In the 1980s and 1990s the Ocean boatyard has provided work to as many as 200 people, and as few as a dozen today. But now the facility could be setting up for effective boat-building again as Viking Yachts intend to buy the land and structures. "We are kind of at full capacity here. We wanted to spread out a little bit," said Viking spokesman Peter Frederiksen. "We would build Vikings there. We are not buying the product line, just the land", he added.
It could mean 200 new jobs at the Mullica facility, explained co-owner John Leek IV, the 14th generation boatbuilder in his family. The Ocean Yachts were hit hard by the recession. According to Leek, the company has equated construction of just two to three boats per year for the past several years.
About 300 companies nationwide were building boats in the 40-foot to 75-foot range about 15 years ago, and now there are only about 100. Boats are still being built in the Egg Harbor Yachts building on Philadelphia Avenue in Egg Harbor City, but on a smaller scale than in the past, said owner Ira Trocki. According to him, the company used to have 200 employees. How many people work at the facility now is unknown but about 10 boats are under construction.
As for the Ocean Yachts, it has mainly focused on reconditioning boats and servicing them. The company's likely final project will be renovating a 55-foot yacht built by Ocean in 1982. "In a lot of ways, we came full circle with this boat", Leek stated.
If the Viking deal withstands, he will take a job there, and after completing training, will be back working at the Mullica Township facility. "They have done an excellent job of becoming the No. 1 player in their type of boat," Leek claimed. "They have earned their market share."
Viking built 65 boats last year, ranging from 42 feet to 92 feet. Entry price is set at $1 million-with the highest being fixed at $11 million.
It could mean 200 new jobs at the Mullica facility, explained co-owner John Leek IV, the 14th generation boatbuilder in his family. The Ocean Yachts were hit hard by the recession. According to Leek, the company has equated construction of just two to three boats per year for the past several years.
About 300 companies nationwide were building boats in the 40-foot to 75-foot range about 15 years ago, and now there are only about 100. Boats are still being built in the Egg Harbor Yachts building on Philadelphia Avenue in Egg Harbor City, but on a smaller scale than in the past, said owner Ira Trocki. According to him, the company used to have 200 employees. How many people work at the facility now is unknown but about 10 boats are under construction.
As for the Ocean Yachts, it has mainly focused on reconditioning boats and servicing them. The company's likely final project will be renovating a 55-foot yacht built by Ocean in 1982. "In a lot of ways, we came full circle with this boat", Leek stated.
If the Viking deal withstands, he will take a job there, and after completing training, will be back working at the Mullica Township facility. "They have done an excellent job of becoming the No. 1 player in their type of boat," Leek claimed. "They have earned their market share."
Viking built 65 boats last year, ranging from 42 feet to 92 feet. Entry price is set at $1 million-with the highest being fixed at $11 million.