Leon Slikkers

Founder of S2 Yachts

Leon Slikkers boat building journey began with Chris Craft, where he nurtured his love for boat making. It would be a few more years, but eventually, Leon went out on his own, forming Slickcraft. In late 1969 the company was sold to AMF, with Leon staying on as president. It wasn’t long before Leon was disappointed to see AMF did not have the same passion that he had built his company on. A little over four years later, Leon left the company.

Due to a non-compete clause, he did not resume making powerboats, focusing instead on sailboats, creating S2 Yachts. Their custom quality boats inspired employees, dealers and boating enthusiasts alike. In 1976, with the non-compete clause expired, S2 created the Tiara Yachts division. The utmost attention to detail and breathtaking designs made them instantly sought-after yachts by customers and dealers. In 1983, a new plant was built in Fort Pierce, Florida to begin building Pursuit Boats, a luxury brand of cruising and sport fishing boats.

Today, parent company S2 Yachts is one of the few privately held production boat-building companies in the world. It’s a success attributed to our company’s dedication to uncompromising quality, cutting-edge design, thoughtful innovation, and unsurpassed customer service.

Leon Slikkers has been named to the NMMA Hall of Fame, the Michigan Boating Hall of Fame, Manufacturing Entrepreneur of the year by Ernst & Young, and has received the Manufacturing Division of MCI/Inc. Magazine’s National Award for Positive Customer Service.