Schock Boats History
1946
A Legacy Begins
In 1946, Bill and Betty Schock began building International 14 sailboats—the iconic I-14s. It all started with Bill crafting his own boat in his garage on the peninsula, just north of the Fun Zone. As the story goes, a passerby admired his work and asked to buy it. Bill sold the boat and started building another—only for that one to be sold the same way. Eventually, Betty remarked, “I think you’re in the boat business!” And so, a tradition was born. The photo shows the original Schock Boats tin building, constructed by WD Schock himself using army surplus materials. With the help of two carpenters and a masonry worker, he built the shop so they could get to the real work—building boats.
1950s
A New Class of Ocean Racer
In the 1950s, Schock Boats launched the Schock 22—a major milestone for both the company and the industry. Designed by Caulkins, it was the first true small, trailerable ocean racer of its kind. At a time when such innovation was rare, building 26 of these boats was a remarkable achievement. The Schock 22 marked a turning point, expanding the company’s range beyond International 14s and Thistles. It cemented Schock Boats’ reputation for forward-thinking design and craftsmanship. The photo below features WD and Betty Schock with their eldest son, Tom Schock, who would later join his brothers Scott and Steve in carrying the family legacy forward.
1957
A Big Year—The Lido 14 and Steve Schock
In 1957, two major launches took place: the beloved Lido 14 and the birth of Steve Schock—the youngest of the Schock brothers. To this day, it's unclear which came first… but both would make waves in their own way! The Lido 14 quickly became a sensation in Newport Beach and beyond. Known for its simplicity, versatility, and family-friendly design, it became a household name in the boating community. With over 6,000 boats built, it stands as the most successful production model in Schock Boats history.
1960
Expanding Horizons – Boston Whaler & Lido 14 Boom
Sometime in the 1960s, Buzzie Tupman suggested to WD Schock that the company take on a new line: the Boston Whaler. At the time, Boston Whaler was a revolutionary new tender designed by Raymond C. Hunt, featuring a unique tri-hull design that offered unmatched stability on the water. Schock Boats became one of the early representatives of the brand—an exciting expansion into powerboats. Meanwhile, the Lido 14 continued its incredible rise. Throughout California, fleets were forming and regattas multiplying, solidifying the Lido 14’s status as a cornerstone of the West Coast sailing community.
1970’s
Transition Towards Powerboats
Schock Boats starts more transition to Power boats in addition to sailboats
1980’s
Fishing, Fun, and Community Tradition
In the 1980s, Schock Boats launched what would become a beloved tradition—the annual Schock Boats Fishing Tournament, which ran for an impressive 25 years. More than just a tournament, it became a community event that brought together families, friends, and boating enthusiasts. A major highlight of the tournaments? The t-shirts. Each year featured a brand-new design, turning them into highly sought-after collector’s items. Most of the artwork was created by Newport Beach local Tom Grogg, a well-known figure in the area, with a few designs contributed by others over the years. During this time, Schock Boats also continued to represent both Grady-White (GW) and Boston Whaler (BW)—solidifying its role as a trusted name in both sailing and powerboating.
1988
Grady-White Comes West
Schock Boats became an official Grady-White Boats dealer, bringing the brand’s legendary quality and performance to the West Coast. Known for their exceptional build quality and superb seakeeping in rough conditions, every Grady-White hull is designed by Raymond C. Hunt & Associates, featuring the renowned SeaV²® hull—a deep-V design that delivers a smooth, dry ride.
With a shared commitment to craftsmanship and precision, Schock Boats proudly introduced Grady-White’s trademark “Exceptional Attention to Detail” to a new generation of West Coast boaters.
1990s
Bold Designs and High-Tech Innovation
In the 1990s, Steve Schock led a wave of innovation at Schock Boats, designing popular models like the Schock 35, Santana 23 Max, and launching the Harbor line (20, 25, 30). These boats stood out for their advanced design features, including deep keels and performance-focused engineering. At the same time, the Schock team developed over 50 high-tech prototypes for competitive sailing—ranging from Formula 40s to America’s Cup contenders. Among the highlights was the groundbreaking Fleury Michon 7, then the largest catamaran ever built, whose successors would win major titles like the Route du Rhum and set transatlantic records.
2000's
Schock Boats Community Grows On
Throughout this period, Schock Boats continued to represent both Grady-White and Boston Whaler, two of the most respected names in powerboating. Meanwhile, the annual Schock Boats Fishing Tournament kept growing in popularity and size, becoming a favorite tradition among local anglers.
One notable highlight: .501481, a Grady-White boat, made its mark during one of the tournaments—an example of the performance and reliability that made these boats a staple of the Schock community.
