Boost to Boat Building

The Nova Scotia Boat Builders Association is partnering with the provincial government to help boat yards in rural Nova Scotia move into lucrative power and sailboat markets in the United States and around the world.

Working with the association, Nova Scotia Economic Development has established a $1.5-million revolving loan fund for association members. A boat builder can apply for a loan through the fund to construct a vessel prototype and earn enough money through its sale to produce more boats for export. When the principal and interest are paid back, the money returns to the fund for other boat builders to use.

"There are strong, established boat builders in coastal communities around the province that are ready to make a commitment to get into export markets," said Tim Edwards, executive director of the Nova Scotia Boat Builders Association. "We're providing our knowledge and experience with the industry to help government back winners when considering which boat builders will get loans through this fund."

Since the association's formation two years ago, employment in Nova Scotia's boat building industry has increased by 20 per cent and exports have increased by $10 million. The industry now brings in annual sales of $50 million and employs more than 500 people directly at rural boat yards and 1,000 indirectly in support roles.

"Boat building has been a significant economic activity in rural Nova Scotia for more than 200 years and we're building on that strength to help communities around the province grow their local economies," said Economic Development Minister Gordon Balser. "With this loan fund, we're encouraging our top boat builders to diversify and expand their product lines with power and sailboats for international markets. It's a move that will further increase our exports, grow our economy and create jobs in rural communities around Nova Scotia."

Boats built in Nova Scotia are renowned worldwide for their seaworthiness and solid construction. When custom-built and finished with luxurious interiors, they are popular items in the U.S. powerboat market. Rosborough Boats in Murphy's Cove on the eastern shore has achieved success in this market.

"By developing a unique mix of pleasure craft on a light, commercial-style hull, we've been able to cater to the demand for semi-custom vessels for the U.S. and other lucrative markets," said Bob Rosborough. "The association is helping other boat builders achieve the same success by acting as a catalyst and bringing together an industry naturally fragmented by geography as a formidable supplier of yachts and vessels to world markets. With this government assistance, our industry can and will stand on its own, retrain and employ many people in rural, coastal areas and grow into a strong export industry."

Staff at the Nova Scotia Boat Builders Association have just returned from promoting Nova Scotia boats at a three-day powerboat show in Maine. They are now pursuing 26 solid leads for business deals and expect to receive more when show-goers browse their website at www.nsboats.com .

"This industry-driven and government-supported initiative will not only diversify the rural Nova Scotia economy, but will also lead it forward. Boat building, although a historic and venerable industry, is driving toward a world of new opportunities with tremendous export potential," said Les MacIntyre, co-chair of the boat builders association and president of Superport Marine Services in Port Hawkesbury. "Having embraced technology, training and quality, Nova Scotia boat builders are now a part of the new economy. Their partnership, based on mutual objectives, will be the model for a new Nova Scotia way of doing business."