Boat Building Industry Profile

The US boat building industry includes about 1,000 companies with combined annual revenue of about $5 billion. Major companies include Brunswick, Cobalt Boats, and Marine Products. The industry is concentrated: the largest 50 companies generate about 75 percent of revenue.

Companies in the industry make boats intended primarily for consumers' personal use. Construction of military vessels, cruise ships, and commercial freighters is covered in the Shipbuilding and Repair industry profile.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand depends on growth in consumer income. The profitability of individual companies is linked to manufacturing efficiencies. Large companies have advantages in marketing and distribution. Small companies can compete by specializing in niche markets.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Major product segments are outboard motorboats (40 percent of revenues); inboard motorboats (30 percent); and inboard-outboard boats (20 percent). Other product types include sailboats and canoes. Some boat builders also do repair work, operate marinas, and sell auxiliary equipment and supplies on premises.

Boat building facilities vary from a few thousand square feet to more than 100,000, and outside storage areas may extend to several acres. Most manufacturing locations for larger boats are on navigable waterways, as the finished product can't be shipped over road. Other boat manufacturers locate as close to primary markets as possible to minimize transportation costs.

Manufacturing facilities are set up with custom-built molds, jigs, and fixtures designed for the particular makes and models. Most boats are made of fiberglass requiring carefully controlled use ...