How Starcraft’s authentic 1957 Ski Champ relaunch wowed BBA judge

Background and category importance

Since its launch in 2015, the annual Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement, presented by IBI and Metstrade, have recognised excellence across all areas of boatbuilding. Among its categories, the Collaborative Solution between a Boat Builder and its Supply Chain Partner award has remained a cornerstone, underlining the essential role of builder–supplier partnerships in advancing safety, quality and design. In 2025, top honours in this category went to Indiana, US-based Starcraft Marine, which worked with supply partners Uflex USA, Axium Group, Rollie Williams and Williamsburg Marine to relaunch the firm’s iconic 1957 Ski Champ. The relaunch represents a fully correct re-release of the original model, complete with period-correct components from principal suppliers, including recreated windshields, lights and control mechanisms.

Relaunch of the ski champ

Offered in three original 1950s colour options, the Ski Champ captures the spirit of its post-war ‘happy days’ era while delivering modern reliability. Every detail has been carefully recreated, from treated mahogany wood components to retro seat cushions, classic cleats, navigation lights, iconic stern wings and a colour-matched engine, all echoing features of the original 1957 model. Achieving this level of authenticity required close collaboration across the company’s supply chain, with vendors faithfully recreating bespoke components that had not been produced in decades – all while meeting present-day quality and safety standards. The 2025 awards judging panel appreciated the entry’s extensive scale of collaboration, noting contributions from more than seven supply chain partners in all. Crucially, Starcraft and its suppliers were able to bring the boat to market at a competitive retail price of US$20,499, maintaining a level of affordability comparable to that of the original 1957 model.

Market response and appeal

“The Ski Champ has been a runaway success and is now among the top-selling models in our aluminium boat line,” said Nate Barrett, sales and marketing representative for Starcraft Boats parent, Smoker Craft Inc. “Affordability is part of the appeal, but so is authenticity. The number of Ski Champs seen on our production line today reflects just how strongly the design resonates across generations.

”Baby Boomers enjoy the chance to reconnect with a lifestyle they once knew so well. For younger generations, it stands out as a striking throwback design that aligns perfectly with today’s resurgence of retro trends.

”The result transcends age and appeals to a wide spectrum of boaters, and especially with its affordable price tag. The Ski Champ opens the door for newcomers and seasoned boaters alike to enjoy the water without breaking the bank.
“When we initially showed the Ski Champ at boat shows it drew a lot of interest and people just gravitated to it like nothing else. I think that speaks to the hard work of our suppliers who went above and beyond the call to focus on fine details and keep this vessel as authentic as possible.”

Response to the boat has sustained well beyond the winter show season, adds Barrett, reflecting growing interest in a pair of unique trim options now offered on the Ski Champ. “The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of American independence,’ he explains. “So, we felt it was appropriate to offer the boat with a special red, white and blue colour package that celebrates the US semiquincentennial. We’re also offering a ‘True North’ edition in red and white, recognising our 250 years of friendship and partnership with Canada.”

Awards and 2026 outlook

The Collaborative Solution between a Boat Builder and its Supply Chain Partner category, sponsored by Flexiteek, returns to the 12th annual Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement, with winners to be announced during at Metstrade during the gala award ceremony on November 18, 2026, directly after the show.

This year’s theme, “The Industrial Pulse,” captures the energy, precision, and craftsmanship that define modern boatbuilding, connecting hands-on shipyard expertise with innovation-led leadership.