Boat Biz: RCR Yachts

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RCR Yachts 223 Lockport St. Youngstown, NY 14174 716-745-3862

When Bob Reece and Don Finkle first started RCR Yachts in Youngstown, New York, 50 years ago, the team consisted of three: Reece, Finkle and Reece’s wife, Jane. The business was strong on manual labor and short on modern machinery, but the partners loved boating and the business, and had a vision for the future.

RCR was born out of Youngstown Boat Company. When Reece purchased the boatyard and boat sales business and invited Finkle to join him in business, the company specialized in storage, service and sales of only sailboats. In the 1990s, the company expanded into powerboats as well.

As RCR celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, plenty has changed from those early years, but the heart, passion for boating and commitment to understanding boaters’ needs hasn’t budged. The company has grown considerably and now offers dockage, service and sales in Buffalo, New York; moorings, launch, service and sales in Youngstown; as well as sales offices in Rochester and Sodus Point, New York; Erie, Pennsylvania; and Sandusky, Ohio.

“Our goal was always to be close enough to our customers to get to know them and the areas they do their boating,” says Finkle, co-owner and CEO.

Since the very beginning, RCR has operated boatyards and provided service work in addition to sales, giving them the opportunity to commission, deliver and service what they sell, as well as a hands-on understanding of the boats and brands.

RCR’s customers are loyal and know they’ll get first-rate service from a dedicated staff.

“Our success over the years has been the result of having such a fine staff working here. They care, they are boaters themselves, and many are avid sailboat racers too,” Finkle says with a smile. “It has been a wonderful ride for the past half-century. We would not trade it for any other line of work.” ★