Company History
Celebrating 20 Years
At Crownline we began at the drawing board with a very simple concept, giving the customers what they want. Throughout the last 20 years we have designed and produced high quality boats through customer innovation.
Live life, live CrownLine!
3/25/1991
First Crownline, a 182 Bowrider, rolled off the production line at a small facility in Whittington, IL. Crownline had outgrown its facility in Whittington within six months and moved into a larger building in West Frankfort, IL in June of 1991.
1993
In just two short years, Crownline captured the enthusiasm of astute boat buyers throughout the world, making an impact in the boating world like no other boat company. Nine innovative upscale models 182 BR, 196 BR, 200 DB, 225 BR, 266 BR, 210 CCR, 225 CCR, 250 CR, have been designed, engineered, tooled, prototyped and successfully introduced, impacting the boating world like no other boat company has done in many years.
1994
Crownline's new state of the art boat manufacturing plant in West Frankfort, IL was completed.
Crownline introduces the "Next Generation" of exciting new products (266 Sport Cruiser, 176 BR), promoting softer lines and a sculptured elegance that escalates Crownline models to an even higher level of contemporary style.
1995
Established unprecedented credibility by building and shipping 10,000 Crownline Boats to 10,000 satisfied customers in just three and one half years.
202 BR wins Powerboat Magazines Compact Boat of the Year award.
1996
In just a few short years, Crownline has achieved unprecedented success and an excellent reputation that is attributed to its dedication to quality, distinctive styling, meticulous craftsmanship and a penchant for performance and affordability.
The Crownline 225 BR was the number one best selling 22' bowrider in the industry.
1997
The distinctive styling and high quality of Crownline boats is now available in thirteen different models and at more than 150 dealer partner locations from the US to Russia.
1998
Crownline has grown to become the fifth largest builder of stern drive powered sport boats in the world. Seventeen different models, offered in ten gelcoat colors, five graphic combinations, eight seating layouts and umpteen power choices, allows boaters to custom build the boat of their dreams.
First ever Crowndezvous was held on Kentucky Lake brought fifty boats and almost 200 happy Crownline owners. The following year, at the second Crowndezvous event, the numbers doubled.
1999
In less than a decade, Crownline has grown into a major international boat company with dealerships throughout North America and as far away as Australia and Russia.
The Crownline 202 BR is the most popular, upscale 20' bowrider in the country.
2000
A few years back, Crownline was among the first boat companies to establish a site on the world wide web. The Crownline Owners' Forum has now been added, allowing boaters to orchestrate get-togethers, community service events and share their passion for boating.
Eight bowriders, two deckboats, seven cuddies and four cruisers make up Crownline's exciting and successful 2000 model year lineup.
2001
Crownline remains the fifth largest builder of stern drive powered sports boats in the world by building unique, high quality boats designed to stand out in a crowd.
2002
Crownline builds a special edition "America's Pride" 202 BR, auctioning it off and donating proceeds to the families of the victims of the 9/11/2001 terrorist attack on the US.
Crownline ranked second in customer service satisfaction in small and large bowriders and overall customer satisfaction.
Crownline was well on its way to becoming the industry leader in successful new product introduction. In 2002, Crownline begins a new era in its highly successful history in the boat building business with its exciting "Next Generation" line of boats and will introduce twenty-four innovative and uniquely styled models within the next 36 months.
2003
Crownline announces its commitment to becoming the best in class in product and customer satisfaction, introducing the first in its "New Generation" line - the sleek new 270 BR. And it was a huge hit!
Crownline was selected as winner of the 2003 Marine Industry CSI award for "Excellence in Customer Satisfaction". In addition, Crownline also ranked second in the large runabout segment, closing in on the number one ranked manufacturer in that category.
Crownline was number one in customer service satisfaction in the small bowrider segment.
2004
In keeping with its commitment to becoming the best in class in product and customer satisfaction, Crownline introduces three new bowriders and two deck boats, all featuring its patented F.A.S.T. Tab® hull design. This new design reduces stern wander, improves planning efficiency and maintains stability in high-speed turns. It is one more example of the innovative thinking that Crownline brings to the boating world in its constant pursuit of excellence.
Crownline also adds two new jewels to the Crownline fleet, introducing two new cruisers that capture the attention of the boating world. The sophisticated new hull and deck design of these two luxurious boats will set new industry standards for style and elegance. One of the many outstanding features is Crownline's exclusive new cruiser cockpit Sunbed design with its cavernous storage compartment and concealed cockpit table holder.
Crownline introduces its new Razor series, adding a wakeboard tower and special Razor graphics to select models for an exciting new look.
For the second consecutive year, Crownline achieved highest customer satisfaction in the small boat category.
2005
Crownline introduces its 320 LS, thirty-two plus feet of Crownline bowrider beauty. The 220 EX is introduced, bringing more new excitement to Crownline's deck boat lineup. The new 275 CCR is a combination of performance and luxury. On the outside, it's a sleek and sexy beauty. Below deck, the luxurious cabin awaits.
2006
With the 2006 model year, Crownline celebrates its 15th anniversary as one of the most prestigious boat builders in the country, celebrating with the introduction of six innovative "Best In Class" new models: 200 LS, 210 LS, 220 LS, 260 LS, 262 EX, 255 CCR.
Crownline changes the way customers boat with the introduction of its patented "Social Swim Transom" system and “Hot Tub" style bow seating.
2007
Crownline has grown to become the third largest builder of stern drive powered sport boats in the world, continuing its "first to the market" design philosophies. The new Crownline 240 LS features its patented "Hot Tub" style seating and Social Swim Transom system. The new 252 EX deckboat has the hot tub bow seating with a entertainment friendly soft C cockpit design. Crownline’s new 315 Sport Cruiser offers a progressive alternative to the uninspired styling of its competitors.
The Crownline founding family sells the majority share of Crownline Boats, Inc. to Pousching Cook Capital Management.
2008
Crownline has combined its distinctive “sports car” styling with an exceptionally luxurious, well thought out interior design to create the new 300 LS bowrider. Crownline proudly introduced it's elegant, classy, inspired and sexy new 340 CR Cruiser.
In December of 2008, Pouschine Cook Capital Management makes the decision to seek strategic partners to operate Crownline and production is temporarily suspended.
2009
Crownline was purchased and reopened on 8/26/09 by Leisure Properties, LLC, whose owners brought years of marine experience to the table. Previous Management team was brought back and the new Crownline company was born. The first Crownline under new ownership rolled off the manufacturing line on 10/14/09.
2010
Crownline announces many content upgrades throughout entire model line-up for the 2011 model year that will enhance and add value and excitement to their already impressive current lineup. In addition, four new models will be added by the end of 2010 to complement the existing line. The all new Eclipse Series, E-4 and E-6, and the new 215 SS were added to the model line up!
2011
Crownline announces content upgrades for bowriders, cuddies and cruisers for the 2012 Model Year such as vinyl wrapped dash gauges, upgraded Sony Stereos and Cabin interiors. The 2012 Model year will also include introductions of the new 235 SS, E-1, E-2 and the 285 SS. In addition to these models we also added optional features such as new wakeboard towers, Wet Sounds speakers and the new “Social Cockpit Seating” for the 215 SS.