An exceptional opportunity to acquire one of only three US manufacturers of commercial sub-26-foot towboats and tugboats; a Florida-based business with 30+ years of operation and a dominant reputation for quality in a high-barrier specialty niche. The company builds custom, all-steel workboats to order for dock builders, marina operators, dredge and bridge contractors, and salvage companies across the US, Canada, and international markets.
The business runs with minimal owner involvement. A seasoned team of 13, the majority with 10+ years of tenure, manages all operations, making this an ideal turnkey acquisition for an operator, investor, or strategic buyer.
Investment Highlights
- Niche Market Leadership: The company is one of only three manufacturers of sub-26-foot commercial towboats in the US, a segment defined by high technical barriers and limited new entrants. The business is widely regarded as the quality leader in the space, commanding premium pricing and strong customer loyalty.
- Consistent Revenue Growth: Revenue has grown from $2.6M in 2023 to $3.7M in 2024 and $3.9M in 2025, representing a three-year compound annual growth rate of approximately 24%. Adjusted EBITDA of $1,051,545 reflects a margin of approximately 27%, exceptional for a custom manufacturing business.
- Self-Sustaining Operations: The business runs independently of its owner. Thirteen employees, eight of whom have over 10 years of tenure, manage all manufacturing, sales, and administrative functions. The company is operationally sound and requires no transition of key client relationships from the seller.
- No License Required to Operate: Boats under 26 feet do not require a captain’s license for commercial operation, dramatically broadening the addressable buyer pool relative to larger vessel classes. This structural feature drives consistent demand across a wide range of commercial end users.
- Loyal, Diversified Customer Base: The company serves a broad base of commercial customers across the US and Canada, including repeat buyers who purchase multiple vessels per year. Long-tenured customer relationships provide meaningful revenue visibility and reduce dependence on new customer acquisition.
- Purpose-Built Facility, Purchase or Leaseback Available: The company operates from two purpose-built, company-owned buildings totaling 12,500 sq. ft. in Florida, with a combined estimated market value of $1,775,000 (TBC). Real estate is not included in the asking price but is available for separate purchase or long-term leaseback at market terms (currently ~$144,000/year).
Products & Services
The company manufactures custom commercial towboats and tugboats, primarily in the sub-26-foot class, using all-steel hull construction and commercial-grade marine diesel power plants. Each vessel is built to the buyer’s specifications, including hull configuration, engine rating, wheelhouse design, and deck outfitting.
Products are designed for sustained commercial use in rivers, bays, coastal waterways, and marina environments. The company’s boats are deployed across a wide range of applications, including dock construction, harbor management, barge maneuvering, bridge building, dredging support, and salvage operations.
Operations & Facilities
All boats are built to order at the Florida facility, equipped with overhead cranes, dedicated welding bays, and purpose-built bay doors. Production runs from engineering spec through steel procurement, hull fabrication, engine installation, quality inspection, and delivery, typically 8 weeks. Established supplier relationships ensure consistent material availability and pricing.
Listing Details
Reason For Sale: The founders are retiring after 30+ years of building the business together. The business is healthy, profitable, and ready for its next chapter under new ownership.
Training & Support: The business operates independently of its owners, with no key customer relationships residing with the seller. The experienced team ensures continuity post-close. Seller transition support is available and negotiable.
Additional Information
Competition:
One of only three manufacturers in the segment nationally, the company competes on quality, delivery reliability, and customization, not price. Customer relationships are long-standing and built on performance, providing a durable competitive moat that is difficult to replicate.
Potential Growth:
- Expanded digital marketing and paid search to increase inbound lead volume beyond current organic and print channels
- International market development through targeted dealer or distributor partnerships
- Capacity expansion through additional hires or a second production shift to increase throughput with limited capital investment
- Product line extension into adjacent vessel types or accessories, leveraging existing fabrication capabilities
- Strategic channel partnerships with marina groups, dock builders, or marine equipment dealers to establish a recurring distribution network
