One of the largest manufacturers in the area, as well as the second largest employer in Lebanon, is Tracker Marine Group. With nearly 600 employees, the company prides itself on manufacturing “some of the best boats on the water,” as well as the greatest variety. After introducing the Bass Tracker in 1978, the company expanded to include a variety of bass and ocean fishing boats, houseboats, pontoons, sport and ski boats, as well as cabin cruisers.

G3, a division of Yamaha Boat Company, employs more than 250 at its Lebanon facility, and manufactures the HP High Performance fishing boats Sun Catcher Pontoon and Gator Tough Jon. Powered by Yamaha, G3 prides itself on a quality unihull design as well as striking graphics and luxurious upholstery. For the past five years, the company claims the title of the fastest growing aluminum marine manufacturer in the country.

With an employee base of more than 300, Lowe Boats builds more than 100 models of riveted and welded aluminum boats, including bass, deck and pontoon, as well as fiberglass pleasure boats. Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Lebanon, Lowe Boats was recently certified through the International Organization for Standardization, based on product quality, process improvement and customer satisfaction ratings. Lowe Boats was the first full-line aluminum boat company to receive the designation.

Another Lebanon plant, Landau Manufacturing, has been producing quality pontoon boats since 1974. Certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, Landau’s boats meet or exceed quality and safety standards established by the U.S. Coast Guard as well as the American Boat & Yacht Council. Their “U” shaped construction provides a smoother ride than the traditional round pontoon, which also aids in speed and fuel economy. In addition, all Landau upholstery is designed and manufactured in-house, which is a point of pride for the company’s approximately 65 employees.

Though Bob Holloway, owner of Xtreme Marine in Lenexa, represents the G3 brand, he states, “All of these manufacturers build value-priced products, as well as represent a huge portion of the aluminum marine products sold throughout the U.S.” In addition to boats and engines, products such as wiring, upholstery, canvas and trail manufacturers also rely on marine boat sales to drive their revenues.

«May 2008 Edition