Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1380
Attention to Detail It's the detail that really sets Sharpe apart. The Kentucky- based manufacturer employs Debbie Sharp, President Joe Sharpe's wife, as a full-time designer. Her experience with houseboats as well as the interior design industry make her uniquely qualified to help customers decide how best to take advantage of what a houseboat can offer, and her expertise was key in building The Broadcaster. "Boats are getting bigger and more customized every year," says Sharpe's Brent Fothergill. "A lot of this customization has to do with technology. With the advent of flat-panel televi- sions, more and more customers want that entertainment center on the roof or in the living area. Recessed lighting has also become popular over the years." President, Joe Sharpe compares today's trends to the past, "Back when dad was in charge, the boats were pretty much the same layout. You had a green carpet, a blue drape, and a red stripe. Today, everybody has to have a slide, everyone wants an entertainment center on the top deck, everyone wants the setup with the Jet Skis, and we deliver." Economic Realities Sharpe has even built half a dozen houseboats with heli- feature 32 Houseboatmagazine.com