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In Lunenburg, N.S., boatbuilders carve out niche markets in challenging times
LUNENBURG, NOVA SCOTIA, JUL 14 – Boatbuilders in Lunenburg focus on restoring classic yachts and creating uncrewed vessels amid declining new registrations, generating up to $2 million per large project, industry leaders say.
- In Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, boatbuilders face challenging times but show signs of renewal as they serve niche markets including classic yacht restoration and high-tech vessels.
- This situation results from a decline in new vessel registration from about 200 boats in 2003 to fewer than 50 in 2023 amid rising costs, labour shortages, and trade barriers.
- Local businesses like Lunenburg Shipyard provide vital infrastructure, while specialists combine historic boatbuilding knowledge with modern techniques to adapt to market demands.
- According to industry insiders, the cost of boat retrofits in Nova Scotia is more affordable than in the U.S., while maintaining similar quality standards, and June 2025 saw the highest volume of repair activity in six years.
- Industry leaders remain optimistic that nurturing a skilled network and building affordable worker housing will support growth, although a return to past heyday levels is still distant.
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25 Articles
Winnipeg Free Press+20 Reposted by 20 other sources
In Lunenburg, N.S., boatbuilders carve out niche markets in challenging times
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
·Winnipeg, Canada
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Total News Sources25
Leaning Left12Leaning Right2Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution80% Left
Bias Distribution
- 80% of the sources lean Left
80% Left
L 80%
13%
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