2010's
Community Growing Stronger
Community Growing Stronger
Community Growing Stronger
2018
A New Chapter with Jeanneau Powerboats
Schock Boats proudly welcomed Jeanneau Powerboats into its lineup, marking the beginning of a strong and exciting partnership. Known for their innovation and style, Jeanneau is a renowned French builder with a rich heritage dating back to 1957. In the early 2000s, they introduced their outboard models to the U.S. market, and Schock Boats was among the early dealers to bring them to the West Coast.
Today, Jeanneau operates approximately 15 manufacturing facilities across Europe. The outboard models we carry are designed in France and built in Poland, combining European design expertise with world-class production quality.
2020
Expanding South: San Diego Location Opens
Schock Boats opens a new location at Intrepid Boat Works on Shelter Island in San Diego, strengthening its presence in Southern California’s boating community. This move continues a longstanding family relationship with the Driscoll family, a respected name in San Diego’s maritime industry.
With this expansion, Schock Boats is proud to offer the same trusted service and premier brands to boaters in the San Diego area.
In 1946, Bill and Betty Schock began building International 14 sailboats—the iconic I-14s. It all started with Bill crafting his own boat in his garage on the peninsula, just north of the Fun Zone. As the story goes, a passerby admired his work and asked to buy it. Bill sold the boat and started building another—only for that one to be sold the same way. Eventually, Betty remarked, “I think you’re in the boat business!” And so, a tradition was born. The photo shows the original Schock Boats tin building, constructed by WD Schock himself using army surplus materials. With the help of two carpenters and a masonry worker, he built the shop so they could get to the real work—building boats.
In the 1950s, Schock Boats launched the Schock 22—a major milestone for both the company and the industry. Designed by Caulkins, it was the first true small, trailerable ocean racer of its kind. At a time when such innovation was rare, building 26 of these boats was a remarkable achievement. The Schock 22 marked a turning point, expanding the company’s range beyond International 14s and Thistles. It cemented Schock Boats’ reputation for forward-thinking design and craftsmanship. The photo below features WD and Betty Schock with their eldest son, Tom Schock, who would later join his brothers Scott and Steve in carrying the family legacy forward.
In 1957, two major launches took place: the beloved Lido 14 and the birth of Steve Schock—the youngest of the Schock brothers. To this day, it's unclear which came first… but both would make waves in their own way! The Lido 14 quickly became a sensation in Newport Beach and beyond. Known for its simplicity, versatility, and family-friendly design, it became a household name in the boating community. With over 6,000 boats built, it stands as the most successful production model in Schock Boats history.
Sometime in the 1960s, Buzzie Tupman suggested to WD Schock that the company take on a new line: the Boston Whaler. At the time, Boston Whaler was a revolutionary new tender designed by Raymond C. Hunt, featuring a unique tri-hull design that offered unmatched stability on the water. Schock Boats became one of the early representatives of the brand—an exciting expansion into powerboats. Meanwhile, the Lido 14 continued its incredible rise. Throughout California, fleets were forming and regattas multiplying, solidifying the Lido 14’s status as a cornerstone of the West Coast sailing community.
Schock Boats starts more transition to Power boats in addition to sailboats
In the 1980s, Schock Boats launched what would become a beloved tradition—the annual Schock Boats Fishing Tournament , which ran for an impressive 25 years . More than just a tournament, it became a community event that brought together families, friends, and boating enthusiasts.
A major highlight of the tournaments? The t-shirts . Each year featured a brand-new design, turning them into highly sought-after collector’s items. Most of the artwork was created by Newport Beach local Tom Grogg , a well-known figure in the area, with a few designs contributed by others over the years.
During this time, Schock Boats also continued to represent both Grady-White (GW) and Boston Whaler (BW) —solidifying its role as a trusted name in both sailing and powerboating.
Schock Boats became an official
Grady-White Boats dealer, bringing the brand’s legendary quality and performance to the West Coast. Known for their
exceptional build quality and
superb seakeeping in rough conditions, every Grady-White hull is designed by
Raymond C. Hunt & Associates, featuring the renowned
SeaV² 
hull —a deep-V design that delivers a smooth, dry ride.
With a shared commitment to craftsmanship and precision, Schock Boats proudly introduced Grady-White’s trademark “Exceptional Attention to Detail” to a new generation of West Coast boaters.
In the 1990s, Steve Schock led a wave of innovation at Schock Boats, designing popular models like the Schock 35, Santana 23 Max, and launching the Harbor line (20, 25, 30). These boats stood out for their advanced design features, including deep keels and performance-focused engineering.
At the same time, the Schock team developed over 50 high-tech prototypes for competitive sailing—ranging from Formula 40s to America’s Cup contenders. Among the highlights was the groundbreaking Fleury Michon 7, then the largest catamaran ever built, whose successors would win major titles like the Route du Rhum and set transatlantic records.
