is cruisers yachts still in business

MarineMax Acquires Cruisers Yachts

~Leading American Made Yacht Manufacturer~

~Strategically Secures and Strengthens Its Product Portfolio~

~Cruisers’ Recent Expansion Provides Additional Growth Capacity~

~Acquisition Expected To Be Accretive in First Full Year~

CLEARWATER, Fla.--( BUSINESS WIRE )--MarineMax, Inc. (NYSE: HZO), the world’s largest recreational boat and yacht retailer, today announced the acquisition of KCS International, Inc., better known as Cruisers Yachts, headquartered in Oconto, Wisconsin. Cruisers Yachts (Cruisers) is recognized as one of the world’s premier manufacturers of premium yachts, producing models from 33’ to 60’ feet. Cruisers, due to demand, recently announced the expansion of their production capacity by purchasing a 216,000 square foot, purpose-built boat manufacturing plant in Pulaski, WI. Such expansion allows Cruisers to more than double its capacity over time. MarineMax’s acquisition of Cruisers Yachts ensures it will always have a premium, American built yacht in its product portfolio. The Company expects the acquisition to be accretive in its first full twelve-month period.

With over 100 years of heritage, Cruisers has successfully navigated through various industry cycles and grown through innovation and product leadership. After launching the distinguished design and innovation of the Cantius yacht series in 2011, Cruisers’ growth and market share accelerated. The Company successfully navigated through the 2020 pandemic, producing revenue of over $75 million. Cruisers has an accomplished dealer network, including SkipperBud’s and Silver Seas Yachts, which were acquired by MarineMax in October 2020, plus five recently added MarineMax locations. Combined, MarineMax accounts for nearly half of Cruisers’ revenue on an annual basis.

W. Brett McGill, Chief Executive Officer and President of MarineMax stated, "The strategic acquisition of Cruisers Yachts benefits our customers by filling a meaningful void in our product portfolio which was created in 2018 by the loss of Sea Ray sport yacht and yacht models. The acquisition also aligns with our long-term strategy of expanding our gross margins by adding a higher margin business. Cruisers has a seasoned, passionate and successful team. Their industry knowledge and their recent expansion, combined with MarineMax’s resources, will enable Cruisers to accelerate its positioning in the market. We can continue to expand and grow with Cruisers’ model line-up in markets that are available. We are excited to have Mark Pedersen join our management team as he will continue to lead the operations of Cruisers’ more than 350 team members.”

Mark Pedersen, President of Cruisers Yachts stated, “We are very excited about becoming part of the MarineMax family and the great opportunities that lie ahead. Over the years we have recognized that certain customers prefer to only buy an American built yacht, and our brand compliments MarineMax’s other offerings. The MarineMax team has a proven track record of great success in our industry. With our loyal Cruisers owners and a strong dealer network, we will all greatly benefit from being a part of MarineMax.”

Prior to the acquisition, MarineMax’s financial capacity, consisting of cash and cash equivalents, along with available borrowings under its credit facilities, exceeded $400 million. The Company paid $63 million for Cruisers, including the recently acquired Pulaski, WI facility. The Company will provide additional details on the acquisition when it reports its June 2021 results.

About MarineMax MarineMax is the world’s largest recreational boat and yacht retailer, selling new and used recreational boats, yachts and related marine products and services, as well as providing yacht brokerage and charter services. MarineMax has over 100 locations worldwide, including 77 retail dealership locations, including 30 marinas or storage operations. Through Fraser Yachts and Northrop and Johnson, it is also the largest super-yacht services provider, operating locations across the globe. MarineMax provides finance and insurance services through wholly owned subsidiaries and operates MarineMax Vacations in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. The Company also operates Boatyard, a pioneering digital platform that enhances the boating experience. MarineMax is a New York Stock Exchange-listed company (NYSE:HZO). For more information, please visit www.marinemax.com .

Forward Looking Statement Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include the belief that Cruisers will accelerate its improvement in market position, the acquisition being accretive, the Company’s long-term strategy to grow its cycle resilient higher margin businesses, the Company’s continued growth. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations as of the date of this release. These risks, assumptions and uncertainties include the Company’s abilities to reduce inventory, manage expenses and accomplish its goals and strategies, the quality of the new product offerings from the Company’s manufacturing partners, the impacts (direct and indirect) of COVID-19 on the Company’s business, the Company’s employees, the Company’s manufacturing partners, and the overall economy, general economic conditions, as well as those within our industry, the level of consumer spending, the Company’s ability to integrate acquisitions into existing operations, the continued recovery of the industry, and numerous other factors identified in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Michael H. McLamb Chief Financial Officer 727-531-1700

Media: Abbey Heimensen MarineMax, Inc.

Investors: Brad Cohen or Dawn Francfort ICR, LLC [email protected]

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Cruisers Yachts

By Jeff Hemmel | July 2023

Learn more about Cruisers Yachts by viewing our extensive collection of boat tests, reviews and other related content. Boating-exclusive content is produced by Boating Editors, expert, longtime boating enthusiasts with extensive knowledge of the boating industry. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell or just research the brand, our content is here to help.

The roots of Cruisers Yachts date back to 1904 and the Thompson Bros. Boat Manufacturing Company. Builders of iconic lapstrake boats, by the 1950s a second generation of the Thompson family would begin building outboard-powered, wood lapstrake cabin cruisers under the Cruisers Inc. name. Cruisers saw multiple owners over the ensuing decades, before developing the first of their modern yacht lineup, the 48 Cantius , in 2011. Defined by its premium comfort and livability, the Cantius series would ultimately expand to boats from 34’ – 60’ . The GLS line, designed with an eye toward excitement and performance, would be added in 2019 and do likewise, and now includes models from 34’ – 50’ . In 2021, MarineMax acquired the company to add premium, American-built yachts to its portfolio. Today, Cruisers Yachts continues to be built in the brand’s original home state of Wisconsin by a knowledgeable workforce, some of whom are fourth-generation boatbuilders.

On this page:

Quick overview.

