Algonac's legacy: How a Michigan town helped launch recreational power boating in America

Algonac, Michigan, played a pivotal role in launching recreational power boating in America through Christopher Smith, who founded Chris-Craft in the late 1800s. By adopting assembly-line methods inspired by Henry Ford, Smith made affordable, mass-produced boats accessible to the public, transforming boating into a recreational activity. Today, the legacy continues with marinas, boat clubs, and families enjoying boating as a lifestyle on Lake St. Clair.