The Mail-Journal, Volume 23, Number 8, Milford, Kosciusko County, 19 February 1986 — Page 22

Today And Tomorrow — Wed., Feb. 19,1986

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J. C. Mfg. Pontoons a booming business

It’s growing by leaps and bounds,” says John Cripe at J.C. Mfg. Inc., North Webster, where he is known as the “father” of the pontoon boat business. The company has been in operation since 1977 and is undergoing some extensive remodeling in the present building with plans to move the pontoons into a new building directly behind the present location. J.C. Mfg. has an annual production now of about 800 boats and Cripe said, “Business has been really steady. Tri-Hull’s growing and we are limited on space, but hopefully we will soon be moved out into a new building. We’ve added a lunchroom, a new sewing room where most of the upholstery work is done on the seats, and there is now a separate saw room in this building.” Cripe built one of the first recreational pontoons in 1952. Prior to beginning work with J.C. Mfg. he manufactured Sullivan

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WHERE’S THE LAKE? — John Cripe, owner and president of J.C. Mfg., North Webster, Kim Cripe, executive vice president, and Jerry Amsden, executive vice president, stand aboard the deck of a 24-foot Tri-Toon which they manufacture. This special kind of pontoon, with cruising speeds of up to 40 miles per hour and easy maneuverability, make it a perfect all around boat for skiing or just pleasure “floating around the lake.” The I/O Tri-Hull has the mobility of a 16 foot runabout and sports a third pontoon in the middle. s

The Sensational ■kdBiMiMMHBI Zzz fowt. The — Built By A Master Boat Builder... . . / - r-* .... F . J John W. Cripe built the first stylish pontoon r f back in 1953. Since that time, he has led the in- C / ._ T ... dustry with superbly designed boats. Innovations /* ” ‘ introduced by Mr. Cripe include the first ad- r- -*** ’ . justable motor moot, the hardtop cawpj, OQ «M»ggSSS-— stylish railings and the first easy load pontoon trailer. Over the years, he has become known as -Xbbb ; —— the “father” of the pontoon industry. These _ .*> years of experience have led to the introduction of the Tri Toon, the newest member of the JC Fleet. An exciting marriage of performance and comfort in a compact package, truly in a class by itself. When you buy a pontoon boat f you want the best... and the best can only come from a Master Builder... That's what you get with a JC Pontoon built by John W. Cripe.

pontoons at Cripe Equipment Company in Wolcottville. He related that he went to a boat show in Detroit about 1957 with one of his designs, a red pontoon with chrome plated rails, and sold 60 boats by the time he left the show. He said, “We weren’t set up or prepared to build that many boats and fill all those orders.” Since opening the North Webster business, Cripe has continued to improve upon his successful pontoon designs and as a result has developed two designs .which are becoming very popular among boat buyers. The most distinctive of the two boats is the I/O Tri-Hull actually known as the “TriToon.” This' is a perfect all around boat because its maneuverability is so much greater and it can be used for water skiing or pleasure cruising which is one of its strongest selling points. It is distinctively different from other pontoons because it is built with a third pontoon in the middle and

can cruise at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. Even with a length of 22,26, or 30 feet, the all aluminum Tri-Toon has the movability of a 16-foot runabout. Another innovation of Cripe’s unique designs is a new model called the “Fun Toon” and has an extended sun deck that provides storage for miscellaneous items and gas fuel tanks underneath. It increases the boat’s deck area Sand aids in docking the boat and results in less water on the deck. The deck area is more spacious because Cripe has built the forward deck six inches over the end of the pontoons. It gives a longer deck and larger railed-in area. Cripe began his early career with a lot of “design” patents including the first 10 key adding machine and the first automatic orange juicer used in restaurants. And even though Cripe has used his inventive mind and creative talents the past several years for his boat designs, he is still busy at work inventing, working on a new project, a safety stand to be used in areas that demand protection by ribbon or rope. J.C. Mfg. distributes boats throughout the nation by nearly 125 dealers. These dealers

Bob Wysong deals in Chevrolets and Pontiacs

> (Continued from page 4) machine’ for tune-ups and also computerized tire balancing,” he added. Something new offered by Bob Wysong’s service department is the Rusty Jones Car Saver System used for rust proofing and has a lifetime guarantee. They also do a Scotch Gard fabric treatment and a gloss paint treatment. Wysong’s capable service department includes parts manager, Rick Wysong; Sherm Leamon, service manager and ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified technician; Tim Hall, Bob “Spanks” Hawn, and Bob Wysong, owner. All are factory trained technicians who attend GM schools frequently to learn the latest in technology.

are supplied through regional representatives who are located in the Carolinas, Florida, Oklahoma, and California. Distribution in the midwest is handled out of the North Webster office. During the off-season winter months, when the boat business slows down, the company manufactures special trailers for the transportation of recreational vehicles, boat trailers and golf trailers that hold about 30 golf carts. Cripe said, “We’re making a new style trailer to haul the Tri-Toon because of the ‘middle’ pontoon. The new trailer will be more adequate and efficient for this style pontoon. We also build the fifth-wheel haulers for the recreational vehicles for Coleman that makes all kinds of camping equipment.” In looking to the future, Cripe hopes to expand the trailer business along with his already successful pontoon boat business. The corporation officers are: John Cripe, president; Jerry Amsden, executive vice president; Kim Cripe, executive vice president; June Cripe, secretary-treasurer; and Bruce Slagenhauf, director of sales.

You can also depend on a 24-hour wrecker service and for the convenience of the local community of Cromwell and Wysong’s customers, there is a Standard gas station in front of the business. Wysong has worked in the car business since graduating from Ball State University in 1972. He has always lived in the area and graduated from Wolf Lake High A customer’s comments on a questionnaire sent by the GM Company is displayed on a bulletin board in the showroom and reflects the Wysong dealership: “We have done business with this same dealer for years. He is trustworthy and reliable. We can recommend him highly to both the Pontiac Company and to potential customers.”