Tag Archives: Wedgeport Boats
Wedgeport Boats’ sales buoyant
Wedgeport Boats, a builder of commercial fishing boats in Yarmouth County, is thriving during the pandemic due to a surge in demand for recreational boats and the rental of space in one of its buildings. “There’s definitely been an increase on the recreational side of almost 100 per cent,” says Wedgeport general manager Fraser Challoner. Such boats are usually a small part of Wedgeport’s total sales and still are. But the boatyard’s doubling of those sales in the past year has definitely helped it stay afloat. >click to read< 09:30
In Nova Scotia, an economic boom brings all the boats to the yard
A newly finished lobster fishing boat waits on a trailer in a yard at Wedgeport Boats, like a displaced sea creature ready to return. The Porsche-red hull gleams in the Nova Scotia sun. Standing on the ground in its shadow, the vessel’s owner, Mark Rogers, watches with satisfaction as the vinyl sticker – the kind used for race cars – is applied to the bow, revealing a muscled, smiling cartoon lobster. It’s the afternoon before the official launch of the Katie Anne – named, according to custom, for Mr. Rogers’s now-grown daughter. The launch has been planned for a Friday, which, as grizzled fishermen will say, is traditionally a day best avoided for a new voyage. Photo’s >click to read< 09:24
Boatbuilders boosting capacity and hiring workers to keep up with demand
Wedgeport Boats is boosting its production capacity and hiring more employees to meet the strong demand for modern lobster-fishing boats.,, The challenge for Nova Scotia’s boatyards – some industry insiders say the biggest challenge – is finding those employees to build increasingly complex and larger lobster-fishing boats. “Boatbuilders are looking at replacing wood with some composite panels for deckhouses,” said Tim Edwards, executive director of the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association. “Many lobster boats are being fitted with live wells – to help improve the quality of landed catch. click here to read the story 08:54
Boudreau family makes local shipbuilding history
The largest modern fishing boat ever manufactured on Isle Madame hit the water in October. Father and son duo Adolphe and Shawn Boudreau completed construction on the fishing vessel All Segments, which was purchased by the Everett family of Digby. The hulking 50-foot by 30-foot boat weighs in at 90 tonnes. click here to read the story w/photos 16:30
Mother’s Day is extra special for this boat building team
Joyce and Anita Cottreau spend every day working side by side on the floor of the bustling Wedgeport Boats yard in southwest Nova Scotia. A female fibreglass team is a rarity in itself, but this duo is also mother and daughter. “Working together has brought us closer together,” Joyce, 59, said. The two plan to spend Mother’s Day together, which they say will be no less special for being workmates. “Mom has always been there for me, even though she has worked full time since I was a baby,” Anita said. “Anything I needed or wanted, she’s bent over backwards for me, so I definitely have to appreciate that — and still do.” Video, read the rest here 10:08
