Tag Archives: Smoker Craft

The National Marine Manufacturers Association worked hard to ensure that the codified 2017 Tax Reform Package benefited our members, their employees and the boating industry at large. Last week, the industry association saw that success come to fruition when Smoker Craft passed on those tax benefits directly to its employees through bonuses and raises during a company-wide meeting attended by ...

As the Beach Boys predicted in 1963, everybody’s gone surfin’. But not at the beach – today’s surfers are mostly found playing behind boats. With affordable surf boats and high-end tow boats appealing to a wider range of buyers than ever, the watersports category has never been stronger. Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys must be feeling more than a ...

The pontoon boat segment was the first to recover in the wake of the downturn, and it continues to post steady and consistent sales growth year after year. Is this the new normal? “We’re again looking at growth in the high single-digit range.” “We expect growth to continue at the same rate, or even a little better than what we saw last year.” ...

The international flavor at Smoker Craft’s 2018 dealer meeting was undeniable as the New Paris, Indiana-based boat manufacturer builds on its strong domestic market share with a renewed emphasis on export sales. The company, which manufactures aluminum fishing boats, fiberglass runabouts, surf boats and pontoon boats under its Smoker Craft, Starcraft, Starweld, Sylvan and SunChaser brands, welcomed representatives from more ...

If there’s one constant in the recreational boating industry, it’s that freshwater fishing boats always manage to sell.  Even at the height of the downturn, freshwater fishing rigs were one of the few types of boats that continued to move off the lot – with some buyers joking that at least they would have something to do if and when ...

Labor shortages, especially in service and manufacturing, are hampering industry growth Listen to political speeches or check out the news and you’d get the idea that there isn’t a job – especially a good paying blue-collar job – to be found in this country. Statements like “What will it take to bring back domestic manufacturing jobs?” or “Why Trump will struggle ...

Smoker Craft has shared the news of the passing of regional sales director Dan Robinson last weekend after a battle with cancer. The company provided the following obituary for Robinson: Dan was a valuable member of the Smoker Craft team. He will be remembered for his contagious energy, enthusiasm for boating and many product design ideas.  He was a friend to ...

Continued strong sales growth fueled by innovative designs and unmatched versatility suggest a sunny future for the pontoon segment While the recreational boating industry in North America has seen more than its share of highs and lows over the years, one constant has been the continued growth of the pontoon boat category. From humble beginnings where they were derided as ...

John Babbitt, Smoker Craft’s international sales manager, passed away last week. The company submitted the following obituary to Boating Industry. Smoker Craft Inc. is saddened to announce the passing of its much-beloved international sales manager, John Babbitt. John, 69, passed away at his home in Indianapolis late last week. A graduate of the University of Maine and the Thunderbird International ...

The Smoker Craft family announced the loss of a dear friend and colleague on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, with the sudden passing of Peter Spiegel. A Smoker Craft employee for 21 years, Spiegel was well known and highly respected across the recreational boating industry. In his capacity as regional director of sales, Spiegel played a significant role in developing Smoker ...