Malibu Boats, Inc. has been named a finalist in the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee contest, recognizing the company's manufacturing excellence in the state. The competition, hosted annually by the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry, highlights innovation and production quality among Tennessee-based manufacturers. Public voting is now open, allowing supporters to cast one vote per day through Wednesday, July 29, at 8 p.m. CT.

Steve Menneto, Chief Executive Officer of Malibu Boats, Inc., emphasized the significance of the recognition. "We're honored to be recognized among Tennessee's most innovative manufacturers," said Menneto. "For more than four decades, our team in Loudon has built world-class boats known for their performance, quality and craftsmanship. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our employees and the manufacturing excellence that drives everything we do."

The company, headquartered in Loudon, Tennessee, designs and manufactures a diverse range of recreational powerboats. Its portfolio includes performance sport boats under the Malibu and Axis brands, sterndrive boats through Cobalt, and saltwater fishing boats via Pursuit, Cobia, Pathfinder, Maverick, and Hewes. The Saxdor brand represents its presence in the premium adventure dayboat market.

Voting Details

Supporters can participate in the public voting phase, which concludes on July 29. The process is free, and individuals may submit one vote per day. The following table outlines the key voting parameters:

The Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee contest aims to engage the public in celebrating the state's industrial achievements. Malibu Boats' nomination underscores its role as a market leader in various segments of the recreational boating industry.

Generational Group, a mergers and acquisitions advisory firm for privately held businesses, has announced the successful sale of Crownline Boats to Whisper Marine, LLC, a portfolio company of Whisper USA, LLC. The acquisition closed June 26, 2026, marking a significant consolidation in the American recreational boating industry.

About the Companies Involved

The following table provides a snapshot of the key entities in this transaction:

Crownline Boats: A Legacy American Manufacturer

Headquartered in West Frankfort, Illinois, Crownline Boats is one of America's established manufacturers of sport, deck, and cruiser boats, having delivered more than 90,000 boats to dealers and customers worldwide. Since its founding, the company has built a reputation for innovative design, exceptional craftsmanship, and premium performance, offering a diverse lineup of recreational boats. Crownline is supported by an extensive dealer network and serves boating enthusiasts across North America and international markets.

Whisper Marine and Whisper USA: The Acquirer

Based in Johnson City, Tennessee, Whisper Marine, LLC is the marine division of Whisper USA, LLC and is focused on building a portfolio of premium American-made recreational boating brands. Through its Whisper Pontoons brand, the company designs and manufactures pontoon boats. With the addition of Crownline Boats, Whisper Marine now serves multiple segments of the recreational boating market.

Whisper USA, LLC is an American manufacturer of premium outdoor lifestyle products. Through its consumer-facing Whisper Outdoor brand, the company offers a broad portfolio of products including:

• Hot tubs
• Swim spas
• Cold plunges
• Golf carts
• Utility terrain vehicles
• Boats

Whisper USA maintains manufacturing operations across Tennessee, Michigan, and Illinois.

Deal Team and Advisory

The transaction was led by Generational Group's Executive Managing Director, M&A, Central Region, Michael Goss, and his team, including Managing Director, M&A, Jon LePage. Senior Managing Director Terry Stidham and Senior M&A Advisor Bryce Gray established the initial relationship with Crownline Boats.

Key Voices on the Transaction

Dave Hatley, CEO of Whisper USA, commented in a news release: "Crownline is one of the most respected names in American boatbuilding, and we are excited to carry it forward. The team in West Frankfort has built something special over 35 years, and we plan to invest in its continued growth as Whisper Marine adds sport, deck, and cruiser boats to its portfolio."

Kevin Riem, VP and General Manager of Crownline, added: "This announcement marks a point in time in which we are pivoting from 'defense to offense' in the market, as we look towards a bright new future. Whisper Marine brings with it a commitment to manufacturing excellence, advanced innovation, and expanded digital marketing expertise."

Ryan Binkley, CEO of Generational Group, stated: "We are proud to have helped bring these organizations together. Their complementary strengths, shared values, and long-term vision make this a natural strategic fit."

About Generational Group

Generational Group is headquartered in Dallas, TX, and operates as a full-service M&A advisory firm with over 350 professionals across 17 offices in North America. The firm has successfully closed over 1,800 transactions and has ranked #1 or #2 in all LSEG league tables for deals valued between $25 million and $1 billion in 2024 and 2025. Celebrating its 21st year, the firm was named 2025 USA Investment Banking Firm of the Year by the Global M&A Network and recognized as Investment Banking Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor in both 2024 and 2025.