Since day one, Nautique has been passionate about building the highest quality boats available. 85 years later, that same passion and dedication is still ever present in each and every Nautique. We invite you to discover the true dedication and difference of the manufacturer that has stood the test of time and is still set apart from all the rest.

Here for you today. Here for you tomorrow. That's Nautique.

1924

W.C . Melon moves from Ossipe, New Hampshire to Central Florida with his wife, Marion, and three sons, Walter, Ralph, and Harold, to take advantage of the real estate boom.

1925

W.C. forms the Florida Variety Boat Company in Pine Castle, Florida.

1926

The company is the first to trailer boats on the highway on a national basis rather than by train.

1930

Company renamed to Pine Castle Boat and Construction Company.

1936

W.C. renames the company after hearing a radio advertisement explaining "the correct heel for your shoe." W.C. thought, why not "the correct craft for you?" Thus, the name was changed to Correct Craft.

Correct Craft is the first boat company to use tow pylons.

1942

The company opens a second plant in Titusville, Florida to manufacture boats through government contracts for the war effort. Soon after, large cruisers are added to the production schedule.

1945

During World War II, General Eisenhower requests that the company build approximately 400 boats in fifteen days. While this number is far more boats than the company has ever produced in such a short time period, Correct Craft develops an innovative production process that allows the factory to produce 400 boats in record time. This event, which National Geographic later dubs "A Miracle Production," solidifies the company's reputation as being a reliable, quality boat manufacturer.

1948

Production begins for the first complete mahogany inboards, 19-foot racing runabouts and custom-designed runabouts.

1949

The company's line includes sixteen boats ranging in size from 15' 6" junior utilities to 32' cabin cruisers.

1950

The 14' Atom 25 plywood utility boat sells for $1,095.

1952

Correct Craft is the first to incorporate swim platforms into the boat design.

Prosperity leads the company to begin production of even larger boats such as 50’ yachts.

1955

The Titusville plant is closed.

1956

The company scales back the number of available models. The most popular at this time is the 17' Star-Flite utility boat.

1957

The last true runabout, the Collegian, is produced. Leo Bentz builds the first Ski Nautique in South Florida and offers to sell the design to the company. W.C. wants no part in building fiberglass boats, as he has never seen a "fiberglass tree."

1961

Leo Bentz returns to the Central Florida-based boat builder and once again offers to sell the Ski Nautique mold and brand name in return for a free boat and required maintenance for three years. The company accepts the offer and begins production. Retail cost: $4,500 (including the trailer).

This world-renowned boat manufacturer is the first to integrate tracking fins into its boat designs.

1966

Ground breaking ceremony is held for the new manufacturing facility in Orlando, FL.

1975

The company begins its relationship with the Masters Waterski Tournament.

1977

The manufacturer of Nautique establishes its first ski team, Team Nautique.

1979

The Barefoot Nautique is introduced.

1981

Nautique unveils the Ski Nautique 2001 and receives rave reviews.

1983

The Bass Nautique 2018 is introduced.

1986

Nautique celebrates its 25th anniversary of the Ski Nautique with a limited production of Silver Nautiques.

1989

Nautique introduces a ski boat with a stepped chine, spray relief pockets and variable planning hull.

1990

Nautique alters the Ski Nautique deck which features a sloping transom and the widest beam of any tournament inboard in history.

1993

A limited edition boat, the Paragon, is offered. This collector's edition features the latest technology and classic styling.

1997

An innovative hull design, Total Surface Control, is debuted on the Ski Nautique.

The first wakeboard specific boat is introduced. The Air Nautique offers a Flight Control Tower® and internal ballast tanks as standard features for big air.

1999

Nautique introduces the Total Wake Control (TWC^TM) which changes the face of wakeboarding yet again.

2000

The innovation continues with the introduction of the Smart Pod 2000, the most technologically advanced dash pod available.

2001

Nautique offers 40th Anniversary special edition Ski Nautique featuring a special color combination and unique graphics.

2002

Nautique redefines its already innovative hull design, Total Surface Control, with the introduction of the Total Surface Control 2 (TWC2^TM).

2004

Nautique delivers the first true "crossover" boat to the recreational boat market. Nautique's innovative SPORTSHIFT^TM, located next to the throttle, makes the Sport Nautique SV-211 truly versatile by creating designer wakes. With one easy shift, the driver can engage the Hydro-Gate^TM, which builds pressure and lift for a completely new wake experience.

2005

Nautique celebrates 80 years of unparalleled quality and innovation in the marine industry.

Construction for Nautique's new manufacturing plant, located on the outskirts of Central Florida, begins on a 217,000 square-foot facility.

2006

Nautique finds a way to customize the wake, providing ramp style and vert style wakes, both behind the same boat using the Hydro-Gate^TM with SPORTSHIFT^TM.

Leading in innovation and design, Nautique once again revolutionizes competitive 3-event skiing with the introduction of Total Surface Control (TSC3^TM).

2008

Nautique introduces the most advanced and high-tech speed control system in the industry. It is called Zero-Off, a GPS-based system that maintains preset speeds with incredible accuracy and is only available on the Nautique boat line.

2009

Nautique introduces advanced new saltwater capable package, the Coastal Edition.

Nautique presents the perfect blend of sleek styling and versatile performance, the all-new Crossover Nautique 226.

The golden anniversary of the Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament occurs at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA, which was a huge success by all accounts.

Nautique celebrates the 200,000th boat manufactured by the company.

2010

Nautique revolutionizes the skiing industry once again with the introduction of the innovative Ski Nautique 200, available in open or closed bow.

Nautique celebrates 85 years as a world-renowned manufacturer that has developed a strong reputation for building the highest quality product and delivering unmatched care to each and every customer.