Washington is trying to save the car industry. Rhode Island must try to save the boat-building industry.
Washington understands the importance not only of saving the U.S. car industry today, but the need to make it competitive for the long term. The first step on that path is building the type of energy-efficient vehicles that this generation desires and future generations will demand.
The case for change in the boat-building industry is a strong one, and the state’s leadership cannot stand by and watch this vital industry fade away. According to RIYachting.com, nearly 10 percent of all private employers in Rhode Island are involved in the boating industry.
A recent headline about Goetz Custom Boats going into receivership is just the latest bad news. (READ MORE) The recent closings of Alden Marine, Freedom Yachts and Albin Yachts – and layoffs at Hinckley Yachts and Pearson Composites – are further indications that this industry is on life support. These companies are or were world-class boat builders and action must be taken now to ensure that Rhode Island remains a leader in the industry.
In much the same way as the auto industry, the state’s marine industry needs to adapt itself to the new realities that stem from our continued dependence on fossil fuels. For instance, I have no interest in buying a traditionally powered boat but would gladly buy a new type of boat that uses solar energy to charge batteries all week so I can cruise all weekend without needing to turn on a compressed natural gas backup generator to charge the batteries. I am sure that I am not the only one wanting this type of “green” boat.
The news that long-awaited offshore wind farm projects might be getting closer to reality should get our local boat-building companies to find out what kind of support vessels they will need and to start building them.
The recent reports about Rhode Island being a world-class tourist destination should get the state behind a plan to build a fleet of locally designed and assembled sailboats and “green” power boats that are easily chartered. Narragansett Bay and the nearby cruising grounds would attract people from around the world to visit our state. One only need visit Tortolla to see what a “turnkey” charter-boat fleet can do for tourism.
To create a more concerted effort, the boat-building industry needs to adopt lessons from the farm industry. The Rhode Island Dairy Farms Cooperative-coined Rhody Fresh brand has helped to save our local farms. The boat-building industry needs to work together, with help from the R.I. Economic Development Corporation, to market “Rhody-Built” boats to the world. The situation is so dire that Gov. Donald L. Carcieri needs to appoint a “boat-building czar,” who will quickly meet with the remaining boat builders and those that have closed to brainstorm on how to work together to save this industry.
If the state wants to preserve its proud boat-building tradition and its contribution to our troubled economy, urgent steps need to be taken today. •
Robert Chew is founder and president of the residential business and wind business of Alteris Renewables Inc., the company formed by the October merger of the former SolarWrights Inc. and Solar Works Inc. Additional information is available at www.AlterisInc.com.
