Alumacraft History
Charting the course as one of the oldest aluminum boat-makers in the USA
JIM & BOB HOBSON
RETIRED ALUMACRAFT EMPLOYEES75 YEARS IN THE MAKING
Know-How and talent:
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1893-1945 |
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1946 |
An ingenious idea meets
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Fishing, family, friends and fun – The Model F (and more)Just the right size for a family, the Model F allowed people to make memories on the water for over 50 years! Perfect for fishing or taking a lake cruise, its easy handling and low maintenance meant days, and years, of carefree fun. |
1947 |
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1954 |
Designed to meet consumer needsIn the booming economy of the 1950s, consumers earned more, bought more, and wanted more from what they bought. At Alumacraft, we began to take notice of these new requests for more comfort, taking a customer-centric path we’ve stayed on ever since. |
As light as airThe weight benefits of aluminum proved especially useful for people wanting to take boats to remote areas. In the mid 50s, our Model B was snapped boarding a plane for an outpost camp near Denali in Alaska that could not be reached by vehicle. |
1955 |
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1956 |
Enhancing the on-water experienceThe Super C runabout gave consumers a boat that was not only fast, but could fit their personality. Available in three different color combinations, it also featured polished gunwales and spray rails, and a tan, scuff-resistant interior for an added touch of class. |
Leading the leisurely lifestyleThe trend towards greater comfort, more style and added features continued with the Queen Merrie. Super sleek with its one-piece extrusion gunwale side decks and coaming, it boasted an optional sporty convertible canvas top or elegant fiberglass hard top, with back-to-back open seating also possible. For the more active consumer, we added aluminum water skis to our lineup from ‘58 to ‘60. |
1958 |
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1965 |
Innovative technical leadershipFocusing on the decades of craftsmanship and expertise our workforce had developed in manipulating aluminum to shape our early boat models, we began producing stretch-formed hulls, consisting of two sheets of aluminum. |
Duck hunters lamentAfter 22 years and 3,341 boats, we stopped building the Lifetime Ducker. Designed by Erich Swenson, they are still sought after today for their well-designed features, such as push-pole racks and oar holders, built-in blind loops, and silent oarlocksAble to cut through ice, they are light to carry, and can be easily held in place by their push poles. |
1969 |
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1970 |
A new home in which to growAcquired by Timpte Industries Inc., we moved to a brand new 100,000 square-foot plant in Saint Peter, MN. It’s been our home ever since. In the new plant, we saw continued growth, with a more aggressive sales and marketing approach that expanded our dealer network. |
Expanding into new territoriesWe gained a major foothold in the southern market by purchasing General Marine Corporation in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. This added an assortment of flatter bottomed jon boats and modified V hull fishing boats to our range of deep Vs, more popular in the north, and increased sales nationwide. |
1974 |
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1977 |
Consistent canoe championsOur aluminum canoes won the United States Canoe Association (USCA) Aluminum National races for the fourth consecutive year. |
Keeping it freshFrom the late 70s, we began to focus even more on our customers’ needs. Fishing was always a core activity of our boats’ owners, and our designers strived to produce the best type of boat for a particular type of catch, and include as many useful features as possible for anglers. |
1978 |
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1987 |
Getting competitiveOur most popular series, comprising the Competitor and Competitor CS models, was released in tiller and side-console options. They also sported AM/FM stereo, livewell with timer, trim-and-tilt switch, and trolling motor plug and socket. |
Finding the nicheThe Phantom V-170 was our first bass-style boat and proved extremely popular. You can still find people using the boat they bought new back then. It could handle both shallow and deep waters, and included aerated livewells, insulated ice chests, and locking compartments for rods and water skis. |
1988 |
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1989 |
Going bigFor those who envisioned bigger, bolder adventures, we introduced our first 20-foot boat, the Trophy 220 Cuddy. With its twin outboards and cabin, serious anglers (and nature-lovers) could range further from home, not worrying about the weather or having to get back at night. |
The more, the merrierIn a region where fishing can be a multi-generational activity bringing families together, our Sunclipper pontoon allowed everyone to get on board at the same time. |
1990 |
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1991 |
Heading over the oceanDid you know there’s a passionate fan base in Europe for our aluminum boats? In 1991, we started shipping to the Netherlands to meet that demand. |
