History and Evolution of Legendary Lee Craft Boats

The History of Lee Craft Boats

Lee Craft boats have a rich history in the boating world. Lee Craft Boat Company was founded in 1954 by Wesley and Don Lee in Sarasota, Florida. The brothers started out building small utility boats made out of plywood and fiberglass. By the late 1950s, they began manufacturing larger offshore fishing boats up to 31 feet in length.

The Early Models

Some of Lee Craft's earliest boat models included the Marauder, Monterra, and Explorer. These boats were known for their seaworthiness, performance, and fishability. Anglers favored the wide beam design and spacious layouts perfect for offshore fishing trips.

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Lee Craft continued expanding their lineup with boats like the Bahia Mar, Tournament, and Ocean Master models. They also introduced new manufacturing techniques like foam-filled flotation and fiberglass stringer systems to enhance durability and safety.

Growth & Expansion

By the early 1980s, Lee Craft Boats was one of the largest boat builders in Florida. Their boats were well-respected among serious sport fishing enthusiasts and charter captains. Models like the Gamefisher and Sportfisher had reputations for being rugged offshore capable center consoles.

Lee Craft eventually reached a peak production volume of over 3,000 boats per year by the late 1980s. They had over 500 employees and expanded into a 112,000 square foot manufacturing facility. Their boats were being shipped nationwide and they became one of the top brands in their category.

Notable Lee Craft Boat Models

Bahia Mar

One of Lee Craft’s most iconic models is the Bahia Mar. First debuting in 1967, this boat was originally built as an affordable family fishing boat. Over the years, the Bahia Mar evolved into a serious offshore fishing machine with taller gunwales, more power, and greater range capabilities.

This versatile boat remains a staple in the Lee Craft line today. With its wide range of customizable options, the Bahia Mar continues to be popular as both a family boat and serious fishing vessel.

Gamefisher

The Lee Craft Gamefisher first appeared in 1983 and quickly earned a reputation as an offshore fishing warrior. This center console boat featured aggressive rounded hull lines for slicing through waves. Its variable deadrise design provided a smooth, dry ride that could handle rough seas.

Later Gamefisher models came equipped with towers, T-Tops, and tuna tubes. The Gamefisher's large open layout gave anglers ample room for tackling big game species. These boats remain offshore fishing icons to this day.

Flats Master

Lee Craft introduced the Flats Master as a flats fishing skiff in 1994. This technical poling skiff featured a narrow hull and low center of gravity for the ultimate in shallow water performance. The Flats Master gave anglers the ability to access super skinny backwater areas that other boats simply couldn't.

These technical poling skiffs remain popular among inshore guides and are considered one of the best flats boats ever built. The Flats Master continues defining the technical poling boat category thanks to its superior poleability.

What Sets Lee Craft Apart

Throughout their history, Lee Craft boats have been known for their solid construction and affordability. By utilizing hand-laid fiberglass and wood stringer systems, they build durable, long-lasting boats. They also engineer their boats for optimal weight balance, flotation, and fuel capacity.

Rather than using gimmicks or flashy graphics, Lee Craft focuses on core performance and fishability. Their boats also offer more standard features for the money compared to competitors. Boat buyers get better value thanks to this straightforward approach.

Focus on Quality Construction

At Lee Craft's modern manufacturing facility, they utilize advanced construction techniques while staying true to their roots. Many models still incorporate wood stringers for flexibility and strength. This gives their boats longevity thatfiberglass stringer systems cannot match.

By using hand-laid and vacuum bagged fiberglass hull construction methods, they also build durable boats designed to last. These manufacturing processes may take a bit longer, but they result in higher quality, better performing boats.

Customization Options

One of the things that draws many buyers to Lee Craft is their wide range of customization options. With 8 boat model lines and lengths ranging from 16 to 41 feet, they offer diverse boats to suit needs.

Lee Craft also gives buyers the ability to truly make their boat their own. From hull color and graphics to tower heights and electronic packages, they can outfit their boats exactly how they want.

The Future for Lee Craft

Today, Lee Craft Boats continues being an industry leader with over 60 years of boat building experience. They now manufacture over 30 models and maintain a strong focus on innovation moving forward.

Recent additions incorporate features like integrated dive platforms, aft lounging spaces, and better ergonomics. By blending these modern innovations with their proven offshore DNA, Lee Craft is attracting new generations of boaters.

With their dedication to quality products and delivering value, Lee Craft's best years still lie ahead. As long as there are fish to be caught, Lee Craft will continue crafting durable, performance-driven boats to get anglers offshore.

FAQs

What are some notable Lee Craft boat models?

Some of Lee Craft's most popular and iconic models over the years include the Bahia Mar, Gamefisher, Flats Master, Marauder, Monterra, and Ocean Master.

How long has Lee Craft Boat Company been in business?

Lee Craft was founded in 1954 by brothers Wesley and Don Lee in Sarasota, Florida. So as of 2023, they have been continuously manufacturing boats for over 60 years.

What lengths do Lee Craft boats come in?

Currently, Lee Craft boats range in size from 16 feet all the way up to 41 feet. They manufacture over 30 different models covering center consoles, dual consoles, walkarounds, and flats skiffs.

What makes Lee Craft boats special?

Lee Craft is known for their solid fiberglass construction, optimal weight distribution, customization options, focus on performance and fishability, and delivering more value. Their boats offer great quality at reasonable prices.