La Conner, Wa. Boat building is alive and well

[Russell Clifton]

I took this photo early last spring. What makes it significant is with the exception of the very last boat, all these boats are built here in La Conner, in fact right across the street from this dock.

All the fiberglass boats in the foreground are American Tugs built by Tomco Marine. Some are brand new and some are brokerage boats. All of the metal boats are built by Mavrik Marine. These are all commercial fishing boats waiting for their final rigging before heading to Alaska to fish salmon. Mavrik also builds large custom catamarans used as ferry's and tour boats around the world.

It looks like the very last boat is a Tollycraft, also built in Washington.

I'm happy to report that both these companies are currently running advertisements looking for people with boat building skills.

 

[GFC]

That those companies are running help wanted ads is a good sign for the area's economy. Boat building requires a lot of skilled trades people and those are usually higher wages.

 

[firehoser75]

The Pacific Northwest Nordic Tug Owner's Assoc. just did a Nordic Tug factory tour. They currently have 4 boats on the floor under construction, and they are built very nearby to American Tug. Sounds like that area (of Washington State) is doing well.