End of an Era - John's Custom Marine / Stoker Boats to Retire

[RiverDave]

A Statement from John's Custom Marine :


TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS AND BOATING FRIENDS.




After more than 45 years, John's Custom Marine will be closing at the end of this year, not out of necessity, but because change is an inevitable part of everyone's life. John is ready to retire and Al is relocating to another state, both anxious to start a well-earned new chapter. At this time, a new business owner has not come forward. Our loyal customers have always come first, so anyone needing a recommendation for parts, service or repair during this transition period, please give us a call at 714-827-7920 and we'll do our best to steer you in the right direction. Please check back to our website for additional updates and recommendations. Words are never enough, but you have our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for nearly a half century of business and friendships.

John, Al and the entire John's Custom Marine Team.

I think I can speak for the community here when I say




"No guys, don't thank us.. THANK YOU! Thank you for all that you have done in performance boating over the last four and a half decades. Thank you for not only building, but campaigning some of the most competitive race boats, and some of the fastest lake boats. Thank you for running rigging and service shop with integrity and solid business practices. Thank you for always going the extra mile, and even now when you are moving into retirement having the consideration to make sure your customers are handled properly to the best of your abilities into the future."

John's custom marine will be winding down as the end of the year approached. All four molds : 20 SST, 204 SST, 22 SST, and 224 SST Stern Drive are for sale and can be bought as a package deal.




written by RiverDave
Images by TommyGun

 

[Stainless]

Sorry to hear this. [emoji20]

 

[outboardrick]

This is quite a milestone. if anyone is not familiar with John's Custom Marine, Stoker Boats or Al Stoker's racing accomplishments they should do some research. Al dominated Mod VP racing back in the day and John designed most if not all of the boats. Congratulations on an amazing career :thumbup:

 

[boat527]

Bummer.. hate to see this but change is inevitable.. Maybe Schiada should buy the 224 mold and end all this us vs. them crap.. NOT!

 

[Riverbound]

I have known Al and John for many years and knew this day was coming eventually. I wish them the best of luck.

 

[TBulger]

Good day, to some super people, I have never had the privilege of knowing.

 

[C-2]

What a class act - going out on top, and in style. :thumbup:

 

[Backlash]

Congratulations on an amazing career in this industry and thank you for your years of professional service and the amazing products you have produced.

If someone had the opportunity to purchase these molds and continue the illustrious history started by Al, they would be miles ahead of majority of the builders out there. These boats need little if any massaging to run out front and would surely come with race-bred history that is not shared by many. What an opportunity!

Good luck and enjoy the next chapter!

 

[rivermobster]

Sad to see. Hope someone reputable picks up the molds. :thumbup:

 

[OCMerrill]

Wow, a ton of great work and knowledge is leaving the industry. These guys will be missed by many.

Happy retirement for sure as it's well earned.

 

[HBCraig]

I have known Al and John for many years and knew this day was coming eventually. I wish them the best of luck.

x 2.

Al has always been straight with me and did excellent work on my boat.

 

[RitcheyRch]

Sad news for us Stoker owners.

 

[TCHB]

I have know John and Al for many years and have always respected them for always being straight up with repairs or set ups.

Good luck on your new adventures!!!!!!!!!

 

[ductape1000]

Sad news for us Stoker owners.

Not really... Your boat is going up on value as we speak. [emoji6]

Sad news for sure. Hopefully Eliminator will keep laying up the boats.

 

[RodnJen]

They have been doing my service the last couple of years. Great outfit, and first-class service. Thank you, and I wish you all well!:thumbup:

 

[stokernick]

From the very first meeting 20 plus years ago at the St. Louis ModVP races to today it has been an honor and a pleasure following Alan and John's Custom Marine. I finally got to buy my Stoker 20 years ago, used, and yet everytime I had a question or lack of knowledge] Alan was always available to give me the answer, as if I was his newest customer. His boats in my opinion are the best in their class, my 1984 SST has never had any structural issues , and is enjoyed 7months a year water skiing and high performance powerboating. Alan, I wish you many years of happiness in your next chapter, assume you still have the VIPER, and thank you for your contributions to the quality boating environment! Good Luck/ God Bless!
Nick:drink:thumbup:

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

Growing up in an outboard family, I can still remember my dad's face light up every time we saw a Stoker outboard. Hopefully someone steps up and continues producing these stellar machines.

 

[HBCraig]

If I could unload my Ultra, I would love to get the white/red Stoker in his showroom with the big Pfaff motor. I bet it hauls the mail. Any idea what that boat is doing for?

 

[Riverbound]

If I could unload my Ultra, I would love to get the white/red Stoker in his showroom with the big Pfaff motor. I bet it hauls the mail. Any idea what that boat is doing for?

I have been trying to buy that boat from him for years.....it's his personal boat.

 

[DLow]

If I could unload my Ultra, I would love to get the white/red Stoker in his showroom with the big Pfaff motor. I bet it hauls the mail. Any idea what that boat is doing for?

That boat was for sale in January...
http://www.screamandfly.com/showthread.php?279366-224-Stoker&highlight=pfaff
He didn't list a price though, obviously.

I am sad to see the end of Stoker boats, but am thankful I have had the opportunity go get to know John and Alan. I truly wish them both the best with whatever life may have in store for them. I guess my dream of buying a brand new hull from Al and rigging it in my garage just went down the shitter!

 

[RiverDave]

If I could unload my Ultra, I would love to get the white/red Stoker in his showroom with the big Pfaff motor. I bet it hauls the mail. Any idea what that boat is doing for?

It's on their website for 80 I think..

 

[ltbaney1]

Sad to hear this, John and Al did all the work on my old fishing boat. They always told me the honest truth, no BS. Anytime I have a question about my squirt boat, they either had answer or told me who to call and always told me "tell them we sent ya, theyll get you taken care of". Good luck to everybody there, thanks for the help and knowledge:thumbup: