Boat owners preserve craft in tight economy

Sean McDonald has restored and refurbished boats as a hobby for more than 10 years, but thanks to the economy, he has now opened his own business.

Mr. McDonald, 42, was laid off from his job and couldn’t find a replacement, so he borrowed $750 and opened North River Boat Restoration at 8011 Hixson Pike.

He said the first two weeks after he opened the phone barely rang, but he now has been forced to turn business away.

“It took me two weeks to get my first boat in here,” Mr. McDonald said. “It’s been going like gang busters since then.”

North River does fiberglass repair, carpet installation, painting and customized work. He said there are other repair shops that won’t do carpeting and painting

“There is a definite need for my service here,” he said.

John Riddell, director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Growth in Chattanooga, said Mr. McDonald is like many who are turning to entrepreneurism after a layoff, but he said there still are several factors to consider.

“The recession led to these issues, but there are still serious fundamentals that have to be adhered to,” he said.

Mr. Riddell said it is important to stick to the same business principles when opening a new venture to test its likelihood of success.

“You must be sure it is a business opportunity and not a hobby,” Mr. Riddell said.

Mr. McDonald said the boat restoration is booming in part because people are buying used boats and fixing them up or are holding onto their boats longer.

He also said it is in a boater’s nature to take care of his craft.

“Fishermen, boaters in general, they are going to spend their money on their boats,” he said.

Mr. McDonald said the business is a one-man operation, but he is considering taking on a part-time employee and also has been in contact with a student at Chattanooga State who could do boat mechanical work.

“I want this to become a one-stop shop for boaters,” he said.