This year marks an exciting milestone for the United States of America as we celebrate our country’s 250th birthday on July 4. The United States was founded on the ideals of hard-working patriots, and Gulf Coast Suzuki is proud to be a part of that legacy as an American small business.
How Boating Has Evolved as an American Pastime
Boating has evolved significantly over the centuries. Initially used only for transporting goods and exploratory travel, recreational boating emerged as a hobby for wealthy Americans in major metropolitan areas like Detroit and New York City in the mid-1800s, influenced by royals and the upper class across Europe.
Motorboats joined rowboats and sailboats on the water in the late 1800s, and outboard motors began to appear in the early 1900s, allowing boaters to have more control over the use and service of their boats. With more accessible and economical options available to the public, recreational boating surged in popularity across the country. After World War II and into the 1960s, as boat engines continued to improve, recreational boating was named the “Top Family Sport” by The Boating Industry magazine.
A Country Built on the Backs of Small Businesses
Gulf Coast Suzuki is an authorized Suzuki Marine dealer and a subsidiary of Silver Ships, Inc., an American workboat manufacturer that has been in business for more than 40 years. The United States has been built on the success of small businesses, like Gulf Coast Suzuki, for the duration of its 250-year history.
When considering the history of recreational boating in America and its place in how today’s American families spend their time, it is more important than ever for our team to offer exceptional products, reliable service and opportunities to give back to our community.
As we reflect on the history of our nation and what it truly means to be a proud American business, our team strives to embody the qualities of the American companies who came before us and those that continue to operate today: reliability, hard-working, customer-oriented and committed to high-quality products and service that improve the lives of others.