Correct Craft Enters Aluminum Fishing Boat Market

SeaArk Boats’ prior owner Robin McClendon with Correct Craft President and CEO, Bill Yeargin.

Orlando, Florida-based Correct Craft announced it is entering the aluminum fishing boat market with its acquisition of SeaArk Boats.

SeaArk Boats’ previous owner, Robin McClendon, said the decision to sell wasn’t an easy one. “After 58 years in the marine industry, it is a bittersweet decision for the McClendon family to exit the recreational boat building business,” she said. “But we believe that we have found the right owner in Correct Craft. SeaArk Boats is successful today because of the many dedicated and talented team members who have worked hard to help our company thrive. I am very grateful to have worked alongside these people and I know that our team members, as well as our legacy, are in good hands with the Correct Craft team.”

Correct Craft’s president and CEO, Bill Yeargin, said it plans to continue manufacturing SeaArk at its existing production facility in Monticello, Arkansas. “SeaArk Boats is an outstanding company with a strong brand, great reputation, and exceptional team; we could not be happier to have them joining the Correct Craft family.” Yeargin said. “The McClendon family have done a wonderful job for decades and we are honored that they would trust their brand, legacy, and employees to Correct Craft. We are thrilled to work together with the SeaArk team in Monticello to continue to grow the company.”

With the departure of the McClendon family from the business, Steve Henderson, former vice president of sales, has been named company president.

SeaArk is probably best known for its heavy-duty aluminum boats built specifically for catfish angling. The company also builds bass and crappie fishing models, along with jon boats, duck boats, and bay boats.

Celebrating its 91^st anniversary in 2016, Correct Craft has been growing aggressively through acquisition. The towboat manufacturer initially entered the fishing boat market in March 2015 when it purchased Bass Cat and Yar-Craft fiberglass fishing boats.