Home |
Search |
Today's Posts |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Bullfrog Boats
This line of boats is becoming fairly well known in the Pacific NW. Sometimes,
these small ventures fail to get off the ground but this particular firm is doing well with a unique product. Here's a punfully awful synopsis of the company's general produt line and current activities: ******************* "Wart's Hoppening" at Bullfrog Boats? One of the many "good guys" in the boat business here in the Pacific Northwest is Craig Henderson, the king frog in the small but rapidly expanding manufacturer kicking out a steady stream of "unsinkable" Bullfrog boats. We're seeing more Bullfrogs everywhere we look, so we assumed business must be hopping. To avoid leaping to a conclusion, (and possibly appearing all wet as a result) we jumped in the trusty terrestrial speedster. Kicking it into gear, we bounded up the freeway to Henderson's pad, nestled among the ponds and pastures north of Bellingham. We've seen more than a few boat factories over the years, but the Bullfrog industrial complex is one of the more informal and relaxed. One could mistake it for an ordinary country barn. It is not easily "spotted" from the road. When a visitor arrives, the official Bullfrog Boats greeter hurries enthusiastically into the parking lot. Talk about first class service! The greeter waits patiently for the driver's door to open and then plants a big, wet, welcoming kiss on the surprised caller. Once out of the car, a visitor is led into the building by the same happy-go-lucky character- a big brown dog. It was pleasing to discover that sales are springing to new heights at Bullfrog. Craig Henderson seldom misses a boat show and he runs a steady advertising campaign. "Bullfrog" is a quality boat, and product integrity combined with excellence in customer service is earning Henderson a growing following among NW boaters. "A lot of it is word of mouth," said Henderson. "A year or so ago, I sold a 10-foot yacht tender to a member of a yacht club over on the Olympic Peninsula. His friends were so impressed that I just delivered six more to members of the same club. They came over and ordered them together, I gave them all Bullfrog shirts, and it was a lot of fun." Bullfrogs have a rather unique anatomy, both the amphibians and the boats. Bullfrog boats are built with aluminum bottoms for strength and durability. Unlike a boat with an inflated bottom, a Bullfrog can be dragged across a gravelly beach without fear of compromising structural integrity. The most visible characteristic of a Bullfrog is the topsides construction. Sections of molded, polyethylene tubing are bolted together and filled with closed cell floatation foam. The polyethylene is non-abrasive, and won't mar the finish when coming alongside a fiberglass yacht. "The boat actually works just perfectly without the foam," said Henderson. "But it's a Coat Guard requirement, and even if it weren't required I like to take a 'both belt and suspenders' sort of approach to boat building. When you need a boat that will take absolutely anything, you need it then and there." The 10' yacht tender continues to be Bullfrog's largest seller. The tender comes standard with a rotary helm, cushioned aluminum seats, bow rails, backrests, and more. The boat weighs 282 pounds, is rated for 3 persons or 589 pounds, has a 5'6" beam, and is designed for motors up to 20HP. "We've been using Honda outboards fairly exclusively, lately" said Henderson. "They have proven to be very reliable, and that reliability is part of the experience we want our customers to enjoy." We had to agree that a good engine was certainly important. It would be rather embarrassing for a Bullfrog to be "toad" back to the dock. Bullfrog offers a 13-foot "Sport Tender" for larger yachts, as well as 15, 17, and 21-foot sport and utility boats. "We're getting some attention from the Department of Homeland Security," said Henderson, (quickly proceeding to clarify that the Department is considering the purchase of some Bullfrog Boats). "We are now one of the vendors approved by the GSA, so federal agencies can buy Bullfrogs." Back in the not-so-secret portion of the Bullfrog factory, an exciting new product is taking shape. We got a look at the partially completed hull #1 of Bullfrog's new flagship model, a 27-footer with a "cuddy cabin". "We'll be debuting this model at the fall boat shows" said Henderson. "It will make a good dive boat, workboat, small charter boat, or police boat. With a pair of high HP outboards, this boat will be able to overtake almost any boat on the water, and especially so when the going gets rough. This boat will be able to run incredibly fast in conditions where most boats will be forced to throttle back." Things are going swimmingly at Bullfrog. The firm appears to be well into a "ribbeting" saga of success. If you believe in fairy tales, do watch out for that big wet kiss from Craig Henderson's greeter: it may be the first step in a process that turns your dinghy into a Bullfrog. Oh well, all is not lost. Odds are, you'll live hoppily ever after, (or at least until you croak). There is, (of course), additional information about Bullfrog on the web. www.bullfrogboats.com |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Bullfrog Boats
