BACK WHEN AL FINK first hung up the Stingray Boats sign in Hartsville, South Carolina, there wasn't a whole lot more to the company than a desire to make great boats. But with two molds and a handful of craftsmen, Fink's vision found a toehold. That toehold proved to be just enough, as the company set out to redefine the cutting edge of every aspect of boating, from design to customer service.

Still proudly independent after 20 years, Stingray has compiled an impressive list of "firsts" through its history. In 1985, Stingray became the first boat company to use CAD-driven CNC flatbed routers inhouse. Six years later, in 1991, Stingray received U.S. Patent #US5063868 for its revolutionary ZP hull. In 1995, Stingray became the first boat company to go cyber, publishing its first web page on the Internet. And in 1998, Stingray displayed environmental leadership when it became the first to use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) gelcoats and resins in the manufacturing of all parts.

Due to firsts like these, as well as to 20 years of dedication to the original vision of building the best boats possible, Stingray has grown from those origins to fill more than 225,000 square feet of manufacturing space in Hartsville today. Inside, the factory is one of the most technologically advanced in the country, with robotic-driven production systems helping to produce more than 20 models of boats.

After 20 years of growth and success, Stingray might be forgiven for resting on its laurels a bit, but that's not the case. The company is committed to continuing its ongoing pursuit of excellence. Stingray's redesigned web site (www.stingrayboats.com) is a prime example of the kind of innovation and excitement to expect during the next 20 years.

That excitement, a hallmark of Stingray and its employees since 1979, is what sets the company apart and has made it one of the leading independent boat builders in the United States today.

Boating World Chronicles