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Arthur E. Schrock
Harold A. Schrock
Sara (Schrock) Barrett
Susan (Schrock) McKinney
Cinda (Schrock) Graff
Peter Barrett ~ Our Brands ~ John Smoker
Chet Smoker | Max Smoker | Ralph Smoker
Mame (Smoker) Miller | Eva (Smoker) Roscoe
Mark Smoker
Byron Smoker
Doug Smoker
Phil Smoker
Steve Huber Starcraft – 1903
Smoker Craft – 1921
Sea Maid – 1953
Vectra – 1961
American Angler – 1987
Northwood Pontoon – 1990
Starweld – 2010 Duo – 1966
Sylvan – 1975
Sunchaser – 1991
Monark – 1995
Hydrodyne – 1995 Acquired 1909-1910 Star Tank Produces Galvanized Steel Boats The Schrock Family:
~ Our Factories ~ A Rich Legacy… ~ Generational Leadership ~ The Smoker Family: In 1903, Star Tank was founded by the late Arthur Schrock, specializing in agricultural equipment such as hog troughs, corn cribs, and water tanks.
1903 Star Tank Inc. Founded by Arthur Schrock Needing more seasonal work for the factory, Star Tank begins manufacturing galvanized steel boats. Boats were quickly distributed throughout the Midwest. The Boy Scouts of America was one of the first big customers. “Our Employees are everything.
We would be nothing without them.”
~ Harold A. Schrock Smoker Lumber Company With boat manufacturing outpacing agriculture, the company was re-named.
1929 Inc. and Boat Co. was Founded Founded by John Smoker in 1921, Smoker Craft Lumber Company was a cornerstone business in the New Paris community, supplying lumber to all the surrounding communities. The original Smoker Lumber Company building still stands today and serves as the current fishing boat R&D facility. Star Tank 1921 1948 Company Builds Mobile Homes Starts Producing Oars and Paddles Smoker Lumber Company began making oars and paddles, quickly rising to become one of the world’s largest manufacturers in this field. This venture originated from the family’s lifelong connection to water and fishing, driven by their frustration of not finding suitable oars for their own use. Within just a few years, Smoker Lumber was using a mile of wood and producing around 850 oars and paddles per day at the time. 1930 Smoker Lumber Company Smoker Lumber Smoker Lumber Company diversified its operations by embarking on the construction of mobile homes. 1958 Starcraft Builds First Fiberglass Boats Introducing a groundbreaking technology to the marine industry, fiberglass molds provided a reliable and duplicable hull surface that enhanced performance while offering exceptional durability and minimal maintenance.

1952 Starcraft Innovates with New Material Starcraft began the production of the world’s first magnesium boats, showcasing their innovation and commitment to advancing marine technology. The advantage of magnesium was its lighter weight, but unfortunately, it was combustible, leading to the fire of 1962.

Innovates Gluing Process 1951 Seamaid Brand Was Launched To increase boat production, the Seamaid brand was launched as a direct replica of Starcraft’s product line and was constructed across town for secrecy. The stainless steel boats pioneered new standards in the marine industry. However, the Seamaid brand was later discontinued due to strong objections from Starcraft distributors who were unhappy with competing identical products in the market.

Smoker Lumber Company purchased and designed an electric gluing process to build oars and paddles. Smoker Lumber was then chosen to build and become one of the essential contractors for the U.S. Army, with Smoker oars and paddles being used in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam wars. In addition to its core oar and paddle business, Smoker Lumber Company expanded its offerings to include a wide range of products, including water skis and roller skates. 1937 Sylvan Industries started near Sylvan Lake in Wolcottville, IN by John Cripe (Today’s JC Pontoons). Sylvan initially crafted its first boats from WWII airplane fuel tanks and offered various other products such as diving boards, ladders, as well as trailers for boats and snowmobiles. 1948 Sylvan Industries Founded Smoker Lumber 1962 Starcraft Headquarters Destroyed On April 14th, 1962, a devastating fire engulfed the Starcraft headquarters in Goshen, Indiana, as a magnesium boat caught fire reducing the facility to ashes. With water as the only suppressant, the magnesium boats burned out of control.

