.
My career took me aboard commercial ships, including M/V SANKO ELEGANCE, a Japanese bulk carrier on which I served as Chief Mate.
Those years taught me about ships, responsibility, machinery, cargo operations, and the realities of life at sea.
I learned that reliable marine equipment is not a luxury. It is a necessity.
From 1985 to 1988, I led a software development team in Korea creating a computerized cargo-loading simulation system designed to compete with Sweden's LOADMASTER technology.
Marine computing was still emerging in Korea. I was fortunate to be among its early technical leaders, combining my knowledge of navigation with computer technology.
I learned to see problems through the eyes of a sailor and solve them through engineering.
In 1989, I entered the recreational marine business in Korea, importing and selling American sailboats, including the MacGregor 26, along with other models.
I also sold and serviced Mercury and Yamaha outboard motors.
Working directly with boat owners taught me something important: good marine equipment must be practical, reliable, and repairable.
In 1996, I arrived in Vancouver with my wife and our three children.
We had no family or friends waiting for us. But a connection from my marine business in Korea had opened a door.
His name was Dennis Binsted, a Scottish gentleman associated with Galleon Marine in Vancouver.
I never forgot his kindness. Even after Dennis retired, I continued visiting him every two or three years. We would share a meal, talk about life, and remember the past.
I continued visiting him until the end of his life.
Some kindness stays with you for a lifetime.
Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
A marine business connection that became part of my family's story.
In Canada, I continued working in the marine industry, exporting Canadian recreational and camp boats to Korea.
I later became involved in manufacturing small sailing dinghies.
I exhibited at the Vancouver International Boat Show in 2000 and 2002, and at the Toronto Sportsmen's Show in 2001.
Through successes and disappointments, my connection with boats never disappeared.
I was planning to install a conventional bow thruster on my own 40-foot sailboat.
Then I read a YACHT magazine article about two serious yacht accidents involving bow thruster installations. It changed my mind completely.
Read the original YACHT article →
I decided I would not cut a hole in my boat's hull.
But I still wanted better bow control when docking. Could I develop a portable solution without cutting into the hull?
That question became BOWREX.
In October 2026, the BOWREX Portable Bow Pusher successfully demonstrated its performance aboard a Hunter 34.
▶ Watch the Hunter 34 On-Water Demonstration on YouTube →
What began as a decision not to cut a hole in my boat became an invention.
I have always admired older boats, especially classic wooden sailboats. Their value is not measured by perfect paint or shiny fittings.
I believe marine equipment should be durable, repairable, and useful for many years.
As BOWREX develops, I hope to make compatible improvements and replacement parts available to earlier customers at reasonable prices whenever possible.
A marine product should serve its owner, not force its owner to keep buying something new.
At this stage of my life, BOWREX means more to me than starting another business.
Of course, a business must remain financially sustainable. But maximizing profit is not my main purpose.
I want to create something genuinely useful for sailors, and make it as accessible as I reasonably can.
I also want my children and future generations to know the story behind this invention.
From my first dinghy in 1974 to BOWREX more than fifty years later, the sea has shaped almost every chapter of my life.
I hope to leave behind not only a useful marine invention, but also the story of the life that made it possible.
On October 24, 2026, the sailboats at Cedar Island Yacht Club had their masts lowered and were hauled out for winter storage. Another sailing season has come to an end.
The boats may be resting ashore, but the memories of another wonderful year on the water remain. Until next season.
More than fifty years later, the sea still inspires me.
Explore BOWREX 40 →