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The Ocean5 Stuart Boatworks 27-ft. Technology Demonstrator is a ? rst of its kind in innovative use of hull space, technology integration and green energy.

You started this company in 2007, the start of a tumultuous time in maritime history. What did you see in the market at that time?

Number one, there was a need, be- cause not every company can employ a degreed and quali? ed naval architect.

When you are building custom yachts it is important that after you spend the the time and money designing and building your masterpiece, that when you splash it in the water it ? oats and performs as intended. It takes a certain expertise to pull that off, and while the builders need it, sometimes they can’t afford to hire someone full time. This was an opportu- nity to support a number of builders and a number of yards, doing what I do best.

As we discussed, 2007 was an ‘inter- esting’ time to start this business.

Yes, it was the wrong time to start the business. We had a strong showing of recreational clients on the recreation and yacht side, and it fell off a cliff. About 25% of the builders, at least, went out of business. First the projects dropped off, and then the companies dropped off. So we diversi? ed, partnering with Tampa

Manufacturing, helping them with their patrol boats.

To me it’s impressive that you started the company then and that you’re still here. What’s the key to survival? It is diversi? cation, and also choos- ing your clients wisely. If you’re not the “best ? t” for a client, refer them to somebody else. We each have our role in how we support the industry, and just like doctors, you go to the right doctor for whatever ails you.

For those unfamiliar with Ocean 5, give us a brief overview on your size and scope.

Right now we are seven people in a small of? ce overlooking the St. Lucie

River. Simply put, we love boats, we live and breathe boats, boats of all kinds and of all sizes. Today we are pretty tied up in the recreational market, kind of where we started with the company in 2007.

We’re involved with wake boats and with appendages to drive large wakes so that people can surf behind the boat.

We’ve got a new 64-ft. custom sport ? sh design that will be built here locally, a cold-molded/composite hybrid, high

Promo Code for 5% off: MREP18 speed craft.

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