1965 Smoker Craft Introduces the First Fiberglass Boat Smoker Craft marked a landmark moment by unveiling its first fiberglass boat, the 14′ Catalina. 1966 Starcraft Acquires Duo Boats Starcraft acquires Duo Boats from Vic Porter (today’s Formula Boats). Duo Boats distinguished themselves with modern styling, high-quality materials, and became one of the preferred fiberglass boats across North America. They were especially favored by racing enthusiasts.
1965 Starcraft Introduces First Aluminum Deep V-Hull Starcraft revolutionized the marine industry with the debut of the world’s first aluminum deep V-hull showcased in the 18’ Holiday. Aluminum used in boat manufacturing was initially too heavy and hard to weld, but with advancements in alloys and welding technology, it became the preferred mass material in boat building. Starcraft developed and patented its first pop-up camper, the StarMaster. Lloyd Bontrager, the inventor, later left Starcraft and established Jayco in Middlebury, Indiana in 1968, where Jayco campers are still currently manufactured. 1964-65 Starcraft Patents First 1966 Smoker Craft Produces Pop-Up Camper a Record 17,000 Canoes 1970s Multiple Products After many successful years, Starcraft’s growth was too overwhelming and was starting to lose the family business atmosphere. Therefore, in 1967 Harold Schrock sold Starcraft Inc. to corporate conglomerate Bangor Punta. Schrock subsequently took a role as chairman, then distributor and ultimately exited the marine business. 1967 Starcraft Sold by Harold Schrock Under the Bangor Punta ownership, Starcraft boats were sold alongside many recreational products including snowmobiles, ATVs, Smith & Wesson, Piper aircraft, Luhrs yachts, and O’Day sailboats. Starcraft Expands Into In a significant business move, Harold Schrock purchases controlling interest in Smoker Lumber Company from Byron and Chet Smoker, beginning what would become a multi-generational family business. Controlling Interest in Smoker Lumber Company 1975 Harold Schrock Acquires Harold Schrock acquires Sylvan Industries from his son-in-law, John Graft. Having manufactured laders, diving boards, boat and snowmobile trailers, and house boats, Sylvan leverages engineering expertise from former Starcraft team members to launch a new line of fishing boats. Consequently, the company decides to discontinue its house boats and other products. Smoker Craft 1975 Sylvan Industries Merges Into Smoker Craft launches first stretched aluminum “Vega” fishing boat and “Mark IV” tri-hull runabouts. Vega and Mark IV Smoker Craft Introduces 1976 1985 Starcraft Produces Its First Pontoon Boat The new Stardeck pontoon boat line was available in two lengths, 20-feet and 24-feet, with the 24-foot model accommodating a maximum horsepower of 90. Standard features include a vinyl-wrapped console, courtesy light, stainless steel steering wheel, and pontoon tubes that were 19″ or 23″ in diameter. 1978 Sylvan Builds First Pontoon Boats in New Paris, IN The name was chosen to honor the partnership between the Smoker and Schrock families. Smock helped ease transportation needs between satellite plants and helped improve boat deliveries to the growing dealer network. 1976 Smock Trucking was Created Partnerships between engine manufactures and boat manufactures benefit dealers with factory installed pre-rigging and engine distribution Partnerships 1988 Engine Smoker Craft begins manufacturing agreement with Victor Duhamel and Carl Dewar from Legend Boats, starting a multi-generational partnership. Partners with Duhamel and Dewar 1988 Smoker Craft Power Trac Hall Starcraft Introduces 1991 Sunchaser, which originated in Elkhart, Indiana provided Smoker Craft with a small lineup of deck boats which ultimately became Sylvan Ships. The Sunchaser name would later be used on pontoon boats initially manufactured at our facility in LaGrange, GA in 1999 to combat the pontoon price point wars of the time. Purchases Sunchaser Deckboats 1991 Smoker Craft Sara Barrett, Cinda Mackinney, Susan Graff, Doung Schrock, Joe Blackburn, and Doug Smoker re-purchased Starcraft Marine and Monark Marine from Brunswick Corportion. The purchase included an agreement to only sell Mercury products for an extended period of time. Harold Schrock does not participate in the re-purchase. Starcraft Is Purchased Back by the Founders 1995 1995 Hydrodyne Is Acquired by Smoker Craft Smoker Craft acquires Hydrodyne Inboard Ski boats which enters Smoker Craft into the inboard ski boat business. The first of many dealer incentive trips, Smoker Craft celebrates its dealer network with a cruise to the Caribbean Islands. Emphasizing our continued belief in the importance of lifelong dealer relationships. First Dealer Incentive Cruise Smoker Craft 1996 2000 Pontoon Introduces Boating Using our painting resources from our aluminum fishing boats, Sylvan pontoon boats offer colored aluminum panels on the Calaise series, separating the line-up from competitors with a move away from traditional white panels.

