Cruisers Yachts was founded in 1953 in Oconto, Wisconsin, on the shores of Green Bay. Since then, we’ve built a legend, with an eye toward utilizing a deep and knowledgeable workforce to produce boats that keep customers safe and happy as they chase adventures worldwide. By now, Cruisers is proud to have 4th generation boatbuilders in its factory, something that very few other companies can claim.
Whether boaters prefer the comfort and livability of the Cantius line, or the heart-thumping excitement of a ride in one of our GLS models, Cruisers Yachts is dedicated to bringing American-made boatbuilding quality to a level that’s never been seen before. That’s why our customers choose Cruisers Yachts time and time again, as they make their own lifelong commitment to the joy of being on the water.
Explore the differences between each series and discover which Cruisers Yachts model is right for you »
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About Cruisers Yachts
In the case of our yachts and your journeys, you're buying a company culture that has uncompromising love of yachts and the people that own them. Welcome to Cruisers Yachts.
The Beginning
In 1904, Thompson Bros. Boat Manufacturing Co. made its first home in the small, northern town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin starting the legacy of a family boat-building business. Always thinking big in terms of the craft and durability they brought to the boat industry, the second generation of Thompson's started building wood lapstrake outboard cabin cruisers in Oconto, Wisconsin in the early 1950s.
The first known Cruisers, Inc. catalog debuted in 1956. Prior to that, the company was building 14' and 16' boats under the Thompson Bros. label. In 1965 wood boats were replaced with fiberglass as the new technology was wreaking havoc with the wood boat business.
Becoming Cruisers Yachts
Cruisers, Inc. was sold to Mirro Aluminum Company of Manitowoc, Wisconsin in 1971. It wasn't until 1979, when Roy Thompson retired, that someone other than a Thompson ran the company.
In 1980 the fiberglass product line of Mirro Marine Division (Cruisers) was sold to T.J. Bogard (the former President of Mirro Marine Division) and T.A. Lisle (formerly of Eaton Corporation).
In the early 1990s K.C. Stock, who was born and raised in the Oconto area, saw the potential for opportunity. In 1993, Stock's KC International Inc. purchased the company and changed the name to Cruisers Yachts.
Developing Our Modern Yacht Lineup
In 2011 the Cantius series was born with the launch of the 48 Cantius. Then in In 2015, Cruisers Yachts unveiled its largest yacht by introducing the 60 Cantius. That following year, they introduced the 60 Fly, 54 Cantius, and 54.
Since then, we've continued to add new models with new innovation each year. The 46 Cantius launched in 2018 as well as the Mercury outboard on the 338. The 38 GLS debuted in 2019, the 42 GLS debuted in 2020, the 34 GLS in 2021 and the the 50 GLS in 2022.
In 2021, due to demand, Cruisers Yachts announced the expansion of their production capacity by purchasing a 216,000 square foot, purpose-built boat manufacturing plant in Pulaski, WI. Such expansion allows Cruisers to more than double its capacity over time. In the same year, MarineMax’s acquisition of Cruisers Yachts ensures it will always have a premium, American built yacht in its product portfolio.
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Introducing an All-New Flybridge Series
Explore more about the upcoming launch of the all-new groundbreaking Flybridge series, a brand-new evolution of our popular Cruisers Cantius series.
OUR CORE BELIEFS
No other boatbuilder in the world can match the level of innovation, seaworthiness, and luxury seen on a Cruisers yacht. Our lineup, which includes models from 34 to 60 feet, has everything a boater could wish for, be it the unmatched comfort and seaworthiness of the Cantius Series or the sizzle and excitement of our GLS Series. Cruisers Yachts does it all.
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Cruisers Yachts embarks on a 56,000 square foot factory expansion
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Cruisers Yachts Expands Into Former Carver/Marquis Wisconsin Facility
Home » Cruisers Yachts Expands Into Former Carver/Marquis Wisconsin Facility
PHOTO COURTESY OF CRUISERS YACHTS
The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Pulaski, Wisconsin, where Carver and Marquis yachts were previously built, was recently purchased by KCS International, Inc., the parent company of Cruisers Yachts.
The addition of the 216,000-square-foot purpose-built manufacturing space on 15 acres will significantly expand Cruisers’ brand and production capacity, while opening up the brand to the nearby highly skilled workforce with generational heritage in yacht construction.
“The opportunity to acquire this world class facility will allow us to meet customer demands and expand our very aggressive new product development schedule,” says Mark Pedersen, president of KCS International. “Our global dealership partners have done an excellent job expanding our market share across our full product line-up. We have experienced unprecedented growth over the past 24 months, and this facility will help us meet our customers’ current and future demands.”
The company anticipates hiring around 150 additional crew members to run the new facility, as well as an additional 75 workers at the existing Oconto, Wisconsin, location.
To learn more, visit cruisersyachts.com .
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We draw from over 70 years of experience to create high-quality, American-made boats that push boundaries when it comes to both substance and style. Regardless of what you want out of your boat, Cruisers Yachts has you covered.
Cruisers Yachts Factory Videos: A Look Inside. If you’ve never experienced the inside of a boat manufacturing plant, there’s usually a lot that happens—especially at Cruisers Yachts factory, where almost every component is fabricated in-house.
Cruisers Yachts was founded in 1953 in Oconto, Wisconsin, on the shores of Green Bay. Since then, we’ve built a legend, with an eye toward utilizing a deep and knowledgeable workforce to produce boats that keep customers safe and happy as they chase adventures worldwide.
Cruisers Yachts is expanding its manufacturing and production capacity by acquiring a nearby facility that formerly built Carver and Marquis yachts.
Today, Cruisers Yachts is a premier brand of modern luxurious American-made yachts ranging in size from 31-60 feet. The brand is recognized by the marine industry for producing affordably priced, well-engineered motor yachts and family cruisers.
Somewhere in the middle of farm country we decide to make a detour to see the newest addition to the Cruiser’s brand: a factory in nearby Pulaski that was formerly the longtime home of Carver Yachts.
Cruisers Yachts is a brand of pleasure boats owned by MarineMax. The company builds boats ranging from 33 feet - 60 feet, and is headquartered in Oconto, Wisconsin. The company was one of the first boat builders to utilize the Volvo Penta IPS propulsion system.
The expansion will introduce two new production lines with the capability to accommodate yachts of up to 75 feet in any style. The Pulaski plant will now boast four production lines, empowering the company to build up to five distinct models.
Cruisers Yachts, a premier manufacturer of luxury yachts, has partnered with Alliance Construction on a 56,000-square-foot expansion to its Pulaski facility with a completion date of January 2024.
The addition of the 216,000-square-foot purpose-built manufacturing space on 15 acres will significantly expand Cruisers’ brand and production capacity, while opening up the brand to the nearby highly skilled workforce with generational heritage in yacht construction.