Timeless Craftsmen and the Art of Boat Building
by Danielle Anderson
The art of shipbuilding has taken on many forms and advances over the millennia . From the ancient Egyptians traversing the Nile River to new world colonists navigating the Port of Boston , our fascination with being on the water has never waned .
While we no longer bind reeds and twine to create our watercraft , the rich heritage of boat building still requires a skilled touch in an industry that generates more than $ 170 billion of economic impact annually in the United States .
The Stuff of Legends
Volusia County is home to nearly a dozen boat manufacturers . Among them are some of the world ’ s best-known , large-scale , corporately-owned builders coexisting alongside privately-owned , small builders with a long history in the industry .
In May 2021 , Boat . com ranked the Edgewater-based manufacturer Boston Whaler # 2 in the world for their vast array of models , high resale value and their ‘ unsinkable legend ,’ which dates back to the 1960s .
Employing 1,600 people between Volusia and Flagler counties and producing as many as 4,000 watercraft a year , Boston Whaler is synonymous with quality and safety .
“ Whaler also boasts 15 consecutive Consumer Satisfaction Index Awards and has won seven NMMA Innovation awards in the past decade alone ,” writes Boat . com fishing and boating expert Lenny Rudow .
Julia Levesque , senior human resources business partner for the Volusia-based Boston Whaler Group , Inc ., attributes the accolades to a few simple but important elements .
“ Our long-lasting reputation in the boating industry , quality boats , great customer service and our focus on safety ,” she said .
With an eye toward the future , Boston Whaler is continuing to expand . There has been an increased demand for watercraft over the past few years , and in response , the company opened a second manufacturing plant in Flagler County in 2021 .
“ We are meeting our staffing goals . [ In our Flagler plant ] we have over 300 employees currently and are looking at 400-450 employees by
Julia Levesque the end of 2022 ,” said Levesque .
Steeped in Excellence
Whether it ’ s going 244 miles an hour on a Mystic Powerboat offshore catamaran or spending a relaxing day along Volusia County ’ s endless miles of waterway on a Bay Craft skiff , there ’ s a builder for every boater .
Launched in 2001 , Everglades Boats employs 300 team members and produces 300 watercraft a year . Krista Graves , vice president of human resources for the Edgewater-based boatbuilder , says their leadership team is committed to building on Volusia County ’ s strong maritime history .
A key driver of the company ’ s success has been its investment in local talent .
“ The foundation of our culture is our people , both current and future , and our community partnerships through the Volusia Manufacturers Association , Daytona State and local organizations allow us the opportunity to support their , and in turn , our company ’ s growth ,” she said .
A New Generation of Boaters
As a smaller but influential boat manufacturing operation in Volusia County , SŌLACE Boats sees its potential for sustained growth in a new generation of boaters .
Owners Stephen and Sarah Dougherty have maintained the exceptional quality Volusia County boat manufacturing is known for , launching SŌLACE Boats in 2019 with 35 employees .
A resurgence of interest in watercraft over the past two years as a result of the pandemic has brought an economic boom for marine suppliers and boat manufacturers ( in the County ?).
“ AllSalt Marine moved their company here from Vancouver and relocated their employees . We ’ re seeing a lot
Krista Graves
Stephen and Sarah Dougherty
EVOLVE-SUCCESS . COM MAY 2022 | 5 |