On my travels across Newfoundland and Labrador, I’ve frequented many wharves. This is not unexpected given my role as the host of both Land & Sea and The Broadcast before that. These public wharves serve as communal hubs, offering insights into the heartbeat of a community as they extend out into the vast ocean.
Conversations with fishermen at wharves are always engaging, covering topics ranging from weather and fishing to, inevitably, boats – a prominent feature right before us on the water. I’m endlessly fascinated by boats, eagerly questioning fishermen about details like the length of a longliner or the carrying capacity of a 65-footer. My passion for boats stems from my love for being on the water, be it on a fishing boat, ferry, zodiac, cruiser, or my humble wooden punt. The allure of the ocean is a shared sentiment among many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, ingrained in our cultural identity.
Whenever I spot a sleek boat, I inquire about its origin. To my delight, I’ve discovered that many of these impressive vessels are crafted right here in the province. This realization sparked the idea for a special Land & Sea feature, which we finally brought to life this season. Our focus was on local builders using fiberglass and aluminum to connect sea enthusiasts with the maritime world.
In May, our team set out to three different communities. Our first destination was King’s Point, where we visited Green Bay Fibre Products owned by Brad Burt. Burt specializes in crafting Sea Serpents and King’s Point models, showcasing the meticulous process of building fiberglass boats from the outer layers inward.
Moving on, we explored Glovertown and met Byron Collins at FabTech Industries, where aluminum boat production thrives with the popular Silver Dolphins. Collins, a seasoned welder turned boat designer, now oversees the manufacture of 120 boats annually, a testament to the company’s success.
Our final stop took us to Centreville, where SeaBreeze Boats, under the guidance of Glen Meadus, showcased their fiberglass operation. Meadus echoed Burt’s observations, noting the burgeoning interest among locals in investing in boats for leisure, spurred partly by the growth in the food fishery sector.
Each community visit was accompanied by a thrilling spin on the water, capturing breathtaking moments and evoking a sense of joy. To delve deeper into these remarkable boat-building ventures and the art of constructing fiberglass and aluminum boats, tune into our show entitled “Rural Boat Builders.”
The surge in boat demand in Newfoundland and Labrador over the past decade reflects a notable shift, with more residents opting to explore the bays and coasts in their own vessels. This thriving industry underscores the province’s reputation for producing high-quality boats, gaining recognition even on a national scale.
Whether it’s the craftsmanship of fiberglass or aluminum boats, the passion for boating runs deep in Newfoundland and Labrador, symbolizing a profound connection to the sea that defines our coastal heritage.