The Business Life of James Sharpe
Celebrating a half century of lake-style houseboating
Houseboat Magazine (October 2003)

1947
Built and opened Somerset’s first public swimming pool. “The Hillcrest,” along with his brother Bill.  The pool was complete with bath houses and high diving board.

1949
Founded Sharpe Marine (prior to Lake Cumberland impoundment), where they sold boats, motors and trailers.

1953
Changed the name of the company to Somerset Marine. Built first houseboat – 10 by 24-foot steel hull flat bottom with scow bow.

1959
Moved to new location on North US 27 at the KY 80 intersection. By this time, houseboats had grown to 11 by 32-feet.

1966
Developed and owned the Food Fair grocery chain, growing to 13 stores. Gene Robinson was brought in as a partner.

1968
Built Somerset’s first fried chicken restaurant – Kettle Fried.

1969
Moved to new location on South US 27 with a new showroom and factory building with 25,000 square feet. Boats were built up to 12 by 40-feet.

1972
Incorporated in Kentucky-Somerset Marine, Inc.

1973
Built first 14 by 50-foot steel hull houseboat. The name Sumerset was born.

1974
Built first aluminum hull 14 by 54-foot houseboat.

1974
Built last steel hull houseboat and last 12-foot wide houseboat.

1974
Bought Pulaski Motor Company.

1978
Bought Burnside Marina.

1978
Built first 18-foot wide houseboat. It was 19 by 68-foot aluminum.

1978-83
Sold boat business and car dealership.

1983
Sharpe and staff took over plant, following previous owner’s bankruptcy.

1984
Sumerset started production again building aluminum houseboats only. The smallest model was 14 by 60-foot.

1985
Nationwide sales again established.

1987
Purchased assets of Lazy Days Mfg. Co. and started production.

1987
Began construction of new Lazy Days Plant.

1988
In May, completed construction of new Lazy Days plant.

1988
In November, completed sale of Lazy Days Factory and assets.

1994
Started excavating on the 30 acres for new Sumerset Houseboat plant.

1994
In October, began construction of new Sumerset Houseboat plant.

1995
On May 1, Sumerset moved into new facility.

1996
August 30, sold stock of Sumerset Houseboats