Boating Industry Canada - February 2009

Harbercraft Celebrates 50 years

WITH NEW FACILITY

BY CATHIE LANK

WestWinn Group, makers of Harbercraft, Jetcraft and Kingfisher premium aluminum boats is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year by opening a new manufacturing facility this spring in Vernon, B.C. Building a new facility in the midst of such an unsettled global market may seem risky but WestWinn has positioned itself well for such a bold move.

Harbercraft Boats were born in Fort Erie, Ontario in 1959. The Harber family manufactured popular car-top aluminum fishing boats that were light and easy to transport. Soon the demand for these boats had grown across Canada. In 1970, a new manufacturing plant was built outside of Vernon, B.C.

Byron Bolton, WestWinn Group’s president and owner, purchased Harbercraft seventeen years ago. Although the car-top model is long gone, the Harbercraft brand thrives as a reputable, Canadian made, all-welded heavy gauge aluminum boat known for its ideal balance of performance, precision handling and ride comfort. Harbercraft’s innovative clean styling with superior finish appeals to the practical “no-nonsense” outdoorsman who values durability, simplicity and performance.

Mike Clements, Production Manager and Tim Osborn, Product Specialist and Byron Bolton, President discuss floor plan for new Westwinn Centre of Excellence.

New for 2009, the 33’ Kingfisher is Harbercraft’s ultimate aluminum coastal boat. This year Harbercraft Celebrates 50 Years With New Building.

“West Winn now serves three primary segments of the market,” explains Bolton. “We serve western North American freshwater fishing enthusiasts as well as offshore fishing enthusiasts and extreme river jet boat enthusiasts. We also produce boats for commercial use such as law enforcement, fire and rescue, charters and tours as well as for research applications.”

The company’s products are sold through a comprehensive dealer network from California to Alaska to Ontario as well as a growing international dealer network. The Jetcraft brand is sold exclusively in the U.S. while Harbercraft serves the Canadian market. Kingfisher coastal boats are built to suit offshore sport fishing enthusiasts and are marketed globally.