BUSY 2013 CONTINUES FOR PHILBROOK’S BOATYARD
Philbrook's Boatyard of Sidney BC has enjoyed a busy year that shows no signs of slowing as the boating season winds down. Jerry Boone, yard project manager, says increased spending by US boat owners drove a significant increase in business over 2012, helped along by an extra-sunny and long boating season.
“We're busy, way busier than last year. Fifty percent of our business is still from the US – US boaters are spending a lot more money this year than last, and it's apparent,” said Boone. “Also, it was a beautiful summer, and people used their boats more…and broke stuff or decided they needed new gear, more work, upgraded electronics, and so on.”
The yard has also done more work on wooden boats this year than in 2012. Philbrook's is a full-service shipyard that handles maintenance, repair, refits and new construction, with shops specializing in composites, mechanical, paint, metal, electrical, engineering, joinery, finishing and upholstery/canvas. Its two ways and sheds can hold yachts to 100-plus feet; it also carries out projects in Van Isle Marina's neighbouring “yacht park,” where two self-propelled trailers can haul boats to nearly 60' in length.
Boone said yard business in October was up 50 percent over 2012 and November's project list looked equally busy.