Throughout this period, Schock Boats continued to represent both Grady-White and Boston Whaler, two of the most respected names in powerboating. Meanwhile, the annual Schock Boats Fishing Tournament kept growing in popularity and size, becoming a favorite tradition among local anglers.
One notable highlight: .501481, a Grady-White boat, made its mark during one of the tournaments—an example of the performance and reliability that made these boats a staple of the Schock community.
Community Growing Stronger
Schock Boats proudly welcomed Jeanneau Powerboats into its lineup, marking the beginning of a strong and exciting partnership. Known for their innovation and style, Jeanneau is a renowned French builder with a rich heritage dating back to 1957. In the early 2000s, they introduced their outboard models to the U.S. market, and Schock Boats was among the early dealers to bring them to the West Coast.
Today, Jeanneau operates approximately 15 manufacturing facilities across Europe. The outboard models we carry are designed in France and built in Poland, combining European design expertise with world-class production quality.
Schock Boats opens a new location at Intrepid Boat Works on Shelter Island in San Diego, strengthening its presence in Southern California’s boating community. This move continues a longstanding family relationship with the Driscoll family, a respected name in San Diego’s maritime industry.
With this expansion, Schock Boats is proud to offer the same trusted service and premier brands to boaters in the San Diego area.
Happy Customers
My experience with Greg and the Schock Boats was great. As a novice boat purchaser, they were very helpful in providing advice regarding boat ownership as well as professionally advocating upon my behalf during a recent transaction. In addition, all the contacts they provided for auxifary services regarding the purchase transaction were equally as professional and a pleasure to work with.
Grady Whites are the best small boat out there! I'm a second time Grady owner and they are the best. Rigid hull, no lack of storage space, they even kept the bait alive for the ride to Catalina. The Grady Fisherman 236 is designed for a single 300 Yamaha. The swim step is integrated into the hull and not a bolt on. So no waste of space. The guys at Schock are the best on the West Coast! As a merchant marine officer I know a good boat when I see it. The Fisherman 236 is a beast of a machine!
What a great find this business is! Steve and Ruth are the most genuine and thorough people you will ever meet. It’s difficult finding the right boat these days because of the many custom options and models. Their old school charm and knowledge makes purchasing a new boat effortless. Happy and safe boating!
In today's world it is hard to find good service! Those diamonds in the hay!!! Well the staff at Shock Boats are definitely the diamonds!!! The service we had was top of the line!! Endless kindness, patience, and selflessness!! I highly recommend contacting Schock Boats for any service needs!
I have owned a total of 7 different boats over my last 44 years of boating. I started out with lake boating and have been doing ocean boating for the past 12 years. The Grady White 306 Canyon is the BEST boat I have owned. If you want a dry boat in wind and chop, then GW is your boat. The hull is amazing with handling the swells and wind chop. The center console version is very versatile and allows people to move about the boat with out stepping on one another. Love GW Boats!
Truly a family run business, where the family still shows up to work! My family and I had the recent pleasure to buy a used boat there at Shock Boats. Our experience was nothing short of amazing! Their customer service is outstanding, as we were made to feel comfortable during every step of our purchase and delivery. Steve and Ruth run a great business, from Gary and Jay in sales, Carlos who took us through our new boat and assured everything was in working order, to Jeff and Steve in the parts and service area. All were attentive to our needs and seemed genuinely appreciative of our business. Couldn't recommend them more highly.
Just wanted to let you know that our first trip in the new Grady was a rousing success. What a wonderful boat. Far superior to our old Skipjack in every way. Love the twin engines. So much more slow speed control while docking and maneuvering and so quiet. Thanks again for all your help in making it happen. If you ever need someone to testify as to the Grady experience, I'm your guy!
Just got my boat back from Schock Boats from getting my bottom painted, new electronics and more accessories. I decided to have them do the work after I had met Steve Schock at a friends bbq. I went with them because Steve seemed very knowledgeable and friendly. Well the entire team is very knowledgeable and friendly! They always were very helpful and willing to make me happy ( which is not always easy ). I will definitely be back when I need or want more work done. I recommend them highly!
The best of the best for boat sales and service. Family run and operated for over 40 years in Newport. The Schock family runs a first class business that is family friendly. From boat sales to service, there is no one better. Gary Hess in sales is fantastic to work with. Great knowledge and a no pressure approach. The service team is top notch as well with George, Geoff, and Carlos. They take really great care of their customers. Look no farther than Schock.
This is my first experience at Schock Boats. In a word, these guys are awesome. Great service, fabulous communication regarding their work. There service manager George is the best! Thanks guys. You rock!