|
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Bullfrog Boats
|
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Bullfrog Boats
I looked at those, but ended up picking a Boss boat. 10' about $3000. See:
http://www.bossboats.com/default.asp?Page=Yachtsman_10 Since it's fiberglass, it will be easy to repair if it ever gets damaged. Has storage inside the seat and both tubes. The upper part of the tubes and other spots have foam for emergency flotation. One thing I didn't like about the Bullfrog boats was the "sharp" edge of the tube top. Also, while polyethylene is pretty much indestructible, you really would be hard pressed to repair it if it was ever damaged. -- Keith __ Never let a boat take you somewhere your brain didn't get to five minutes earlier. "John H" wrote in message ... On 17 Apr 2004 19:47:30 GMT, (Gould 0738) wrote: This line of boats is becoming fairly well known in the Pacific NW. Sometimes, these small ventures fail to get off the ground but this particular firm is doing well with a unique product. Here's a punfully awful synopsis of the company's general produt line and current activities: How much do these little buggers cost? For the 15' for example. John H On the 'Poco Loco' out of Deale, MD on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay! |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Bullfrog Boats
I looked at those, but ended up picking a Boss boat. 10' about $3000. See:
http://www.bossboats.com/default.asp?Page=Yachtsman_10 Since it's fiberglass, it will be easy to repair if it ever gets damaged. Has storage inside the seat and both tubes. The upper part of the tubes and other spots have foam for emergency flotation. One thing I didn't like about the Bullfrog boats was the "sharp" edge of the tube top. Also, while polyethylene is pretty much indestructible, you really would be hard pressed to repair it if it was ever damaged. -- Keith __ Never let a boat take you somewhere your brain didn't get to five minutes earlier. "John H" wrote in message ... On 17 Apr 2004 19:47:30 GMT, (Gould 0738) wrote: This line of boats is becoming fairly well known in the Pacific NW. Sometimes, these small ventures fail to get off the ground but this particular firm is doing well with a unique product. Here's a punfully awful synopsis of the company's general produt line and current activities: How much do these little buggers cost? For the 15' for example. John H On the 'Poco Loco' out of Deale, MD on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay! |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Bullfrog Boats
Be aware these boats are *very* heavy. Craig had understated the weight
of my 10' tender by 60# and it turned out it was too heavy for the mast/ boom I had. He then overcharged me when he picked up the boat for return. Beware. I don't recommend doing business with this company. John In Gould 0738 wrote: This line of boats is becoming fairly well known in the Pacific NW. Sometimes, these small ventures fail to get off the ground but this particular firm is doing well with a unique product. Here's a punfully awful synopsis of the company's general produt line and current activities: ******************* "Wart's Hoppening" at Bullfrog Boats? One of the many "good guys" in the boat business here in the Pacific Northwest is Craig Henderson, the king frog in the small but rapidly expanding manufacturer kicking out a steady stream of "unsinkable" Bullfrog boats. We're seeing more Bullfrogs everywhere we look, so we assumed business must be hopping. To avoid leaping to a conclusion, ( and possibly appearing all wet as a result) we jumped in the trusty terrestrial speedster. Kicking it into gear, we bounded up the freeway to Henderson's pad, nestled among the ponds and pastures north of Bellingham. We've seen more than a few boat factories over the years, but the Bullfrog industrial complex is one of the more informal and relaxed. One could mistake it for an ordinary country barn. It is not easily "spotted" from the road. When a visitor arrives, the official Bullfrog Boats greeter hurries enthusiastically into the parking lot. Talk about first class service! The greeter waits patiently for the driver's door to open and then plants a big, wet, welcoming kiss on the surprised caller. Once