Hustler Fibreglass Boats Limited officially opened its facility in the West Prince Business Park today. The company, owned by Jamie Hustler, produces fibreglass fishing and pleasure craft. The West Prince facility began production of craft which is primarily aimed at the export market in July 2000.
Jamie's father, Marvin, has been a lobster fisherman in the area for many years and Jamie has worked with him for the past twelve. This experience helped Jamie understand the needs of the boat building industry and recognize a need for improved fishing vessels. Hustler's vessel is 45-feet long with a "V"-shaped bow and a wider stern than traditional styles. According to Jamie, this design provides greater stability, a smoother sail and more power at the same speed.
"The design of our boats is aimed at improving the product for consumers," said Jamie. "A smoother, more stable sail is desirable to both fishing and pleasure customers alike."
Jamie has already created interest in potential buyers, and he has also completed the plug for the mould of his first vessel. There are a considerable number of ports across the Maritime provinces with waiting lists of people wanting to have boats built.
Furthermore, research has enabled Hustler to identify new markets in the fibreglass boat building industry in the United States, and they hope to someday service these markets.
Development and Technology Minister Mike Currie toured the facility today and was impressed with the ingenuity of the enterprise.
"Islanders have a great deal of knowledge and expertise when it comes to the fishing industry," he said. "It's great to see a company take this expertise and turn it into an exportable product."
Initially Jamie and Marvin served as the company's only employees, but they have already brought on two additional staff members. Jamie sees potential for hiring up to ten employees if product demand permits.
The Government of Prince Edward Island assisted in the establishment of the Hustler Fibreglass Boats Limited site in West Prince through Prince Edward Island Business Development, the lead business development corporation for the Province.