Jan 14, 2025

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of former Correct Craft CEO and Wakeboarding Hall of Fame member, Walter N. Meloon (Walt) at the age of 87. The grandson of Correct Craft’s founder, Walt served in the family boat business for 52 years. Throughout his tenure, he was instrumental in Correct Craft’s innovation and in establishing the company as a market leader. Walt served as the President and CEO of Correct Craft for 18 years, was the distributor at Southeast Correct Craft, and was at the helm of the company during the development of countless ground-breaking products.

Walt’s legacy was built on his dedication to the ethics and principles established by the Meloon family in 1925 when Correct Craft was founded. Walt stayed true to the Meloon tradition established by his grandfather of “Building boats to the glory of God.”

While President and CEO of Correct Craft, Walt played a part in developing the wakeboard tower, an innovation that would permanently change the watersports industry. In addition, Walt had an integral role in the Ski Nautique Paragon project, which paved the way for the luxury and performance towboats on the market today. Recognized for many advancements during his leadership at Correct Craft, Walt was inducted into the Wakeboarding Hall of Fame in 2020.
Walter was also a renowned figure in his local community of Pine Castle, Florida, where he served as the Captain of the Pine Castle Volunteer Fire Department.

Bill Yeargin, current Correct Craft President and CEO stated, “Not long ago, I had the opportunity to spend an afternoon with Walt at his house and, as I have done many times, thanked him for the foundation he helped lay upon which our team has grown Correct Craft. We deeply appreciate the work Walt did leading our company for many years.”

Yeargin added, “Wakeboarding came of age during Walt’s tenure as President and CEO of Correct Craft. We were happy to see his effort in developing the sport recognized in 2020 by Walt’s induction into the Wakeboarding Hall of Fame. We will forever be grateful for all he did.”