Happy 60th Skeeter Boats - Photos from Dealer Meeting

[Doug Vahrenberg]

I just rolled in from the 2008 Skeeter Dealer Meeting and had the chance to snap a couple interesting images. Skeeter is celebrating it's 60th Year in 2008. The grandson of the founder spoke at the awards banquet and they had an awesome display of 60 years of the Bass Boat Business. Here's a few snaps from the past to the future.


1948 the 1st Bass Boat and the 1st Skeeter


Couple of Classics


The 2008 Skeeter 21i (60th Anniversary)

Amazing how far we have come in just a short peroid of time. At least we don't have to wear the Bell Bottom Team Pants like the "Hemphill Gang" had. It was awesome to speak again with good friend Mr Harold Allen. Look for more on the Skeeter Website coming soon I hear on the past 60 Years.

[Charger]

I like those colors on the IClass.

[blwall]

That sounds like an interesting display.
Anything new and exciting coming out for '08?

[Doug Vahrenberg]

Skeeter says they are looking at adding some of the conent and video clips to their site on the History of Skeeter.

That boat was I think Gunmetal and Yellow. Very Sharp and received a ton of comments. I worked in that area since they had Humminbird installed.

Changes for 2008!
- New ZX180 (17'8" 150 Max HP)
- SL Series Updated
- New WX2100 Deep Vee
- NMMA Certified Boarding Ladder (Added rule to remain NMMA Certified)
- Humminbird 797c2 and 997c (Side Imaging Units) available Factory Installed

Sure theres more I was working for Humminbird and MinnKota and didn't get to attend meetings. There is a 2008 Changes Literature. Go see your local dealer for more info.

[ewallstate]

With those units being factory installed, are they mounting the transduder on the jackplate?

[Doug Vahrenberg]

The Humminbird SI units factory installed have the standard transducer mounted on the jackplate on the bass boats, the Deep V WX series are mounted on the transom for protection, too. THey have the Switch and a Hi-Speed Transducer Epoxied in Hull all from the factory. They did a really nice job. Also have Trolling Motor mounted SI available from the Factory.

[-BjBnet-]

once again, THANK YOU DOUG for the great info .....and pics!!

[ghare]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Doug Vahrenberg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
The 2008 Skeeter 21i (60th Anniversary)
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Thanks for the info Doug
I want this boat in this color. It the same colors as I came up with on the Skeeter website.

[fishin couillon]

Look on the photos link just above on the last page about in the middle. Someone has one with similar colors. Awsome color scheme.

[Doug Vahrenberg]

BJ - When I was looking at all the Historical Goodies they had I thought how much your mouth would have been watering. I told several that they need to disclose this material to the world in posters, videos and more. They liked the idea and hope to see more on their website and promotional pieces in the future. It was really amazing to see how far we have grown from an idea in Northwest LA to the First bass boat dealer in Sherveport, LA to the 2008 product line launched in Sherveport. Very impressive line-up and changes for 2008.

[fishin couillon]

I knew Louisiana was good for something!!!!

[blwall]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by fishin couillon &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Look on the photos link just above on the last page about in the middle. Someone has one with similar colors. Awsome color scheme.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I believe you were referring to me. Mine is mostly gunmetal and yellow but in different places from the '08 model pictured here. I picked yellow and grey seats and my wife worked up the color scheme from that starting point. We went with a silver hologram top cap and threw in a few white stripes and 1 black pin stripe.
I have been very impressed with the i class. The ride, handling, and fishibility are great.

[ewallstate]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Doug Vahrenberg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">BJ - It was really amazing to see how far we have grown from an idea in Northwest LA to the First bass boat dealer in Sherveport, LA to the 2008 product line launched in Sherveport. Very impressive line-up and changes for 2008.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

Doug what do you mean by this? Skeeter was founded in Marshall, TX. Just trying to stick up of my home town.


Modified by ewallstate at 5:29 PM 7/12/2007

[Doug Vahrenberg]

Holmes Thurmond the inventor of the first Skeeter. I was told was from Shreveport. I thought I seen an article in the display stating that Skeeter orginated in NW LA. Reeves Marine was the first Bass Boat dealer - this was announced at the awards dinner and Holmes Thurmonds granson spoke, too. I am just going by the information that I seen and have heard. You may be exactly right.

[ewallstate]

It is on their website. He made it to use here at Caddo lake which is located on the border of LA and TX. The first dealer was Reeves in Shreveport, but he did start it in Marshall. Shreveport is only 30 minutes from Marshall.

[Doug Vahrenberg]

Glad to know for sure. I guess Shreveport is the closest major metropolitan city so that is why I've always heard it was Shreveport up here in Missouri. Thanks for making this post correct!

Is it wet in Marshall, TX too. Demos all got cancelled for the High and Muddy Red River.

[ewallstate]

Yes, Caddo Lake has been closed due to high water. They are afraid boat wakes will wash the banks out.

I sure wish I would have asked sooner at the Skeeter Owners tourney for a demo of the sideview. I asked on Saturday and was told you all were already gone. I really want to get one of those, but I want to see it on the water first. I will probably be getting a new I Class in the next 6-8 months and will just order it with those on there anyway. I love everything I have seen of them.

[Neilslure]

Any word on what incentives they may be offering down the road on 2008 models?

[Doug Vahrenberg]

The Side Imaging Demo guys were on the way to another event by Saturday. Talk to you local dealer many were ordering their demo boats loaded up with Side Imaging units. Or come visit us at the SI Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sideimaging/ and ask one of the almost 1700 members if they are close to you for a demo. They are very easy to operate.

Neilslure:
I have not heard any programming for 2008 but if you want a boat soon I would talk to your dealer as Skeeter was getting alot of orders from dealers. Every Rep was Busy and humpin' to get orders done. THe few I talked to were overly impressed with the orders they received. That means longer lead times to get your boat - if you want custom ordered.

[Neilslure]

I got a good boat to use for now, just waiting for a good deal to float by