One of the most enduring businesses in Warren, owned and operated by one the town's foundational families, was recently recognized with another accolade when Blount Boats was selected by the Small Business Association-Rhode Island District as the 2026 recipient of the Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Small Business of the Year.

Founded in 1949 by renowned local entrepreneur Luther H. Blount, the company began with a simple twin-hull raft and has grown to be among the leaders in the maritime building industry.

The company, currently guided under the auspices of Luther's daughters, Marcia and Julie Blount, has delivered nearly 400 vessels. Among its innovations are constructing the first commercial stern trawler and dinner cruise boat in the nation.

"It was a great honor to be recognized by the SBA on a regional basis as a family firm with a history of 77 years," said President of Blount Boats Marcia Blount, adding all five of her siblings were in attendance at the ceremony late this past spring. The company celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2024.

As stated in the award salutation, "Their commitment to sustainable technologies and community support defines their values. Beyond its maritime legacy, Blount Boats has demonstrated steadfast dedication to the Town of Warren and the greater Rhode Island community."

"It was really wonderful, and it really helped us connect with other people business-wise," Blount Boats Executive Vice President Julie Blount said of the SBA award, noting the company is in the process of completing its 381 vessel ever. "There's a whole network out there, connections that we've made since within the business for shipbuilding."

Of the intricacies of their builds, Julie continued, "These are very complex and multi-year projects. We're not building Boston Whalers. These are complex commercial work boats."

Throughout its existence, Blount Boats has constructed ships for the private and public sectors, the latter including the United States Coast Guard and American Bureau of Shipping.

Builds currently in works are the company's third and fourth vessels of a four-boat contract with the New York (state) Power Authority, a 65-foot tug built for the fleet used to maintain the Erie Canal. Julie explained the first boat constructed under the deal was the "Thomas X. Grasso," which was actually delivered on the day of the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal.

Tug Grasso was named after the longtime ship captain and former president of the Canal Society of New York State who passed away in 2022. The tugs in production at Blount’s facility on Water Street are scheduled to be delivered in 2027. The second vessel delivered, "Tug Rome," is named for the Town of Rome, which is known as the "birthplace" of the canal. The next boat up will be called "Tug Waterford," again after one the towns along the canal.

Julie said the contract with the New York Power Authority is an example of why Blount Boats remains at the fore of what she said was a "very competitive" industry.

"We win bids based on capability, not so much on price," Julie explained. "So if the scale is 60% capability and 40% price, we usually are right there. That's kind of our sweet spot, but we are normally in that cut for getting the bid because we always win on capability. Blount builds better boats."

Over the years, Blount Boats have also built several boats for the Circle Line,. Statue of Liberty Ferry and for the Governors Island to Battery Park connector in New York City, for Fire Island in New York State, many "spirit" boats, cruisers used in Casco Bay in Portland, Maine and numerous vessels for the Puerto Rico Ports Authority.

"We build to last. Some of our boats are still running after 60 years," Julie added. "That's pretty good."