Edenton Boatworks LLC, a newly formed company of Murphy Alternative Investments, acquired the offshore sportfishing boat builders Albemarle Boats and Carolina Classic Boats.
Scott McLaughlin, former owner of the companies, acquired Albemarle Boats in 2008 and Carolina Classic Boats in 2011. McLaughlin merged the brands under one umbrella to become what the company said is the premier builder of sportfishing boats ranging in size from 24 to 41 feet and sustained the businesses through the Great Recession.
The new plan is to grow Albemarle and Carolina Classic as brands with a renewed emphasis on product development, customer experience and dealer support, the company said. The boatbuilders and employees, who have an average tenure of 14 years, will stay in place.
Keith and Wade Privott, sons of Carolina Classic founder Mac Privott, also will remain. Burch Perry, grandson of Albemarle founder Scott Harrell, will remain general manager and oversee both brands and business operations. Edenton Boatworks is based in Edenton, N.C.
“We are proud to be part of the heritage of these two great boat companies. We look forward to continuing to build quality boats and serving the many Albemarle and Carolina Classic owners and dealers,” Edenton Boatworks president Dell Murphy said in a statement. “This is the beginning of many new things to come for both brands.”
The companies have dealer locations throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia.
