boat building in NY (New York, Clay: foreclosure, homes, employment)

[wonder wheel]

Hey! . I'm a boat builder originally from NYC, and my beautiful wife is Irish, we live in Ireland with our four children, but we all feel like going home to America, and NY would be our first choice , but that all depends on work. So, I was hoping some good people out there might have some ideas on this , and if anyone knows what the real pay for boat building/repair is in NY, that would really be helpful,

[Hartwick]

As you've no doubt been informed, the economy in the United States is in a free-fall and is near catastrophic levels. Millions of people have lost their jobs; millions of people have lost their homes to foreclosure; millions of people have lost their investments, retirement funds, & college funds for their children. The economy is getting worse day by day. It's at scary levels...really bad, critically BAD

While New York State is not in as much financial trouble as California, in no way is this state financially healthy, with a multi-billion dollar deficit and the Governor trying to increase taxes on all kinds of goods and services that are commonly used by people. Plus, everything I said in the above paragraph applies to this state.

With that said, you need to seriously think about the relevance of building boats in this terrible economy...who is going to buy them nowadays? Research some of the state's boat dealers and builders, and view their inventory which has been sitting idle for months and months(before the dealer goes bankrupt from lack of business/sales and lays off more skilled workers).

If you're still intent upon relocating to New York State, I'd suggest checking with boat dealers in the Finger Lakes region. Ithaca has Johnson's Boatyard, and another one whose name I don't recall. Also, check areas such as Clayton, New York, which is on the St. Lawrence Seaway. There are other boatyards around Lake Ontario, but I believe they are more into commercially-built sail and power boats. Other areas to consider would be around Long Island. But, don't get your hopes up.

If you're still intent on relocating to the United States, I'd suggest looking at some of the southern states such as Florida, Texas, Georgia...but still expect that you're not going to find work.

Good luck. Please research your plan before making a huge mistake by coming to this country. Isn't there better opportunity for boat builders in the South of France, Italy, Spain?

[Hartwick]

As an afterthought, I'd suggest your checking boating magazines, boat builder magazines, trade publications, etc., for information as to possible job and salary information.

You can also "Google" boat builders + employment + New York State(or any other U.S. state) for internet assistance with your job and salary search information.

Best of luck to you and your family.

[honeychrome]

As I understand it, Ireland is tanking just about as fast as the US is, so in economic terms you're probably not any better off in one place over the other. Personally I think in community terms you'd be better of there in Ireland- at least there is a history of some degree of localism which is lacking in most of the US.

Anyway, boat-building. Its been a long time since I payed attention to boat-building, but I do believe there is more going on in places like RI, MA and ME. If you have specialized, high-end wooden boat building skills you might want to contact IRYS in Newport, RI (International Yacht Restoration School | IYRS) and they might be able to give you some leads. I do know that the luxury yacht business is seeing a bit of a downturn these days...