Why New Jersey?
History begs the question: Why did such a creative and successful boat-building industry evolve in New Jersey? And why does it continue today?
Neither random chance, nor the burning drive of a single entrepreneur explain the rise of the eight New Jersey boat-building companies presented here. Some began prior to World War II, most just after, with wood, then fiberglass construction, where this site picks up.
These have all been private companies driven by determined entrepreneurs, and most remained in the same families, even to today. Each of these entrepreneurs decided that New Jersey was the place to build his business. These businesses, and the New Jersey boat-building industry have almost uniquely survived. We look to learn Why?
New Jersey, especially post-World War II, had a unique combination of benefits. It has a long, accessable coast, of course. But it also had a skilled population immediately after the war and through the 1950s, that lived year-round near the coast. It was not just a summer community. And there were other businesses to support the boat-building business. Skilled trade, materials, and manufactured products were all readily available.
The local market was active and growing. Not only was New Jersey growing, but this area is within commuting distance of New York City, which was growing rapidly. Nearby Long Island, NY, was developing rapidly after The War, where farmlands were being replaced by miles of housing development. Long Island too, has ready access to the water.
The environment was good. Summers are longer than further north, in places like Massachusetts, Rhode Island or Maine. Fishing, both coastal and offshore have a long season of permanent and migratory fish species in nearby waters. Interest in sportfishing grew rapidly.
Finally, these builders were able to create a product that had market demand. They adressed the needs - changing needs - that the market wanted. They created sportfishing boats to handle the Atlantic waters, motoryachts for extended cruising, and "Convertibles" which offered some of each. They learned, copied and improved on each other in some kind of critical mass that was never duplicated elsewhere.