Local business is a true piece of RI

JAMESTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) - The Rhode Show checked out the I Luv R.I. Facebook page to discover another local business that is a true piece of Rhode Island.

"Clark Boat Yard and Marine Works" in Jamestown has been around since the early thirties.

Francis Clark, original owner of Clark Boat Yard and Marine Works said that, "it's been a pleasure from the beginning. My kids took it over four years ago, and they've managed to grow the yard much more than when I had it or my father."

The yard has stayed in the Clark family since the beginning.

"It’s kinda nice to see all these boats here. I like to see the yard full. It's a pleasure to see it full, and I’ve got some children who are very good at what they do," said Francis.

Sarah Clark one of the co-owners, had a great childhood at the yard.

"I grew up here my whole life I’ve been here. This beautiful view this is my backyard," said Sarah. "Being here everyday is just a joy really. It's nice to have my own business to work with my brothers and just to have that family tradition carry on."

Even through tough times, this family business has been able to stay a float.

Co-owner Jim Clark said he also really enjoys working at the yard. 

"I’m very proud of my siblings and my parents. It's nice to be involved in the family business and we all get along amazingly and I’m not just saying that cause I’m on camera," joke Jim.

The Clark family not only stores boats, but repairs them too.

"We're keeping it traditional. You know, we don't want to have big steal buildings. We're in a nice quiet part of Jamestown. So we want to keep this in keeping with this area so when you come to this boat yard you feel like you’re in old New England," said Jim.

And the view isn't too shabby either.

"Sometimes I look out at the view and say this is incredible. We have customers that re-enforce that. They come down here and say this is an epic view and I scratch myself on the head and say you know, your right,"  added Jim.

The Clark Boat Yard and Marine Works is a full service yard, with over 80 boats and 45 moorings. To find more local companies with true Rhode Island stories -- check out the I Luv RI Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/iluvri?ref=ts