Boat making business in high demand during storm season in Nghe An

Clip: Van Truong

These days, walking along Block 1, Do Luong town (old), now Do Luong commune, it is not difficult to see the mechanical and welding workshop of Mr. Thai Dac Dung always operating at full capacity. The sound of hammers and metal cutting machines echoes. After the heavy rains that caused flooding at the end of July, people are rushing to buy metal boats.

Mr. Thai Dac Dung said: “My workshop makes many products from corrugated iron such as rice bins, ham molds, wine pots, bee roasters, etc., but during the rainy season, corrugated iron boats are the main product, because people in low-lying areas have to take the initiative to move around in floodwaters.” In fact, corrugated iron boats are still consumed all year round to serve activities such as fishing on the river, however, purchasing power only really increases sharply during the peak of the rainy season.

school 1 — Thai Dac Dung's corrugated iron boat manufacturing facility in Do Luong commune is overwhelmed with work during the stormy days. Photo: Van Truong

According to Mr. Dung, when customers want to buy high-rise boats, they can mobilize 2-3 more workers to build the boats. On average, his facility can produce 15-20 boats per month, depending on demand. The price of each corrugated iron boat ranges from 1-2 million VND, or even higher if customers order a custom size. During the rainy season, his workshop can sell more than 60 boats.

van truong 3456 — A variety of corrugated iron boats serving people in communes along Lam River. Photo: Van Truong

Although making corrugated iron boats does not require modern machinery, it does require high skills. The most difficult step is bending corrugated iron sheets, which requires workers to have techniques, patience and be able to withstand noise pressure. Depending on the requirements, customers can choose boats from many types of corrugated iron with different thicknesses. Recently, many people have even ordered boats made of stainless steel to increase durability. Production facilities often make ready-made boats from 2.5 to 3 meters long, but if customers need larger sizes, they can order them separately.

Mr. Tran Van Tam - a resident of Do Luong commune said: For people in flood-affected areas, using corrugated iron boats is suitable. With light weight, easy to transport and suitable for both the elderly and women. In particular, the lifespan of corrugated iron boats is much higher than traditional wooden boats, no need to worry about rotting or termites after a few years of use. The price is suitable for the income of rural people, not too expensive like motorboats that cost tens of millions of dong.

school 2 — Customers come to the mechanical workshop to wait to get the corrugated iron boat. Photo: Van Truong

In fact, during the recent rainy and flooded days, many families in communes along the Lam River such as Do Luong, Thuan Trung, etc. had to use boats to travel and transport necessities. While economic conditions are still difficult, owning a metal boat that is affordable and meets essential needs is an effective solution. That is also the reason why the metal boat making profession, although seasonal, is still maintained and developed stably every year when the rainy and flood season comes.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/dat-khach-nghe-lam-thuyen-ton-mua-mua-bao-o-nghe-an-10305265.html