50 years, 500,000 boatsBy the time we celebrated our golden anniversary, we had made over half a million boats, and were offering more than 80 models focused on fishing and hunting. We celebrated our half century of success by introducing the revolutionary 2XB hull design. Signifying “twice the boat”, the 2XB was a twin-plated one-piece deep V, with larger spray rails and aircraft-grade rivets. |
1996 |
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1997 |
A heritage turns into a legacyDavid Benbow, Timpte shareholder and General Manager at the time the Saint Peter plant opened, bought out Alumacraft, making us an independent company. After years of working with the long-standing team, getting to know dealers, consumers and employees, as well as our products, he had become invested in us in more ways than one. |
A boost to efficiencyThe purchase of computer-controlled cutting machines, called CNC routers, streamlined our manufacturing process. While we still used the traditional techniques of craftmanship passed down over the decades, today’s technology enabled us to work more efficiently. |
1999 |
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2003-2007 |
Continued improvementsBy 2007, the modified-V hull for our Invader 195 had attracted attention at a photoshoot water test where it reached 66mph; our deep Vs had gained in stability and storage capacity, thanks to their new wide beam construction; and our Tournament Pros had improved their top speed performance with their higher side walls. |
The legacy is passed onWhen David Benbow passed away in 2010, the Alumacraft name stood for modernized tradition, innovative durability, and an unwavering dedication to our customer. Corinthian Capital Group took over the company, and we continued to see solid revenue and growth in market share. |
2011 |
|
|
2013 |
Innovative enhancementsOur innovation momentum continued with a switch to lighter, 130%-stronger all-aluminum transoms from aluminum-clad wood transoms. The stronger transom minimizes racking and vibration, providing a more durable mounting surface for today’s larger, more powerful outboards. |
Joining forces with like mindsOur track record of design innovation and focus on the customer experience, coupled with our talented, dedicated workforce, mirrored the attributes that have brought success to BRP. This made Alumacraft the perfect choice for the powersports manufacturer as it created its new Marine Group. |
2018 |
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2020 |
Your Fishing FreedomThe introduction of the Competitor 175 and 185 Family, Fish and Ski crossover (FSX) boats, officially model year 2021, marked our 75th anniversary with a nod to everything the Alumacraft name embodies. Featuring all the must-have amenities serious anglers crave, while providing maximum flexibility for families who love being out on the water, thanks to the easy addition of seating or a waterski pylon, the FSX celebrates 75 years of enabling fishing families to continue making memories on the water. |
1893-1945 |
Know-How and talent:
|
1946 |
An ingenious idea meets
|
1947 |
Fishing, family, friends and fun – The Model F (and more)Just the right size for a family, the Model F allowed people to make memories on the water for over 50 years! Perfect for fishing or taking a lake cruise, its easy handling and low maintenance meant days, and years, of carefree fun. |
1954 |
Designed to meet consumer needsIn the booming economy of the 1950s, consumers earned more, bought more, and wanted more from what they bought. At Alumacraft, we began to take notice of these new requests for more comfort, taking a customer-centric path we’ve stayed on ever since. |
1955 |
As light as airThe weight benefits of aluminum proved especially useful for people wanting to take boats to remote areas. In the mid 50s, our Model B was snapped boarding a plane for an outpost camp near Denali in Alaska that could not be reached by vehicle. |
1956 |
Enhancing the on-water experienceThe Super C runabout gave consumers a boat that was not only fast, but could fit their personality. Available in three different color combinations, it also featured polished gunwales and spray rails, and a tan, scuff-resistant interior for an added touch of class. |
1958 |
Leading the leisurely lifestyleThe trend towards greater comfort, more style and added features continued with the Queen Merrie. Super sleek with its one-piece extrusion gunwale side decks and coaming, it boasted an optional sporty convertible canvas top or elegant fiberglass hard top, with back-to-back open seating also possible. For the more active consumer, we added aluminum water skis to our lineup from ‘58 to ‘60. |
1965 |
Innovative technical leadershipFocusing on the decades of craftsmanship and expertise our workforce had developed in manipulating aluminum to shape our early boat models, we began producing stretch-formed hulls, consisting of two sheets of aluminum. |
1969 |
Duck hunters lamentAfter 22 years and 3,341 boats, we stopped building the Lifetime Ducker. Designed by Erich Swenson, they are still sought after today for their well-designed features, such as push-pole racks and oar holders, built-in blind loops, and silent oarlocksAble to cut through ice, they are light to carry, and can be easily held in place by their push poles. |
