Brunswick Acquires Thunder Jet

Brunswick Corporation announced this week that it has acquired Clarkston, Washington-based heavy-gauge aluminum (HGA) boat manufacturer Thunder Jet.

Established in 1981, Thunder Jet currently builds 18 different models ranging in length from 18 to 26 feet. Under the purchase agreement, Thunder Jet will continue to operate in Clarkston as a key part of the Freshwater Boat division of the Brunswick Boat Group. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, but Thunder Jet’s 2015 revenues were listed as approximately $20 million.

“A premium brand and a leader in its segment, Thunder Jet provides Brunswick with a presence in an attractive niche market where both our boat and marine engine brands are currently under-represented,” said Mark D. Schwabero, Brunswick chairman and CEO. “Through this transaction, we now are well positioned within the growing heavy-gauge aluminum market, which is strong in the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada.”

Schwabero noted that the Brunswick Freshwater Group is excited to collaborate with Thunder Jet and its dealer network, and believes Brunswick could add further value to the Washington-based boat maker’s portfolio in terms of enhancing design, fishing features and overall performance.

“We see opportunities from this acquisition to grow revenues in our boat and marine engine segments, including our parts and accessories businesses in this expanding market segment, to which many boaters are so devoted,” Schwabero said. “Further, we are attracted to the HGA segment’s more rapid rate of replacement, higher price points and margins above those of typical aluminum fish boats. Together, we will advance Thunder Jet’s product features and market share by leveraging our combined operations and product development expertise, along with supporting our industry-leading distribution networks.”

Brunswick Boat Group includes more than 20 brands, representing yachts, freshwater fishing boats, saltwater fishing boats, pontoons and recreational models.