Boater’s World Manufacturing Group Plans Chocowinity, North Carolina, Manufacturing Operations

Area Development News Desk

08/29/2026

Boat manufacturer Boater’s World Manufacturing Group plans to establish operations in Chocowinity, North Carolina. The more than $6 million project is expected to create 179 jobs in Beaufort County.

The company's new 212,000-square-foot waterfront manufacturing facility along the Pamlico River will serve as its flagship production site.

“Our growth over the last 27 years has always been driven by a simple focus on doing right by our customers, and building boats of our own has always been one of our goals to better serve the marine community,” said Outdoor Network CEO Martin Polo. “Taking the helm as a manufacturer of the NauticStar marine line allows us to combine decades of marine retail experience with genuine craft building. We are grateful for North Carolina’s partnership and excited to make Beaufort County our manufacturing home.”

To support the project, a performance-based grant of $375,000 from the One North Carolina Fund was approved for the company. Boater’s World Manufacturing Group must invest at least $1.3 million to receive the grant, which also requires matching participation from local government.

“This announcement reflects the confidence employers have in our state’s strong business climate,” noted North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “With a skilled and talented boatbuilding workforce, efficient waterfront access, and robust regional marine supply chain, the Town of Chocowinity has the right components to support and grow our $17 billion outdoor recreation economy.”

In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), other partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions, the North Carolina Community College System, Beaufort County Community College, Beaufort County, and the Town of Chocowinity.

“Boatbuilding has a long and proud history in Beaufort County, shaped by our location along the Pamlico River, Pamlico Sound, and the coastal waters of eastern North Carolina,” added Beaufort County Director of Economic Development Susan Squires. “Generations of skilled craftsmen have built and repaired vessels here, and that tradition has evolved into a diverse marine manufacturing industry that continues to be an important part of our economy and identity.”

Boater’s World Manufacturing Group is the boat manufacturing division of Outdoor Network, a recreational marine and powersports company.

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