The Mail-Journal, Volume 27, Number 1, Milford, Kosciusko County, 17 February 1988 — Page 41

JC pontoons hard at work at Cypress Gardens

John Cripe, president of J.C. Mfg. Inc. in North Webster, is known by many as the “father” of the pontoon boat business, having built some of the first recreational pontoons in the area in 1953. Before starting J.C. Mfg., he manufactured Sylvan pontoons at Cripe Equipment Company in Wolcottville. Cripe’s business has grown rapidly at its location on SRI3 north of North Webster since its beginning in 1977 and the size of the manufacturing operation has increased steadily. The president said the company has an annual production of about 800 boats a season. He added that a large material warehouse was built in 1986 and the building next door is now rented to provide space for the manufacture of bimini “convertible” tops for pontoons which have become increasingly well-received by the public. J.C. Mfg. quality pontoons are becoming increasingly popular in Florida and other southeastern states. Four JC pontoons are now in use as tour boats at Cypress Gardens, Florida, where their stylish durability are needed to carry sight-seers numbering from 400 to 500 daily during peak seasons. Also, a feature-loaded JC Sun Toon will be second prize in a SIOO,OOO sweepstakes promotion being run by Cypress Gardens from February 1 through April 8,1988. Cripe related that the company is now establishing a new distribution facility in Columbia, S.C. Boats will be warehoused there to be shipped to dealers in the Carolinas, Florida and other states in that part of the country. Cripe smilingly stated, “People in that part of the U.S. have begun to ‘Catch the Excitement’ of JC pontoons,” using one of his favorite phrases. Cripe commented that boaters are becoming more enthusiastic about his units because they are multi-purpose boats. “Our

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The7?27S*r — Built By A Master Boat Builder... John W. Cripe built the first stylish pontoon back in 1953. Since that time, he has led the industry with superbly designed boats. Innovations introduced by Mr. Cripe include the first adjustable motor mount, the hardtop canopy, stylish railings and the first easy load pontoon trailer. Over the years, he has become known as 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, 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 M. Cripe.

I/O and O/B tri-hull, known as the ‘Tri Toon,’ is the ultimate pontoon boat,” he stated. “Our exclusive tri-hull design allows boaters to catch the excitement of two boats. It meets all boating needs. Boaters can glide over the water at speeds in excess of 40 mph., efficiently pull one or two skiers, or unwind and throw a party on the wellequipped and comfortably furnished deck. No pontoon boat or ski boat matches the versatility of the JC Tri Toon.” Cripe said this whole boat is built with one eighth inch aluminum for top quality — about 50 percent heavier than other brands. He said the company’s continuing extensive research and development studies in hydro-

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dynamics led to the unique and exclusive design of the Tri Toon. J.C. Mfg. also manufactures special trailers for hauling boats, pontoons and golf carts and fifth-wheel haulers for recreational vehicles. The company distributes its products throughout the nation to nearly 125 dealers, who are supplied through regional representatives in the Carolinas, Florida,

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JC PONTOONS WORKING IN FLORIDA — Sightseers board one of the four JC pontoons used for lake tours at popular Cypress Gardens, Fla. These workhorses carry from 400 to 500 people a day in the busy season. They were built by J.C. Mfg. in North Webster. John Cripe, corporate president, is pleased that his quality-built, versatile pontoons are gaining steadily in popularity.

introducing... The Sensational ‘Ttl'T&m?

Wed., February 17,1988—PROGRESS EDITION

Oklahoma and California. Distribution in the midwest is handled by the North Webster office and a representative out of Minneapolis, Minn. Officers of the corporation in addition to Cripe are Jerry Amsden, executive vice president; Kim Cripe, administrative vice president; June Cripe, secretary-treasurer; and Bruce Schlagenhauf, director of sales.