• Types of Boats
• Boat Tests & Reviews

Cruisers Yachts are divided into two distinct series, the luxurious and spacious 34’ – 60’ Cantius lineup and the sporty and aggressive 34’ – 50’ GLS models.

Types of Cruisers Yachts

Cruisers Yachts produces two distinct lines, Cantius express cruisers and flybridge model from 34’ – 60’ and GLS dayboats from 34’ – 50’.

• A mix of inboard , sterndrive and outboard-powered express cruisers from 39’ – 60’, the Cantius series includes the 60 Cantius , 60 Fly , 50 Cantius , 46 Cantius , 42 Cantius and 39 Express Coupe .
• Upper salons equipped with large windows for open feel, retractable sunroof, comfortable seating and access to helm, galley and dinette or, on larger models, formal dining area.
• Modern, spacious galleys feature single or dual sinks, microwave/convection oven, flatscreen TV and refrigerator/freezer.
• Cockpits include convertible seating, removable tables, available grille , refrigerator and bar stools.
• Below-deck accommodations include both queen-berth Master and king-berth VIP staterooms , with private head compartments. Larger models offer a third stateroom.
• Open-air bow lounges offer reclining sun lounges , wood table and cupholders.
• 60 Flybridge adds piloting station along with open-air entertainment area with expansive views, an overhead hardtop, and a built-in grill and wet bar.
• 39 EC features walk around access to bow deck ; relaxing aft deck; galley with sink, fridge, electric stovetop and microwave/convention oven; master stateroom with double-berth, portside settee, spacious head compartment; lower salon with convertible dinette.
• Power options, depending on model, include Volvo Penta gas or diesel inboard engines , Volvo Penta gas or diesel IPS , Volvo Penta or MerCruiser gasoline sterndrives , and MerCruiser gasoline outboards .
• Ideal for cruising , overnighting , and entertaining .
• A collection of both outboard and sterndrive-powered dayboats from 34’ – 50’, GLS models include the 50 GLS , 42 GLS OB , 42 GLS I/O , 38 GLS OB , 38 GLS I/O , 34 GLS OB , and 34 GLS I/O .
• Well-equipped helms include twin-to-triple Simrad touchscreen displays , joystick piloting control, and modern aesthetics. Larger models offer double-wide companion chairs with storage or an optional ice-maker below.
• Cockpit amenities include fold-down bulwarks/beach doors for convenient water access , increased cockpit space, and an open feel.
• Cockpit galleys feature sink, refrigerator, storage, available grill and TV options, and raised wet bar with swivel bar stools.
• Forward and aft staterooms , along with convertible dinettes, and head compartments with sink, toilet and standing shower .
• Bow seating accessed via port walk-thru, converts to large sunpad with available foredeck shade.
• Available power options include triple Mercury Verado 600 s on the flagship 50 GLS, and the choice of either gas or diesel sterndrive pairings from both Volvo Penta and Mercury Marine , or Mercury outboards , on remaining models, all with joystick piloting.

Boat Tests & Reviews

As the most trusted source of boating information on the internet, Boating Magazine has produced in-depth reviews of numerous Cruisers Yachts. These tests are conducted by an expert staff made up of true boating enthusiasts. Tests and reviews include not only performance testing and passenger amenities , but also dig deep into a boat’s construction, handling, and overall safety .

More Cruisers Yachts Boat Tests >>

Cruisers Yachts Videos

Boating Magazine has produced a variety of reviews of Cruisers Yachts. Video adds another element to any boat review, allowing viewers to see and experience a boat’s features firsthand. Video reviews are hosted by Boating’s same expert editorial staff , enthusiastic boaters themselves who know what to look for in a boat…and how it will improve a viewer’s boating experience.

Cruisers Yachts Boat Videos

Boating Spotlight: Cruisers Yachts 50 GLS

Boating Spotlight: Cruisers Yachts 34 GLS

Faqs about cruisers yachts.

Find the answers to frequently asked questions about Cruisers Yachts, including the types of boats Cruisers makes, where they’re produced and how to find a Cruisers Yachts boat that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Cruisers Yachts offerings are divided into the Cantius and GLS series. Cantius models are known for their exceptional interior volume and include the 60 Fly , 60 Cantius , 50 Cantius , 46 Cantius , 42 Cantius, and 39 EC . GLS models target the midrange, luxury yacht market with fast, agile models including the 50 GLS , 42 GLS OB , 42 GLS I/O , 38 GLS OB , 38 GLS I/O , 34 GLS OB , and 34 GLS I/O .

Cruisers Yachts are built in Pulaski, Wisconsin.

Cruisers Yachts use a variety of engines depending on the application, including Volvo Penta Inboards , Volvo Penta’s Inboard Performance System (IPS), MerCruiser and Volvo Penta sterndrives , and Mercury Marine outboard motors .

For more information on Cruisers Yachts warranty, visit cruisersyachts.com .

Like any boat, basic maintenance, including washing and waxing the fiberglass hull, keeping compartments clean and dry, and cleaning and using protectant on vinyl surfaces will keep a Cruisers Yacht looking and performing like new for years to come. Boats left in the water should have hulls cleaned yearly to remove marine growth; anti-fouling paint on submerged areas of the hull should also be applied. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, including yearly engine service, to ensure reliable, safe operation. Factory-recommended service should be performed at an authorized Cruisers Yachts dealer.

All models produced by Cruisers Yachts can be used for family outings and overnights .

Cantius models stand out for their emphasis on comfort and space , and include multiple cabins, full-featured head compartments, and galley amenities including sinks, prep space, multiple cooking appliances, and refrigerators.

Though GLS models place more of an emphasis on performance, they also include multiple cabin options , head compartments and galleys, all of which combine for comfortable days and nights on the water with family or friends.

MarineMax, one of the largest and most recognizable retailers in the marine industry, acquired Cruisers Yachts in 2021 to fill a gap in their existing brand lineup. Cruisers Yachts will maintain its existing dealer network and be offered in select MarineMax locations.

Cruisers Yachts are available in the United States, Canada, and multiple international locations. Find your nearest Cruisers Yachts dealer here . 

