"The Helton Clinker"
2011 marked our 84th year in business. It started in 1927 when John S. Helton converted a boat building hobby into a thriving business. He built a wood lapstrake outboard runabout, 16 ft. long, whose hull was made of white oak ribs and mahogany planking with more mahogany for the interior trim. Known as "The Helton Clinker," the boats were powered by Evenrude's 22 hp. motor (top of the line) that burned one quart of oil to each gallon of gasoline.
In 1955, Helton Boat Works was building about 450 boats per year. By 1965, with the growth of fiberglass boats, wood boats were disappearing. As Helton wood boat sales declined, Helton began retailing fiberglass boats made by other builders, and since 1970 we have sold only fiberglass boats as well as the finest motors, trailers and accessories. In 1978, following our 50th anniversary celebration, we were honored to be named Boat and Motor Dealer of the Year.
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