Correct Craft

Correct Craft is a U.S.-based builder of powerboats primarily for waterskiing and wakeboard use. It was founded in 1925 by Walt C. Meloon as the Florida Variety Boat Company.^[1]

History

Walt C. Meloon created the Florida Variety Boat Company in 1925. During the early days, the company built a variety of craft ranging from sailboats to powerboats to race boats. By 1936, the primary focus of the company was the construction of power boats and the company name was officially changed to Correct Craft. Despite the Great Depression, the company continued to grow, developing a reputation for building boats of superior quality and excellent performance.

During the Korean Conflict, Correct Craft, Inc. was awarded a government contract to build 3,000 boats, and they geared up to fill the order. However, an unscrupulous inspector demanded a bribe before he would approve the boats. The owners could not in good conscience do this, so more than 600 boats were rejected, and the company was forced into bankruptcy. Because they were men of their word, the Meloon family did not view bankruptcy as a release from their obligations. They started the slow process of rebuilding the company and paying back the debts they owed. It took 20 years of great personal sacrifice, but because of their commitment to stand behind their word, they were able to repay each of their creditors in full. Today the company has a worldwide reputation as the leader in the ski boat industry and an inspiring example of integrity.

In the early 1940s through 1957, the recreational boat business prospered and Correct Craft operated an additional manufacturing facility in Titusville, Florida, building boats from 18–55 feet. The advent of fiberglass brought new possibilities to the marine industry in the 1960s and Correct Craft worked with an innovative designer named Leo Bentz to bring the fiberglass Nautique to market in 1961.^[1][2]

In the 1970s, Correct Craft produced an array of runabouts, cuddy-cabin and center console models including the Southwind, Martinique, Cuddy Nautique, Fish Nautique and Ski Nautique. During the 1980s, towed water sports surged and the company's Ski Nautique 2001 and Barefoot Nautique pulled many tournaments around the world.^[1]

In the 1990s, the focus on having no wake suddenly shifted to creating mountains of water behind the boat for kneeboarding and wakeboarding. Correct Craft caught the wave and invented an innovative tower to add even more height to these extreme sports. The patented Flight Control Tower, combined with factory installed ballast tanks, led to the creation of the Air Nautique.

In the 2000s Nautique constructed a new manufacturing plant, located on the outskirts of Central Florida, a 217,000-square-foot (20,200 m²) facility. Nautique also introduced an advanced new saltwater capable package, the Coastal Edition available for select models. Nautique also introduced the innovative Ski Nautique 200, available in open or closed bow.^[1]

Correct Craft Today

In the year 2000, Correct Craft purchased 137 acres (0.55 km²) of land for the development of a new manufacturing facility. Construction began in 2005 on a 217,000- square-foot facility and two lakes: one lake for product testing, the other for tournaments and events. On Thursday, July 13, 2006, the first boat completely built from start to finish in the new facility emerged.^[3]

After more than eight decades of experience and with members of the fourth and fifth generations of the Meloon family active in the business, Correct Craft is the oldest family-owned boat company in the United States.^[4]

Nautiques is on their 52nd year of being the title sponsor of the Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament.^[5]

Correct Craft Models

Correct Craft manufactures three models of Nautique boats.

The Ski Nautique is aimed at 3 event water skiers. The Ski Nautique 200 is the official tow boat of many water ski competitions and many world records have been set behind this boat.^[6]

The Sport Nautique is for skiing, wakeboarding, cruising, and tubing and includes the Sports shift lever that gives the boat the ability to change the wake size and shape to accommodate different rider's needs and skills.

The Super Air Nautique models include the Flight Control Tower and the ability to fill the boat with water through 3 onboard ballasts to allow the boat to create large, rampy wakes.

Notes and references

External links

• Correct Craft corporate web site