Mckee Craft Boats: Are They Worth The Hype?

McKee Craft boats are unsinkable and have been in business for over fifty years, with over 30,000 boats built and over 1,500 used in commercial and law enforcement. The company is a small, family-owned business with 3 generations involved in boat building and development. Their boats are well-built and solid, with some users saying they are one of the best-built boats for the money. The company's unique PBS (Pressure Bonding System) construction method and unsinkable boats have made them a popular choice for many.

McKee Craft boats are unsinkable

The company has been in business for over fifty years and has built over 30,000 boats, with more than 1,500 used for commercial and law enforcement purposes. McKee Craft boats are known for their high-quality construction, with some describing them as "top of the line" and "one of the best-built boats for the money." The company's attention to detail and use of advanced construction techniques have earned them a reputation for building unsinkable boats that are safe and reliable.

The "PBS" system is not the only factor that makes McKee Craft boats unsinkable. The company also exceeds Coast Guard (CG) requirements by using up to three times the amount of flotation required in regular boat construction. This means that even in the event of a hull breach, the boat will remain afloat. Additionally, McKee Craft does not use wood or composite stringer systems, further contributing to the overall strength and durability of their boats.

The unsinkable nature of McKee Craft boats provides peace of mind for boaters, knowing that their vessel is safe and reliable. This is especially important for those who use their boats for extended periods or in challenging conditions, such as offshore fishing or law enforcement operations. The combination of advanced construction techniques and high-quality materials ensures that McKee Craft boats are built to last and provide a high level of safety on the water.

While McKee Craft boats are no longer in production, with the company having paused manufacturing in 2009, their legacy lives on. The brand has a dedicated following, with many boaters praising the quality and durability of these unsinkable vessels. The reputation of McKee Craft boats as safe and reliable has endured, even as the company itself has faced challenges.

They are well-built and solid

McKee Craft boats are well-built and solid. The company has been in business for over fifty years and has built over 30,000 boats, with more than 1,500 of those being used in commercial and law enforcement settings. The boats are constructed using a unique method called the "PBS" (Pressure Bonding System), which involves injecting polyurethane foam that expands to 50 times its original volume in under a minute. This creates an extremely strong and durable hull that is unsinkable.

The "PBS" system also reduces hull noise and stress cracking, and minimises hull flex in rough seas. This makes the boats ideal for a range of activities, including day cruising, saltwater fishing, and freshwater fishing. The company's attention to detail and commitment to quality construction have earned McKee Craft a reputation for building solid and reliable boats.

In addition to their sturdy construction, McKee Craft boats are also known for their unsinkable design. This is achieved through the use of the "PBS" system, which creates a virtually one-piece hull and deck system that exceeds the strength of conventional hull and deck construction. The boats are also built without the use of wood or composite stringer systems, further contributing to their durability.

The company's experience and expertise in boat building are evident in the final product. McKee Craft boats are well-crafted, with a focus on quality and attention to detail. The company's use of high-quality materials and construction techniques ensures that their boats are solid and long-lasting.

Overall, McKee Craft boats are well-built and solid, with a reputation for quality and durability. The company's attention to detail, use of innovative construction techniques, and focus on safety make them a trusted choice for boaters seeking a reliable and sturdy vessel.

The company has been in business for over 50 years

McKee Craft has been in the business of building boats since the 1970s. The company was formed in Fairmont, North Carolina, by brothers Henry and Lanness McKee. The company's initial models included a 14-foot open boat and a 20-foot center console, which were produced for many years.

Over time, McKee Craft expanded its range, introducing larger models and different types of boats. By the 1980s, the company offered 15 models ranging from 14 to 23 feet in length. McKee Craft's boats were well-regarded for their quality and durability, particularly the Freedom line. The company's boats were also known for their unsinkable design, with some sources claiming that the boats are "unsinkable".

In 2009, McKee Craft's long production run came to an end. However, the company resumed building boats in 2022, restarting production of its unsinkable boats, which range from 14 to 28 feet in length.