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CRUISERS YACHTS

Expands their global reach with three new dealers.

• Manufacturing , Shipping, Port & Marine
• August 29, 2023

Dan Zenz, Vice President of Sales, comments, “We are very excited to partner with these dealers to help expand our global footprint. Our expansion to global markets these past years is a true testament to our brand and its reach. Together we look forward to providing excellent sales and service while growing the Cruisers Yachts brand in these markets.”

Martin Motor Sports is headquartered in central Alberta, its parent company Martin Deerline has been around for more than 50 years, and Martin Motor Sports has been around for almost 20 years. They strive to be their customer’s one-stop marine and recreation shop by providing 24-hour parts and service access, with highly trained and certified staff and well-vetted products.

“Cruisers Yachts product lineup is a great fit for our business and clientele,” said Kevin Isabey, CEO of Martin Motor Sports. “Cruisers’ rich boat building history combined with their innovative and quality yacht design has overtaken the current 30-60 ft market. We are very excited to share this with our customers and see what this partnership holds in the future.”

Narval Marine possesses an in-depth understanding of the maritime industry in Panama. This extensive knowledge uniquely positions them to effectively promote and support Cruisers Yachts brand awareness. As the country’s most prominent and sole full-service dealer, they offer customers a one-stop shop for all their yachting needs. From yacht selection and purchase to maintenance and after-sales service, our comprehensive approach ensures a seamless and hassle-free experience. They are committed to delivering exceptional service.

Yucatan Seas was formed from 20 years of knowledge and expertise in the marine industry. Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable. They have several departments, such as mechanics, parts, service, fiberglass, audio, electricians, and engineers, ready to provide their customers with everything they need. Yucatan Seas understands that a valuable investment requires care, so they offer boat management services so the owner can enjoy their boat.

For more information on Cruisers Yachts dealer network visit cruisersyachts.com .

ABOUT CRUISERS YACHTS

Founded in 1953 and currently celebrating 70 years in the industry. Cruisers Yachts is headquartered in Oconto, WI, and is known as the world’s premier American builder of sport and luxury motor yachts from 33 to 60 feet. Cruisers Yachts’ parent company MarineMax Inc. (NYSE: HZO), is the world’s largest recreational boat and yacht retailer. For additional information on Cruisers Yachts, please visit cruisersyachts.com .

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Cruisers Yachts Expands Into Former Carver/Marquis Wisconsin Facility

Home » Cruisers Yachts Expands Into Former Carver/Marquis Wisconsin Facility

PHOTO COURTESY OF CRUISERS YACHTS

The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Pulaski, Wisconsin, where Carver and Marquis yachts were previously built, was recently purchased by KCS International, Inc., the parent company of Cruisers Yachts.

The addition of the 216,000-square-foot purpose-built manufacturing space on 15 acres will significantly expand Cruisers’ brand and production capacity, while opening up the brand to the nearby highly skilled workforce with generational heritage in yacht construction.

“The opportunity to acquire this world class facility will allow us to meet customer demands and expand our very aggressive new product development schedule,” says Mark Pedersen, president of KCS International. “Our global dealership partners have done an excellent job expanding our market share across our full product line-up. We have experienced unprecedented growth over the past 24 months, and this facility will help us meet our customers’ current and future demands.”

The company anticipates hiring around 150 additional crew members to run the new facility, as well as an additional 75 workers at the existing Oconto, Wisconsin, location.

To learn more, visit cruisersyachts.com .

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With its acquisition by MarineMax, Cruisers president says future is bright for Oconto boat builder

OCONTO – The acquisition of Cruisers Yachts by the world’s largest boat retailer has poised the company for significant growth and helped secured its future in Oconto, says long-time president Mark Pedersen.

In a presentation before the Oconto City Council on April 19, Pedersen said the sale to MarineMax about one year ago was “a very unique situation for this community,” and wanted council members to feel comfortable with what’s been accomplished by what he termed “a great marriage.”

“Never has a manufacturer married up with a supply chain,” he said. “This is something different, something new, and I think the industry is looking at it as a major plus for MarineMax and for us.”

Clearwater, Florida-based MarineMax purchased Cruisers’ parent company, KCS International, from Oconto native K.C. Stock. In the 28 years he owned the company, Cruiser’s became one of the worlds top manufacturers of premium yachts.

“K.C. purchased it for the employees and the community … he grew up here, his father was here, so my direction (in his) last two years was to find a successor that could be a custodian of the company, a fiduciary, to make sure it stays here,” Pedersen said.

Just before it bought KCS International, MarineMax also purchased much of the Marquis Yachts’ facilities in Pulaski, which was in the process of shutting down at the time. It now has 150 employees in Pulaski, and 350 in Oconto.

When looking for a buyer, Pedersen said, the company looked at venture capital groups and other manufacturers, but the former only buy businesses to flip them, while the latter could pull back from Oconto during a recession, he said.

MarineMax has more than 100 locations in 21 states, the British Virgin Islands, and in other countries, and carries 25 premium brands of yachts and superyachts.

“They bought us, because if there’s ever another downturn, what product are they going to push? They’re going to push the product that they own,” he said.

The demand for Cruisers yachts is high, Pedersen said, noting the company is building 25 to 30 of its 34 GLS boats annually, but MarineMax wants them to build 120.

Customers are buying boats that won’t be delivered for a year, he added.

“That brings a lot of security to this community and to Pulaski,” he said. “This is 100 percent where we’re trying to grow the business... this is where the engineers were hired, this is the base,” he said. “We are expanding to the two facilities only because we’re not going to be able to build enough out of this facility.”

MarineMax has strong financial position and over the last five years has become a $2 billion company, Pedersen noted, adding its management team has been in place for 20 to 46 years.  

“They bought this place for the long term, not a short-term situation,” he said. “When they bought this, it was because of our workers, and the pride they took in the product, and the management team here. And they looked at our numbers, and according to them, we’re probably one of the most successful with our labor and what we build these boats for in the world.”