I can't say enough good things about Schock Boats. I moved to an Island in Newport Harbor 2 years ago and was looking at purchasing a nice harbor cruiser for the family which could be both Duffy-like for harbor cruises and a fishing boat for off-shore and good-weather Catalina crossings. I asked all my fellow Newport Harbor friends and neighbors and one name kept coming up: Schock Boats. Upon my first visit, Gary Hess immediately commenced teaching me everything I needed to know about power boats. I took a few weeks to make my decision but he patiently stood by while we asked question after question until ultimately - we pulled the trigger on a 19' boat which met all our needs. Whether it's coming to the house to pick up the boat from our dock or giving me a coupon that I was unaware existed at service time they are always there and ready to serve. Everyone I encounter at Schock is the same and after 2 years of living on the water I can tell you that the Schock Boats name is always associated with unparalleled knowledge, fair prices and FANTASTIC service.
5/17/24 Email with Letter from Kevin Elmore emailed to us on: Good morning, I hope this email finds everyone well. I wanted to submit a testimonial as my appreciation for exemplary customer service and one of the friendliest dealers (Schock Boats) in Southern California! Thank you all for making my experience so memorable, and mostly for introducing me to the Best brand in the business in Grady White. I couldn't be happier with my decision. Thank you so much. Cheers, Kevin “A peaceful heart is a reward alone for being a good person.” Schock Boats Testimonial - Letter from Kevin Elmore emailed to us on 5/17/24 After looking at an overwhelming amount of different boat brands, I came across Grady White. I watched a YouTube video on a factory tour and knew there was something special about the brand. I decided to I fill out an online inquiry for information, even though I imagined this particular brand might be out of my price range. One day later I received an e-mail from Frank Trucchio at Schock Boats in Huntington Beach. I explained to him what my intended use of the boat was, and we had a great discussion about some possibilities in the Schock Inventory. Frank immediately made himself available to me by coming in on his day off to show me the boats we discussed via email. The first boat we looked at was a 2023 Grady White Adventure 218. Since it was a 2023 model, Frank explained to me that it was offered at a discount because Schock wanted to move it and make room for the 2024 model. It ultimately was an offer I couldn’t refuse! Not only did Frank come in on his day off, but he was also willing to drive with me over an hour away to take a look at another boat at Schock’s San Diego showroom. About 10 minutes into the drive to San Diego, I was so impressed with the GW 218 and Frank’s presentation of the boat, I let him know I wanted to go with the 218. It wasn’t just the boat I was sold on, it was the Schock Family. I met the owners, Steve and Ruth Schock, Dave Strunk (Finance) and Carlos (Maintenance Tech) and everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming. Frank was way more than a salesperson. I have truly made a friend and someone that was just as excited about buying the boat as I was. Frank’s guidance in the purchase process has been incredible. His knowledge of the Grady White Brand and personal boating experience are priceless. Frank and the staff at Schock, have gone above and beyond my expectations and continue to make themselves available for all my questions. They have made my experience purchasing my first boat very smooth and most memorable.
Dear Steve and Ruth, Thank for being an outstanding dealership. The purchase was great but more importantly the service you provided later was second to none. Our family continues to make this our get together place. Whether fishing, going to breakfast Avalon, Catalina or an afternoon in Newport Beach bay it is the perfect boat. Steve
One additional comment. I told the boys tongue in cheek. No blood on my boat when you bring fish in fish in. By picture that did not happen. but what did happen is the way boat drains the cabin deck it was easy to clean up. I should have made that comment in my write up.
Johnny Rost of Schock Boats is a top notch professional. I worked with him on the purchase of a new Grady White 326 Canyon. Johnny was fantastic to work with. He says what he is going to do and he does it! He was very knowledgeable and helpful enlightening me on the different options I should consider and the pros and cons of each option. Johnny's promise was that the 326 Canyon was the best boat in its class and if I bought it from him he would be my project manager helping through all the steps required to get the boat in a slip and ready to fish in Mexico. He he helped with coastguard registration, painting the hull, electronics, registering it in Mexico and getting a slip on Harbor Island. I could have never done it all without Johnny's diligent and professional help. I LOVE my new Grady White. I have had it in the water for a lit over a week and have been down to Mexico 3 times chasing big bluefin. The boat is amazing. Johnny Rost gets an A+ for dialing me in! If you want a rep who listens, understands his product and strives to make sure you leave the dock happy and knowledgeable/competent with all of the boat systems... Johnny is your guy!
Good morning, I hope this email finds everyone well. I wanted to submit a testimonial as my appreciation for exemplary customer service and one of the friendliest dealers (Schock Boats) in Southern California! Thank you all for making my experience so memorable, and mostly for introducing me to the Best brand in the business in Grady White. I couldn't be happier with my decision. Thank you so much. Cheers, Kevin “A peaceful heart is a reward alone for being a good person.”
Thank you for all your help and quick response. I appreciate it greatly. All of you at Schock Boats have exceeded my expectations.