FishCraft of Sisters has new owners

FishCraft, a Sisters boat manufacturer, has new owners. Todd and Kim Bell purchased the company in August, 2006, continuing the tradition that company founder Del Erlandson began in his garage.

The Bells also own Smith Rock Riverboats in Redmond, and the two companies complement each other with their product lines. Both make aluminum drift boats, and FishCraft also customizes inflatable boats for fly and bait fishing. The Smith Rock line of boats is a bit more upscale, with features that Todd designed especially for the brand.

The FishCraft line is "a lot of boat for the money," said Todd.

Todd previously worked for former FishCraft owner, Del Erlandson, going out on his own in 2003 to start Smith Rock Riverboats. When Erlandson realized he wasn't able to give FishCraft the time it deserved, he approached Bell to purchase the company.

There are several manufacturers of drift boats in Oregon, but FishCraft and Smith Rock Riverboats are the only ones made in Central Oregon. Kim Bell is the business manager, and she and Todd are fulfilling a long-time ambition of owning a business together.

The boats are made to order, and the customer's needs and wants are carefully considered as each boat is made.

"We're the only manufacturer in the area, and we're getting known for our quality and customer service," said Kim.

FishCraft's biggest seller is a 17-foot drift boat; Smith Rock's is a 16-footer. The boats are sold through the FishCraft Web site, at trade shows in three states and through personal consultation.

Each business has grown significantly, said Kim, and their nine-member staff spend time at each site. The Sisters company is located on the west end of Sisters Park Drive, in the industrial park.

For more information, visit http://www.fishcraft.com or call FishCraft at 549-8423.