US EditionIn Lunenburg, N.S., boatbuilders carve out niche markets in challenging times
LUNENBURG, NOVA SCOTIA, JUL 14 – Boatbuilders in Lunenburg focus on restoring classic yachts and creating uncrewed vessels amid declining new registrations, generating up to $2 million per large project, industry leaders say.
- Boatbuilders in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, face challenging times but show signs of renewal through niche markets and specialized craftsmanship in 2025.
- New vessel registrations in the province peaked at about 200 boats around 2003, but declined sharply to less than 50 boats by 2023, pressured by rising tariffs, labour shortages, and pandemic costs.
- Local boatyards creatively fill niche markets ranging from restoring classic wooden yachts named after historic designers like William Fife III to fabricating uncrewed aluminum vessels using modern manufacturing techniques.
- Paul Baskett stated nurturing a network of specialists ready for varied jobs is key for Lunenburg's industry, where project revenues can range from $80,000 to $2 million, while Michael Moreland noted Nova Scotia offers lower retrofit pricing with comparable quality to the U.S.
- Despite struggles toward profitability cited by yard owners like Brad Boutilier, optimism remains as the sector adapts, but returning boatbuilding to its past heyday is still a long way off.
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In Lunenburg, N.S., boatbuilders carve out niche markets in challenging times
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
·Winnipeg, Canada
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Total News Sources25
Leaning Left12Leaning Right2Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution80% Left
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L 80%
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