THE
STORY
Walter C. Meloon embarked on a remarkable journey in 1925, founding the Florida Variety Boat Company. In those early days, the company’s skilled craftsmen poured their talents into constructing a diverse range of watercraft, from powerboats to race boats and even sailboats. However, it was the allure of powerboats that captivated their attention by 1936.
A radio advertisement sparked a fateful idea in Walter’s mind. “The correct heel for your shoe” inspired him to ponder, “Why not offer the correct craft for you?” And so, the Florida Variety Boat Company transformed into Correct Craft. Despite the hardships of the Great Depression, the company’s spirit remained unyielding, and it continued to flourish.
When the dark cloud of the Second World War loomed over the horizon, the reputation of Correct Craft caught the attention of the United States government. Desperately needing storm boats to support the war effort, the nation turned to this passionate boat manufacturer. Driven by an unwavering sense of patriotism, the Meloon family answered the call of duty. In 1942, they opened a second manufacturing plant in Titusville, Florida, dedicated to fulfilling government contracts.
As the war drew to a close, an extraordinary challenge emerged. General Eisenhower sought the construction of an unprecedented 400 boats in just thirty days. It was a monumental task, surpassing anything Correct Craft had ever faced. But with a combination of prayer and remarkable ingenuity, the company defied the odds. Their innovative production process, dubbed “A Miracle Production” by National Geographic, allowed them to deliver the required number of boats in record time, solidifying their reputation as a reliable and top-quality manufacturer.
The post-war era from the mid-1940s to 1957 saw the recreational boat business flourish. In the 1960s, the marine industry embraced new horizons with the advent of fiberglass. Correct Craft, in collaboration with designer Leo Bentz, seized this opportunity and introduced the revolutionary fiberglass Ski Nautique to the market in 1961.
A groundbreaking ceremony in 1966 heralded a new chapter for Correct Craft, as they established a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Orlando, Florida. Throughout the ’70s and ’80s, they continued to thrive, producing a wide array of boats, including runabouts, cuddy-cabin models, and center console vessels. Their Ski Nautique 2001 and Barefoot Nautique played pivotal roles in towing tournaments worldwide, as towed watersports surged in popularity.
In the 1990s, Correct Craft’s focus shifted from creating minimal wake to generating towering waves behind the boat, catering to the rising demand for kneeboarding and wakeboarding thrills. They ingeniously invented the Flight Control Tower, a patented innovation that added extra height to these extreme sports. Alongside factory-installed ballast tanks, this revolutionized the wakeboard boat market, leading to the creation of the iconic Air Nautique.
Embracing progress, Correct Craft embarked on a new chapter in 2005. Construction commenced for a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Central Florida, spanning an impressive 217,000 square feet. In September of 2006, Correct Craft appointed Bill Yeargin as President and CEO, embarking on a new strategic direction.
Under Bill’s leadership, Correct Craft has experienced remarkable growth, increasing its revenue from $40 million to over $1 billion. Bill’s dedication to people, performance, and philanthropy has strengthened the company’s foundation, aligning with its longstanding principles while forging a forward-looking path to improve lives. Correct Craft has solidified its culture, using a culture pyramid, and expanded through strategic acquisitions and optimizations. The company has firmly established itself as a prominent leader in the marine industry.
Since its inception in 1925, Correct Craft has reigned as the global leader in tournament inboard, freshwater fish and utility, and recreational boats. Their expertise and passion have propelled them to the forefront of the industry. Rooted in a commitment to people, performance, and philanthropy, Correct Craft remains dedicated to expanding their brands and crafting premium products that bring joy and happiness to families around the world.
