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Production suspended and reorganization announced
In a press release issued on October 13, 2025, Patrick Turner, president of the Catalina Yachts shipyard, confirmed the temporary suspension of production at the Largo, Florida site. The company cites a desire to "reorganize key areas of its operations" and assumes this pause as a "responsible" management choice in the face of "short-term financial difficulties".
The shipyard claims to be maintaining all outstanding orders, and promises delivery once production has resumed. The distribution network and after-sales services remain operational.
Official communication masks a deep social crisis
In parallel with this public announcement, several testimonials published on social networks by current or recently dismissed employees point to a more critical internal situation. According to these messages, salaries have not been paid for over five weeks, health insurance has been suspended, and work on the site has virtually come to a standstill for several months, due to a lack of materials and supplies.
Some employees speak of a climate of silence on the part of management, and denounce the absence of concrete information about the future. According to these testimonies, some of the staff have recently been made redundant, with no prospect of a takeover or compensation in the short term.
A recent acquisition at the heart of tensions
In May 2025, Catalina Yachts was acquired by Michael A. Reardon, who also owns Tartan Yachts, AMP Carbon and Freedom Yachts. Initially little publicized, this takeover is now raising concerns within the industry.
The accumulation of several acquisitions in an uncertain economic climate calls into question the new owner's ability to maintain a stable industrial activity.
A historic brand in a critical phase
Founded in 1969 by Frank Butler, Catalina Yachts has established itself as one of the great names in North American boatbuilding, with over 85,000 units produced. The company, which had managed to maintain a strong image among American yachtsmen, is now facing a governance and cash flow crisis that threatens its long-term survival.
