Suncruiser Magazine
by Dean Unger
When it comes right down to it, longevity and customer loyalty are the ultimate indicators when a business is doing something right. With a long history of boats in the family, Jones Boys Boats is a year-round, on-the-water dealership with more than five decades of boat knowledge and an intimate knowledge of Kootenay Lake itself. Some of their customers are third generation boaters and outdoor recreation buffs from all over B.C., Alberta, and Washington (just to name a few), who often make a point of passing through just to visit Jones Boys, and to do some fishing or stay a few days at local campgrounds and RV parks.
"The company was originally started by my father, Fred Jones, in 1951," says Lex Jones. “It was then known as Kaslo Marine Service and Motel.” In the early 1970's Fred and Ethel Jones left the interests of their business to their sons, and in 1975 the quiet little motel and boat service became the home of the Jones Boys in the Bay!
The shop re-located in 1986 to Woodbury Creek where Lex and staff presently operate Jones Boys Boats. "We're essentially the go-to solution for anything to do with boats on the lakes around here,"Lex says, "with five major lakes (the Kootenay, Arrow, Christina, Slocan, and Duncan Lake) and numerous smaller ones – all within an hour or two drive. We try to cover all bases so our customers are never stuck. To this day, our best advertising has been, and remains to be, word-of mouth."
"We're not in it just for the bottom line, "Lex points out. "We realize boating and recreation is a lifestyle and we are a fundamental part of that lifestyle - its about relationships. We offer everything from boat sales and service, to launch and haul-out services, light-duty barge services, boat rescue and recovery, boat deliveries throughout British Columbia and Alberta, certified marine mechanics on-site, boat rigging, re-powers, and a fully stocked parts and accessory store for all your boating needs. Jones Boys Boats also support many local organizations, and the seasonal local fishing derbies and boating and outdoor events.
Jones says they stock boats from 10' to 33' in both fibreglass and welded aluminum, carrying major boats brands: Campion, Harbercraft, Kingfisher, Thunderjet and Larson boats are powered by Yamaha, Mercury and Volvo. Where on-land recreation is concerned, we stock Yamaha ATV and side by sides.”
"For the convenience of people outside our area who are looking to buy a boat, we provide a service called Boating with Spencer - an on-line, virtual boat demonstration site where we can virtually demonstrate everything from performance, how to load and launch, and how to winterize - from the comfort of home or office.
Catch demo days on-site at Jones Boys Boats that take place throughout the year.
Visit us @ www.jonesboysboats.com