out of the car, a visitor is led into the building by the same happy-go-lucky character- a big brown dog. It was pleasing to discover that sales are springing to new heights at Bullfrog. Craig Henderson seldom misses a boat show and he runs a steady advertising campaign. "Bullfrog" is a quality boat, and product integrity combined with excellence in customer service is earning Henderson a growing following among NW boaters. "A lot of it is word of mouth," said Henderson. "A year or so ago, I sold a 10-foot yacht tender to a member of a yacht club over on the Olympic Peninsula. His friends were so impressed that I just delivered six more to members of the same club. They came over and ordered them together, I gave them all Bullfrog shirts, and it was a lot of fun." Bullfrogs have a rather unique anatomy, both the amphibians and the boats. Bullfrog boats are built with aluminum bottoms for strength and durability. Unlike a boat with an inflated bottom, a Bullfrog can be dragged across a gravelly beach without fear of compromising structural integrity. The most visible characteristic of a Bullfrog is the topsides construction. Sections of molded, polyethylene tubing are bolted together and filled with closed cell floatation foam. The polyethylene is non-abrasive, and won't mar the finish when coming alongside a fiberglass yacht. "The boat actually works just perfectly without the foam," said Henderson. "But it's a Coat Guard requirement, and even if it weren't required I like to take a 'both belt and suspenders' sort of approach to boat building. When you need a boat that will take absolutely anything, you need it then and there." The 10' yacht tender continues to be Bullfrog's largest seller. The tender comes standard with a rotary helm, cushioned aluminum seats, bow rails, backrests, and more. The boat weighs 282 pounds, is rated for 3 persons or 589 pounds, has a 5'6" beam, and is designed for motors up to 20HP. "We've been using Honda outboards fairly exclusively, lately" said Henderson. "They have proven to be very reliable, and that reliability is part of the experience we want our customers to enjoy." We had to agree that a good engine was certainly important. It would be rather embarrassing for a Bullfrog to be "toad" back to the dock. Bullfrog offers a 13-foot "Sport Tender" for larger yachts, as well as 15, 17, and 21-foot sport and utility boats. "We're getting some attention from the Department of Homeland Security, " said Henderson, (quickly proceeding to clarify that the Department is considering the purchase of some Bullfrog Boats). "We are now one of the vendors approved by the GSA, so federal agencies can buy Bullfrogs." Back in the not-so-secret portion of the Bullfrog factory, an exciting new product is taking shape. We got a look at the partially completed hull #1 of Bullfrog's new flagship model, a 27-footer with a "cuddy cabin". "We'll be debuting this model at the fall boat shows" said Henderson. "It will make a good dive boat, workboat, small charter boat, or police boat. With a pair of high HP outboards, this boat will be able to overtake almost any boat on the water, and especially so when the going gets rough. This boat will be able to run incredibly fast in conditions where most boats will be forced to throttle back." Things are going swimmingly at Bullfrog. The firm appears to be well into a "ribbeting" saga of success. If you believe in fairy tales, do watch out for that big wet kiss from Craig Henderson's greeter: it may be the first step in a process that turns your dinghy into a Bullfrog. Oh well, all is not lost. Odds are, you'll live hoppily ever after, ( or at least until you croak). There is, (of course), additional information about Bullfrog on the web. www.bullfrogboats.com |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Bullfrog Boats
Be aware these boats are *very* heavy. Craig had understated the weight
of my 10' tender by 60# and it turned out it was too heavy for the mast/ boom I had. He then overcharged me when he picked up the boat for return. Beware. I don't recommend doing business with this company. John In Gould 0738 wrote: This line of boats is becoming fairly well known in the Pacific NW. Sometimes, these small ventures fail to get off the ground but this particular firm is doing well with a unique product. Here's a punfully awful synopsis of the company's general produt line and current activities: ******************* "Wart's Hoppening" at Bullfrog Boats? One of the many "good guys" in the boat business here in the Pacific Northwest is Craig Henderson, the king frog in the small but rapidly expanding manufacturer kicking out a steady stream of "unsinkable" Bullfrog boats. We're seeing more Bullfrogs everywhere we look, so we assumed business must be hopping. To avoid leaping to a