Quality Programs

Building a better boat: where art meets science. When Paul Larson, our founder, built his first boats more than 90 years ago, he was driven by curiosity and a love of the outdoors. Paul may not recognize how we build boats today, but he would still see the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Larson has always been a pioneer in the boating industry, embracing new technologies, new ways of thinking - anything that helps us build better boats. We combine these methods with new internal programs and policies with the singular goal of promoting a quality-conscious atmosphere. These and other programs are driving the way we build better boats today, and into the future.

CAD-CAM Designed

This creates a 3D design concept on-screen. We can design parts to fit together perfectly. We can then download the design to a 5-axis router that actually creates that perfect part.

FEA Simulated Design (Finite Element Analysis)

This allows Larson to take a CAD-created model and simulate boating conditions. Larson can check for stress areas, hinge points and what the running characteristics will be before the boat ever hits the water. Anything less then perfection can be corrected at this point.

KAIZAN

Lean Manufacturing. Larson team members implement a rigorous schedule of Kaizan events to constantly analyze the methods and systems used to build product, handle customer needs and improve every aspect of our business.

KPI (Key Performance Indicator)

This quality program assigns key personnel to monitor year-by-year comparisons. They look for trends and improvements to be implemented into the key areas like delivery, quality and safety issues.

QATS (Quality at the Source)

Empowers each craftsperson with the responsibility to accept the work done that precedes their operation. This ensures each product component is built to the high standards set by our Engineering and Quality Control departments. Quality is not "inspected-in" at the end of the line, it is "built-in" during the entire manufacturing process.

Larson meets or exceeds the quality standards of the following organizations:

NMMA (National Marine Manufacturer's Association), ABYC (American Boat and Yacht Council), All cruisers are Yacht Certified (Double hose clamps,bronze/chrome thru-hull fittings, Gel-filled wire connectors, breakers - not fuses), USCG (United States Coast Guard), CCG (Canadian Coast Guard), CE Certified (An international certification) for the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom, Guadeloupe, Guiana, Martinique, Norway, Switzerland, Tunisia and Turkey, St. Marten, St. Barthelemy, and Les Saintes.