Thread: Boat building business closing

Originally Posted by glrose67

Just found out that Build Wooden Boats in Melbourne is closing down. They're having a sale which includes some unfinished boats - might be worth having a look.

cheers

I forgot - here's the web link

Build Wooden Boats

Thats a pity to see him close. I scratched my head a bit when I saw him opening in Preston I would have thought setting up close to the water would have given his business more appeal and also broadened the amount of boats that would have been able to use his shop. I know everyone is always wise after the fact but I've seen many businesses fail due not to a bad idea but a business model thats not optimised and I cant help but think that was the case here.

I note that it is only the work-shop being vacated. The materials sales side of
the business is continuing. With suitably canny marketing, that could become
a sort of AU version of Duckworks (of Harding, Texas - also nowhere near water).

As far as location goes... I don't think they need to be near water to reach their
target market of cashed-up DIY'ers. DFWB in SA has done quite well despite its
distance. Suspect it more the free availability of info on the WWW has reduced
the 'need' for formal (pay-for) schooling. That and recession jitters making
people less willing to part with cash on larger non-essentials.

I agree b.o.a.t. its good to see that his materials side of the business is continuing a sensible businessman makes changes when things aren't working I just think it's a pity thats all because the idea is good, for example you can hire a shed at Yaringa marina to build a boat it will cost you $550 a month for a shed that is 12m x 6m quite suitable for constructing small boats. Even with additional overheads for power, water, insurance etc he may have been able to make a better go of his workshop for boatbuilding idea.

The positive is your near the water and there is a travellift capable of lifting quite large boats in and out increasing the number of potential customers for your business. If he was based in a place like that I cant help but think his idea of renting (or subletting) space for building boats may have worked much better. Anyway It's not my place to lecture Phillipe on what to do with his business and I'll leave it at that. I hope his future endeavours go well.