Sleek, Light and Fast: Legacy Runabout Boats Invented in Bancroft, Idaho
A Vintage Part of Sport Boating and Idaho History
About Pony Boats
Our History
PONY BOATS were invented, designed and built by innovative entrepreneur Jim Gessford, starting in 1970, in the tiny rural town of Bancroft, Idaho. Gessford was an ambitious businessman and engineer who pioneered a process of "honeycomb" fiberglass construction which created start of the art small speedboats that were just as strong but only 1/3 the weight of solid fiberglass.
PONY BOATS built a loyal following of owners who loved their speed, performance and fuel efficiency. In short, PONY BOATs were just clean, fast fun.
After several years of production, Gessford expanded into other areas of business, including bringing his "honeycomb" designs to early photo-voltaic solar panels. He eventually ceased production of the beloved PONY BOATS, and sold his business assets to Pocatello, Idaho businessman Jeff Matkin. These assets included all the plans, patents, construction methods, designs, and dedicated molds used to fabricate PONY BOAT hulls and decks. Matkin is proud to own the legacy of this great Idaho sport and business story, and welcomes questions and inquiries from anyone who loved PONY BOATS or is interested in learning more.
For a full history of Jim Gessford's businesses, including PONY BOATS, we have located several historical newspaper articles from the Idaho State Journal covering his story in the early 1970s. You can read more by clicking the links below.