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Jersey Cape Yachts

Jersey Cape Yachts delivered its first boat in 1998, an attractive 36-footer, and quickly got orders for more. "We're on hull number 33 right now," says Genine Puglise, director of marketing and co-owner with husband Wayne, "but we skipped number 13."

The company builds sport-fishers ranging in size from 31 to 66 feet, but just recently upgraded the tooling and molds to handle the 66-footer. "We have a 45 debuting in the Fort Lauderdale show this year and we are excited about getting started on the 66. We really want to make our presence known among the big boys," says Puglise.
 
Last year, Jersey Cape purchased Cavileer, increasing its market presence and becoming a major player in one, swift move. "We jumped from the frying pan into fire," says Puglise. "We tripled our staff, production and building size overnight — it's all very exciting."
 
One thing that sets Jersey Cape apart is its belief that boatbuilding is more of a passion than a paycheck. "Wayne has a fleet maintenance business that keeps our paychecks coming in; we don't depend on the boat business for the money. Every penny we get goes right back into the boats. Boatbuilding is fun for us. Wayne builds boats because he loves it, and I do it because I love him."
 

At a Glance: • Carolina style with Jersey attitude • Boatbuilding passion • Customer oriented

That commitment to each other carries over to the customer relations and the boats made at Jersey Cape. "We strive for absolute quality and we stand behind our boats no matter what," says Puglise. "We really build a relationship with each and every customer. Most guys like the build process as much as the boat, so we have an open-door policy at the yard. You can come and go anytime you want."
 
Most of the Jersey Cape line shows a bit of Carolina heritage. "Our 40 and 44 come from Buddy Davis molds that we bought over a year and a half ago. We worked on the molds with Donald Blount, the original designer, refurbishing the bottoms and adding hull pockets," says Puglise.
 
"One thing I'd like people to remember is that we don't let a boat leave here unless it is ready to fish," says Puglise. "Many of our boats leave and fish tournaments the very next week. We try very hard to get it right the first time."
 
For more information, contact Jersey Cape Yachts of Lower Bank, New Jersey, at 609-965-8650, or visit www.jerseycapeyachts.com.

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