there are experienced boat builders in
the area, and it’s a prime tourist destination (one of the 10 most visited places in
Canada). Visitors come from many of
our export markets (the US, other parts
of Canada, and Europe). In addition to a
fibreglass moulding shop and assembly
area, we will have a wooden boat building shop, a boat fit-out area, a canvas
shop, and a street-front showroom and
retail space.
the US economy than the exchange
rate. It seems likely the dollar will settle
back closer to 90-95 cents US. We are
also beginning to focus on the
European market.
BIC: To sell in the EU you need to have
CE approval. Was this difficult to get?
KJ: Not really. We hired a Canadian consultant who walked us through the process and, other than the expense, it went
quite smoothly.
BIC: All Canadian boat builders have
faced tough challenges with the sudden
rise in the Canadian dollar. What are
your thoughts on this?
KJ: I’m more concerned by bad news in
BIC: So how do you approach the
European market?
KJ: We have an agent in Paris, France
who is very enthusiastic. He has shown
PUTTING TOGETHER A BOAT BUILDING TEAM
In a small company there has to be a co-operative sense of teamwork. For his new
Lunenburg location, Kevin Jeffrey has brought together three people with extensive
and diverse backgrounds.
Jamer Buote is heading the composite fiberglass operations. A native of New
Brunswick, Jamer has spent most of the last 20 years working on the west coast,
most recently on large resin infusion projects. Working with infusion guru Gordon
Lacey, he participated in making some of the largest parts that have been infused in
North America. He will bring this experience to the NorseBoat with the goal, in the
near future, of having all fibreglass parts resin infused. This will improve quality control, lower costs, and create a safer environment for employees and for customers
who visit the shop.
Scott Dagely has been in the wooden boat building and refit game for many years
and operates his own shop in Petite Riviére, just south of Lunenburg. Scott has built
all the wooden versions of the NorseBoat, as well as the wooden kits and all wood
parts for the glass and hybrid versions. The hybrid, identical to the wood version
except for the glass hull, is indistinguishable from it at more than a few paces.
Wooden Boat magazine has done much over the years to spread the aesthetic of
classic boats as well as created a market for boats that look like wood but aren’t.
Larry Weagle rounds out the team; he will be working with both Scott and Jamer as
required. Larry is perhaps one of the most experienced yacht builders in Nova
Scotia, having been with Covey Island Boatworks for more than 20 years.
Kevin Jeffrey is very focused on giving these skilled workers the freedom to expand
the business in any direction that may present itself. At this time, it looks like that
direction may be wooden boat repairs or training in infusion process.
“Starting On November
9th 2008, Derek
Hatfield will compete in
the Vendée Globe – and
sail around the world,
single-handed,
with no stops.
Started in 1989, the Vendée Globe is
the most grueling single-handed race
in the world, and in 2008 the race
will start, for the 6th time, from the
harbour of Les Sables d’Olonne,
where it was born.
DuPont Canada is proud to sponsor
Derek’s campaign and that Derek’s
Open 60, The Spirit of Canada is made
of DuPont™ Kevlar® honeycomb
core material to help make it the
lightest, fastest ocean racer ever.
Perhaps you should consider inviting
Kevlar® on board for your next
marine project.
Photo: Jamer Buote
Photo: Jamer Buote
For more information call
1-800-387-2122
The upper deck and flybridge of this 65’ yacht were
infused in one piece.
The deck and flybridge in the previous photo ended
up on this yacht, Wanderbird. A 65’ world cruiser at
the other end of the spectrum from the NorseBoat.
The DuPont oval logo, DuPont™, and Kevlar® are
trademarks or registered trademarks of E. I. du Pont
de Nemours and Company. DuPont Canada is a licensee.
