Merit Marine Inc.

Merit Marine Inc. was a small American sailboat manufacturer based in Monterey, California, active from 1981 to 1988, specializing in lightweight, trailerable fiberglass sailboats designed by Paul Yates for club racing and coastal cruising. Renowned for the Merit 25, a high-performance racer-cruiser that dominated MORC (Midget Ocean Racing Club) events, the company also produced the Merit 23, a smaller variant with fin keel or centerboard options. Emphasizing agility, affordability, and ease of transport, Merit boats featured sleek hulls, responsive rigs, and simple interiors, appealing to novice racers and weekend sailors. With an estimated 800–1,000 boats built, primarily the Merit 25 (~780 units), Merit Marine capitalized on the 1980s sailing boom but closed during the economic downturn, leaving a legacy of competitive, budget-friendly designs.