Customer Spotlight: Obexer’s Boat Company and the Move to Zero-Emissions

Nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Tahoe, Obexer’s Boat Company is making waves when it comes to innovation and environmental stewardship in the marina industry. 

As a full-service marina, Obexer’s offers a comprehensive range of services from mechanical and restoration services to water sports and winter storage. After more than a century, the Obexer legacy continues into its fifth generation with Sarah Obexer at the helm of Obexer’s Boat Company.

But recently, they’ve taken a significant leap forward in their operations with the adoption of a zero-emission Wiggins eBull Marina forklift, supplied by XL Lifts.

We caught up with Darren Kramer, General Manager of Obexer’s Boat Company, to get some insights into how the integration of this cutting-edge technology is not only enhancing their operations, but also aligning with their commitment to environmental responsibility.

Essential Role of Forklifts at Obexer’s 

Forklifts are vital at Obexer’s, facilitating numerous daily operations from May through October. “Without them, we couldn’t operate,” says Kramer. 

Traditionally, these forklifts handle everything from managing dry rack storage customers to stepping sailboat masts. 

The introduction of the new eBull electric forklift is set to reduce emissions significantly and improve safety with quieter operations, allowing for better communication among staff.

Choosing the eBull Electric Forklift 

The decision to upgrade to an electric forklift came naturally to Obexer’s. “After owning two Wiggins lifts that still run great after nearly 20 years, we knew we wanted another Wiggins,” explains Kramer. 

The construction of a new warehouse and a strong desire to contribute to the “Keep Tahoe Blue” initiative made the eBull an obvious choice. 

The availability of grant funding through California’s CORE program further sealed the deal, aligning perfectly with the marina’s forward-thinking approach. Those interested in securing CORE funding for an XL Lifts forklift should submit our form here. 

Impact of the New Electric Forklift 

Since deploying the eBull forklift, Obexer’s has seen immediate improvements in handling capacities and environmental impact. The electric forklift handles larger boats efficiently, eliminating the need for a Travelift and significantly reducing noise and exhaust pollution. 

“It’s possibly the first zero-emission forklift in Tahoe and maybe even in California marinas,” Kramer notes proudly, highlighting a milestone in the industry.

Sustainability and Business Growth 

Although it’s early days, the zero-emission forklift has already positioned Obexer’s as a leader in sustainable marina operations. 

Kramer anticipates this move will not only enhance their operational efficiency, but also set a benchmark for environmental responsibility in the industry.

Advice for Peers 

Kramer’s advice to similar businesses is clear: “Talk to the guys at Wiggins and XL Lifts.” 

He praised XL Lifts’ customer service and the personal touch they bring to their partnerships, echoing the values of family-owned businesses. XL Lifts offers several Wiggins marina forklifts here. 

Looking Ahead 

With nearly two decades of partnership with XL Lifts, Obexer’s relationship with the company is stronger than ever. Kramer is hopeful that their example will inspire other marinas to adopt sustainable practices.

As Obexer’s Boat Company continues to innovate and lead by example, their journey with the Wiggins eBull forklift illustrates what’s possible when traditional businesses embrace modern, sustainable technologies. 

This transition not only represents a significant technological upgrade, but also a critical step towards protecting the pristine environment of Lake Tahoe. With XL Lifts and Wiggins, Obexer’s Boat Company is setting new standards for eco-friendly operations, demonstrating that sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand.

For more information on Obexer’s and their pioneering efforts, visit www.obexersboat.com.

To learn more about the Wiggins electric marina forklift, visit http://xlliftsinc.com/product/electric-marina-forklift/.