Catalina Yachts to restart production in the US

Marine manufacturing and composite company C & T Composites has acquired Catalina and True North Yachts, and has announced a new phase of activity for both brands, with plans to restart manufacturing, introduce new models and develop a new US-built adventure boat line.

Catalina Yachts was established in 1969 and is known for producing cruising and performance sailboats. True North Yachts manufactures Downeast-style powerboats.

The news comes after a period of severe uncertainty for the US sibling boat brands. In May 2025, Catalina Yachts and True North Yachts were acquired by Michael Reardon, founder and chief executive of Daedalus Yachts. In October 2025, Catalina Yachts paused production amid ‘financial challenges’. Later that month, a Florida court evicted Reardon from its manufacturing plant in Largo.

The closure left the workforce abruptly unemployed. In February 2026, Reardon’s holding company was found guilty of wage theft, with a Florida Superior Court judge entering a $1m default judgment against Reardon for the failed asset purchase.

To recover financial losses resulting from the default, the Butler family announced the total liquidation of the factory’s contents in May 2026. On 9 June 2026, the brand’s remaining physical assets, manufacturing tooling and unfinished hulls were sold piecemeal at a public auction.

Production of Catalina Yachts to restart

C & T Composites, based in Largo, Florida, says production will remain in the state as part of its continuation of Catalina Yachts’ manufacturing heritage. The firm says this announcement has been timed to coincide with the United States‘ 250th anniversary of independence.

C & T Composites will be led by CEO Patrick Turner, alongside member John Chen, who has experience in multihull development, and board member Hiten Sonpal, associated with iRobot and Rice Robotics, whose input is described as relevant to strategic growth and profitability.

Former designers and engineers are expected to return to contribute to design and development work. The company says this will support continuity with existing Catalina and True North designs while also introducing updated products for current market conditions.

Alongside the established brands, C & T Composites will launch Xplor Yachts, positioned as an adventure boat brand focused on performance, versatility, comfort and US manufacturing.

“We are honoured to have the opportunity to carry these brands forward,” says Patrick Turner, CEO of C & T Composites. “Catalina and True North have earned tremendous respect over many years, and our goal is to preserve that legacy while bringing back experienced people who know these boats, adding new talent and building the next generation of Catalina and True North boats right here in America. John and I also see a strong opportunity to create a new adventure boat brand, which reflects where the market is headed.”

Rick Dieterich of Massey Yacht Sales, an authorised Massey Yacht Sales dealer, adds: “We are very encouraged to see Catalina Yachts moving forward under the leadership of C & T Composites. Catalina has always had a loyal owner base and a strong reputation for practical, well-built sailboats. As America celebrates 250 years, it is exciting to see an American-built brand like Catalina entering a new chapter.”

C & T Composites, LLC plans to reconnect with dealers, owners, vendors and industry partners as operations resume. Further updates on production schedules, model plans, the adventure boat programme, dealer arrangements, staffing and customer support initiatives are expected in the coming months.