MARION, WI – A Marion-based company known for building lifesaving rescue vessels is gaining statewide recognition. 1000 Island Airboats, operated by the Rogers family, has been named a finalist for the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin competition.
Director of Operations Ryan Rogers says the company’s journey began in 2017, when they purchased molds to build the 1,000-pound fiberglass airboat hulls. “In 2017, we purchased the molds to make the hulls of 1,000-pound airboats,” Rogers said. “The company was in existence, but it was shut down for whatever reason.”
Since then, the Marion-based team has transformed the operation into a thriving business that produces airboats for search and rescue crews across North America. “Whether it’s in Wisconsin, in New York, in Ontario, our boats are everywhere,” Rogers said. “Every winter our boats are saving at least 100 lives, 100 ice fishermen or snowmobilers.”
Each boat is hand-built to handle extreme winter conditions, gliding over ice, slush, snow, and open water and has been used by agencies like the U.S. Coast Guard, Wisconsin DNR, and local sheriff’s departments. Rogers says being recognized among Wisconsin’s coolest creations highlights not just innovation, but a mission of saving lives every winter.
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