Houseboating Adventures - Issue 19 - (Page 15) Left: Scott behind the wheel of his favorite boat - a Gibson. Scott and his family have been Gibson fans and owners since 1980. I started boating when I was very small, I am the third generation of boaters in our family. My grandfather Clarence used to bring my father and his bothers and sister to the Mississippi River at Portage Des Souix sometime in the late 40’s. I purchased my first boat on my own with grass cutting money when I was 14. It was a 1969 Richline johnboat with a 1958 Johnson 18 hp motor on it. I had the time of my life. Couldn’t drive a car, but I was always out on the boat exploring, fishing and looking for treasures. I guess there has never been a time in my life that I haven’t been boating. HBA: What was your first exposure to a houseboat? SB: My mother and father (Mary and Terry) bought their first houseboat around 1980, it was a 1976 Gibson 36’ Standard. Our family was out on the houseboat every weekend through the spring, summer and fall. It was an awesome time and I have a lot of great memories. HBA: What interested you about cruising style houseboat? SB: The ability to travel. I have been many, many places on a lot of rivers and lakes on a Gibson houseboat and I have always been amazed at three things. 1. The people, you will meet the most interesting, friendly, passionate people you will ever meet. I have build some of the best friendships you could ever imagine with the people I have met along the way. 2. The freedom, you are captain of your own ship. It’s your life and you choose how you use it. If you want to stay at the dock, or hang out on the hook, cruise 200+ miles in a day, or stay for a week or two on an island, you can do it. Gibson houseboats are the Swiss Army knife of houseboats. )6B@" A05("%C&5AB9&@ 3. The rock solid performance of our Gibson’s. I have never been stranded or stuck somewhere because of the performance of one of my Gibsons. If you want to go, do it. I have been in just about every weather situation and have never had a failure of performance. From six foot waves to 80 mph winds. They have never let me down. HBA: Your family has owned Gibson’s for over 28 years. Do you remember the first Gibson you saw? SB: Yes, I was about 9 or 10 and a 30’ Gibson was parked at an island that we visited every weekend and I remember thinking some day when I’m old and rich I was going to have one. HBA: How have Gibson’s changed over the years? SB: There constant refinement. It says it all. HBA: When did you get into the marine business? SB: In 1989, selling marine parts and supplies to local customers. HBA: What motivated you to become a Gibson dealer? SB: Passion for the product, passion for the lifestyle. I am totally sold on those two things. Wahoo Marine Sales is a mono dealership. We only carry one line and that is Gibson houseboat. I truly believe that you cannot know everything about a bunch of different boats and give the customer your full attention and dedication. You can though if you are focused on one line and are passionate about your product. HBA: Tell me about your location. I understand you have an on the water showroom? SB: We are located at Polestar Marina. Pete Tully owns that marina and has been a great friend and landlord since we opened in 2003. Our in water showroom is great. All our Gibson’s are ready to go, no climbing ladders in a parking lot somewhere and wondering what it would be like to be on the water. HBA: What is the predominant style of houseboating in Missouri? SB: Gibson. There are 10 to 1 Gibson houseboats compared to all other houseboats. We don’t have many, maybe one or two of the aluminum houseboats. It is a typical weekend to see 10 Gibson’s tied up on an island on our pool. HBA: I understand that Wahoo has a very large and loyal customer base? SB: Our customers are our best sales people. We boat with our customers. If we sell you a Gibson, we will be out there boating with you. We feel that our customers are part of our family.
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