Hunter Marine (USA)

Hunter Marine (now Marlow-Hunter) is an iconic American sailboat manufacturer founded in 1973 by Warren Luhrs in Alachua, Florida, renowned for producing affordable, innovative, and family-friendly cruising sailboats that prioritize volume, ease of use, and performance. Starting with the Hunter 25, the company grew rapidly in the 1980s–2000s by challenging European builders (like Beneteau and Jeanneau) with high-beam designs, B&R rigs (backstayless with swept spreaders), and features like the arch-mounted traveler—all aimed at shorthanded sailing and spacious interiors. Acquired by David Marlow in 2012 after bankruptcy, it rebranded as Marlow-Hunter and refocused on premium quality with modern construction (vacuum infusion, Kevlar reinforcement). Over 100,000 hulls built across 50+ models from 15 to 50 feet, Hunter redefined the entry-to-mid-level cruising market, blending value, comfort, and speed in a way that made bluewater-capable boats accessible to weekend sailors and liveaboards alike.