Cruisers, he said, is the only builder of its category of boats left in the U.S., meaning all its competitors are foreign, including yachts made in France, Poland, Italy, and even China.

“With the world economy going the way it is, I asked them if they we’re nervous about those countries,” Pedersen said. “(They replied) ‘Why do you think we bought you guys?’ Its unlimited what they want us to do for them.”

MarineMax currently has 19% of the yacht market, and with its locations and service, they’re looking to capture more.

“If they grab it, we get the volume,” he said.

MarineMax also bumped up the prices of Cruisers product to be better related to the quality of the product it builds, he added.

“They’re going to make sure that … we’re getting recognized for the value we are,” Pedersen said. “In the past, our dealers would beat us up for price breaks and everything else, because they would say we’re not as good as this.”

Customers have even put small events on for the employees working on their boat, which can cost as much as $3 million.

“The passion and pride of the people that build Cruisers Yachts is second to none,” he said. “This town and our workers can feel good (that) they’re the reason that MarineMax bought us.”

While the company has doubled its engineering staff, it’s a lack of production employees that’s limiting growth.

“If I could snap my fingers today, we could triple the volume that we do, based on MarineMax buying us,” Pedersen said. “The money is there to be able to invest in (buildings and equipment) that will allow is to grow ... and compete worldwide.”

More: Many Oconto-area employers are struggling amidst a statewide labor shortage, but some have found ways to meet their needs

Cruisers currently has 450,000 square feet of space in Oconto and another 200,000 square feet in Pulaski.

The company plans to introduce a 50-foot GLS and a 63-foot Cantius, which would be three feet longer that the current offering in that series.

“The opportunity for this community is to grow this thing back up …. today we’re at 350, we could easily grow it up to 700 employees, if I could find them today,” Pedersen said.

He noted the company recently had its fourth-generation boat builder start work in Oconto, is also “investing a ton of money back into training” new employees.

“There’s not a lot of craftspeople out there, but we’re training them,” he said.  

Oconto's location between Green Bay and Marinette/Menominee might not make commuting feasible, but Pedersen said that more people could be drawn to move there by marketing it as a great place to raise a family and touting Great Lakes water access, year-round recreation, a good school system, strong growing manufacturing base, and secure job growth.

“(There) may be families that want to get out of there and move to a quieter area,” he said. “We are getting people (who are) saying we treat them more like a family.”

Pederson — who’s been with the company for 30 years, the last 15 as president — said that he believes Stock himself would agree the company is in better shape today because of MarineMax's distribution network.

“It’s my responsibility, when I retire someday, to say this place survives another 70 years.. that’s my job,” he said. “We’ve hit a home run plus on Marine Max buying us.”

FOR MORE OCONTO COUNTY NEWS: Check out our website!

Contact Kent Tempus at (920) 431-8226 or [email protected] . 

Midwest  Ingenuity

Getting to Know Cruisers Yachts

Jul 9, 2016 | Magazine , News | 0 comments

With dealer locations in over 30 countries on six continents, Cruisers Yachts has become known as one of the world’s premier providers of midsize luxury pleasure yachts from 33 to 60 feet. Despite their international appeal, a small town just north of Green Bay, Wisconsin by the name of Oconto is home to the Cruisers Yachts design and manufacturing facility. Located just minutes from the waterways of beautiful Lake Michigan, Cruisers hosts an annual dealer meeting each summer which includes demos and sea trials aboard their entire model line-up, plus a factory tour and informational sessions.

Having recently partnered with Cruisers Yachts to be their exclusive dealer throughout the Mid-Atlantic, Bluewater was pleased to participate in their 2015 international dealer meeting. President Jan Boone, along with team members Chuck Meyers, Mark Connors, Bill Berger and John McDevitt enjoyed their time in Wisconsin learning about the Cruisers Yachts brand and their model offerings. The group also had the opportunity to demo literally every boat Cruisers builds on nearby Sturgeon Bay, including the all new 60 Cantius and several models from their Sports Series under 30 feet.

See this article in our Summer 2016 issue of OnBoard Magazine

Baltimore Sales Professional Chuck Meyers reflected on the team’s first trip to the Cruisers factory, “I was impressed that the owner, K.C. Stock, down to the technicians, builders and ladies in the upholstery shop, were all made available to answer questions. The Midwest approach of honest work and pride in every aspect is prevalent throughout the facility and in every model being built,” Meyers stated.

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Gone But Not Forgotten- The Boat Brands We Loved That Are No More (Part 9)

The motoryacht movement with maxum, meridian, carver & marquis.

In my over forty years in the pleasure boat industry, there have been literally thousands of boat companies and brand names of boats in North America.

Some of these were and are strictly regional brands not known or recognized in the rest of the continent but many were national and even international brands known to most of us diehard boaters.

It is those well known and recognized brands that are no longer with us that I look forward to examining in this series. These brand names may still be corporately held in reserve but are not known to currently be in production.

In 1986, the Boat Group division of Brunswick Corporation , makers of Mercury outboard motors and MerCruiser sterndrive engines, purchased Sea Ray boats. They quickly followed up in the same year with the purchase of Bayliner . Both Sea Ray and Bayliner had been vying back and forth for a few years as to which was the largest pleasure boat manufacturer in the world. Now Brunswick would undoubtedly be number one.

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Sea Ray and Bayliner had also been perceived, rightly or wrongly by the boating industry, and more importantly by the boating public, as representing not necessarily the extremes, but relative opposite ends of the pleasure boat market in terms of desirability, price point, and quality. It was akin in those days to the positioning of General Motors and the Buick vs. Chevrolet argument.

Based on this market perception, Brunswick thought there may be room for a boat brand positioned between Sea Ray and Bayliner, just as General Motors had Pontiac and Oldsmobile positioned between its other two brands. Just two years after the acquisition of Sea Ray and Bayliner, in 1988 Brunswick created the Maxum brand for exactly that purpose.