2000 Smoker Craft Expands
Sylvan introduces 3-tube technology. Offered in both IO and OB platforms, the third tube provided stability and performance to the pontoon boats. Years later, the enhancement of lifting strakes and high-horsepower engines advanced performance significantly. 1999 Sylvan Introduces 3-Tube Technology on IO and OB Models
Smoker Craft builds a new sales building providing a showroom for the annual dealer meeting and space for corporate offices.
After a 5-year non-compete agreement with the purchase of Starcraft, Brunswick re-enters the aluminum fishing boat business by buying Lowe, Lund, and Crestliner.
Learns of Acquisitions 2001 Smoker Craft Due to market conditions, a 3-year consolidation plan was executed in one year. Satellite plants were closed and operations moved to New Paris. Smoker Craft, Inc. branding was introduced to represent all brands under the new corporate umbrella.

and Smoker Craft Merge 2007 Starcraft After over 70 years of service to Smoker Lumber, Smoker Oar and Paddle, and Smoker Craft boats, Byron Smoker retires. Byron Smoker Retires 2007 2008 Winner of NMMA
Environmental Innovation Award Eco Star, an electric deckboat from Starcraft, introduced and wins the NMMA Environmental Innovation Award. Sylvan Marine introduces its Revolutionary Planing Tube Technology (RPT), which delivered the performance of a three-tube pontoon boat with less weight and horsepower requirements.

Sylvan Introduces RPT Tubes 2008 to Painted Panels
Starting December 1st through December 25th, a daily written letter is sent to employees, dealers, and business partners all over the world providing inspiration and the true meaning of Christmas. Doug Smoker Begins His 2013 2009 Smoker Craft, Inc. Joins IBBI Buying Group Smoker Craft, Inc. joins Independent Boat Builders, Inc. in an effort to negotiate the best sources for raw materials, ultimately lowering the prices for our dealer network and consumers. The worldwide financial crisis jeopardizes the existence of Smoker Craft, Inc., as Key Bank ends their over 75-year partnership and Harold Schrock contemplates an exit from the boat business. Worldwide Financial Crisis
2008 Starweld fishing boats are launched, providing a welded fishing boat option to Smoker Craft, Inc.

Starweld Is Launched
2010 Upon retirement, Harold Schrock passed the reins to his daughters and grandson Peter Barrett to uphold his legacy. Harold A. Schrock Retires 2011 Annual 25 Days of Christmas Tradition Honoring his legacy and commitment to the boating industry. Harold A. Schrock Inducted 2014 Into Pontoon & Deckboat Hall of Fame
Smoker Craft, Inc. undergoes a major expansion of the pontoon and fiberglass production facilities, adding 91,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space. Major Expansion 2015 2020 COVID Pandemic Creates a Boating Boom The global pandemic sparks a surge in recreational boating, as “social distancing” on boats becomes a popular activity. Major disruption in the supply chain follows.
2019 Wins NMMA Innovation Award
Innovation Award for the DLZ Bar that easily converts from a 2-person lounge into a 4-person bar.

Fights Aluminum Tariffs 2019 Wins NMMA Inaugural Advocate of the Year Award
Awarded for the efforts to protect and expand the recreational boating industry in the United States.

Doug Smoker meets with the United States’ Secretary Wilbur Ross to discuss how aluminum tariffs are affecting the boat business and raising boat prices.

2017 Doug Smoker appointed Chairman of the NMMA Boat Manufacturers Division Board and joins NMMA Executive Committee.

2018 Smoker Craft, Inc. Leads the Boating Industry Smoker Craft, Inc. The SVX series was engineered for affordable boating and would soon become the #1 selling deckboat in the United States.

SVX Is Launched 2020 Smoker Partnering with Lippert Components post-sale helped modernize the upholstery operation and increase production levels. This allows Smoker Craft, Inc. to focus on core competencies.

Furniture Division to Lippert Components
Smoker Craft, Inc. Sells 2018 Peter Barrett testifies before the United States Committee on Ways and Means to discuss workforce development concerns at Smoker Craft, Inc. and Elkhart County.

Addresses Workforce Development Smoker Craft, Inc. 2018 2022 Doug Smoker Inducted Recognizing Doug’s substantial contributions to the advancement of the marine industry over his 60-plus-year career. Smoker Craft, Inc. wins the Conexus Manufacturing Innovation Award for pontoon tube robotic welding. The award is given to Indiana’s most innovative companies that are leading the way in modern manufacturing.

Wins TechPoint MIRA Award 2024 Smoker Craft, Inc. A full-length pontoon tube with a formed nose cone, riser brackets, and keel is manufactured entirely by robot-automated welders.

Smoker Craft, Inc. 2022 After 48 years Smoker Craft, Inc. exits the transportation business and allows for more focus on core competencies.

Purchased by Patrick Industries 2024 Smock Trucking Is Automates Pontoon Welding in NMMA Hall of Fame The final campus expansion to date increased the total under-roof manufacturing space to over 880,000 sq. ft. on 118 acres. Providing a centralized warehouse, light manufacturing, and a modernized loading facility. Grand opening attended by Indiana’s 2nd District Congressman Rudy Yakym, Indiana Senator Todd Young, and Elkhart County Commissioner Susie Weirick.

Adds 225,000 sq. ft. to Campus New Building Expansion
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