Episode 59- Powerboat Talk with Fred Inman of IMCO
Fred Inman of IMCO: The Legacy Behind One of the World’s Top Performance Marine Manufacturers
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In this episode of Powerboat Talk, we feature Fred Inman, founder and owner of Inman Marine Corporation (IMCO), a company recognized worldwide as a leader in aftermarket performance marine manufacturing. Known for their high-quality performance marine parts and innovative engineering, IMCO has become a trusted name among boaters, builders, and marine professionals.
Fred’s journey began in the 1960s when, as a metal fabricator and boating enthusiast, he started crafting parts in his garage for his personal flatbottom boats. After gaining hands-on experience at a similar fabrication company, he co-founded his own metal shop with a friend. Over the years, he expanded into commercial manufacturing, producing solar water heater tanks, concrete pump components, and auxiliary gas tanks for diesel cars and trucks, especially during the gas crunch of the 1980s.
These successful ventures gave Fred the capital to pursue his true passion: the marine industry. With the support of his children, Belinda, Fred Jr., and Frank, he grew IMCO from a small operation building gas tanks for jet boats into a full-fledged marine manufacturing powerhouse. Today, IMCO is known for its performance exhaust systems, hydraulic steering systems, and its own line of high-performance SCX outdrives. The company proudly operates manufacturing facilities in both California and Nevada, serving customers across the globe.
In this episode, Fred shares his business philosophy and the mindset that kept him ahead of industry trends, including his belief that “nothing lasts forever.” He reflects on his decades-long journey in the marine industry, detailing the growth and transformation of IMCO, the challenges he has faced, and the essential role his family played in the company’s success. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the evolution of performance boating, lessons in entrepreneurship, and the importance of innovation, resilience, and legacy in building a lasting brand.
You can follow IMCO on instagram @imcomarine and Facebook @IMCO - Inman Marine Corporation Or find them online at www.inmanmarine.com
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