Photo courtesy Paul Mann
Manns Harbor, NC — For 32 years, Paul Mann has stood at the helm of Paul Mann Custom Boats (PMCB) with his wife, Robin, by his side. Together, with their exceptionally talented employees, they’ve built magnificent custom sportfishing boats. Throughout the years, Paul has poured his blood, sweat and passion along with his heart and soul into every boat he’s built. He doesn’t know any other way. And now, looking at the possibility of multiple surgeries to correct painful neck issues, Paul and Robin have decided to put boat building on hold and direct their focus on Paul’s health.
“This has been an agonizing decision for me and Robin,” noted Paul. “We’ve got current builds to begin and great prospects for the future, we’ve got wonderful employees, some I’ve worked with more than 20 years–but right now, I have to focus on my health.”
Once Hull 140 and several refurbish jobs are complete, PMCB will take a few weeks to get their facilities cleaned up, organized and looking good before they close the doors for an undisclosed amount of time. They anticipate this happening around the first of June.
“I have all the confidence in the world in my people and their ability to build boats, but I manage the shop and that’s what my customers expect,” says Paul. “I’ve always been a hands-on builder and when they contract for a Paul Mann custom boat, they expect Paul Mann to be at the helm on a day-to-day-basis.”
Recognized throughout the marine and woodworking industry for award winning craftsmanship, Paul Mann Custom Boats, in Manns Harbor NC, has built more than 40 yachts from 52 to 80+ feet LOA. The first hull launched more than 30 years ago, is still active in sportfishing today and serves as a testament to Paul Mann’s “hands-on” dedication to every aspect of the design build process.
Paul’s decision was heavily swayed by the fact that at some point he just wasn’t going to be able to continue working at the level he is accustomed to without this surgery. Instead of working until he was forced to stop, he wanted the decision to be on his own terms and in a way that is respectable to his employees and customers.
The fate of their employees was most important to Paul and Robin as they debated the future. “They’re good people and we truly care about their future,” said Robin. “We know they will be in high demand. The economy will bounce back after this virus and that’s what we’re counting on.”
Paul Mann has not only built custom sportfishing boats for thirty-two plus years – he has built a legacy. If the saying is right, and home really is where your heart is, then Paul has made a home out of every yacht he’s built. As Paul recuperates, he and Robin look forward to keeping up with his customers through e-mail and posts on social media. “We want to hear from you and look forward to reading about your sportfishing adventures,” notes Paul, who closes with, “And when I’m ready to go–I’ll go again!”
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