Family Owned & Operated for over 4 Generations!

The company was originally founded by Ken Gallup in 1947 in Narragansett, R.I. as a support service for the local fishing fleet and was called Point Judith Engine and Supply. In 1951, the company became a Detroit Diesel dealer and Ken was trained to service their engines at the actual facility in Detroit. In 1966 Detroit Diesel required Point Judith Engine and Supply to expand their building in order to continue to be a dealer. At that point in time, what is now the main shop got added quadrupling the size of the building. This was quite an undertaking both physically and financially. The local bank chose not to finance the project, so always being resourceful, Ken found an aggressive bank out of Providence to finance the expansion.

Ken’s son, Barry, took over the reins in 1965 and the company’s name changed to Rhode Island Engine Co., Inc (RIE). As the fishing industry grew in Point Judith so did the technology used in fishing boats. AC generators were used replacing 32-volt light bulbs and batteries. Hydraulics were used to run deck equipment instead of chain and sprockets. The company grew with the industry and fishing fleet creating probably the biggest and most renowned growth the company has had. We went from a little tiny Detroit Diesel Engine dealer using 32-volt light bulbs, fuel stoves, chain and sprockets to run deck equipment, to a company using AC electricity, electric heat, hydraulics, and steel boats instead of wooden boats.

In the late 70’s, the company became a Caterpillar dealer. In the early to mid-1980’s we became a dealer for Cummins, Lugger, and Northern Lights. In the early 1990’s, Barry started to spend more and more time down in Florida and so began the transition to his sons Barry Jr. (Jay) and David. In Barry’s absence, Jay was in charge part-time while David worked in the shop as a machinist and hydraulic guy. In the mid-1990’s John Deere entered the marine engine business so we became a John Deere dealer. Around that same time, we also became a ZF transmission dealer. We’ve been a Twin Disc dealer almost since the inception (the early 1950’s) because they were the only marine transmission company around at the time.

In 2003 Jay and David officially took ownership of the business, Jay taking on the role of President and David as Vice-President. Their roles have transitioned a bit over time where Jay focuses more on Sales and Customer Service and David focuses more on scheduling the work and running the shop. As fishing regulations became more stringent there was an attrition in family fishing operations in Point Judith. The company needed to come up with alternative marketing plans in order not to lose ground. While continuing to support the fishing industry we started working on Tug boats and Barges. In recent years, we also starting servicing Ferry Boats.

Today Barry’s sons Jay and David operate the business as the third generation of the Gallup family. David’s sons Colby (Engine Technician) and Nick (Asst. Parts Manager) represent the fourth generation with three generations of experience and know-how behind them. As the company evolved and expanded we have kept up with new technologies and consider ourselves cutting edge. Our technicians are certified by the best brands in the business.

In addition to our engine and transmission parts, we stock thousands of marine related products. Oil, filters, electrical supplies, hoses, belts, and Antifreeze. Pipe fittings in galvanized, brass, stainless and PVC. Hydraulic adapters and 2 and 4 wire hydraulic hoses from 1/4” thru 2”, hydraulic pumps, controls, valves, pot haulers. Our marine store has foul weather gear, boots, gloves, knives, paint, tools, safety supplies and so much more.

We specialize in working with the following engine manufacturers:
Caterpillar, Cummins, John Deere, Scania, FPT, and Detroit Diesel

We specialize in working with the following Generator Set manufacturers:
Caterpillar, Cummins Onan Marine, John Deere, Northern Lights Marine, and Kohler

We specialize in working with the following Transmission and Hydraulic manufactures:
Twin Disc, ZF, Reintjes, Pull Master, KYB, Oilgear, Aeroquip, and Hagglunds.

Parker Hannifin specializes in motion control technologies
Eaton Corporation is a multinational power management company.