A boatbuilder is busy putting the finishing touches to three vessels which he is set to exhibit at the Austrian Boat Show.

Staff at South East Marine, based in the former Prout factory, in Point Road, Canvey, have been working tirelessly to build the boats in time for the show which is taking place in Vienna next week.

Boss Terry Croarkin said the Austrian Boat Show was the first European show the company had taken part in and revealed he would be exhibiting a 16ft fishing boat, a 24ft cabin cruiser, and a 16ft speed boat.

He said: "The aim is to try and drum up business in Europe and we are very pleased to be taking part in such a prestigious show. Business has been going very well in the UK but it is part of the company's overall plans to continue to expand and build on sales overseas."

Mr Croarkin said since moving to the larger 6,000 square-foot premises on Canvey from his former base in Great Wakering, he had found the need to take on three local experienced boatbuilders to meet orders.

He said it has taken the boatbuilders six weeks to careful construct the cabin cruiser and two weeks for the speed boat and fishing boat and they were in the process of just adding the final touches.

He said: "We are taking the boats over to Austria by ferry on Friday night and we are all very excited about showing our work off."

Published Tuesday, February 25, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo