Doelcher
Products Inc. was first started in 1973 by Harold “Bud” and Mary
Doelcher, when Bud invented and patented the "Paddle Place" Ping Pong Paddle
and Ball Rack. The Paddle Place was so successful that in 1975 Bud
& Mary were able to purchase the patent and manufacturing rights
for a hydrofoil wing attachment for outboard motors. The delta-shaped hydrofoil was named the “Doel-Fin”.
The
Doel-Fin name has become a generic term used for sub-standard
competitors' products that have come along over the years with similar
claims of performance, but to date none of them have been able to
measure up for performance and quality. The Doel-Fin hydrofoil truly
changed the boating industry accessory market forever!
In
1976 Jack Doelcher joined the sales and marketing efforts of Doelcher
Products, and with the help and support of his wife Lorene they
traveled extensively throughout the United States to establish a market
for the Doel-Fin with consumers, dealers and distributors.
The
“Fish Seeker” Depth Controller, a unique patented adjustable diving
plane for trolling fishermen, was developed and added in 1976 to help
make ends meet by bringing another product to market.
During the market development days traveling the country Jack & Lorene sold many different products at consumer Boat Shows and Sport shows including a line of Inflatable Boats, Outboard Motors, Magazine Subscriptions,
Plastic Ware and various products.
In
1985 Bud and Jack teamed to redesign the Doel-Fin to accommodate newer
styles of outboards and out-drive motors, eliminating the need for
varying methods of attachment and becoming a universal fit for all
combinations and sizes of boats equipped with outboard motors
1989 was the year that Doelcher Products moved from Southern California to Benicia in Northern California and began Injection Molding
all of their own proprietary products in their own facility. All sales,
marketing, and packaging also became under the company’s control with
the help of Tom Doelcher in charge of advertising and marketing. Jay
Coffeen, General Manager, Robert Kelly, Sales Manager and Joseph Carnes
in Sales. Joseph Carnes later Moved to Sales Manager after Bob moved on.
Jack Doelcher was in charge of all Manufacturing processes as well as New Product Development; Lorene Doelcher closely monitored quality control.
In
1997 Bud Doelcher passed away and Jack Doelcher was named President.
Mary Doelcher remained Secretary Treasurer and major company share
holder until her passing in 2006.
The company successfully
operated as a proprietary and custom molder until 2001 when a decision
was made to sell the marketing rights for all of its proprietary
products to Davis Instruments in San Leandro, California.
Doelcher Products continued to manufacture the products and performing
custom molding for a wide variety of other company’s until a slumping
economy in boating and some of the other industries forced the closure
of it’s manufacturing facility in 2004.