Traditional Boatbuilders Face Challenges of New Technology, Uncertain Economy

In the northeastern U.S. state of Maine, the tradition of boat building dates back hundreds of years. Today, boat yards employ about 5 percent of the state's work force, and their industry generates over $600 million a year for the Maine economy. And with fishermen and pleasure seekers alike plying the state's 11,000 kilometers (7,000 miles) of coastline, there's been a steady demand for Maine-built boats. VOA's Julie Taboh spoke with some practitioners of the trade in and around Bar Harbor, where craftsmen create everything from hand-built wooden lobster boats to luxurious pleasure craft for customers the world over.

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