Worlds Best to Feature GrandCraft Corporation
March 4 2005 New Line Media Solutions is pleased to announce the selection of GrandCraft Corporation
for its innovative educational television series World's Best The company will be featured in a segment on Watercraft Beyond Expectations in the Models of Excellence Series
GrandCraft Corporation located in Holland MI builds handcrafted mahogany runabouts embodying the classic design and enduring spirit of the 1930's eras-in various models ranging from 20 to 40 feet All design work is done inhouse The style is inspired by the past but the performance and handling are superb and modern and the craftsmanship is legendary GrandCraft powerboats are customized masterpieces in opencockpit sport triplecockpit classic cabinenclosed commuter or custom cruiser styles They turn heads everywhere
GrandCraft boats are floating samples of art strong durable and beautiful with superior performance The Philippine mahogany is handselected and preferred
for its density and flexible strength Two to three layers of solid planking soundly constructed provide the soft ride for which GrandCraft is recognized The finish gleams with 1218 layers of ultraviolet filtered varnish handbrushed in an atmospherecontrolled room
Taking the boats into the 21st century is the incorporation of a special wood epoxy saturation process which bonds all woodtowood surfaces making the hull watertight and impervious to any damaging effects of salt or freshwater The need for soaking up a procedure required of earlier wood boats is eliminated All GrandCrafts can be put into the water at any time for immediate enjoyment
All underwater hardware used by GrandCraft is made of cast bronze while the deck hardware is either chromeplated bronze or stainless steel Mechanical or hydraulic steering provides quick and stable responsiveness Gas marine or diesel engines are specified for GrandCraft weight and torque requirements to achieve speeds up to 50 mph for a thrilling ride
Company president Richard Sligh grew up in a family that was involved in the early days of water skiing He developed an interest in the restoration and performance of wood boats to the point where it became his specialty when he owned a marina in northern Michigan His family's furniture business added to his experience with fine wood workmanship Dick has also taught drafting and mechanical engineering at college level Today Dick oversees all work on GrandCrafts as well as the design of new models and custom boats
The company employs over a dozen highlyskilled woodworkers and craftsmen who build 1820 boats per year It takes educated eyes hands muscles and intense concentration to build these boats From the slicing bow to the tapering stern literally hundreds of manhours are spent sanding and fairing in for even lines and smooth surfaces on the mahogany hull This provides strong performance in tough conditions
Every inch is checked countless times for correct fit And every part must fit perfectly in order to produce a boat that performs effectively on water year after year It is the density weight and craftsmanship of mahogany that provides the desired result to which fiberglass can't compare
I am so grateful to put great materials and quality craftsmanship together in boats that offer so much pride and pleasure to our owners says Dick What greater joy could I have in my life's work than that It makes going to work every day a total pleasure
GrandCraft provides each boat with a written fiveyear warranty to the original purchaser and provides him with the best services winterization and storage refinishing or varnishing repair and restoration or simply prompt attention to the smallest detail For more information see wwwgrandcraftcom
Worlds Best to Feature GrandCraft Corporation
2841 readers online...
