KenCraft Boats, based in Wilson, North Carolina, will now manufacture under the new brand name Bay Rider Boats. As part of its transition to the new brand and to pay homage to its heritage, the logo Bay Rider by KenCraft will feature on certain marketing materials and online.
“We’ve been building quality boats with the latest materials and skilled craftsmanship for 50 years now, and while we’ve been known for model lines over the years such as KenCraft, Challenger, and Bay Rider, the name we’ve chosen to put on the side of our product will be Bay Rider,” explains Bay Rider owner Bob Brunson. “Bay Rider has been our most popular and most recognized model of any we’ve built, so it makes sense to move forward under this established brand.”
Started by Ken Vick in 1975, the company builds reliable, high quality inshore/offshore and center console models, along with bay boats and skiffs. The Brunson family purchased the company in 2024.
“Our team has worked for KenCraft and is very proud of our heritage,” says Bay Rider vice president Robert Brunson. “When my dad and I purchased KenCraft from Ken Vick ten years ago, it was important for us to carry on the tradition of a premium-made product as well as have plans to how we were going to expand our business in the future. Our name change to Bay Rider, one of our most popular model lines, is what people know us best for. And we’re excited about this positive shift toward the future for our company.”
“Whether we’re building boats for the avid fisherman, the family that wants to get out on the water and make memories, or for law enforcement marine needs, we want people to not only know and enjoy our quality product but we also want them to know us as Bay Rider,” adds Bob Brunson. “Ken started something great, and my son and our team will continue to move this brand forward for our dealers and customers.”
To learn more, visit bayriderboats.com.
PHOTO: BAY RIDER BOATS FACEBOOK
