Gunboat Company, a maker of high-end sailboats, announced today that it would locate a new shipyard in Dare County and create 71 jobs.
The company plans to invest $1.8 million over the next three years at a site in Wanchese.
Gunboat will receive a $213,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund if it meets hiring and investment goals.
The average annual wage for the jobs will be $27,093, plus benefits. That's above the Dare County average of $24,128.
Gunboat makes catamaran yachts It is a part of Rhode Island-based Gunboat International.
The boating industry experienced a sharp drop in sales during the recession, causing a major restructuring of many sectors of the industry.
The industry has shown some signs of recovering in recent years after shedding hundreds of jobs in eastern North Carolina.
Business reporter David Bracken came to the N&O in 2004. He covers commercial and residential real estate. Contact David at 919-829-4548 or