Fineline buys Gekko

(meathead65) · (meathead65) **Join Date: Sep 2006** 10-31-2008, 10:52 AM

Not sure if it was already posted, but a Marine Trade blog has posted that Fineline Industries has purchased Gekko Marine, and hired Mark Overbye, Gekko founder, as it's Chief Marketing Officer.

Probably a good move for both...more hulls to build for Fineline, and some stability for the smaller brand, Gekko.

(boarditup) · (boarditup) **Join Date: Jan 2004** 10-31-2008, 2:03 PM

Fineline built Gekko for a long time - the hull was designed by Mark there.

(kickflip_mj) · (kickflip_mj) **Join Date: Apr 2007** 11-01-2008, 4:37 PM

personaly i think gekko needs to change their name... its just not catchy to me. i think if they had a stronger name the boat would be noticed real quick.

(kickflip_mj) · (kickflip_mj) **Join Date: Apr 2007** 11-01-2008, 4:38 PM

i wasnt bashing or anything just to make this clear :-)

thier a cool looking boat and they have have been around a while.

(4x4chevyguy) · (4x4chevyguy) **Join Date: Oct 2008** 11-01-2008, 5:37 PM

Well just what we need finline to bild more boats but 1 thing is they know what they are doing when it come to bild a boat one of the best out there so maybe geko will get better

(westsidarider) · (westsidarider) **Join Date: Feb 2003** 11-01-2008, 9:03 PM

fineline has been very busy with gecko lately...they have been putting a lot of effort into those boats.

(ian_ashton) · (ian_ashton) **Join Date: Jul 2008** 11-01-2008, 9:07 PM

A buddy of mine bought a Gekko last year, about 3 months before they went out of business. He was definately disappointed at the lost warranty. I'm curious if they will honnor warranties for previously produced boats.

(Message edited by ian_ashton on November 01, 2008)

(jeff359) · (jeff359) **Join Date: Jun 2005** 11-01-2008, 11:58 PM

As the previous company that bought them went chapter 11, with a penny stock background/pump and dump....I'd say not.

With that being said, Fineline may back him up if they want to preserve the brand name.

(mars) · (mars) **Join Date: Aug 2005** 11-03-2008, 2:50 AM

My personal experience with Fineline from a centruion standpoint is that they take their customer service very seriously. They are approachable and reasonable. I have not sen them display any of the "attitude" one particular well known other brand is known for.

(boarditup) · (boarditup) **Join Date: Jan 2004** 11-03-2008, 4:59 AM

Ian:

Most of the warranty is still intact. The vinyl, fiberglass, and a few other speciality made components went away with the bankruptcy, the engine, gauges, tower, etc. that were purchased from the various suppiers still have the supplier's warranty. Gekko hulls were very well made, so that is unlikely to be a warranty issue.

(mcsammamish) · (mcsammamish) **Join Date: Jun 2002** 11-03-2008, 1:34 PM

Is it true Fineline is alos building Epic now. I heard rumor of this a few weeks ago and have not had anyone confirm this?

(hp_inc) · (hp_inc) **Join Date: Jul 2007** 11-03-2008, 3:03 PM

Yes Fineline builds Epic.

(ponyh8r) · (ponyh8r) **Join Date: Dec 2004** 11-03-2008, 3:30 PM

I am going to say that I think Gekko needs a name change also. I really like their boats, but the name is just not good. Not a bash, just don't like the name.

(polarbill) · (polarbill) **Join Date: Jun 2003** 11-03-2008, 3:39 PM

They need more than a name change. Their boats were the funniest looking things I have ever seen. No wonder they went bankrupt.

(jeff359) · (jeff359) **Join Date: Jun 2005** 11-04-2008, 7:21 AM

Gekko didn't go bankrupt, the company that bought them last year did. Challenger Powerboats bought Gekko and Sugar Sand(jet boats) last year, then closed there doors this year under some suspicious penny stock conditions.

I always like the smaller, old school low slung direct drives they made. They always looked cool. The newer v drives, not so much.

(brit_rider) · (brit_rider) **Join Date: May 2004** 11-05-2008, 3:30 AM

Jeff is totally correct. Gekko didn't go bust - The parent company (Challenger) did.

(jasonba1) · (jasonba1) **Join Date: Apr 2008** 11-05-2008, 6:39 AM

what happened with gekko being moved and built in TN.