Our Story

The idea for The Barnacle didn't start in a boardroom—it started on the water in 1998.

After years of watching drinks slide around the boat and countless soda cans disappear overboard, a simple question emerged: Why isn't there an easy way to add a cup holder without drilling holes into the boat?

The original concept was simple—a removable base that could hold a drink without permanently attaching anything to the vessel. While the idea solved a real problem, the technology and tools needed to bring it to life weren't readily available at the time, so the concept remained just that: an idea.

Fast forward to 2018. Our family purchased a 3D printer and began experimenting with prototypes. What started as a project to revisit an old idea quickly became a family effort. Through countless design revisions, testing sessions, and real-world use on the water, the original concept evolved.

One of the biggest innovations was the addition of the dome piece—a feature that wasn't part of the original 1998 design. This improvement dramatically increased stability and versatility, allowing The Barnacle to securely hold a wide variety of cups, cans, bottles, and tumblers.

After years of development and refinement, The Barnacle officially launched in 2026.

Today, we're proud to offer a product that stays true to its original mission: providing a secure, reliable drink holder that installs without tools, requires no drilling, and leaves no trace behind. Because when it comes to boats, holes are best left out of the equation.

More Than a Boat Cup Holder

Although The Barnacle was designed for boating, its versatility extends far beyond the water. Whether you're tailgating, paddleboarding, relaxing at the dock, working at your desk, or unwinding at home, The Barnacle provides a convenient place to keep your drink within reach.

Designed to accommodate virtually any cup, can, bottle, or tumbler, it can even double as a phone holder. From your boat to your backyard and everywhere in between, The Barnacle is built to go where life takes you.

From a simple idea in 1998 to a family-built product launched in 2026, The Barnacle represents innovation, persistence, and a passion for creating practical solutions that make everyday adventures better.