Celebrity Boats: Are They Worth The Hype?

Celebrity is a boat brand that has been associated with both positive and negative reviews. While some users have praised Celebrity boats for their affordability and functionality, others have expressed concerns about their quality. The brand was acquired by Bombardier in the 1990s, and it appears that they are no longer in business. Some of the boats produced by Celebrity include the Celebrity 230 Fishhawk, the Celebrity 2300 WalkAround FishHawk, and various cruise ships.

Celebrity boats are now discontinued, but were they good?

Celebrity boats are now discontinued. The brand was acquired by Bombardier in the 1990s, and it is unclear what happened to the brand after that.

As for the quality of Celebrity boats, opinions vary. Some consider them "run of the mill", while others believe they are "not a bad boat by any stretch". One reviewer notes that Celebrity boats are not known for being at the top of the quality hierarchy, but they can be a good option if you are looking for an affordable, used boat in good condition.

One advantage of choosing a Celebrity boat is that, due to their reputation, they are less likely to be stolen. Additionally, since they are no longer in production, their resale value may be lower, making them a potential bargain.

However, it is important to consider the age and condition of a Celebrity boat before purchasing. Older boats may require significant repairs or reconditioning, and finding parts for certain models could be challenging. Overall, while Celebrity boats may not have been the highest quality, with proper maintenance, they can still offer a good boating experience, especially for those on a budget.

What were the issues with Celebrity boats?

Celebrity boats are no longer in business, and this may be indicative of the issues that people have faced with these boats. One of the main issues with Celebrity boats is their quality. They are often described as "run of the mill" and "lower tier". While not considered poor quality, they also do not have gold-trimmed sales brochures.

Another issue with Celebrity boats is their resale value. Due to their low resale value, people may get a good deal on a used Celebrity boat, but this also means that if significant repairs or reconditioning are needed, it could be challenging to recoup the investment. Additionally, the older Celebrity boats may have issues with parts and repairs, especially if they have Ford engines or OMC drives.

Some specific issues that have been reported with Celebrity boats include problems with electrical connectors, particularly the bilge pump butt connectors, which are not watertight and prone to premature failure. The in-deck fishboxes also allow water to leak into the bilge, and water leaking in under unsealed nav lights can be problematic. Some models may be underpowered, and trim tabs may be needed. The non-skid surface on the deck has also been criticised for not being effective.

Overall, while not all Celebrity boats will have these issues, it is important to carefully inspect and consider the condition of the boat before purchase, as well as the potential costs of repairs and maintenance.

What were the positive aspects of Celebrity boats?

Celebrity boats are described as “run of the mill” and “not a bad boat by any stretch”. They are not known to be of the highest quality, but they are also not poor quality. One user on a boating forum says that their 1993 2300 WalkAround FishHawk Celebrity boat “looks sharp” and has “OK” storage. They also note that the boat trolls nicely and there is no snap roll in a chop.

Another user says that their Celebrity boat was underpowered and required the addition of trim tabs. They also advise replacing electrical connectors, especially the bilge pump butt connectors, as they are not watertight and will fail prematurely. They also recommend adding ball scuppers to keep water off the deck.

Overall, Celebrity boats seem to have a mixed reputation, with some positive and negative aspects.

How does the Celebrity brand compare to other boat brands?

The Celebrity boat brand is now discontinued and was formerly acquired by Bombardier in the 90s. Celebrity boats are considered "run of the mill" and of average quality. They are not known to be of the highest quality, but they are also not poor quality. The brand is comparable to Bayliner and Maxum, which are considered entry-level brands.

In terms of features, Celebrity boats are described as having a sharp look, adequate storage, and a trolling motor. However, they may require some modifications or improvements, such as adding trim tabs and ball scuppers. They may also need updates to the electrical connectors, particularly the bilge pump butt connectors, to prevent water leakage.

Compared to other boat brands, Celebrity boats may not have the same level of prestige or luxury. They are more affordable and accessible, which can impact their resale value. While they may not have the same level of craftsmanship or attention to detail as higher-end brands, Celebrity boats can still offer a good experience for boaters, especially those on a budget.

Overall, the Celebrity brand offers a decent option for those seeking a basic boat without many frills. While they may not have the same level of refinement as more expensive brands, they can still provide a functional and enjoyable boating experience, especially for those who prioritize affordability and accessibility over high-end features and performance.

What is the history of the Celebrity brand?

Celebrity Boats was a relatively short-term builder out of Benton, Illinois. The company began production around 1979 and went out of business around 2001, lasting over 20 years.

There is very little information about Celebrity Boats. It appears that a Fred Claxton may have been one of its founders. Claxton went on to become one of the founders of Crownline boats in nearby West Frankfort, Illinois, in 1991 after he left Celebrity.

In 1980, Celebrity was offering eight models from 16 to 20 feet. By 1991, that lineup had grown to 25 models from 18 to 29 feet, including runabouts, bowriders, sport boats, deck boats, and mid-cabin cruisers, along with walkaround and centre console models mainly directed at the fishing market.

In 1995, Celebrity was purchased by the consumer products group of Canadian giant Bombardier Recreational Products, which was the market leader in personal watercraft with Sea-Doo. At the time, Celebrity had sales in the $35 million range. In 1997, the Celebrity lineup was pared down to only seven models from 18 to 24 feet.

Sales continued to slide, and Celebrity production was moved in 1999 to Grand Mere, Quebec. The year 2000 models were fabricated there, but it appears that 2001 was the last year for Celebrity production. Meanwhile, Bombardier introduced Sea-Doo sport boat production (jet boats) to the Benton facility, but late in 2012, it announced it would be exiting the sport boat business and would be closing the Benton facility.

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