Luhrs

After World War II, Henry Luhrs took a lesson from Henry Ford and began building 20-foot skiffs using an assembly-line production process. The skiffs, much like Ford's Model A's, proved affordable and reliable. The public took notice, and by the mid-1960s, Luhrs built more than 1,200 hulls per year and quickly moved into fiberglass production. Luhrs' vision of building a strong boat with good value continues today.

"Today's Luhrs are built with Henry's same vision," says David Taylor, director of sales and marketing. "At Luhrs it's all about getting the best performance quality, durability and fishability at an incredible value."

The company, now based in St. Augustine, Florida, delivers roughly 300 boats each year from 28 to 41 feet in hardtops, express models and convertibles. And although they might be priced competitively, Taylor says the company does not skimp on construction. Luhrs hulls feature custom-blended vinylester resins for improved blister resistance and balsa coring for added strength and rigidity.

Naval architect Donald Blount designs the hulls, and an in-house engineering team designs the decks and related components. "Blount's group spends a great deal of time with hulls and running surfaces. They have the expertise to develop the best there is. I'd put our hulls up against anyone in the business," Taylor says.

Luhrs specializes in modular construction, adhering to Henry Luhrs' original vision of boatbuilding. "Our construction methods are modular, built in a true assembly-line environment," Taylor says.

At a Glance: •  Modular construction •  Good value •  Rod holders and 50-gallon livewell as standard equipment

Luhrs fabricates its interiors separately from the hulls. Computer-controlled routers cut all the bulkheads, flats and ceiling panels for tight joints.  The company then joins the hull and deck, using stainless-steel screws and fiberglass to structurally bond them together. The joint is finished out with a C-shaped rub rail to provide a neat, finished appearance.

"Our customers continue to tell us that our boats embody the traditional style and toughness of a custom sport-fishing machine," Taylor says. "Over the past couple of years, our customers expressed a desire for improved interiors. We now offer comfortable cruising amenities that make it easy to kick back and relax after a day of fishing."

For more information, contact Luhrs of St. Augustine, Florida, at 800-882-4343, or visit www.luhrs.com.

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