1970 |
A new home in which to growAcquired by Timpte Industries Inc., we moved to a brand new 100,000 square-foot plant in Saint Peter, MN. It’s been our home ever since. In the new plant, we saw continued growth, with a more aggressive sales and marketing approach that expanded our dealer network. |
1974 |
Expanding into new territoriesWe gained a major foothold in the southern market by purchasing General Marine Corporation in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. This added an assortment of flatter bottomed jon boats and modified V hull fishing boats to our range of deep Vs, more popular in the north, and increased sales nationwide. |
1977 |
Consistent canoe championsOur aluminum canoes won the United States Canoe Association (USCA) Aluminum National races for the fourth consecutive year. |
1978 |
Keeping it freshFrom the late 70s, we began to focus even more on our customers’ needs. Fishing was always a core activity of our boats’ owners, and our designers strived to produce the best type of boat for a particular type of catch, and include as many useful features as possible for anglers. |
1987 |
Getting competitiveOur most popular series, comprising the Competitor and Competitor CS models, was released in tiller and side-console options. They also sported AM/FM stereo, livewell with timer, trim-and-tilt switch, and trolling motor plug and socket. |
1988 |
Finding the nicheThe Phantom V-170 was our first bass-style boat and proved extremely popular. You can still find people using the boat they bought new back then. It could handle both shallow and deep waters, and included aerated livewells, insulated ice chests, and locking compartments for rods and water skis. |
1989 |
Going bigFor those who envisioned bigger, bolder adventures, we introduced our first 20-foot boat, the Trophy 220 Cuddy. With its twin outboards and cabin, serious anglers (and nature-lovers) could range further from home, not worrying about the weather or having to get back at night. |
1990 |
The more, the merrierIn a region where fishing can be a multi-generational activity bringing families together, our Sunclipper pontoon allowed everyone to get on board at the same time. |
1991 |
Heading over the oceanDid you know there’s a passionate fan base in Europe for our aluminum boats? In 1991, we started shipping to the Netherlands to meet that demand. |
1996 |
50 years, 500,000 boatsBy the time we celebrated our golden anniversary, we had made over half a million boats, and were offering more than 80 models focused on fishing and hunting. We celebrated our half century of success by introducing the revolutionary 2XB hull design. Signifying “twice the boat”, the 2XB was a twin-plated one-piece deep V, with larger spray rails and aircraft-grade rivets. |
1997 |
A heritage turns into a legacyDavid Benbow, Timpte shareholder and General Manager at the time the Saint Peter plant opened, bought out Alumacraft, making us an independent company. After years of working with the long-standing team, getting to know dealers, consumers and employees, as well as our products, he had become invested in us in more ways than one. |
1999 |
A boost to efficiencyThe purchase of computer-controlled cutting machines, called CNC routers, streamlined our manufacturing process. While we still used the traditional techniques of craftmanship passed down over the decades, today’s technology enabled us to work more efficiently. |
2003-2007 |
Continued improvementsBy 2007, the modified-V hull for our Invader 195 had attracted attention at a photoshoot water test where it reached 66mph; our deep Vs had gained in stability and storage capacity, thanks to their new wide beam construction; and our Tournament Pros had improved their top speed performance with their higher side walls. |
2011 |
The legacy is passed onWhen David Benbow passed away in 2010, the Alumacraft name stood for modernized tradition, innovative durability, and an unwavering dedication to our customer. Corinthian Capital Group took over the company, and we continued to see solid revenue and growth in market share. |
2013 |
Innovative enhancementsOur innovation momentum continued with a switch to lighter, 130%-stronger all-aluminum transoms from aluminum-clad wood transoms. The stronger transom minimizes racking and vibration, providing a more durable mounting surface for today’s larger, more powerful outboards. |
2018 |
Joining forces with like mindsOur track record of design innovation and focus on the customer experience, coupled with our talented, dedicated workforce, mirrored the attributes that have brought success to BRP. This made Alumacraft the perfect choice for the powersports manufacturer as it created its new Marine Group. |
2020 |
Your Fishing FreedomThe introduction of the Competitor 175 and 185 Family, Fish and Ski crossover (FSX) boats, officially model year 2021, marked our 75th anniversary with a nod to everything the Alumacraft name embodies. Featuring all the must-have amenities serious anglers crave, while providing maximum flexibility for families who love being out on the water, thanks to the easy addition of seating or a waterski pylon, the FSX celebrates 75 years of enabling fishing families to continue making memories on the water. |
