Brad Flater
High Point, NC (USA)
Role(s):
Founder/Owner/Principal
OBX Boatworks
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Startup
Location:
High Point
Industry:
Sports/Recreation
Year Founded:
2009
Number Employees:
1-10 people
Business Stage:
Growth (profitable)
Entity Type:
Limited Liability Company
Description:
OBX Boatworks LLC was launched in 2012 by Brad Flater along side Outerbanks Boatworks of Harkers Island, NC. Outerbanks Boatworks has been building custom wood boats for over 15 years. There is a market opportunity for Carolina boats manufactured in fiberglass versus the traditional wood construction. Composite fiberglass is the consumers material of choice in boatbuilding due to its strength, durability, resale and maintenance benefits.
The 32 Express was OBX's first model and it was launched in January 2012. The 32 Express was received by customers and the industry with rave reviews at both the Miami and Palm Beach boat shows and a new 345 Express is currently under construction for a Long Island client. Significant interest has been shown in our 26, 28 and 39 foot models which are in the development stage and plan to be launched in 2014. OBX has verbal commitments to build two 395 foot Express models and signed contracts for three 285 Center Consoles. A capital infusion to fast track these new models will allow OBX to fulfill these orders quickly and expand its offerings at the fall boatshows to gain market share and build on the current momentum. OBX fills an open niche in the industry as there are no true Carolina style boats constructed in fiberglass being built and assembled in a production environment. Our boats stand out in the industry and are true works of art.
Our team is built around many ex Hatteras Yachts employees as well as being located in the previous manufacturing facility of Hatteras Yachts in High Point, NC. OBX has tremendous boatbuilding experience and the facilities to handle significant volume and growth. The employee base in the Piedmont Triad of NC has tremendous furniture talent and boatbuilding experience. When you combine the vision and passion of the owners, the talent of our employees, great designs and facilities to grow, OBX has a tremendous opportunity to become a boatbuilding powerhouse for the future.