The Kenner Boat Company, a name synonymous with innovative design and durable construction in the mid-20th century, emerged from the vision of brothers Bill and Dick Kenner. While their official founding year is cited as 1948, the company's significant trajectory began in the late 1950s with the production of small fiberglass runabouts under the "Kencraft" name.
The Kenner Boat Company's roots trace back to the post-war boom, with brothers Bill and Dick Kenner at the helm. Though the precise origins of their boat-building endeavors can be found as early as 1947, the true genesis of the company's identity began in the late 1950s. They initially focused on crafting small fiberglass runabouts, marketed under the "Kencraft" brand. It was with the pioneering introduction of their distinctive "Ski Barge" that the Kenner Boat Company experienced its most significant surge in growth, swiftly establishing a reputation as a leader in marine manufacturing. The Ski Barge, a flat-bottomed fiberglass vessel, proved remarkably versatile, quickly gaining favor for its utility in fishing, hunting, and general workboat applications.
History and Evolution
The 1960s marked a period of rapid expansion and diversification for Kenner. By the mid-1960s, the company was not only producing its popular Ski Barge line but was also building various fiberglass boats under contract, with lengths reaching up to 35 feet. This showcased their expertise in fiberglass construction and their capability for larger projects.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1966 with Kenner's foray into the sailboat market. The introduction of their own sailboat model, the Kittiwake, at the prestigious New York Boat Show, was met with considerable success, leading to numerous orders. The Kittiwake 23, also known as the Kittiwake 24, was a trailerable cruiser designed by the renowned naval architect Carl Alberg and was an adaptation of the earlier South Coast 23. Concurrently, Kenner also began producing a fiberglass version of the classic Herreshoff Rozinante and launched the new Privateer 26, a sailboat designed by Thomas Gillmer. Beyond sailing vessels, Kenner also innovated in the powerboat sector, designing and commencing production of the Suwanee 47, a high-styled fiberglass houseboat.
By 1967, the company's diverse portfolio included the Ski Barge, Viking 24, Suwanee 47, Kittiwake, Rozinante, Privateer 26, and the production start of the Skipjack 35, a luxury rendition of the famed Chesapeake Bay Oyster Dredges. This impressive range underscored Kenner's ambition and versatility.
However, this era of independence was relatively short-lived. In 1968, the Kenner Boat Company became a division of A.J. Industries. Under this new ownership, production continued for several key Kenner models, including the Kittiwake, Privateer 26, Privateer 35, Skipjack 35, the Suwanee line of houseboats, and various other powerboats. The original Kenner Boat Company's journey under A.J. Industries concluded in the early 1970s when its assets were liquidated and sold at auction.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Kenner Boat Company built its reputation on the practical application of fiberglass technology and a focus on versatile, user-friendly designs. They were known for leading the field in their chosen segments, particularly with the groundbreaking Ski Barge, which demonstrated an understanding of utility and broad appeal.
While not exclusively a sailboat builder, Kenner's contributions to the sailing world were significant, marked by collaborations with respected naval architects. The Kittiwake, a popular trailerable cruiser, benefited from the design expertise of Carl Alberg, known for his robust and seaworthy yacht designs. The Privateer 26 and its larger sibling, the Privateer 35, were products of Thomas Gillmer's drawing board. Gillmer, celebrated for his traditional and often ketch-rigged designs, imbued the Privateer series with a timeless aesthetic and capable sailing characteristics. Kenner's ability to translate classic wooden designs, such as the Herreshoff Rozinante, into fiberglass demonstrated their commitment to durable, low-maintenance construction while preserving traditional lines.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The Kenner Boat Company's relatively brief but impactful history yielded several memorable models:
- Ski Barge: This flat-bottomed fiberglass boat was arguably Kenner's most significant contribution, driving its early growth and establishing its reputation. Its simple, robust design made it incredibly versatile for fishing, hunting, and general utility.
- Kittiwake 23/24: Designed by Carl Alberg, the Kittiwake was a successful trailerable sailboat that found a broad appeal as a cruiser. Its debut at the 1966 New York Boat Show cemented Kenner's place in the sailboat market.
- Privateer 26/35: These Thomas Gillmer-designed sailboats were notable for their sturdy fiberglass construction and classic lines, often featuring a ketch rig. Produced between 1966 and 1974, they offered a blend of traditional aesthetics and modern materials.
- Herreshoff Rozinante: Kenner's fiberglass rendition of this iconic Herreshoff design allowed more enthusiasts to own a version of the beloved classic without the maintenance demands of a wooden hull.
- Suwanee 47: This high-styled fiberglass houseboat exemplified Kenner's willingness to diversify and innovate beyond traditional power and sailboats, catering to a growing market for recreational living on the water.
- Skipjack 35: A luxury fiberglass version of the Chesapeake Bay Oyster Dredges, the Skipjack 35 demonstrated Kenner's ability to adapt traditional workboat forms into recreational yachts, showcasing their versatile manufacturing capabilities.
The Builder Today
While the original Kenner Boat Company under A.J. Industries ceased operations in the early 1970s, the "Kenner" name itself has a continuing legacy in the marine industry. The sons of the original founders, Bill and Gary Kenner, have indeed continued the family tradition of boat building. After a non-compete clause expired in 2005, they launched new ventures, including BlackJack Boats and Frontier Boats, maintaining their hands-on approach and commitment to quality. These modern iterations under the Kenner family continue to produce fishing boats, upholding the heritage of the name through new brands.
Separately, the "Kenner" brand for fishing boats also continued under different ownership, eventually being acquired by Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Marine. Today, Kenner-branded fishing boats are still available on the market, appealing to anglers seeking durable and well-designed shallow-water vessels. This dual legacy showcases the enduring impact of the Kenner name, both through the original family's continued craftsmanship under new brand names and the continuation of the "Kenner" brand itself under larger corporate ownership.