Building out of a Bayliner facility in Pipestone, Minnesota, in 1989 Maxum Marine offered eight models from 16-23 feet. Growth as well as market acceptance of Maxum was slow, as many Maxum hulls were the same as Bayliner hulls but with different decks and inner liners. The public was confused. As Maxum offerings grew in size to include mid-cabin express cruisers and eventually full cruisers, production facilities were added in Salisbury, Maryland.

In 1999, ten years after its formation, Maxum was offering 18 models from 18-46 feet. This was a prelude to a 2000 news conference when Maxum introduced its all new “curvy and sexy-looking” 3500 SCR cruiser, the first Maxum to be designed independently from Bayliner with a distinct brand identity and independence.

In that news conference, Dave Heiss, Maxum’s Manager of Advertising and Marketing, said, "Now we can grow each brand's personality independent of the other." Production was extended to include facilities in Valdosta, Georgia and Miami, Oklahoma. Unfortunately, it seems that maybe the 10 years of public perception and confusion between brands had solidified in the marketplace because Maxum did not perform as anticipated. In 2001, the Valdosta facilities were sold and the Miami, Oklahoma facility closed down as the events of 9/11 resulted in a severe downturn in the pleasure boat industry.

Maxum announced a re-invigoration of its lineup in 2002 but it was too little, too late. By 2009, it had cut back its product offerings to 12 models from 18-37 feet. But damage had also been done by the horrendous financial downturn of 2008 and, after a 20-plus year run, Maxum boats were discontinued in 2009.

The downturn in Maxum sales in 2001 was reflected in almost the entire industry, including almost across the board in the Brunswick Boat Group. Bayliner was building over 50 models in five series of boats and its sales were hit hard. It was also building larger and larger boats up to almost 60 feet and not paying enough attention to the smaller boats in its lineup that had always been its winning formula.

2002 was the final year for Bayliner Motoryachts. In 2003, Brunswick launched its Meridian line of yachts out of Bayliner’s old yacht and former headquarters location in Arlington, Washington. Meridian started with the old Bayliner lineup of seven models of sedans, flybridges, and pilothouse motoryachts from 34-58 feet, with the direction and intention of gradually re-tooling the lineup.

This would include not only new and more aggressive designs but also new materials and hardware to bring the Meridian brand closer to Sea Ray and its perception quality. All Meridian models were equipped with Brunswick’s new Docking on Command™ system of utilizing bow and stern thrusters under a single control.

Sales rebounded under the new direction but the financial downturn of 2008 caused more rationalization of Brunswick’s facilities, including the closing of the Arlington plant and all Meridian production moving to Florida. In 2011, it was claimed that Meridian had the best selling sedan and flybridge cruisers in the United States for the past five years.

It was not enough, though, and by 2018 Brunswick Corp. announced the end of not only Meridian Yachts but also the yacht and sport yacht models of Sea Ray. It must be noted here that both Bayliner and Sea Ray continue to this day both as major manufacturers of pleasure boats.

As a post-script, while we are dealing with Bayliner and its many changes in product lines over the years, there are a couple of series (at least) that have come and gone over the years – series that many boaters will remember with fondness.

One series is the Avanti series of more upscale mid-cabin express cruisers and flybridge boats from 29-40 feet from the years 1987 to 1999. The second series is a personal favourite of mine and one that has attracted almost a cult-like following from long-range cruisers. That series is the Pilothouse Motoryacht models 4588, 4788, 5288, and 5788 built in various of those lengths between 1985 and 2002, and of course continued under Meridian in 2003 and until model changes were made.

It is difficult for me to believe that Carver Yachts , one of the most popular and recognizable motor yacht brands found almost everywhere for decades might no longer be with us. It was said to have closed its doors permanently in mid-2021. Its huge production facilities in Pulaski, Wisconsin, which it shared with Marquis Yachts, was almost simultaneously purchased by KCS International, parent company of Cruisers Yachts of nearby Oconto, Wisconsin.

Charlie Carter and George Verhagen put the three first letters of each of their last names together to create the “Carver” name in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1954. Their first designs were mahogany planked runabouts. As sales grew, in 1956 they moved operations to Pulaski, a short distance northwest of Green Bay.

In the 1960’s, Carver recognized the growing consumer demand for “family-sized” overnighters and built roomy boats to satisfy that market. It recognized the growing demand for flybridge models as well. By 1971, Carver was offering seven models from 21-31 feet, all of which were built from wood.

By the mid-70's, Carver introduced fiberglass hulls but still with wooden superstructures. It first introduced its Mariner series at this time, one of the roomiest boats on the market with loads of indoor living space all on one level. It also came with a huge flybridge which had the only helm control station. The Carver 33-Mariner of the 1970’s satisfied both consumer boating needs and was a huge sales success. The Mariner series expanded over the years while keeping its original successful design philosophies.

By the 1980’s, Carver had grown worldwide into a major builder of what became referred to as motor yachts. The 32 and 36 flybridge aft cabin motor yachts became synonymous with Carver as boat owners enjoyed the privacy of an aft cabin stateroom with a private head compartment, while guests slept at the extreme other end of the boat in the bow.

In 1985, Carver was purchased by Miramar Marine Corp which soon added another production facility in North Carolina. Carver then started building Miramar’s new acquisition of Californian Yachts and offering them through its vast worldwide dealer network. In 1990, Carver offered a substantial lineup of 30 models from 22-55 feet including six Californian models. Sales topped out over $200 million.

The federal luxury tax of early 1991 along with an economic turndown almost crippled Carver. Buyout specialist Irwin Jacobs worked his magic and by the end of the year had assembled Miramar along with Carver into his Genmar Industries. A few years later, this became Genmar Holdings, Inc. which evolved into one of the world’s largest pleasure boat manufacturers.

In 1992, Genmar purchased Trojan Yachts of Pennsylvania and moved the tooling and molds to Pulaski to build the yachts there. Trojan’s lineup ranged from 30-46 foot express and sport cruisers, but unfortunately it did not last long. California Yachts was sold. Meanwhile, Carver started to rebound under new management and with the repeal of the luxury tax a year later.

The late-90's saw consumer demand wanting luxurious interior accommodations and Carver was happy to oblige. By the end of the 1990’s it introduced its ultra-luxurious 53 and 57 Voyager Pilothouse motor yachts with their ”skylounge” helm station with powered Captain’s chair, huge flybridge, solid finished cherrywood cabinetry throughout, leatherette furniture, and plush carpeting.

Following this success, Carver saw the need for even more luxury and better sales in European and offshore markets. In 2002, it started working with the Italian design team of Nuvolari & Lenard. This resulted in Carver building new upscale European designed Nuvari yachts from a new facility in Fano, Italy. With this background, in 2004, Carver created Marquis Yachts as an even more upscale line with European influences built in the Pulaski facilities. Originally, Marquis offered two models, the 59-foot and 65-foot motor yachts, and their success led to a full line from 42-72 feet.

In the same year, 2004, the Genmar Holdings, Inc. portfolio included 18 boat brands, but the financial crisis of 2008 had a devastating cumulative effect resulting in its bankruptcy. At the subsequent auction in 2010, Platinum Equity Group purchased the bulk of the brands, while Irwin Jacobs and a partner purchased Carver and Marquis Yachts. Shortly thereafter they added the Larson group to form the Marquis-Larson Boat Group consisting of six brands: Marquis, Carver, Larson, Larson FX, Larson Escape, and Striper.

After all of these changes, Carver tried to revitalize itself with some striking new designs which didn’t catch on with the market. In 2019, Larson, FX, Escape, and Striper were sold to the Polaris Group. For 2021, Carver was offering only six models from 34-52 feet, none of which had any resemblance to the Carver models which had excelled in the marketplace in the past.

Carver and Marquis were closed in summer of 2021. The extensive Pulaski manufacturing facilities were purchased by KCS International of nearby Oconto, the parent company of Cruisers Yachts, builders of 16 models from 33-60 feet. This company was then almost immediately purchased by MarineMax , the largest recreational boat dealership company with a hundred locations worldwide. Cruisers Yachts continues to excel.

Don't forget to check out:

Part 1- The Story of OMC

Part 2- Chrysler Boats, the Chris Craft Stinger, the Sea Ray Pachanga, and the Houseboat Craze of the 1970's

Part 3- A Retrospective Look at the Peak of Doral, Thundercraft, Magnum, Cadorette, Sunray, & Peterborough

Part 4- Connecting the Heydeys of Silverline, Striper, Owens, Penn Yan, Rinker, and Winner

Part 5- The West Coast Influence of Fiberform, Sun Runner, Apollo, Uniflite, Tollycraft, & Prowler

Part 6- The 'Sleek & Sexy' Era of Sidewinder, HydroStream, Switzer Craft, Challenger, and Lone Star

Part 7- The Web of Connections Between Thompson Boats, Cruisers Yachts, Slickcraft, Grew, Tiara, Pursuit, and Chris Craft

Part 8- The Incredibly Short but Influential Eras of Mariah, Lyman, Celebrity, and MFG

#culture #gonebutnotforgotten #cruisersyachts #marinemax

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Cruisers Yachts Expands Their Global Reach With Three New Dealers

Dan Zenz, Vice President of Sales, comments, "We are very excited to partner with these dealers to help expand our global footprint . Our expansion to global markets these past years is a true testament to our brand and its reach. Together we look forward to providing excellent sales and service while growing the Cruisers Yachts brand in these markets."

Martin Motor Sports is headquartered in central Alberta, its parent company Martin Deerline has been around for more than 50 years, and Martin Motor Sports has been around for almost 20 years. They strive to be their customer's one-stop marine and recreation shop by providing 24-hour parts and service access, with highly trained and certified staff and well-vetted products.

“Cruisers Yachts product lineup is a great fit for our business and clientele,” said Kevin Isabey, CEO of Martin Motor Sports. “Cruisers' rich boat building history combined with their innovative and quality yacht design has overtaken the current 30-60 ft market. We are very excited to share this with our customers and see what this partnership holds in the future.”

Narval Marine possesses an in-depth understanding of the maritime industry in Panama. This extensive knowledge uniquely positions them to effectively promote and support Cruisers Yachts brand awareness. As the country's most prominent and sole full-service dealer, they offer customers a one-stop shop for all their yachting needs. From yacht selection and purchase to maintenance and after-sales service, our comprehensive approach ensures a seamless and hassle-free experience. They are committed to delivering exceptional service.

Yucatan Seas was formed from 20 years of knowledge and expertise in the marine industry. Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable. They have several departments, such as mechanics, parts, service, fiberglass, audio, electricians, and engineers, ready to provide their customers with everything they need. Yucatan Seas understands that a valuable investment requires care, so they offer boat management services so the owner can enjoy their boat.

Find a Cruisers Yachts Dealer

The Cantius Series

The GLS Series

The FLY Series

Elevating to Further Horizons. Cruisers Yachts, a premier American manufacturer of luxury yachts, is proud to announce the upcoming launch of their all-new groundbreaking FLY series. 

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Has anyone heard of "Cruiser Inc boats"?

• Thread starter Godfirst
• Start date Aug 12, 2008

Petty Officer 1st Class

• Aug 12, 2008

Hi, just got a new boat well used a 87' with a merc 5.7 sterndrive it has a cuddy cabin the question is how relaible are they? Does anyone know any history of this company couldn't find anything about them on the internet hope I made a good choice. Thanks much Duane by the way it says smith brothers on it out of Flordia  

Petty Officer 3rd Class

Re: Has anyone heard of "Cruiser Inc boats"? Cruiser Inc boats are generally very well made. I have been aboard several at my marina and am very impressed in both the quality and the design. Neverhome  

Re: Has anyone heard of "Cruiser Inc boats"? Thanks for the info, do you know if the company still makes boats?  

Re: Has anyone heard of "Cruiser Inc boats"? I am not sure but you can google the company to find out. They don't seem to advertise as much as the other brands. My main concern would be the condition of the engine. I have always had Mercruisers and found them for the most part to be pretty much bullet proof. Parts are easily available and just about any marine mechanic can work on them if you are not handy yourself. I have the 5.7 with a 2 barrel carb in my 2359 Trophy and it is adequate. It is fresh water cooled and has been used in salt water since I bought it new in 2002 and I have had no problems with it but I also have it serviced and tuned up after every season. Of course a bigger engine is always better as you have the option of using extra power if you need it and in some cases they are better on gas because they don't have to work as hard getting up on plane. As to the boat itself, you can do most of the upkeep on the hull and interior and most yards offer fiberglass work if you manage to hole the hull. If you like the boat, spend the money to have it surveyed. That will tell you if it is worth it and a survey is cheap insurance versus finding a major problem after it is yours. Neverhome  

Lieutenant Commander

Re: Has anyone heard of "Cruiser Inc boats"? http://www.cruisersyachts.com/  

Chief Petty Officer

Re: Has anyone heard of "Cruiser Inc boats"? Around here the boats are fairly well thought of, but as with any boat, it comes down to how well it was cared for. We test drove several '85-'92 inboard Criusers and though we did not buy one, they seemed to be holding up great for their age.  

The Great Escape II

Re: Has anyone heard of "Cruiser Inc boats"? Overall they are great boats. The only thing I have heard from owners of more recent years is some electrical connection problems. Apparently the connection plugs they use can be a little trouble on their wiring harness.  

Re: Has anyone heard of "Cruiser Inc boats"? Thanks again for all the info Duane  

tashasdaddy

Honorary moderator emeritus.

• Aug 13, 2008

Re: Has anyone heard of "Cruiser Inc boats"? great boat, http://www.boatquest.com/Cruisers/boat_manufacturer.aspx  

Re: Has anyone heard of "Cruiser Inc boats"? Thanks  

• Jul 13, 2009

Godfirst said: Hi, just got a new boat well used a 87' with a merc 5.7 sterndrive it has a cuddy cabin the question is how relaible are they? Does anyone know any history of this company couldn't find anything about them on the internet hope I made a good choice. Thanks much Duane by the way it says smith brothers on it out of Flordia Click to expand...

Attachments

Re: Has anyone heard of "Cruiser Inc boats"? Here's a link with some of the earlier Cruisers Inc boats.. http://www.theclassicboathouse.com/gallerywood.html  

Re: Has anyone heard of "Cruiser Inc boats"? more history and info... http://www.fiberglassics.com/thompson/default.asp  

• Mar 14, 2010

Re: Has anyone heard of "Cruiser Inc boats"? I own a 1998 Cruisers 3575. I love this boat. My best buddy have a 1998 37' Sea Ray. Although the Searay is a very popular boat, the Cruisers is a more stable boat. In 3' seas, it rides like the water is flat. To this day, I have never had any problems with the boat other than the normal problems that any boat would have. I have never had a manufactory or engine problem. If and when I upgrade, I will be looking for another Cruisers. I swear by them... Also, I agree, their website is horrible. Maybe they spent too much time on the boat and not enough on the website.  

Capt'n Chris

Re: Has anyone heard of "Cruiser Inc boats"? They don't build them like they used to: Cruisers traces her origins to the summer of 1953 starting out as Cruisers, Inc. Her founders were six of the second generation Thompson family members. Ray, Glenn, Roy, Grant, Bob, and Ted Thompson, Jr. established Cruisers as a result to fill a niche for larger outboard cabin cruiser type boats. The corporation Cruisers, Inc. was created with the full blessing and cooperation of Thompson Boat. The synergy between the two corporations is evidenced in the initial actual cabin cruiser made by the two firms. In the late months of 1953 Cruisers, Inc. built a nineteen-foot cabin cruiser. She was a clinker hull suitable of using the largest of twin outboards then available. The advertising flyer proudly stated she was ?Thompson Designed? and built to ?Thompson Quality? by Cruisers, Inc. and sold by Thompson. The cabin boat was built specifically to show at the New York Boat Show in January1954. Another one was purported to have been built for display at the Chicago Boat Show, several weeks later. The model was dropped from the product line and those two boats were the only ones of the type built. No one knows what happened to them. From her inception in ?53 until the end of 1958 Cruisers and Thompson were working hand in hand. Another example of this cooperation was the 1955 Thompson Off Shore eighteen-footer. The exact same picture was used in the 1955 Thompson catalog as was used by Cruisers the following year in their literature to illustrate their Vacationer model. Ownership of Cruisers changed hands effective January 02, 1959 when brothers Roy H. and G. Grant Thompson gained complete control. From that point forward the firms competed with one another. As more and more builders introduced fiberglass boats, the markets for wooden watercraft were declining in the early 1960s. Cruisers was producing 3,000 boats annually in the early sixties. This dropped precipitously when only 800 were sold in the 1965 sales season. The only means to get back in the game was to make the leap from wood to reinforced fiber plastic technology.  

• Oct 30, 2010

Re: Has anyone heard of "Cruiser Inc boats"? I have a "72" 23' Macanac, powered by a 188 mercruser, been a great boat. bought it in 1982, Cruisers are hard to beat , my emblem is black with white letters, goldbricker is the name of the boat.  

• Mar 29, 2011

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Dangerous Hurricane Beryl restrengthens to Category 4 off Grenada

Hurricane Beryl strengthened into what experts called an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 storm as it approached the southeast Caribbean, which began shutting down Sunday amid urgent pleas from government officials for people to take shelter. (AP Video/Kofi Jones, Kenton Chance)

Hurricane Beryl’s winds batter Carlisle Bay in Bridgetown, Barbados, Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)

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Fishing boats lie in a field after being moved to prevent potential damage ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Beryl in Calliaqua, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sunday, June 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Lucanus Ollivierre)

A man pulls a kayak as sailboats line up to enter a marina ahead of Hurricane Beryl’s arrival in Speightstown, Barbados, Sunday, June 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)

A resident carries wood to cover his house’s windows in preparation for Hurricane Beryl, in Bridgetown, Barbados, Sunday, June 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

Residents cover the windows of their home in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Beryl in Bridgetown, Barbados, Sunday, June 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

People disassemble a beach bar’s awning in preparation for Hurricane Beryl, in Bridgetown, Barbados, Sunday, June 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

Sailboats line up to enter a marina ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Beryl in Speightstown, Barbados, Sunday, June 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)

Costumers purchase groceries ahead of Hurricane Beryl in Arnos Vale, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sunday, June 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Lucanus Ollivierre)

Grenadines Wharf lies vacant after ferries were sent to safer harbors ahead of Hurricane Beryl, in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sunday, June 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Lucanus Ollivierre)

A sailboat enters a marina ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Beryl in Speightstown, Barbados, Sunday, June 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Beryl has restrengthened into an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane. The National Hurricane Center in Miami said the storm was located about 70 miles (125 kilometers) east of Grenada on Monday morning and had maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (215 kph.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Hurricane Beryl was closing in on the southeastern Caribbean, and government officials late Sunday pleaded with people to take shelter from the dangerous Category 3 storm.

