SportTech® Advanced Fabrication Process

Season 1 - Episode 0

HOW TO BUILD A BOAT - Behind The Glass - An Inside Look At Sportsman Boats - Season Trailer

Welcome to Sportsman Boats, "Behind The Glass," a new series based around the construction process inside the Sportsman Plant. In this series we will go step by step through the processes used in building each Sportsman Boat. If you want to see behind the scenes and get the ultimate digital plant tour this series is for you. Season 1 kicks off May 14, 2021 so don't forget to subscribe and be ready each week for the very best behind the scenes that's ever been made within the boating industry.

Season 1 - Episode 1

Building A Boat Boat Hull The Sportsman Way

Welcome to Sportsman Boats, "Behind The Glass," a new series based around the construction process inside the Sportsman Plant. In this episode we are taking a look at the Hull Construction Process. We will dive into each step along the way, explaining the materials we use and why we use them.

Season 1 - Episode 2

Building The Boat's Backbone

In this episode we are taking a look at the Stringer Construction Process. We will dive into each step along the way, explaining the materials we use and why we use them.

Season 1 - Episode 3

How Boat Decks Are Built

In this episode we are taking a look at the Deck Construction Process. We will dive into each step along the way, explaining the materials we use and why we use them.

Season 1 - Episode 4

The Hidden Parts Of A Boat - Small Parts

In this episode we are taking a look at the Small Parts Construction Process. We will dive into each step along the way, explaining the materials we use and why we use them.

Season 1 - Episode 5

Bringing The Boat To Life

In this episode we are taking a look at the Capping and Rigging Process. We will dive into each step along the way, explaining the materials we use and why we use them.

Season 1 - Episode 6

Getting Comfortable On The Boat

In this episode we are taking a look at how we design and manufacture all the beautiful upholstery on our boats. We will dive into each step along the way, explaining the materials we use and why we use them.

Season 1 - Episode 7

The Center Of A Center Console

In this episode we are taking a look at how we design and manufacture the centerpiece of every center console boat, the center console. We will dive into each step along the way, explaining the materials we use and why we use them.

Season 1 - Episode 8

Building The Frame of The Center Console

In this episode we are taking a look at how we design and fabricate the metal structure that frames the entire center console. We will dive into each step along the way, explaining the materials we use and why we use them.

Season 1 - Episode 9

Making Quality A Priority

In this episode we are taking a look at how we manage continuous quality across all models throughout the entire build process.

Season 1 - Episode 10

The Team

In the final episode of season 1 we are talking with the team behind Sportsman Boats and getting an inside look at what sets Sportsman apart from the competition.

Season 2 - Episode 1

Looking Back At Season 1

Welcome to Sportsman Boats, "Behind The Glass," Season 2. This series is based around the construction process of a Sportsman Boat. In today's episode we are going to look back at the award winning first season of Behind The Glass. Enjoy a quick recap to get you ready for Season 2 and some unseen bloopers captured throughout the filming process. This season we are taking viewers back into our plant located in Summerville, SC. However, we will also be traveling around the country to visit some of our top partners to get an inside look at how they build their products. Stay tuned for what we hope to be another award winning and record breaking season of Behind The Glass.

Season 2 - Episode 2

Vacuum Infusion

In this episode we are taking a look at how we have introduced vacuum infusion into our build process. This method creates a much lighter and stronger part allowing us to bring better performance to our larger models. This week we are diving into each step of the process, explaining the materials we use and why we use them.

Season 2 - Episode 3

Constructing Our Oversized Hard-tops

In this episode we are building one of the staple items of a Sportsman, the oversized hard-top. We will take a deep dive into the manufacturing process and see how we vacuum infuse our beautiful hard-tops.

Season 2 - Episode 4

Inside JL Audio Manufacturing Facility

In this episode we are on the road visiting JL Audio at their home manufacturing plant in Miramar, Florida. Join us as we take you inside and show you how JL builds their world class speakers used in every Sportsman Boat.

Season 2 - Episode 5

Light Resin Transfer Molding (LRTM) Process

In this episode we are looking at a very intricate and commonly over looked process of boat manufacturing, the LRTM Process. This process creates lids, boxes, and so much more. It leaves the inside of lids smooth and finished adding that extra hint of finish to each of our models. Just another step we take to ensure the highest quality for our customers.

Season 2 - Episode 6

Engine Performace With Yamaha

In this episode we are headed to the water to do a little performance testing with our friends at Yamaha. We will also give you an inside look at our full on water quality control testing process, that we go through with all of our larger models.

Season 2 - Episode 7

5-Axis Mill and Mold Building

In this episode we are stepping into the hidden room at Sportsman. Until now this building has been closed off and only a few people have been inside. The 5-axis mill is where all of the magic happens when it comes to our new product schedule. This mill is running non-stop to develop the plugs for each and every new model you see each year from Sportsman.

Season 2 - Episode 8

Answering Your Boat Building Questions

In this episode we are answering the questions you our viewers are asking. We've taken the top questions and decided to deep dive into them so you get all the answers you're looking for.