conclusion, ( and possibly appearing all wet as a result) we jumped in the trusty terrestrial speedster. Kicking it into gear, we bounded up the freeway to Henderson's pad, nestled among the ponds and pastures north of Bellingham. We've seen more than a few boat factories over the years, but the Bullfrog industrial complex is one of the more informal and relaxed. One could mistake it for an ordinary country barn. It is not easily "spotted" from the road. When a visitor arrives, the official Bullfrog Boats greeter hurries enthusiastically into the parking lot. Talk about first class service! The greeter waits patiently for the driver's door to open and then plants a big, wet, welcoming kiss on the surprised caller. Once out of the car, a visitor is led into the building by the same happy-go-lucky character- a big brown dog. It was pleasing to discover that sales are springing to new heights at Bullfrog. Craig Henderson seldom misses a boat show and he runs a steady advertising campaign. "Bullfrog" is a quality boat, and product integrity combined with excellence in customer service is earning Henderson a growing following among NW boaters. "A lot of it is word of mouth," said Henderson. "A year or so ago, I sold a 10-foot yacht tender to a member of a yacht club over on the Olympic Peninsula. His friends were so impressed that I just delivered six more to members of the same club. They came over and ordered them together, I gave them all Bullfrog shirts, and it was a lot of fun." Bullfrogs have a rather unique anatomy, both the amphibians and the boats. Bullfrog boats are built with aluminum bottoms for strength and durability. Unlike a boat with an inflated bottom, a Bullfrog can be dragged across a gravelly beach without fear of compromising structural integrity. The most visible characteristic of a Bullfrog is the topsides construction. Sections of molded, polyethylene tubing are bolted together and filled with closed cell floatation foam. The polyethylene is non-abrasive, and won't mar the finish when coming alongside a fiberglass yacht. "The boat actually works just perfectly without the foam," said Henderson. "But it's a Coat Guard requirement, and even if it weren't required I like to take a 'both belt and suspenders' sort of approach to boat building. When you need a boat that will take absolutely anything, you need it then and there." The 10' yacht tender continues to be Bullfrog's largest seller. The tender comes standard with a rotary helm, cushioned aluminum seats, bow rails, backrests, and more. The boat weighs 282 pounds, is rated for 3 persons or 589 pounds, has a 5'6" beam, and is designed for motors up to 20HP. "We've been using Honda outboards fairly exclusively, lately" said Henderson. "They have proven to be very reliable, and that reliability is part of the experience we want our customers to enjoy." We had to agree that a good engine was certainly important. It would be rather embarrassing for a Bullfrog to be "toad" back to the dock. Bullfrog offers a 13-foot "Sport Tender" for larger yachts, as well as 15, 17, and 21-foot sport and utility boats. "We're getting some attention from the Department of Homeland Security, " said Henderson, (quickly proceeding to clarify that the Department is considering the purchase of some Bullfrog Boats). "We are now one of the vendors approved by the GSA, so federal agencies can buy Bullfrogs." Back in the not-so-secret portion of the Bullfrog factory, an exciting new product is taking shape. We got a look at the partially completed hull #1 of Bullfrog's new flagship model, a 27-footer with a "cuddy cabin". "We'll be debuting this model at the fall boat shows" said Henderson. "It will make a good dive boat, workboat, small charter boat, or police boat. With a pair of high HP outboards, this boat will be able to overtake almost any boat on the water, and especially so when the going gets rough. This boat will be able to run incredibly fast in conditions where most boats will be forced to throttle back." Things are going swimmingly at Bullfrog. The firm appears to be well into a "ribbeting" saga of success. If you believe in fairy tales, do watch out for that big wet kiss from Craig Henderson's greeter: it may be the first step in a process that turns your dinghy into a Bullfrog. Oh well, all is not lost. Odds are, you'll live hoppily ever after, ( or at least until you croak). There is, (of course), additional information about Bullfrog on the web. www.bullfrogboats.com |
Reply |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Forum | |||
Third Florida trip report (long, of course!) | Cruising | |||
Sea Ray Boats, Mid-Atlantic Dealers Announce Post-Hurricane Recovery Initiatives | General | |||
"The SEARCH" redux (long, as usual) | Cruising | |||
Is sailing becoming extinct? | General |