EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
A MASTER BOATBUILDER CELEBRATES 38 YEARS IN THE BUSINESS
STEPHEN WATT
Stephen Watt enjoys every aspect of boatbuilding , from creating the mould to adding the finishing touches . The master boatbuilder began his career in the industry at the age of 17 , following in his uncle ’ s footsteps .
“ I learned a lot from him ,” Watt says . “ He was great at what he did .”
Stephen ’ s first job was building the mould for the famed 40-foot SeaDuck in 1984 . He then went on to work for 15 different employers throughout his career , including running his own business . He has built everything from canoes to luxury yachts . Eventually , in 2016 , he was asked to join West Head Boatbuilders by owner Andrew Newell , who is now the owner of the SeaDuck mould
“ Andrew was just getting the business started and needed some help ,” Watt says , “ He was aware of my experience , and I was happy to help .”
Watt loves the challenge of boatbuilding . “ It ’ s nothing like building a house ,” he notes . “ Every boat is a custom build , adding to the challenge of fitting all of the owner ’ s requirements . You have to look at the whole process from a unique perspective .”
He does admit , though , that he has a special affinity for the carpentry aspect of boatbuilding .
“ WATT ESTIMATES HE HAS BUILT 113 BOATS , CONSTRUCTED 30 YACHTS , AND WORKED ON THE HULLS OF AT LEAST 75 CRAFTS .”
According to Watt , the build process varies , depending on the boat . A small boat can take up to three months to construct while a larger and more complex one can take six or seven months . The boat he is most proud of is a 43-foot yacht that was used for sport fishing . “ That one was a challenge and took about nine months to build ,” he remembers .
In his lifetime , Watt estimates he has built 113 boats , constructed 30 yachts , and worked on the hulls of at least 75 crafts . “ There isn ’ t a part of a boat that I haven ’ t built ,” he says .
Other noteworthy projects with which Watt has been involved include whalewatching vessels , fishing boats , and big draggers .
At the moment , Watt , 55 , doesn ’ t see himself retiring for at least another five years . Besides , he really enjoys working for West Head . “ Andrew is a great boss ,” he says . “ He ’ s likeable , easygoing , and very generous .”
When asked what he appreciates most about his 38 years in the business , Watt responds , “ The thing I like most about boatbuilding is the smile I see on the customer ’ s face when they steam away in the finished product .”
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