Season 2 - Episode 9

Seakeeper Facility Tour

In this episode we are hitting the road and heading to Mohnton, PA to visit our friends over at Seakeeper. We will give you a full tour of their facility and break down how they build their Seakeeper systems.

Season 2 - Episode 10

The Sportsman Design Language

In the final episode of the season we are breaking down the Sportsman Design Language and how it originated and where it will be taking the brand in the future.

Season 3 - Episode 1

Recapping Season 2 + Inside Look At Season 3

Welcome to Season 3 of Behind The Glass, brought to you by Sportsman Boats! This series gives you an insider’s view of what it takes to build one of the industry's finest boats. In this exciting first episode, we’re kicking things off with a recap of everything we uncovered in Season 2, and setting the stage for what’s to come in Season 3. Expect deeper dives and an even closer look at the innovations and processes that power Sportsman Boats.

Season 3 - Episode 2

HOW TO Build A Boat Trailer

In this episode, we hit the road to Harmony, Florida, to visit one of the top names in the trailer industry: Amera Trail Trailers. Get ready for a deep dive into the history of this industry leader, from their humble beginnings to spearheading the automation revolution in trailer manufacturing. Plus, we'll take you step-by-step through their process to see how every Amera Trail Trailer is meticulously crafted.

Season 3 - Episode 3

Sportsman's State-of-the-Art Expansion

In this exciting episode of Behind The Glass, we’re taking a look at our brand-new, state-of-the-art facility, which now houses our small parts lamination, upholstery, and other key departments. Join us as we explore the innovations driving our manufacturing processes, from advanced climate-controlled lamination techniques to the use of reusable silicone bags in our vacuum infusion process. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at our revamped assembly and upholstery areas, where precision and efficiency come together to create high-quality parts for every boat. Don’t miss this deep dive into how we’re elevating quality and output while minimizing waste.

Season 3 - Episode 4

Roto Molding Fuel Tanks

In this episode of Behind The Glass, we travel to Sparta, Tennessee, to visit Dometic Fuel Systems, the industry leader in rotationally molded fuel tanks. With nearly 40 years of expertise, Dometic manufactures tanks for 80% of the marine industry, producing 1,500 tanks daily. We take a behind-the-scenes look at the roto-molding process, from design and production to quality control, showing how these durable, EPA-compliant tanks are made. Join us for an inside tour of Dometic’s cutting-edge facility and learn how they ensure safety and performance in every tank.

Season 3 - Episode 5

Seakeeper Ride Designed In

In this episode of Behind The Glass, we head back to the Sportsman Boats plant to explore the innovative Seakeeper Ride System—a revolutionary technology transforming the boating experience. First launched in July 2022, Seakeeper Ride reduces pitch and roll by up to 70% while underway, offering superior comfort, control, and safety. We take you through the entire installation process, from the cut-and-grind phase to final assembly, showing how our team expertly integrates this system into every Sportsman model. With Seakeeper Ride now a standard feature for the 2025 lineup, this episode highlights the behind-the-scenes effort and craftsmanship that ensure seamless performance on the water. Join us as we reveal the critical steps required to install and fine-tune the Ride System, featuring insights on electrical integration, actuator installation, and system calibration by professional captains.

Season 3 - Episode 6

Building The Industry Leading Boat Cover

In this exciting episode of Behind The Glass, we’re taking a short trip from the Sportsman Boats factory to Charleston, South Carolina, to visit LaPorte Products. LaPorte, a family-owned company with over 35 years of experience, specializes in crafting premium boat covers and marine products. Join us as we bring along the brand-new Open 212 and dive into LaPorte’s innovative process, from CAD modeling to CNC precision cutting, to see how they create their custom-fit covers. We’ll explore the design and manufacturing steps, including how LaPorte builds their famous T-top boat covers and shade kits that ensure your boat stays protected. With cutting-edge technology and a deep-rooted focus on craftsmanship, LaPorte Products continues to deliver high-quality covers that meet the rigorous standards of Sportsman Boats.

Season 3 - Episode 7

Stabilization Designed In

In this exciting episode of Behind The Glass, we’re heading to Pennsylvania to visit the brand-new, state-of-the-art Seakeeper facility. Seakeeper, the world leader in boat motion control, specializes in gyroscopic stabilization systems that eliminate up to 95% of boat roll, transforming the boating experience. Join us as we explore their massive 250,000-square-foot facility in Leesport, which is double the size of their previous location.

Season 3 - Episode 8

Designing In Side Entry Doors

In this episode of Behind The Glass, we’re diving deep into the intricate process of designing and manufacturing the dual side entry doors featured on our boats 26-feet and above. From early design considerations to advanced manufacturing techniques, you’ll see how our team ensures seamless integration, strength, and durability. We’ll take you behind the scenes of our lamination process, where precision molds and innovative engineering come together to create smooth, continuous hull sides. Discover how our light RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) process, combined with CNC-cut fiberglass and foam core technology, results in a perfectly crafted, lightweight, and durable door. Finally, follow along as our skilled team assembles and installs the doors with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring flawless performance and aesthetics.