In 1969 and a major conglomerate, Bangor Punta, approached Harold Schrock about purchasing the family business. The decision was made and Bangor Punta became the first of five parties to own Starcraft.

The years that followed saw major expansion and contraction. Competition was growing in the marine market and the stronghold of distributors slowly began to fade. The energy crisis of the 1970's caused problems in the campers and RVs and large glass boat sales suffered. Bangor Punta dissolved and Lear Seigler became Starcraft’s white knight.

 

It was during the 1980s that Starcraft was moved from Goshen, Indiana to Topeka, Indiana the heart of Amish country. To this the day horse drawn buggies are plentiful, and the dealer picking up a boat in Topeka is more likely to see a horse in the community than a foreign car.

During the late eighties engine companies began to purchase boat companies. Starcraft became part of the Brunswick family of companies, which included Mercury Marine. Starcraft was now manufacturing aluminum fishing boats, runabouts, pontoons, fiberglass products and being sold through Mercury’s distribution network.

 

It was in 1996 that Brunswick decided to divest itself of Starcraft and a unique opportunity arose. A group of investors headed by Doug Schrock, Harold’s son, purchased Starcraft from Brunswick and the cycle was complete.

Starcraft’s legacy of a family business was reestablished. The fierce competition and lack of capital expansion had hurt the Starcraft line. It was imperative the company refocuses and downsizes. The message of being the best and not the biggest was revitalized. A dedication to develop a quality line of aluminum fishing boats was first priority.

 

In 2003 the C-Star line of products were developed to celebrate our 100th anniversary. New innovative seating, colorful new graphics and commitment to quality showed the renewed focus. Taking a leadership role in the development of a new line of Aurora deckboats awakened the spirit of Starcraft.

Starcraft Fishing Boat Reviews: (send your review HERE)