After taking over the old Ford Model A assembly plant in Jacksonville. Fl, Borum began designing and manufacturing the finest wood boats of the era. During the 10 year run, over 12 models were produced. Every model was named after an automobile of the time, using the exact nameplate of that vehicle. Examples: Luxury Liner, Starfire, Eldorado, Fireflight, Adventurer, Safari, Voyager, Star, Corsair, Monterey, Sportsman, and the rarest of all, the Starflight.
At it's peak, the Borum plant produced 25 boats per day.
Most of the Borum sales were in the Northeast, Midwest, California, and Florida. Don Borum told me that the majority of boats went to California, Michigan, and Wisconson. The finest existing examples that remain today can be found in the north, where the eliments haven't had their way with the wood and glue. Most of the materials used were the best of that time, although,only having a life of 10 years.
In 1961 the city of Folkston, GA. approached Mr. Borum, asking him to relocate his facility to their city hoping to boulster the city's poor economy. He agreed, and two years later, due to slowing boats sales, the Borum Boat Co was forced to close it's doors. (Not for long!!)
