Freedom Boat Club, a Brunswick Corporation business, acquired the Freedom Boat Club of Greater Boston & Cape Cod franchise, the largest in the Freedom network, adding 21 locations and a Maintenance Operations Center. Founders Matt Carrick and Matt O'Connor will remain as franchisees in other markets.
Grady-White Boats hosted House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith and Rep. Greg Murphy to discuss how the Working Families Tax Cut legislation is driving manufacturing investments in North Carolina. The company has expanded generator capacity, production tools, and equipment while the National Marine Manufacturers Association supports the tax law for industry predictability.
Sharrow Engineering partnered with Ford Motor Company's Advanced Industrial Technology & Platforms team to scale production of the Sharrow Propeller using 3D sand-casting techniques, reducing production timelines from 130 days to approximately two weeks. The collaboration, facilitated through Michigan Central's innovation ecosystem, enables Sharrow to meet growing demand from recreational boaters, commercial operators, and government agencies.
The U.S. Navy awarded Sharrow Engineering a Phase I SBIR contract to co-develop an advanced propeller for the Mark-54 Lightweight Torpedo with Materials Sciences LLC. The patented closed-loop-blade technology aims to enhance propulsion efficiency, reduce acoustic signature, and improve hydrodynamic stability for undersea operations.
Zach Hutcheson has assumed the CEO role at Correct Craft, succeeding Bill Yeargin who led the company for 20 years. Hutcheson, previously the chief financial officer, will lead the company following a planned succession process.
Southwick Associates offers syndicated and custom research for the fishing, hunting, shooting, and outdoor recreation markets. Their products include the Hunting & Shooting Market Pulse newsletter, Angler Monitor, and Hunting & Shooting Monitor, with NSSF and ASA members receiving 15% discounts on subscription reports.
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released data showing recreational boating and fishing generated $38.4 billion in 2024, driving the $1.3 trillion outdoor recreation economy. The National Marine Manufacturers Association highlighted that 95 percent of boats sold in the U.S. are built domestically, supporting 5.2 million American jobs.
Tennessee-based Malibu Boats acquired Saxdor Yachts for approximately $175 million. Founded in Helsinki, Finland in 2019, Saxdor has delivered over 2,000 boats and operates three facilities in Finland and Poland with 800-plus employees. CEO Steve Menneto stated the acquisition supports Malibu's vision of becoming a global marine solutions provider.
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) supports the administration's pro-growth policies outlined in the State of the Union address. NMMA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer emphasized that policies promoting economic certainty, competitive tax structures, and stable market conditions benefit the recreational boating industry, which generates $230 billion in annual economic impact and supports over 812,000 American jobs.
Garmin Ltd. reported record fourth quarter and full-year 2025 revenue of $2.12 billion and $7.25 billion respectively, with a 17% dividend increase and new $500 million share repurchase program. The company launched the GPSMAP 9000xsv chartplotter series and announced a collaboration with Truemed for HSA/FSA purchases.
Levin Capital Strategies, a top 10 shareholder of MarineMax, Inc., is calling on the company's Board of Directors to initiate an immediate review of strategic alternatives, including engagement with The Donerail Group following its $35 per share all-cash acquisition offer.
Marine retailer MarineMax received an unsolicited $35-per-share acquisition offer from hedge fund Donerail Group valued at over $1bn. The company's board, advised by Sidley Austin LLP and Wells Fargo, stated it will carefully review the non-binding indication of interest while remaining focused on shareholder value.
MasterCraft announced its acquisition of Marine Products Corp., builder of Chaparral and Robalo boats, with MasterCraft shareholders owning 66.5% and MPC shareholders owning 33.5% of the combined company. CEO Brad Nelson and MPC chief executive Ben Palmer praised the transformational partnership. The transaction is expected to close in the second calendar quarter.
South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace introduced the No Tax on Boat Loan Interest Act of 2026 (H.R.7222) on January 26th, allowing taxpayers to deduct up to $10,000 annually in interest on qualifying American-made recreational boat loans. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) support the bill, citing benefits for domestic manufacturing and middle-class boat buyers.
Brunswick Corp. reported 2025 net sales of $5.36 billion with fourth quarter net sales increasing 15.5% to $1.33 billion. CEO David Foulkes attributed the performance to improved retail conditions, solid boating participation, and strengthening boat market conditions in the second half of the year.
Shimano North America Fishing, Inc. announced that President Dave Pfeiffer will step down on March 31, 2026, after 38 years with the company, transitioning to Vice Chairman and Executive Advisor. Senior Vice President Jason Livermore will assume the presidency on April 1, 2026, bringing over 24 years of outdoor and sporting goods industry experience.