Generational Group Advises Crownline Boats in its Sale to Whisper Marine, LLC, a Portfolio Company of Whisper USA, LLC

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Generational Group, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisory firm for privately held businesses, is pleased to announce the sale of Crownline Boats to Whisper Marine, LLC, a portfolio company of Whisper USA, LLC. The acquisition closed June 26, 2026.

Headquartered in West Frankfort, Illinois, Crownline Boats is one of America's most 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 that blend luxury, comfort, and reliability. Crownline's commitment to engineering excellence and customer satisfaction has earned the trust of boating enthusiasts across North America and international markets alike. The company continually invests in advanced manufacturing techniques and product innovation to meet the evolving needs of today's boaters while maintaining the quality and attention to detail that define the Crownline brand. Supported by an extensive dealer network, Crownline remains dedicated to creating memorable on-the-water experiences for families and recreational boaters around the world.

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 high-quality pontoon boats that combine innovative engineering, modern styling, and exceptional on-the-water performance. With the addition of the Crownline Boats brand, Whisper Marine now serves multiple segments of the recreational boating market, reflecting its long-term strategy to grow a family of trusted marine brands while investing in American manufacturing, product innovation, and dealer relationships.

Located in Johnson City, Tennessee, 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, and boats. With manufacturing operations across Tennessee, Michigan, and Illinois, Whisper USA is committed to American craftsmanship, continuous innovation, and delivering high-quality products that enhance outdoor recreation. The company continues to expand its portfolio through strategic acquisitions while remaining focused on supporting domestic manufacturing and creating exceptional customer experiences.

Generational Group Executive Managing Director, M&A, Central Region – Michael Goss, and his team led by Managing Director, M&A, Jon LePage successfully closed the deal. Senior Managing Director, Terry Stidham and Senior M&A Advisor, Bryce Gray established the initial relationship with Crownline Boats.

“Crownline is one of the most respected names in American boatbuilding, and we are excited to carry it forward,” said Dave Hatley, CEO of Whisper USA, in a news release. “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.”

“These discussions have been ongoing for some time, but the time is now right to take the next step into our future,” added Kevin Riem, VP and General Manager of Crownline. “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, all of which everyone on our team will benefit from. Our entire Crownline team is embracing this next chapter, and we will remain here to help in every way we can. We would like everyone to know how strongly we feel that this is a “good thing” for everyone involved with the Crownline brand!”

Ryan Binkley, CEO of Generational Group, added, “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. We are confident this partnership will create new opportunities for growth while delivering lasting value to customers, employees, and stakeholders.”

About Generational Group

Generational Group, headquartered in Dallas, TX, is a leading, award winning full-service M&A advisory firm. Generational has over 350 professionals across 17 offices in North America. The firm empowers business owners to unlock the full value of their companies through a comprehensive suite of services—including M&A advisory, exit planning education, business valuation, strategic growth advisory, wealth advisory, and digital solutions.

Celebrating its 21^st year, Generational 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.

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 2024 and 2025.