As re-shoring gains traction in the active lifestyle market, Bass Pro Shops’ White River Marine Group has acquired the iconic Hobie brand, aiming to bring production and jobs back to Lebanon, MO, from Mexico.
“We’re proud to see Bass Pro Shops and White River Marine Group deepening their commitment to Missouri through this expansion,” said Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe. “This investment is strengthening the community of Lebanon while contributing to Missouri’s reputation as a prime destination for both business and outdoor adventure.”
The agreement is said to “unite two of the most storied and well-respected watercraft manufacturers in the world.”
Bass Pro said the idea was born “from the passion of true trailblazing pioneer founders, Johnny Morris and Hobie Alter, each driven to provide innovative, high-quality watercraft at the best possible value in the outdoor market.”
“For a combined 128 years, Johnny Morris and Hobie Alter have been making dreams come true on the water; shaping unique lifestyles with extraordinary high-quality, value-based products that are today distributed in over 70 countries around the world,” the company shared.
Bass Pro Shops and Hobie both came from humble beginnings.
Johnny Morris started Bass Pro Shops in 1972 with just 8 square feet in his father’s Springfield, MO, liquor store. Six years later, he revolutionized the marine industry by introducing the Bass Tracker—the first nationally marketed pre-rigged boat, motor and trailer package for $2,995—calling it “like the Model T of fishing boats.”
Overnight, boat ownership became more affordable, and Tracker has remained the world’s best-selling fishing boat for 47 years.
Hobie Alter began with surfboards and opened Southern California’s first surf shop, later expanding to sailboats and kayaks.
Hobie Alter started his company in 1950 in his parents’ garage, handcrafting surfboards. Over the course of more than 75 years, he built a reputation for quality and innovation, earning over 20 patents for advancements in watercraft design.
“From pioneering pedal-driven kayaks to continually refining performance and comfort, Hobie products embody ingenuity and craftsmanship, delivering reliable experiences for every adventure on the water,” the company said.
“Uniting with Hobie is a very proud day in our company’s history. We extend a warm welcome to Hobie Dealers as part of our White River Family. We are deeply committed to Hobie and supporting its dealer network as we embark on a very bright future together!” said Johnny Morris, founder and lead outfitter, and Bryan Niketh, president, manufacturing, White River Marine Group.
The return of Hobie production to the U.S, in its new home near Bass Pro Shops and White River Marine Group’s birthplace in the Missouri Ozarks, is said to mark an exciting new chapter for the brand and Bass Pro by supporting domestic manufacturing, creating local jobs, and contributing to economic growth in the region.
“Rooted in a region celebrated for its rich outdoor heritage and skilled craftsmanship, this move ensures Hobie products will continue to embody quality, innovation and a true passion for life on the water,” the company noted.
American-made White River and Hobie boats are sold worldwide in over 70 countries, spanning North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Image courtesy Hobie and Bass Pro Shops
