Walt?s Boats |amp| Motors? business doubles since ?97 move

Walt's Boats and Motors certainly has developed a loyal customer following during its 35-year history. Founded in 1966, the business was originally located at the corner of Kan-sas Expressway and College Street.

In 1997, however, two St. Louis businessmen took over the business and relocated to a new,11,000-square-foot-plus building complete with showroom on three acres off High-way 160 in Nixa.

The move not only allowed the company to increase its inventory, it placed Walt's Boats and Motors smack dab between two main customer bases Springfield and Branson.

Business has doubled since the move, according to General Manager Jerry Trapp, who has been working at Walt's Boats and Motors since 1978. Trapp isn't the only employee who has many years of tenure with the company. Parts Manager Larry Norton has 30 years of service and Service Manager Andy Burkemper has 18 years of tenure.

The only people who have been with Walt's Boats and Motors longer are some of the store's customers. According to Trapp, many customers have been doing business with Walt's Boats and Motors since it opened, and now their children and grandchildren patronize the business as well.

Walt's Boats and Motors stocks a wide range of watercraft including bass boats, runabouts, deck boats, pontoon boats, john boats and speed boats, which range in price from $600 to $120,000.

In the store's retail section, boat entusiasts can find just about any kind of boating ac-cessory boat entusiasts might need for a weekend at the lake. Walt's Boats and Motors also sells a wide variety of boat motors and maintains a large inventory of parts.

The store employs three full-time mechanics year-round who do everything from service and repair work to winterizing watercraft.

Although most repair work is done at Walt's Boats and Mo-tors, the store does offer mobile service to area lakes.

"Our service department is just fantastic," Trapp said. "A lot of people come here to get their boat repaired, and they have such a positive experience that when it comes time to buy a new boat, they come to us."

Walt's Boats and Motors reputation has helped it continue to grow during the past 35 years despite increased competition. Although many customers are referred through word-of-mouth, the company also advertises heavily, and its slogan, "Buy More Boat for Your Buck," continues to entice people to come and shop.

Walt's Boat's and Motors handles several top-selling brands including Crownline, Bayliner, Procraft, Fisher and Mercury. The store also places custom-orders at a customer's request.

In addition to its new boat inventory, the store has a full range of used boats available. According to Trapp, all used boats come with a 30-day, 50-50 engine warranty, which means Walt's Boats and Motors will pay half the repair cost for the first 30 days.

Currently, Trapp is preparing for the annual Boat Show Aris-ing, which will be held again this year at the University Plaza Trade Center in Springfield Jan. 17-20.

Walt's Boats and Motors also will host an annual water show at Table Rock Lake later this year. The show will take place this spring and allow potential customers to ride around the lake in various watercraft so they can "try before they buy."

Starting in January 2002, Walt's Boats and Motors will offer 0 percent financing on se-lect boats. According to Trapp, this is the first time the store has offered 0 percent financing, which he expects will get the New Year off to a strong start.

"Normally, the best time to buy is November or December," he said. "Things slowed down some after Sept. 11. Business has been great recently, though, and December will be a big month for us."

Trapp also is in the process of revamping the store's Web site. Although most of the company's customers live within a 120-mile radius of Nixa, Walt's Boats and Motors has started to serve more out-of-state customers in recent years, and Trapp would like to see the trend continue.

"Our customers are very loyal," he said. "Even after they move out of state, they still come back here when it comes time to buy their next boat."