When it comes to building excursion vessels and dinner boats, the theory is smaller is better. A survey of vessels built in the last quarter of 2003 through the first half of 2004 reveals the overwhelming majority of such boats are built in shipyards with fewer than 50 employees, in some cases far fewer. Small though they may be, these yards are very good at what they do. Geo Shipyard, New Iberia, La., is a perfect example. This shipyard specializes in aluminum catamarans less than 70 feet long. In the past, the yard has built small oceangoing vessels that tour the Hawaiian Islands, sport-fishing boats and small workboats.
展开▼
