Fishermen and Businessmen Resurrect Warrior Boat Brand
Jul 18th, 2011 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Jul 18th, 2011 at 12:00 AM
The Warrior boat brand is back in the marketplace. Four businessmen/anglers purchased all rights to the name, trademark, molds, jigs, tools and other assets and are making plans for the future, according to Chuck Barth, one of the owners, and a cattle rancher and owner of Tamarack Kennels in Melrose, Minnesota.
Popular pro walleye angler and 2005 PWT Championship winner Dave Andersen, Amery, Wisconsin, is also an owner. He is a long-time custom home builder and construction company owner. He brings walleye credentials to Warrior, after running eight Warriors over his pro career. He has placed in the money in 23 of 45 PWT tournaments, won the Wave Wacker, won about $400,000 on tour, and been in the top 10 numerous times. “This was a dream of mine ever since the plant closed,” Andersen said.
Both Barth and Andersen are National Professional Anglers Association members and tournament anglers. Barth is now in his sixth Warrior, and added, “This is too good a boat not to build for the walleye world.” The other owners are Joe Hellermann, former owner of Melrose Marine and Sports and former Warrior dealer, and Al Leinen, co-owner of St. Rosa Lumber Company.
Hellermann began his marine career in 1985 as a marine technician. He joined Melrose TV & Marine in 1989, and purchased and expanded it into Melrose Marine & Sports in 1999. It was sold in 2007. His service background includes factory OEM training on Yamaha, Mercury, Evinrude, Johnson and Suzuki outboards.
Barth said, “The goal will be to build the six top-selling models, and have others available on special order.” Andersen said, “I can’t believe how many people keep asking me about the boats, and what can be done. Well, we did something, and will start showing new boats at shows in December.” They intend to sell via marine dealers.
Warrior boats have been known as performance fishing boats with walleye anglers specifically in mind, for their big-water handling comfort and their roominess, according to the new owners. “Plans are already afoot to update the interior fit and finish, and to deliver the quality customers expect,” Andersen said.
At the peak of Warrior’s production, they were building about 300 boats per year, and to start, the new company will employ about 10 people, including some of the key personnel from the former factory. The new company will select from among four communities bidding to locate there.
Key Warrior Contacts:
Chuck Barth: 320-256-4647; [email protected]
David A. Andersen: 715-268-2168; [email protected]
Joe Hellerman: 320-333-2764; [email protected]