McKee Craft boats are well-suited for various activities, including day cruising, saltwater fishing, and freshwater fishing. The company's models include center console, saltwater fishing, bay, dual console, and skiff designs. The boats feature outboard, outboard-2S, and outboard-4S propulsion systems and gas fuel systems.

With a history spanning over five decades, McKee Craft has established itself as a reputable boat builder, known for its durable and well-crafted vessels suitable for a range of boating activities.

The boats are good value for money

McKee Craft boats are a great choice for those seeking good value for their money. With a long history in the industry, McKee Craft has been in business for over fifty years and has built over 30,000 boats, with more than 1,500 of those being used in commercial and law enforcement settings. This wealth of experience translates into well-built high-quality boats that offer excellent durability and performance.

One of the standout features of McKee Craft boats is their unsinkable construction. The company's unique "PBS" (Pressure Bonding System) is a construction method that injects polyurethane foam, expanding to 50 times its original volume in under a minute. This innovative process chemically and mechanically bonds the hull and deck together, creating an incredibly strong and rigid structure. The result is a boat that is not only unsinkable but also boasts reduced hull noise, minimised stress cracking, and decreased hull flex when navigating rough waters.

In addition to their sturdy construction, McKee Craft boats offer a range of features that enhance their value. The boats are known for their thick laminate construction, ensuring long-lasting durability. They also provide excellent performance, with models available from 14 feet to 28 feet in length and motor power ranging from 30 horsepower to 200 horsepower. This versatility allows buyers to choose a boat that suits their specific needs, whether it's for day cruising, saltwater fishing, or freshwater fishing.

The company's attention to detail and commitment to quality are evident in every aspect of their boat-building process. For instance, they use 316 stainless screws and high-strength composite backing materials to secure factory-installed equipment. Additionally, McKee Craft boats exceed Coast Guard (CG) requirements for flotation, providing up to three times the flotation used in regular boat construction. This focus on safety and durability ensures that buyers get a reliable and long-lasting product.

Overall, McKee Craft boats offer exceptional value for money. With their sturdy construction, innovative features, and versatile performance capabilities, these boats provide a high level of quality and durability that is rarely seen in the market. Whether you're an experienced boater or a novice, a McKee Craft boat is a wise investment that will deliver enjoyable experiences on the water for years to come.

They are best suited for day cruising, saltwater fishing and freshwater fishing

McKee Craft boats are well-suited for day cruising, saltwater fishing, and freshwater fishing. The company has been in business for over fifty years and has built over 30,000 boats, with a third of those being used in commercial and law enforcement settings. McKee Craft boats are known for their durability and quality. They are often described as "unsinkable" due to their unique construction method called the "PBS" (Pressure Bonding System). This system involves injecting polyurethane foam that expands to 50 times its original volume in less than a minute, creating an extremely strong and rugged hull. The PBS system also reduces hull noise and minimizes hull flex in rough seas.

The company's boats range in size from 14 feet to 28 feet, with an average length of 18.01 feet. They are powered by outboard, outboard-2S, or outboard-4S propulsion systems and can have engines ranging from 30 to 200 horsepower. McKee Craft offers a variety of models, including the 14 Unsinkable Skiff, 172 Backwater, 18 CC, 200cc, and Freedom 22 CC. These boats are known for their shallow draft and average beam, making them ideal for day cruising and fishing in both saltwater and freshwater environments.

In terms of performance, McKee Craft boats deliver a good balance between speed and stability. They are well-suited for offshore fishing, providing a smooth and comfortable ride even in rough seas. The Freedom line, in particular, has earned a reputation for being one of the best-built boats in its class. The company's attention to detail and focus on quality construction have resulted in boats that are highly regarded by both recreational and commercial users.

Overall, McKee Craft boats are an excellent choice for those seeking a durable, well-built vessel for day cruising and fishing excursions. Their unsinkable construction and reliable performance make them a popular option for those who value safety and stability on the water. While the company may not have the same name recognition as some of its competitors, McKee Craft boats offer a combination of quality, durability, and value that is hard to beat.

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