Northcoast Yachts plans to move boatbuilding plant

Northcoast Yachts, of Tacoma, Washington has announced plans to relocate to Port Orchard, Washington. The yachtbuilding plant will be in a yet-to-be disclosed location within city limits.

“We don’t want to tip our hand just yet, but I will say we are negotiating with several people for potential sites,” CEO Steve Yadvish said. “But make no mistake: Northcoast Yachts is committed to moving its operations to Port Orchard.”

Yadvish also considered Anacortes, Port Townsend and Bellingham for the planned expansion of his yacht construction operation, which he purchased in 2003. He settled on Port Orchard because of his experience with a recent repair and expansion of the Yachtfish dock and moorage.

“The city staff’s expertise and willingness to go the extra mile to help made the process as smooth as a project of this magnitude can be,” he told the newspaper.

Yadvish said he expects to begin hiring for the yacht-building operation in late 2012 or early 2013, with wages starting in the $20-an-hour range.

Northcoast Yachts recently completed a 125′ megayacht built on speculation. The yacht, originally priced at $18.9 million, was shipped to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where Yadvish is optimistic he’ll find a buyer.