Starting a Boat Building Business

Boat building is a tricky business mainly because there is an added requirement that you must produce quality boats that can be used safely. You must also meet the different standards required by your country's laws.

Though it is generally a tougher industry with big and experienced companies as your competitors, it is by no means impossible to start and profit in the boat-building business.

Knowledge is Power

Like any business, research is the start of everything. You must research and determine which market and location you want to target. Who are your competitors, and how much capital may you want to invest? You must possess the requisite boat-building knowledge to start this business. If you are relatively just beginning, it is a good idea to try and work under experienced boat builders to gain knowledge from their experiences. If you don’t want to, at least ask for the advice of those who have made it big in the boat-building business.

It may be the dream of every starting boat builder to beat the big boat-building companies, but it is not advisable. It is difficult to compete with big companies because they buy bulk equipment and materials to cut costs. It is somewhat more advisable to find a slot in the boat-building industry where you make unique boats not often found in the market or produced by big companies. You may create boats that gather scientific or ecological information, primarily for the police, boats with glass floors, honeymoon suite boats, custom-made boats for each specific customer, etc. Find your specific product and develop it.

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Start Small, Dream Big

It is also a good idea to start small. Don’t build 30-footer boats just yet. Try gaining the feel of the business first and the ups and downs that come with it. In creating your boats, determine how much capital you will put up. Since any business's goal is profit, ensure that you will have a profit when you enter into any contract. This requires a lot of planning and foresight regarding the possible expenses you will incur while building. Try locating areas where there are other boat builders. You may find experienced workers there who would help you build your boat and break the boat industry.

To ensure that you are on the right track and not violating any laws or standards in boat building, I suggest you hire a reasonable attorney or, better yet, try and take some law classes that tackle laws related to boat building. Hiring a banker and an accountant is also vital in starting any business. Don’t forget to get your license and insurance for manufacturing your boat. Joining a boat-building society, association, or federation would also help you start your business and learn new technology and the latest development in boat building. Boat building is a tricky business, it is risky, but with proper management, research, and hard work, it is not impossible to succeed.

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9 Comments

  • Doug Autry said on October 14, 2010
    I ordered plans for smaller boats and aquarium and want to modify them to metal with racks and such for hunting duck ect. Houston and Temple Texas
  • Kayode Akinyanbola said on June 3, 2013
    I am interested in starting an aluminium 20 passenger crew boat building in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. PLOT 6C NZIMIRO STREET, PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA
  • Frank Anderson said on October 8, 2014
    I am trying to find out about the boat business. I need to know how and what are the requirements are? My business will mainly focus on J-boat that are custom built to order with my standard hull design. If anyone has information contact at e-mail anderson.frank95@yahoo.com . thank you.
  • Murtaza said on October 29, 2014
    I am starting an aluminium boat building factory in India Goa the best tourist place where there are only fibre boats. We have no competition for now. Would like investors to join us as partners. Alhutaib argon welding works . Goa, +917770084847
  • Murtaza said on January 25, 2015
    Indian market will surely give huge returns. Investing in Indian market specially a business with no competition at all. For investing in aluminium boat business contact Murtaza Bootwala. Prop:Alhutaib argon welding works Goa.India. alhutaibargon@gmail.com +917770084847, +917083671644
  • Raul Pupo said on February 10, 2015
    hello, I m staring my boat building business, my area is gonna be fishing kayaks i m creating my team and i need funds. my first design is relay innovator there is nothing on the market like this, if any investors get interest in this area contact me to show you the project, and you can make a decision. praulmanuel@yahoo.com or 941 592 1148. greetings
  • Alok said on August 28, 2015
    Hi all, I'm willing to start a Boat Building business here in India. Indian Market as referred by many above is new for Bow Riders, Cruisers, Cuddy Cabins, Sailer Boats etc for adventure riders. But market has a lot of potential and minimum competition. If anyone has experience in the field and willing to invest here I could be a partner with fair legal works. If interested reach me at: alok.kumar019@gmail.com
  • Robert Poole said on October 25, 2015
    Thanks for this information, is there a resource for capitol? I have plans to build Vessels of many sizes from The lake up to yachts & Maybe even ships, i also plan to get in with a Boat Engine manufacture to stick with as well as portique my own Hybrid system into there engines, i have a way to make a car go 2500 miles without a recharge, big oil won't allow that, so i'd rather see it on the water. Interested in investing? Interested in learning more? Interested in working with us?

    I'm Robert Poole Jr, i live in South Florida, i currently transport boats as a means of income, i have the ideas, plans & designs in mind & i'm looking for good people to build a team i can work with to make this work, My grandfather also built, designed & manufactured SeaRays in Merritt island, FL i know boats very well, it's in my blood & I'm determined. Contact me at the email address below, i check it regularly. Robertpoolejr@outlook.com
  • Erhire Akpodjotor Thomas said on January 12, 2016
    I am a very technical person and a graduate from 1 of the universities in Nigeria. I wish to join a passionate technical team. Currently am into construction,maintenance of swimming pools and fiber glazing of pools. I would love 2 go into boat manufacture as it has always been my dreams from childhood. would like 2 join your team robert poole.my mail is akpodjotorerhire@yahoo.com. I Would also send you a mail

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