Some are born on a factory floor, surrounded by fresh fiberglass, new tools, and the smell of a dream taking shape. Others carry a longer voyage behind them. They carry the memories of families learning to sail, fishermen finding their favorite coves, and cruisers chasing horizons simply because the horizon was there.
Catalina Yachts is one of those names.
For decades, Catalina has been more than a boatbuilder. It has been an introduction to the water for thousands of sailors who discovered that life looks a little different when viewed from the helm. Children learned the language of wind and waves aboard Catalinas. Couples crossed bays and coastlines. Families built the kind of memories that don’t fit neatly into a photo album because they live in the salt air, the sunsets, and the stories told long after the anchor comes up.
True North Yachts built its own following with the same spirit: practical, capable boats designed for people who wanted to spend more time enjoying the water and less time worrying about whether their boat could handle the adventure ahead.
Now, those stories are getting another chapter.
C & T Composites, LLC is proud to announce the return of manufacturing for Catalina Yachts and True North Yachts, beginning a new era focused on American craftsmanship, modern innovation, and a renewed commitment to boaters everywhere.
But this isn’t simply a return trip.
It’s a new voyage.
Along with continuing the legacy of Catalina and True North, C & T Composites has announced plans for new models and the creation of an entirely new American-built adventure boat brand: Xplor Yachts. Designed for today’s active boaters, Xplor will focus on versatility, exploration, comfort, and the simple idea that a boat should be a passport to experiences.
The timing couldn’t be more fitting.
As America prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence this Fourth of July, C & T Composites is celebrating a different kind of independence: the return of American boatbuilding to full sail in Largo, Florida.
This is about more than restarting production lines.
It is about bringing together the knowledge of experienced craftsmen, welcoming a new generation of builders and engineers, and protecting the skills and traditions that have shaped some of America’s most respected boats.
The factory remains in Largo, Florida, where Catalina established its reputation for quality American-built boats over many years. Keeping production close to home means keeping experienced hands involved, the same hands that have shaped countless hulls, laid fiberglass, solved problems, and turned designs into boats that have carried owners through every kind of adventure.
At the helm of this new chapter is Patrick Turner, Chief development and advanced composite manufacturing brings fresh technical expertise to the organization.
Strategic guidance will also come from Board Member Hiten Sonpal, whose leadership experience with technology companies including iRobot and Rice Robotics brings valuable perspective on innovation, operational excellence, and long-term growth.
Together, the leadership team shares a straightforward philosophy:
Respect the legacy. Improve the future. Build boats people want to own.
That philosophy reaches far beyond the boardroom.
Former Catalina designers, engineers, and experienced team members are returning to help guide future product development, bringing with them decades of knowledge about what made these brands successful in the first place.
Their experience will combine with modern engineering, improved manufacturing techniques, and new ideas to create the next generation of Catalina and True North boats.
The mission is not to simply rebuild yesterday.
It is to take everything learned from yesterday and use it to build tomorrow.
While Catalina and True North represent proud chapters of American boating history, C & T Composites is also looking ahead with the introduction of Xplor Yachts.
Xplor is being created for boaters who see the water as a place of possibility. The weekend explorers. The coastal adventurers. The families who want to fish in the morning, chase sunsets in the evening, and discover the places that can only be reached by boat.
Whether it’s a hidden anchorage, a favorite fishing spot, a day of watersports, or a spontaneous weekend escape, Xplor Yachts will focus on practical design, comfort, performance, and durable American craftsmanship.
“Catalina and True North have earned the respect of generations of boaters,” said Patrick Turner, CEO of C & T Composites. “Those reputations were built through decades of hard work, thoughtful design, and a commitment to owners. Our responsibility is to protect what people love about these brands while bringing in new technology, modern construction methods, and fresh ideas that will keep them strong for years to come.
“At the same time, John and I believe there is an opportunity for a new generation of American-built adventure boats. Xplor Yachts represents that opportunity by combining innovation, versatility, and craftsmanship into boats designed for how people enjoy the water today.”
The announcement has already created excitement throughout the marine community.
“We’re excited to see Catalina moving forward under the leadership of C & T Composites,” said Rick Dieterich of Massey Yacht Sales, an authorized Catalina dealer. “Catalina has always had an incredibly loyal owner community because people trust both the boats and the company behind them. Seeing production continue in America while investing in the future of the brand is encouraging for dealers, owners, and the entire boating industry.”
Over the coming months, C & T Composites will reconnect with Catalina and True North dealers, suppliers, service partners, and owner communities throughout North America as production moves forward.
Future announcements will include manufacturing schedules, upcoming models, dealer opportunities, customer support programs, employment opportunities, and continued development of the Xplor Yachts lineup.
For Catalina owners whose boats are still chasing tides today, this announcement means more than a factory reopening.
It means confidence.
It means support.
It means knowing that a brand that helped generations discover the water has another voyage ahead.
And for American boatbuilding, the message is clear:
The ship isn’t gone.
The compass is set.
The next adventure has begun.
