Six of the most prominent brands in the heavy-gauge welded aluminum boat industry now share one owner.  A strategic investment by Byron Bolton, current owner of WestWinn Group, manufacturers of KingFisher, KingFisher Multi-species, Harbercraft and Jetcraft boats, has completed a private stock purchase of Renaissance Marine Group, Inc., manufacturers of Duckworth, Weldcraft and Northwest Boat brands from current owners Dan Larson and Jim Moore. The Bolton family completed the transaction through a newly formed entity, RMG Holdings Company, of Seattle, Washington.
 
WestWinn Group and Renaissance Marine Group will continue to operate independently and maintain the continuity of the existing management teams, physical factories, highly skilled work forces and independent dealer networks. According to new owner and CEO of Renaissance Marine Group, Byron Bolton, “the combination of talented personnel, manufacturing technology, and broad dealer networks will enable both companies to realize their growth by competing even more effectively against larger segments and geographical markets of the marine industry.”
 
The investment by Bolton creates the strongest heavy-gauge welded aluminum family in North America, with nearly 100 dealers in 5 countries. Renaissance and WestWinn brands remain committed to executing their business through independent marine dealers. This growing network of dealers will continue to benefit directly from the strong marketing programs and customer service support provided by both manufacturers. The integrity of the brands is further enhanced by a “no factory-direct sales” policy.
 
Improved purchasing power coupled with production efficiencies stand to broaden the range of products and provide boat buyers with unparalleled values. Research and development efforts in next-generation marine technology solutions will remain steadfast.
 
“This is a move that provides employees, dealers and boat buyers more opportunities in the future,” said new owner, Byron Bolton. “Both WestWinn and Renaissance Marine Group have led the industry in recovering from the marine recession of the past 5 years. We’re stronger now than ever before. Strong enough, in fact, to compete in local, national and international markets previously considered untouchable.”
 
Dan Larson will remain active as a senior advisor to both companies. Jim Moore is fully retired. Jerry Wooley will remain at his position as President and COO of Renaissance Marine Group, Inc. All existing sales, service, and support contacts will remain unchanged.

Photo: Byron Bolton announcing the acquisition of Renaissance Marine Group, Inc., manufacturers of Duckworth, Weldcraft and Northwest Boat brands.