BOATING INDUSTRY LEGEND, RALPH C. MELOON, PASSES AWAY AT AGE 100

[Horton]

 

ORLANDO, FL (August 11, 2018) — It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of boating hall of fame member and industry icon Ralph C. Meloon at the age of 100.

The middle of three brothers, Meloon was seven years old when his father Walter C. Meloon moved the family from New Hampshire to Florida and started the Florida Variety Boat Company (now Correct Craft) in 1925. Meloon was involved with the company then and continued his involvement until his death.

While upholding the tradition established by his father of “Building boats to the glory of God,” Meloon held many positions at Correct Craft over the years including President, Executive Vice President, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board. He was instrumental in helping shape Correct Craft for over ninety years. On August 11, at the age of 100, Meloon passed away leaving more than just a memory—he left a heritage that will never be forgotten.

During his tenure, Meloon served in many distinct roles and was instrumental in tracking down and paying all creditors back from the 1960 company bankruptcy. He also established the first grassroots water ski promotional program to pull water ski tournaments in the Midwest and shortly thereafter he developed the first water ski promotional program in the United States. Meloon, known as the face of Correct Craft for decades, traveled to 85 countries for the company building the Correct Craft brand and exporting waterskiing boats all around the world.

In recent years as Correct Craft has grown substantially, including acquiring new companies and entering new markets, Meloon was always encouraging the team. There was no one more excited to see the success of the Correct Craft team than Ralph Meloon.

“Ralph was truly an extraordinary man who always encouraged everyone he met; our team understands that the work we do today was built on his shoulders and we are incredibly saddened by this loss,” stated Correct Craft President/CEO Bill Yeargin. “Personally, Ralph was a dear friend. He was always full of encouragement and many times he would pop in my office and say, ‘Betty and I prayed for you this morning, Bill.’ He rarely left my office without saying ‘We love you, Bill.’ As I have traveled the globe for our company, people all over the world would ask me about Ralph Meloon. So, as we celebrate Ralph’s life, we recommit ourselves to the values that Ralph so embraced; faith, integrity, and family – those are the things that were important to Ralph,” added Yeargin.

About Correct Craft: Celebrating 93 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is a Florida-based company with global operations. The Correct Craft family includes Nautique, Centurion, Supreme, Bass Cat, Yar-Craft, SeaArk, and Bryant boat companies, Pleasurecraft Marine Engine Group, and Aktion Parks. For more information please visit www.correctcraft.com.

[escmanaze]

Wow. Big Loss. What a mountain of a man.

[LeonL]

I had the opportunity to speak at length with Mr. Ralph once at Nationals. Among other things we spoke of our mutual faith. He gave me his card. I later sent him a note telling him how I enjoyed our chat. I soon received a hand written letter from him. Truly a kind and thoughtful gentleman who boldly spoke of his faith in Jesus Christ to anyone he could.

[The_MS]

Truly a bummer. He was top flight in life and business.

[Nando]

First nationals I ever attended I was wandering through the exhibitors' tent early one morning and he and Rob Shirley were standing talking. Ralph had a Mastercraft t-shirt on and Rob has a Nautique shirt on. They were laughing about something and someone commented on their shirts. Ralph just said, "Well, the good book says to love your enemies". They had their arms around each other as I walked away. The sport is full of good guys.

[Alvin_Neff]

I was lucky to meet Ralph at the Masters many years ago. My wife and I had a long visit with him about the history of Nautique boats and his life in general. The take away message was all about family and faith. I was so inspired by him that I went out of the way to find him at other Masters along the way. He seemed to always remember my wife and I. Our lives were definitely enriched by those encounters. I was proud to represent Nautique for over 27 years as a promo boat owner thanks to people like Mr. Ralph Meloon. The entire waterski industry will morn his passing but remembers him as an outstanding human being.

[lpskier]

God bless, Mr. Ralph.

[EricKelley]

I wrote a letter to him asking him if Correct Craft would consider donating a boat to our Methodist Church camp. I only had to spoken to him on several occasions. After a couple of months I was kind of disappointed that I had not received a response from him. Then the camp director called me all excited and asked me to ride to Florida to pick up the boat! They did things the right way something rarely seen today. Hope to see him in the upper room one day.

[Horton]

@"Eric Kelley" seems like when I was little I remember Ralph donating money to the local church out by my parents Lake. That man had a heart of gold

[Bjkesler]

bought my first tournament boat from Ralph in 1974. 75 model nautique for 6500.00. has had 5 owners since and still running strong.

[Jody_Seal]

I traveled around the world with Mr. Ralph.

Many a discussion on about any subject however there were two subjects he most loved discussing,

Ski boats and above all Gods devotion to us as men and women and our efforts to live by the lords teachings.

Many and most everyone he came in contact with came away with a positive encounter.

Thank you Mr.Ralph for everything you brought to the sport and the waterski community.

Merry Christmas everyone!