Something’s right in East Boothbay, the little community on the banks of the Sheepscot River where shipbuilders survive and thrive. Year after year the welders, mechanics, riggers and joiners at two yards there turn out an impressive tugs, ferries and yachts – in an age when America’s small manufacturers struggle against foreign competition, an uninterested federal government, rising waterfront taxes and a general trend toward bigness. The two East Boothbay yards we’ve reported on in recent months have successfully carved niches for themselves in recent years: Hodgdon for high-end yachts, Washburn & Doughty for mid-sized commercial vessels. The secret, clearly, is the combination of a skilled workforce, well controlled costs, good marketing and satisfied customers.
These days, a place where people actually make things is rare and refreshing.