I am an optimist by nature. But, when it comes to boatbuilding, the central theme of this edition of your number one BPA audited circulation periodical in this genre, some might think that’s a tough slog as we launch into the second quarter of 2016. Actually, not at all.
As this edition of MarineNews goes to print, the price of crude oil – West Texas Intermediate or Brent – was hovering in the neighborhood of USD $40. Depending on your frame of reference, that was the good news as the fi rst quarter of a challenging business environment for the domestic waterfront came to a merciful end. For some Gulf Coast boat builders and repair yards, for example, and after enduring a year that saw the price of oil drop by more than $80, that’s now of little consolation. For still others, it is valuable INTEL, but only one piece of their business puzzle. All of that said; there are many places beyond energy and offshore operations from which workboat builders can derive their profi ts. Those who pl
