Whisper Marine, LLC, a portfolio company of Whisper USA, LLC, has acquired Crownline Boats. The acquisition reportedly closed on June 26, 2026. Generational Group, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisory firm for privately held businesses, advised Crownline Boats on the deal.
“Crownline is one of the most respected names in American boatbuilding, and we are excited to carry it forward,” said Dave Hatley, CEO of Whisper USA, in a media release announcing the acquisition. “The team in West Frankfort has built something special over 35 years, and we plan to invest in its continued growth as Whisper Marine adds sport, deck, and cruiser boats to its portfolio.”
Crownline Boats, which is headquartered in West Frankfort, Illinois, is said to be one of America’s most established manufacturers of sport, deck, and cruiser boats, having delivered more than 90,000 boats to dealers and customers worldwide. Since its founding, the company has reportedly built a reputation for innovative design, exceptional craftsmanship, and premium performance, offering a diverse lineup of recreational boats that blend luxury, comfort, and reliability.
“These discussions have been ongoing for some time, but the time is now right to take the next step into our future,” added Kevin Riem, VP and General Manager of Crownline. “This announcement marks a point in time at which we are pivoting from “defense to offense” in the market, as we look towards a bright new future.
Whisper Marine, LLC, based in Johnson City, TN, is reportedly focused on building a portfolio of premium American-made recreational boating brands. Through its Whisper Pontoons brand, the company designs and manufactures high-quality pontoon boats that combine innovative engineering, modern styling, and exceptional on-the-water performance.
“With the addition of the Crownline Boats brand, Whisper Marine now serves multiple segments of the recreational boating market, reflecting its long-term strategy to grow a family of trusted marine brands while investing in American manufacturing, product innovation, and dealer relationships,” the company said.
Parent company Whisper USA, LLC, is an American manufacturer of premium outdoor lifestyle products. Through its consumer-facing Whisper Outdoor brand, the company also offers a broad portfolio of products including hot tubs, swim spas, cold plunges, golf carts, utility terrain vehicles, and boats. With manufacturing operations across Tennessee, Michigan, and Illinois, Whisper USA affirmed that it remains “committed to American craftsmanship, continuous innovation, and delivering high-quality products that enhance outdoor recreation.”
Generational Group Executive Managing Director, M&A, Central Region, Michael Goss, and his team, led by Managing Director, M&A, Jon LePage, closed the deal. Senior Managing Director Terry Stidham and Senior M&A Advisor Bryce Gray established the relationship with Crownline Boats.
Ryan Binkley, CEO, Generational Group, added, “We are proud to have helped bring these organizations together. Their complementary strengths, shared values, and long-term vision make this a natural strategic fit. We are confident this partnership will create new opportunities for growth while delivering lasting value to customers, employees, and stakeholders.”
Image courtesy Crownline Boats
