Business

Fishing industry veterans Mike Batta and Clint Walker launched Batta-Walker Sales, LLC, a manufacturer's representative agency serving the fishing, marine, and outdoor industries. The agency provides experienced sales representation, dealer development, and territory management throughout Florida, leveraging decades of combined experience from companies including Abu Garcia, Pure Fishing, and Defender Industries.

Yamaha Marine Connected Boat Division expanded its partnership with Skipperi, a boat club platform enabling dealers to generate recurring revenue. The technology handles reservations, payments, and fleet management while dealers control customer relationships. The Boathouse Dealership/Marina on Hilton Head Island launched the pilot program in May 2024.

A Band of Anglers, founded by Patrick Sebile, is offering 67 production molds representing 57 lure models across its Engage, Hyperlastics, Ocean Born, and Spooltek brands. The molds are already located with manufacturers in China and Taiwan, providing an established buyer with proven lure designs and existing production capabilities.

West Marine, Inc. successfully emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, reducing debt by over $265 million and securing $10 million in exit financing. The nation's leading marine aftermarket provider will continue serving customers through approximately 100 retail locations, its online platform, and West Marine Pro business.

Yamaha Marine Connected Boat Division announced an expanded partnership with Skipperi, a Yamaha-owned boat club platform enabling dealers to generate recurring revenue. The technology handles reservations, payments, and fleet management while dealers control customer relationships. The Boathouse Dealership/Marina on Hilton Head Island launched the pilot program in May 2024.

Yamaha Motor reported consolidated revenue of ¥1,498bn for the first half of fiscal 2026, up 17.2 percent, with CEO Motofumi Shitara noting record six-month profits. The company raised its full-year forecast citing strong motorcycle sales and favorable foreign exchange rates, despite higher raw material costs.

Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. completed its acquisition of Dakota Lithium's operating assets for $4.0 million, expanding into marine, outdoor recreation, and specialty battery markets. The acquisition is expected to contribute meaningful revenue by Q4 2026, with Dakota Lithium operating as a distinct brand alongside Battle Born Batteries.

MarineMax has agreed to be acquired by Safe Harbor Marinas, a Blackstone Infrastructure Portfolio Company, for $53.00 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $1.5 billion. The purchase price represents a 96% premium to MarineMax's closing share price on January 30, 2026, and is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and shareholder approval.

Pitman Creek Wholesale, the nation's largest fishing tackle distributor, broke ground on a 112,500-square-foot expansion at its Stanford, Kentucky headquarters. Led by president James Coffey and vice president Addison Coffey, the project will increase operational capacity and broaden product selection for the company's 4,000+ independent retailer customers, with completion expected Summer 2027.

Garmin reported record Q2 2026 financial results with consolidated revenue of $2.02bn and marine segment revenue increasing 14% to $341.4m. The company launched Garmin Signal VHF marine radios and LiveScope 2 sonar system in recent months.

Eddie Smith, 83-year-old CEO , placed Grady-White Boats into a perpetual purpose trust instead of selling the $400 million company. The decision includes employee profit-sharing, bonuses for all 350 workers, and ensures Kris Carroll and Jonathon Burns will lead the company while maintaining its core values and community commitment.

Nexus Outdoors announced the acquisition of Blackfin Rods, a Hobe Sound, Florida-based manufacturer of American-made fishing rods. The acquisition adds Blackfin to Nexus Outdoors' portfolio including ScentLok Technologies, Blocker Outdoors, Whitewater Fishing, Hardcore Waterfowl, and TUO Gear, with Jim Schiefelbein leading as Brand President.

Grady-White Boats owner Eddie Smith has transferred company control to a perpetual purpose trust that will donate tens of millions annually to charity, marking the largest such transition in the U.S. marine industry. CEO Kris Carroll will lead operations while Smith assumes an emeritus role.

Correct Craft announced the acquisition of Fluid Motion, parent company of Ranger Tugs, Cutwater Boats, and Solara Boats. Fluid Motion will retain its brands and headquarters in Monroe, Washington, with CEO Zach Hutcheson noting the acquisition aligns naturally with Correct Craft's existing marine brands.

Caymas Boats promoted Todd Falk to president and chief operating officer, with Ben Dorton elevated to vice president of sales and marketing. CEO Earl Bentz praised both executives for their contributions to establishing Caymas as a respected brand in the fishboat market since 2018.

Suzuki Marine USA promoted company veteran Brandon Cerka to executive vice president of sales, marketing and service, reporting to president Daiki Sugiura. Cerka has been with the company since 2012 and will be supported by George Blakely in an advisory role.

West Marine cancelled its asset auction after receiving no qualified bids by the June 26 deadline and will proceed with recapitalization instead. The US boating and fishing retailer will convert approximately $251.2m of term loan debt into equity, with existing shareholders including L Catterton and Oaktree losing their equity as ownership transfers to lenders.

Bass Pro Shops, led by founder Johnny Morris, has agreed to acquire Cheeca Lodge, a legendary fishing resort in Islamorada, Florida. The acquisition reinforces Bass Pro's commitment to nature-based hospitality while preserving the resort's authentic character and heritage of connecting guests to the Florida Keys' natural beauty.

The U.S. Department of the Navy selected Saronic as one of seven companies for the Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) Marketplace at-sea testing phase. Saronic's 180-foot Marauder vessel features 25+ knot speed, 5,400 nautical mile range, and 150 metric ton payload capacity, with three additional hulls under construction at the Franklin, Louisiana shipyard.

Groupe Beneteau announced plans to close its Cadillac, Michigan facility and divest Four Winns, Glastron, and Scarab Jet brands during Q3 2026. The decision follows geopolitical challenges and structural weakness in bowriders and jet boat segments, with the three brands representing less than 5% of Group revenue.