POINTER94
Vice Admiral
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2003
- Messages
- 5,031
The attention that Force has recieved in the past week inspired a little research. (very little) But the history is somewhat interesting and knowing the facts and the footsteps of one of the more popular brands over history was worth posting IMHO.<br /><br />__________________________________________________<br /><br />Chrysler Marine History <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><br /> Wow What a interesting thing to work on.. Tracking down the history of Chrysler Marine. Since this page was started I have met many wonderful folks who have been very helpful. <br /><br />Now I have seen Chrysler marine engines in older boats (1940's ) so I know that Chrysler was involved in the Marine market way back when but in what capacity I haven't determined . <br /><br />Lone star boats started out in Grand Prairie, Texas back in the 50's...In 1962 Lonestar moved their manufacturing plant to International Parkway, in Plano, Texas. <br /><br />Chrysler Buys Loanstar in 1965 <br /><br />I have picked up some 66 Brochures and the Boats have both names Loanstar and Chrysler on them!! <br /> <br /><br /><br />I just purchased some brochures which confirms that Chrysler bought out West Bend Outboards in January,1965. This first year they were known as a Chrysler/West Bend outboard. <br />So Chrysler entered the Boat and the outboard market with the 1966 model year. <br />The Boat division lasted to 1980 and the outboard division lasted to 1984 <br /><br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /><br />I have talked to Rick who worked at Chrysler Outboard in Hartford and as he told me <br /><br />"We were told that as part of the government bailout, Chrysler had to sell off all it's neonate related businesses and concentrate on it's auto business. I believe we were the last to go. We all knew it was up for sale. It took until <br />'84 to find a buyer for the outboard business. Unfortunately it was Bayliner. When Bayliner took over, it promised to keep the business open for at least 2 years. After the 2 year period it was sold to Brunswick. The rest is history. " <br />Thanks for the Insight!!!! <br /><br />When Chrysler finally got out of the Marine business they sold the power boat division to Texas Marine International who discontinued production. Parts were sold by TMI to Doug Russell Marine, Worcester, Ma... The Sailboat Division was sold to TMI also, who intern sold the product line to Starwind Parts. Starwind Parts has since sold molds, Spare parts, sails, etc.<br /><br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <br /><br />The Outboard Division was sold to U.S. Marine in 1984 who manufacture and market under the FORCE name <br /><br /><br /> http://www.hurrikain.com/thechryslercrew/history.htm
