Outdoor Network Adds Boat Plant in Chocowinity
North Carolina boat owners and marine-parts buyers can expect local boatbuilding capacity as the 179-job project comes online.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Auto Parts
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Outdoor Network has acquired NauticStar Boats through its Boater's World Manufacturing Group division, and that division is establishing a new manufacturing operation in Chocowinity, N.C. The move marks Outdoor Network's expansion into boatbuilding, with a more-than-$6 million initial investment starting the Chocowinity site.
Why it matters
For North Carolina households tied to boating and recreation, the buildout brings a new boat manufacturer and parts supply into the state, which can affect local product availability and service options over time. The company says the Chocowinity investment is the start of a larger commitment, so the scale of local production may grow.
Outdoor Network's initial Chocowinity investment exceeds $6 million, with 179 skilled manufacturing jobs projected. Additional capital is earmarked for upgrading the facility, modernizing equipment, and improving production capabilities, though amounts were not disclosed.
The players
Outdoor Network
A diversified marine and powersports company operating the Boater's World Marine Centers, RideZilla powersports outlets, and the Boats.net and Partzilla.com online stores.
NauticStar Boats
A boatbuilder whose operations are now being acquired by Outdoor Network and integrated into its Boater's World Manufacturing Group.
The details
Outdoor Network, a diversified marine and powersports organization that also runs the Boats.net and Partzilla.com e-commerce businesses, announced the NauticStar acquisition through its Boater's World Manufacturing Group division. That division is now establishing the Chocowinity operation, where the investment will go toward upgrading the manufacturing facility, modernizing equipment, and increasing production capability. The acquisition extends Outdoor Network, which operates six Boater's World Marine Centers and four RideZilla powersports outlets, from retail and dealing into building boats itself.
Timeline
1999: Outdoor Network started with a single dealership.
November 3, 2026: Acquisition of NauticStar Boats announced.
The Home Front
The move reflects a broader pattern of recreational-vehicle and boat supply chains consolidating under diversified marine retailers that own both sales channels and manufacturing. For North Carolina, the Chocowinity site adds a boatbuilding footprint to the state's recreational-equipment economy.
If you own a NauticStar boat or buy marine accessories, watch for service and parts availability as the Chocowinity operation ramps up. Keep your purchase paperwork and model information on hand so warranty questions can be routed correctly if ownership or service arrangements change.
The takeaway
The Chocowinity buildout is the first step in a larger commitment, so North Carolina boat owners may see expanding local manufacturing and service over time. Keep your NauticStar model and serial information recorded for any future warranty or parts inquiry.
Further reading
For more on the state's parts and accessories market, see Auto Parts coverage in North Carolina.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Trade Only Today.
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