MarineMax buys U.K. yachting products company

Clearwater-based MarineMax, the world’s largest recreational boat, yacht and superyacht services company, added to its portfolio this week, purchasing William Tenders USA. 

William Tenders USA is the American outpost of U.K.-based William Tenders, the world’s leading manufacturer of rigid, inflatable jet tenders for the luxury yacht market. The company’s U.S. operations are in Pompano Beach.

“William Tenders USA complements our product and service offerings, enhancing the value we provide to yacht and superyacht customers,” said MarineMax CEO and President Brett McGill in a prepared statement.

“This acquisition aligns with a key element of our growth strategy … and deepens our relationships with customers across the recreational marine ecosystem. Like MarineMax, William Tenders USA is a business that is passionate about the boating lifestyle.”

“MarineMax is an outstanding organization with a reputation for excellence,” William Tenders USA President Chris Rimmer said. “Their extensive resources and global network will enable us to further scale our independently run operations across North America.”

MarineMax has been extremely active in the past year, acquiring Minnesota boat dealer C&C Boat Works in June. In December of 2022, it signed an agreement to build a manufacturing hub along St. Pete/Clearwater International Airport’s waterfront for the purpose of building larger boats, and purchased $4 million worth of parcels in Tarpon Springs.

In 2021, it acquired Nisswa Marine, another Minnesota-based boat dealer.

MarineMax, established in 1998, has 130 locations worldwide including 81 dealerships. There are dealerships in Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Sarasota. Williams Tenders began in the U.K. in 2005; its American outpost was created nine years later. It has dealerships on both U.S. coasts, plus the Great Lakes and the Caribbean.

As the Catalyst previously reported, the airport facility would contain a 132,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, a 400-space parking garage, a travel lift well and a docking facility. MarineMax currently has a hub in Largo off Belcher Road, with just over 400 employees; according to the company, the airport addition would add another 300.

Marine Max officials did not return calls requesting comment.