Outdoor Network acquires NauticStar and plans North Carolina production facility

Outdoor Network has acquired NauticStar Boats through its manufacturing division, Boater’s World Manufacturing Group (BWMG), and is setting up a production facility in Chocowinity, North Carolina.

The deal takes Outdoor Network into boat manufacturing. BWMG will manufacture NauticStar’s boats and oversee development of the range.

The 212,000-square-foot waterfront facility on the Pamlico River will produce NauticStar’s bay, hybrid, deck and offshore centre-console boats. The project is expected to create 179 skilled manufacturing jobs.

BWMG is investing more than $6m initially. The company says it is allocating further funding to upgrade the facility and modernise equipment, with plans to increase production capabilities and support future growth.

“When we started Outdoor Network in 1999 with a single dealership, we never imagined how far the company would grow,” say Tom and Billye D’Azevedo, co-founders of Outdoor Network. “What hasn’t changed is our commitment to our customers, our employees, and the industries we love. Acquiring NauticStar is particularly exciting because it allows us to take the next step into manufacturing boats of our own. We believe in the NauticStar brand, its heritage, and its potential. Our goal is not simply to bring the brand back, but to build upon its reputation and establish a strong foundation for its long-term success.”

Founded in 1999, Outdoor Network runs marine and powersports businesses serving customers in the US and internationally. It owns Boats.net, an online retailer of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) marine outboard motor parts, and Partzilla.com, which sells OEM powersports parts online.

The company also owns Boater’s World Marine Centres, with six retail locations, and RideZilla, which operates four powersports stores. Its existing operations include parts distribution and logistics.

“Over the past 27 years, Outdoor Network has built a strong reputation by focusing on customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and strategic growth,” says Martin Polo, CEO of Outdoor Network. “The addition of NauticStar is a natural progression for our organisation. By combining boat manufacturing with our existing retail, e-commerce, and distribution operations, we are creating opportunities that benefit our customers, dealers, and business partners. More importantly, we are providing NauticStar with the resources and long-term stability necessary to compete and grow in today’s marine marketplace.”