The storm was expected to make landfall in the Windward Islands on Monday morning. Hurricane warnings were in effect for Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, Tobago and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“This is a very dangerous situation,” warned the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami, saying Beryl was “forecast to bring life-threatening winds and storm surge.”

Beryl was centered about 110 miles (175 kilometers) south-southeast of Barbados early Monday. It had maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 kph) and was moving west at 20 mph (31 kph). It is a compact storm, with hurricane-force winds extending 30 miles (45 kilometers) from its center.

It had gained Category 4 strength Sunday before weakening slightly, and further fluctuations in strength were forecast.

A tropical storm warning was in effect for Martinique and Trinidad. A tropical storm watch was issued for Dominica, Haiti’s entire southern coast, and from Punta Palenque in the Dominican Republic west to the border with Haiti.

Beryl was expected to pass just south of Barbados early Monday and then head into the Caribbean Sea as a major hurricane on a path toward Jamaica. It was forecast to weaken by midweek, but still remain a hurricane while heading toward Mexico.

Historic hurricane

Beryl initially strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane Sunday morning, becoming the first major hurricane east of the Lesser Antilles on record for June, according to Philip Klotzbach, Colorado State University hurricane researcher.

It took Beryl only 42 hours to strengthen from a tropical depression to a major hurricane — a feat accomplished only six other times in Atlantic hurricane history, and with Sept. 1 as the previous earliest date, hurricane expert Sam Lillo said.

Beryl then gained more power, becoming the earliest Category 4 Atlantic hurricane on record , besting Hurricane Dennis, which became a Category 4 storm on July 8, 2005, hurricane specialist and storm surge expert Michael Lowry said.

“Beryl is an extremely dangerous and rare hurricane for this time of year in this area,” Lowry said in a phone interview. “Unusual is an understatement. Beryl is already a historic hurricane and it hasn’t struck yet.”

Hurricane Ivan in 2004 was the last strong hurricane to hit the southeastern Caribbean, causing catastrophic damage in Grenada as a Category 3 storm.

“So this is a serious threat, a very serious threat,” Lowry said of Beryl.

AP AUDIO: Dangerous Hurricane Beryl restrengthens to Category 4 off Grenada

In a briefing, National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan says people in the Winward Islands should comply with any evacuation orders they might receive.

Reecia Marshall, who lives in Grenada, was working a Sunday shift at a local hotel, preparing guests and urging them to stay away from windows as she stored enough food and water for everyone.

She said that she was a child when Hurricane Ivan struck and that she doesn’t fear Beryl.

“I know it’s part of nature. I’m OK with it,” she said. “We just have to live with it.”

Forecasters warned of a life-threatening storm surge of up to 9 feet (3 meters) in areas where Beryl makes landfall, with 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15 centimeters) of rain for Barbados and nearby islands and possibly 10 inches in some areas (25 centimeters).

Warm waters are fueling Beryl, with ocean heat content in the deep Atlantic the highest on record for this time of year, said Brian McNoldy, a tropical meteorology researcher at the University of Miami.

Lowry said the waters are now warmer than they would be at the peak of the hurricane season in September.

Beryl marks the farthest east that a hurricane has formed in the tropical Atlantic in June, breaking a record set in 1933, according to Klotzbach.

“Please take this very seriously and prepare yourselves,” said Ralph Gonsalves, the prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. “This is a terrible hurricane.”

Bracing for the storm

Long lines formed at gas stations and grocery stores in Barbados and other islands as people rushed to prepare for a storm that rapidly intensified.

Thousands of people were in Barbados for Saturday’s Twenty20 World Cup final , cricket’s biggest event, with Prime Minister Mia Mottley noting that not all fans were able to leave Sunday despite many rushing to change their flights.

“Some of them have never gone through a storm before,” she said. “We have plans to take care of them.”

Mottley said all businesses should close by Sunday evening and warned that the airport would close by nighttime.

Across Barbados, people prepared, including Peter Corbin, 71, who helped his son put up plywood to protect his home’s glass doors. He said by phone that he worried about Beryl’s impact on islands just east of Barbados.

“That’s like a butcher cutting up a pig,” he said. “They’ve got to make a bunker somewhere. It’s going to be tough.”

In St. Lucia, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre announced a national shutdown for Sunday evening and said schools and businesses would remain closed Monday.

“Preservation and protection of life is a priority,” he said.

Looking ahead

Caribbean leaders were preparing not only for Beryl, but for a cluster of thunderstorms trailing the hurricane that had a 70% chance of becoming a tropical depression.

“Do not let your guard down,” Mottley said.

Beryl is the second named storm in what is forecast to be an above-average hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 in the Atlantic. Earlier this month, Tropical Storm Alberto came ashore in northeastern Mexico with heavy rains that resulted in four deaths.

On Sunday evening, a tropical depression formed near the eastern Mexico coastal city of Veracruz, with the National Hurricane Center warning of flooding and mudslides.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts the 2024 hurricane season is likely to be well above average, with between 17 and 25 named storms. The forecast calls for as many as 13 hurricanes and four major hurricanes.

An average Atlantic hurricane season produces 14 named storms, seven of them hurricanes and three major hurricanes.