1000 Island Airboats in Marion won the 2025 title of"Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin" for their search-and-rescue boat, Oct. 23, 2025. (Photo courtesy:Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce)
MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A product that’s manufactured in Northeast Wisconsin was crowned as the “Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin.”
1000 Island Airboats in Marion won the 2025 title for their search-and-rescue boat. The company accepted the award Thursday in Madison. It’s timed so that the contest culminates each October, in celebration of Manufacturing Month.
These airboats are used by local first responders and federal agencies to rescue individuals that are lost or stuck in precarious winter conditions. The heated boats are able to transition from open water to ice and back again with ease.
“The lives of our customers — and the people they’re rescuing where no one else can reach — depend on the work we do every day,” said the 1000 Island Airboat team in a news release. “Whether it’s a small volunteer department or the U.S. Coast Guard, we’re honored they place that level of trust in us.”
Put on by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, officials say the “Coolest Thing” contest is a fun way to shine a spotlight on our state’s $73 billion manufacturing industry and its plentiful career opportunities.
The 10th annual competition began last month with 148 nominees, which were whittled down to the top 16 vote earners. From there, the “Manufacturing Madness” portion of the tournament had the products face off in rounds of head-to-head matchups until the victor was determined.
Three other Northeast Wisconsin companies made it to the final eight: Carbliss, Sargento and Cruisers Yachts.
“Congratulations to 1000 Island Airboats on their hard-earned victory,” said WMC President & CEO Kurt R. Bauer in the release. “For us, this contest goes beyond crowning a champion each year.”
The Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest showcases the strength of our manufacturers – the jobs they create, the investments they make in their communities, the impact they have on our economy, and of course the cool products they manufacture. This year’s nominees and finalists demonstrate these contributions, and we’re proud to have 1000 Island Airboats represent the excellence of Wisconsin manufacturing.
Since its inception, the contest has drawn nearly 2 million votes from the public. Wisconsin was the first state to host a “coolest thing made” competition, and now, 25 other states have similar contests.
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