Make America Build Again: The U.S. Yacht Brands Leading The Charge
Viking and the sportfish crowd may dominate the American boatbuilding conversation, but they’re far from the whole story.
If you've been keeping up with my recent ramblings on the ripple effects of tariffs in the boating world, you already know this: Americans import more yachts than any other country on the planet. What might surprise you—if you’ve skipped a few weeks—is that we also rank second in exporting recreational boats. That’s right. Only the Italians beat us when it comes to consumer interest.
So let’s give credit where it’s due. The U.S. is still a major force in boatbuilding, and with trade tensions permanently stuck in bureaucratic limbo, buying American isn’t just patriotic, its practical. Below, I’ve rounded up some of the more notable U.S.-based builders, from household names to hidden gems. Whether you’re eyeing a 40’ speeders or a 40m super yacht, every name on this list shares one thing in common: no import fees, no freight delays, and no customs red tape.
CLASSICS
I’m not a huge fan of the outboards, but I’m sure they listened to their ultra-premium clientele on that one.
Hinckley Yachts – Maine
Arguably the most tenured and recognized name in classic American yachting, Hinckley builds in multiple locations across Maine, where it launched its first boat back in 1933. Beyond its iconic lobster-boat look, Hinckley is known for offering a lifetime hull guarantee, a unique flex in today’s market. They stuck to jet drives for years until the outboard crowd got loud enough, and in 2018, Hinckley gave the people what they wanted: their first outboard-powered hull.
Hodgdon tenders are built fully custom for the world’s leading superyachts, both foreign and domestic.
Hodgdon Yachts – Maine
Founded in 1816, Hodgdon is the oldest continuously operating boatbuilder in the U.S. Based in East Boothbay, Maine, Hodgdon has evolved from wooden schooners to some of the most high-tech carbon fiber tenders in the world. It was on a Hodgdon in 2022 that I first saw a hydraulically raising roof, only to see it next on a brand new Bronson 64 at the Dusselsorf boat show in 2025.
Their limo tenders are often spotted shuttling guests off $100M+ yachts, and yes, they’re still building everything in the U.S., from concept to custom.
SUPERYACHTS
The new Westport W172 meets the needs of an American client seeking European flare.
Westport – Washington State
A heavyweight in the semi-custom game, Westport builds big, builds fast, and builds smart. Their lineup spans from 112 to 172 feet, all constructed under one roof in Washington. Known for composite hulls and streamlined production, Westport may be the closest thing we Americans have to Sanlorenzo, with a lineup of modernized yachts (like the 172 seen above) to start chipping away at international demand.
Trinity’s La Dea II is currently for sale at $15,900,000.
Trinity Yachts – Gulf Coast
Trinity made its name by throwing elbows with the Europeans in the full-custom superyacht space. Built in New Orleans and later Gulfport, MS, their aluminum builds are big, bold, and exclusively American. Activity at the yard has been hit or miss lately, but their legacy looms large, and market activity is still there. Trinity’s 50m Tsumat sold earlier this year after having its price dropped to $9,000,000, and the brand is still seen strongly throughout the charter market.
The new Burger 180’ concept
Burger – Wisconsin
A Midwest institution since 1863, Burger Yachts is based in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and specializes in fully custom aluminum yachts with classic lines. Every detail is built in-house, from the hull to the cabinetry, with a level of craftsmanship that matches—and possibly exceeds—that which you find overseas. Burger’s entire fleet is neatly listed here on their website dating back to 1887; a cool walk through time for those with an interest in old school shipbuilding. And the kicker? Burger has developed and recently delivered at least three yachts under 50’.
GO FAST
The carbon hull of this special edition Midnight Express 43 reached speeds over 95 mph.
Midnight Express – Florida
Built in Miami for those who like to ride loud and fast, Midnight Express has become a go-to in the performance center console space. Their designs are aggressive, customizable, and continue to get bigger and bigger. Everything’s done in-house, from the mold to the upholstery. No outsourcing. No surprises. Just raw, American-made speed built in the heart of South Florida. Rarely do you get a builder producing and servicing its boats in its primary market.
Cigarette Racing – Florida
A legend born out of the offshore racing scene in the '70s, Cigarette Racing is Miami through and through. Known for building boats that go 80+ mph while wrapped in diamond-stitched leather, Cigarette mixes muscle with refinement better than just about anyone. A recent sale to private equity expanded the dealer network globally, but production still remains just west of downtown Miami.
MTI (Marine Technology Inc.) – Missouri
MTI may be building from Wentzville, Missouri, but don’t let that fool you. These boats are engineering marvels, designed for outrageous speed and style. Whether it’s a race cat or a 50-footer with six Mercs strapped to the back, MTI builds every boat in-house and over-spec’d. This is the pinnacle of speed and style, in multiple formats.
DOWNRIGHT SURPRISE
The Aviara AV36
Aviara – Florida
Aviara might be a fresh face, but it’s got heavyweight DNA. Backed by Brunswick (Sea Ray & Mercury, to name a few), Aviara launched in 2019 to bring modern styling and minimalism to the dayboat market. At first glance, I would’ve bet Aviara had Italian roots, but no, they are built in Merritt Island, FL. Their lineup remains relatively small—between 28 and 40 feet—yet I see more and more around South Florida now that they are dealt through major dealers.
MAINSTREAM AMERICAN MUSCLE
Just to get ahead of the angry emails, here’s a shoutout to the tried-and-true mainstream American production yards who felt too obvious to list yet deserve a mention:
Viking – Sportfish royalty, made in New Jersey.
Sea Ray – One of the largest American boat brands, with a wide range of cruisers and sport boats.
Chris-Craft – Truly timeless style, still built in Sarasota.
Formula – Midwest performance, various price ranges
Scout, Cobia, Pursuit, EdgeWater, Everglades, Regulator, Tiara – All proudly built in the U.S. and offering solid dayboat or offshore options.
And yes, there are many more. The U.S. boating scene is deeper than most realize, and still producing quality stuff, despite foreign brands owning the narrative between 50-120 feet.
WHAT’S MISSING?
If you know me, you know there is a massive missing piece to this list. All today’s popular day boat brands remain building at their facilities in Italy or Holland or Germany. Pardo, Wajer, Vanquish, Fjord, VanDutch and more have no stake in American production, but will they? I know of one brand already with land built and production processes in place, and that plan was made before the trade war started. Who else will follow?
FINAL THOUGHT
If you're thinking about building a boat but don’t want to get caught up in all this global trade nonsense, consider this: boats built in the U.S. don’t just support American jobs, they also save you from the customs process, delay in international logistics, and of course, whatever tariff will be imposed whenever your new toy crosses into the USA.
To dive into your next boat purchase, and “Plan American”, schedule a call with me on my calendar below.
About the Author
Reed Nicol is a licensed yacht broker with experience in all corners of the marine industry. He’s worked as an executive and sales director in yacht manufacturing and distribution, has structured commercial charter operations, and designed and executed notable refits. Read more about Reed’s marine journey, his love of helping 1st time boaters and his entrepreneurial spirit here.
Reed Nicol [Licensed FL Yacht Broker #11926]
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