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KILGORE, Texas, July 18, 2007—Skeeter Products, Inc., manufacturer of Skeeter brand boats and the first recognized bass boat, recently returned to its roots, hosting its 2008 dealer meeting in Shreveport, Louisiana, home of the company’s founder, Holmes Thurmond, and the company’s first dealership, Reeves Marine.
Dealers representing bass, walleye, saltwater and fish and ski markets from around the country, descended on Shreveport, helping to kick-off the company’s 60th Anniversary, as well as take a look at many of the new products Skeeter will be launching for 2008.
“There are not many boat companies in the marine industry who boast 60 years of manufacturing experience, more than twice the experience of many of our competitors,” says Jeff Stone, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Skeeter Products, Inc. “Overall the marine industry is down, however, Skeeter’s strong dealer network and innovative product line-up has helped us to exceed our expectations for another year, and we’re confident that our dealer/manufacturer partnership will continue its trend of success well into 2008,” Stone continued.
Holmes Thurmond designed the first Skeeter bass boat, not knowing at the time that he was laying the groundwork for not only a new company, but also a new industry. The original Skeeter was 13-feet long and made from marine plywood, with slanted sides, a flat bottom and pointed bow. “My grandfather had a true passion for fishing, and was always seeking ways to improve both his boat, and his fishing techniques,” says Butch Thurmond, grandson of the late Skeeter founder. “He wanted a boat that he could fish out of comfortably, yet one that was built for speed and stability,” says Thurmond.
“My grandfather was a visionary and a competitor, and he would be proud of how far the company has come in 60 years,” says Thurmond. “I continue to be amazed at the innovation and technology that goes into the brand, yet each and every boat is designed and manufactured with an owner in-mind – giving that person the exact boat they need and want to be successful at fishing, while having a good time doing so,” Thurmond continued.
Rodney Reeves, owner of Shreveport-based Reeves Marine, the first Skeeter dealer, and what is believed to be the first bass boat dealership in the nation, attributes much of Skeeter’s success to understanding its business. “Both Reeves Marine and Skeeter are in the people business, and we are both dedicated to giving our customers a positive sales and service experience,” says Reeves, whose father founded Reeves Marine in the late 1940’s.
Skeeter manufactures more than 20 different boats for any lifestyle and budget, including its high-end and technology-driven i-Class, its tournament-ready ZX Series bass boats, its SX Series bass boats, its SL Family Sport Series, its WX Series walleye boats and its ZX Saltwater Series of bay boats. For 2008, Skeeter introduces its WX2100 and ZX180, as well as making significant upgrades to its existing models, continuing to meet and exceed customer expectation.
Skeeter Boats, Inc. makes fishing and boating fun and rewarding with owner’s tournaments, a scholarship program, tournament incentives, and a top-notch dealer network. Skeeter’s heritage dates back to 1948, and today it designs and manufactures innovative and high-performing bass, walleye, fish & ski and saltwater boats. Skeeter Boats is the recipient of six consecutive CSI customer satisfaction awards, and its boats are NMMA certified to meet strict U.S. Coast Guard and American Boat & Yacht Council standards. To order a catalog call (800) SKEETER, or for more information, visit
www.skeeterboats.com.
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