Bennett acquired by Yamaha Marine

In a statement dated July 18, Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. announced the acquisition of Bennett Marine, Inc., creator of the adjustable trim tab.

The company is known for hydraulic trim tab systems and the recently launched Bolt electric trim tab and AutoTrim Pro systems. With its manufacturing facility and headquarters in Deerfield Beach, Fla., Bennett Marine will become a part of Yamaha’s newly created subsidiary, Yamaha Marine Systems Company, Inc.,

“We’re very excited to become part of the Yamaha Marine family and look forward to continuing the great legacy of producing innovative and high quality boat leveling solutions well into the future.”

“Through the acquisition of Bennett Marine, Yamaha Marine has the capability to further broaden our offerings to boat builders and provide even greater integration of Yamaha marine systems,” said Ben Speciale, President of Yamaha Marine Group.

“Bennett Marine has a long-standing reputation for building durable, reliable trim tab systems that can be found on boats all over the world. The integrity of the Bennett Marine brand aligns well with the Yamaha Marine brand, and we look forward to delivering top quality products together.”

Charles Bennett invented the first adjustable trim tab in 1959, dramatically improving a boat’s performance in an expanded range of conditions. Bennett Marine is the largest manufacturer of durable hydraulic and electric trim tab systems designed for a variety of boat styles and sizes.

Adding Bennett to the Yamaha portfolio allows increased control system integration and the potential for an even better boater experience.

“We’re very excited to become part of the Yamaha Marine family and look forward to continuing the great legacy of producing innovative and high quality boat leveling solutions well into the future,” said Charles Sweet, CEO Bennett Marine, Inc. “We believe this acquisition will enable us to innovate and expand at a pace unparalleled in the industry.”

“Yamaha Marine is a premium brand, just like Bennett Marine,” said Paul Ness, Bennett Marine General Manager. “Both companies value product integrity and reliability, and I know that by working together, we can continue to deliver marine systems that keep customers happy on the water.”

YMSC, Inc., last month acquired the assets of Milwaukee-based Kracor, Inc., a rotational molding manufacturer, which produces fuel tanks and other plastic products.

Yamaha Marine Group, based in Kennesaw, Ga., markets marine outboard motors ranging in size from 2.5 to 350 horsepower. Yamaha Marine Group is a division of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., based in Cypress, Calif.

Yamaha Marine products are marketed throughout the United States and around the world. Yamaha Marine Group, based in Kennesaw, Ga., supports its 2,000 U.S. dealers and OEM partners with marketing, service, training and parts for Yamaha’s full line of products and strives to be the industry leader in reliability, technology and customer service. Yamaha Marine is the only outboard brand to have earned NMMA®’s C.S.I. Customer Satisfaction Index award every year since its inception. Visit www.yamahaoutboards.com.

In a short statement,  Chuck Sweet, CEO of Bennett Marine, Inc. said: “It is our great pleasure to announce the acquisition of Bennett Marine, Inc., by Yamaha Marine Systems Company, Inc. (YMSC), a subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. Effective immediately, Bennett Marine, Inc., will become a part of the Yamaha Marine Group family. It will continue to operate at the same location, with the employees you have come to know under the Bennett Marine name.

“Paul Ness has been named General Manager of Bennett Marine. Under his leadership and with the direction of Yamaha Marine, we plan to continue to deliver high quality trim tab systems to all of our customers. Customer accounts will remain in the capable hands of our Bennett Marine team, with all orders continuing to be fulfilled in a timely manner. Pertaining to our distributors and suppliers, members of our capable Bennett Marine team will continue to work directly with you, as in the past. Please rest assured that we have no plan to change our current distribution system or change the relationships we have with any distributors or suppliers.

“Through our new affiliation with Yamaha, we believe we can further enhance our services. We believe that together, we can take Bennett Marine to the next level, and we look forward to a promising future. Bennett and Yamaha working together will allow increased control system integration and the potential for an even better boater experience.

“We are available to answer any questions you may have, and hope you share in our excitement. As always, we appreciate your business and loyalty.”