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About Backtroller Boats LLC, It's owner and the team that makes it happen.

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John P. Thelen and Family
THE OWNER, FOUNDER   Thank you so much for visiting our website and your interest in Backtroller Boats.  I, John P. Thelen, am the owner and founder of Backtroller Boats.  I'm a busy married father of five children.  Clearly the the photo needs to be updated!

 I am grateful to my customers who  joined the Backtroller Family. Thank you so very much.   I sincerely appreciate it.

The future is bright.
John P. Thelen


The Backtroller Boats Team

John P. Thelen, Owner-Founder
I
'm personally involved in all facets of each boat  built: custom wiring, plumbing, fuel systems, hinges/hardware, flooring, rub rail, electronics installation, outboard installation, etc.  I take pride in providing what I consider to be the most personal service in the industry today.  

The Backtroller Boats business model has and is evolving.  Since our inception in 2012 we have been a "built to order direct seller" of the Backtroller Avid, a paradigm shift for the Midwest.  Effective September 2020 a few things will be changing.
1.  We have sold the common law trademark rights to the use of the word AVID. 
2.  We have sold three url's or website addresses containing the word AVID.
3.  Effective 03/15/2021 we can no longer use the term AVID.  We will start this process immediately.
4.  We will rename-rebrand the AVID as the Crucial BT, Crucial by Backtroller Boats LLC.
5.  We will build inventory boats.
6.  All sales will continue to be "factory direct".   
Primarily for two reasons: to keep the buying process very personal/custom and limited production capabilities. 
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We'll get to know each other pretty well.  Many conversations are had before, during and after your boat is built.  High pressure sales don't exist here.  After all you cannot buy a Crucial anywhere else.  If you truly like what you see you'll buy it. I want you to be comfortable and ultimately love your Crucial and the process.  Is there room for improvement?  Of course there is.  I recognize and strive to always be improving the process and product. 

Relationships are an important part of the process as is your input.   It is no secret that current Backtroller Crucial owners are our best sales resource.


I'm guilty of believing that Team Backtroller can build a company and brand that leads the industry.  Not in the number of boats we build but based instead on the quality of our product and the satisfaction of our customers.  I also understand it will take time and tons of hard work.  God willing I've got more time and well, hard work was ingrained in me as a young boy growing up in Freeport Minnesota.

All the best,

John P. Thelen

Timm Smith, Smith Marine Design:  www.smithmarinedesign.com  

Timm passed away October 14th, 2019 after a long and valiant fight against cancer.  I will miss him greatly.  


I contacted Timm in December of 2009 and the rest is history.   Design goes way beyond what you see.  The stringer system is designed to withstand 4G's of force.  The lamination schedule far exceeds what's necessary.  He is also did all the flotation foam calculations.    
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Bill McGinnis, The Build
Bill joined Team Backtroller in the spring of 2014.  He has truly been a blessing.  He caught on immediately.  His skills and input have made the build process more efficient and consistent.  His primary responsibility is working with me to build your boat after we receive it from the fiberglass lamination stage.   Thank you Bill!

Backtroller Boats © 2020 
  • Home
  • CRUCIAL BT
    • Specs
    • Pricing
    • Motors
  • FOR SALE
  • Testimonials
  • Contact us
    • Gallery >
      • About
      • Photos
      • Video