For Beaufort County businesses, the proximity to water is an asset on which to capitalize, and that has been the goal of the boating industry.

A few unexpected gems can be found with Washington’s well-known boating companies, including Custom Marine Group and Pacific Seacraft. Most recently, another company right at home is bringing a new design to the mix — the results of which hit the water last week.

Compmillennia, a Washington-based boat-building company, is debuting its LIGHTSPEED boat line, featuring the 1188 catamaran model with a center console.

The new line comes from a wealth of experience, with Jim Gardiner’s more than 35 years in the industry leading the operation.

Gardiner and his team tested its 39-foot design near Havens Gardens as part of a sea trial, and the sleek, white vessel drew some looks from other boaters at the dock. It can go up to 70 mph and takes 420 gallons of fuel to fill the tank.

Gardiner, who moved to Washington from the Ft. Lauderdale area, said Compmillennia specializes in larger projects like this, building composite structures with cost effectiveness in mind. His goal is to build larger designs — a 45-footer is up next.

“A lot of boats…come out of this area,” he said. “It’s a good skill here to build boats.”

Gardiner said he is glad to build the LIGHTSPEED brand in Washington, a positive move that he thinks is significant. At the same, however, he reserves only the highest praise for his peers in the boating industry.

“I can’t say that we’re the only ones,” Gardiner said. “I mean, you know, Fountain Powerboats has done a remarkable job of providing jobs. … Pacific Seacraft is building new boats, you know, with their name on them.”

He said Compmillennia is now working with Pacific Seacraft to build composite parts for Jimmy Buffett’s custom boat.

Gardiner and his team are at home in Washington, and with knowledge and creativity, hope to continue growing and contributing to a good reputation for Beaufort County’s boating industry.

“LIGHTSPEED (Compmillennia) is not a company that moved here,” he said. “It’s a company that originated here.”