The small rural southeast Oklahoma town of Bennington is the home of a new business. Ricks Airboats located into the communitys business incubator to manufacture airboats. Business owners are Rick and Clanton Raney and Bryon and Misty Underwood. According to the business owners, airboats are becoming very popular for recreational purposes and especially appealing to bow fishing enthusiasts, striper guides and any type of river guide services.
Bryon said his father-in-law bought a used airboat and the family enjoyed it so much that they decided to build one. After researching the market, cost of goods and the competition, they determined they could help meet the need for this product. Bryon left his truck driving job and joined his father-in-law, Rick Raney and brother-in-law, Clanton Raney in the business of manufacturing airboats.
Airboats have characteristics all their own. No breaks no steering wheel no transmission no reverse gear. If you want to slow down, just let up on the gas and use your steering stick to maneuver.
Airboats arent designed for land travel but you can get close because they can run in as little as two inches of water, making them ideal for swamp areas and rescue missions. They are also ideal for rescue mission on the ice because if the ice breaks, the airboat just keeps on going and, according to Bryon, this makes them very popular in areas like the Great Lakes.
Depending upon the motor, Bryon says the top speed is probably 50 miles per hour with a 450 HP marine engine. He said it takes about two or three weeks for them to complete an airboat, average cost is approximately $45,000 and they take special orders for camouflage or other customized effects.
The business incubator is ideal for us and REIs service has been excellent, Bryon said. We also look forward to supporting other small businesses by buying parts, gas and tires for the trailers from local suppliers. We just want to be a vital part of the community in every way.
You may reach Ricks Airboats by calling 580.920.5760 or e-mailing ricksairboats@att.net.
For more information about business incubators and REI services, visit www.ruralenterprises.com.