Tennessee Boating Manufacturing in the Spotlight

The story, "The Quiet Powerhouse: How East Tennessee Became a Giant of American Boat Manufacturing," explores how communities in Monroe, Loudon, and Blount counties became home to manufacturers producing everything from family runabouts and wake boats to custom center consoles and luxury yachts. In Monroe County alone, the marine industry supports approximately 4,000 jobs and generates an estimated $800 million in annual economic activity.

The feature highlights several NMMA member companies, including Sea Ray, MasterCraft, HCB Yachts, Yamaha and Brunswick, and traces the growth of the region's marine manufacturing sector back more than four decades. Sea Ray opened its Vonore facility in 1983, helping establish a skilled marine workforce that has continued to grow as other manufacturers and suppliers invested in the region.

WVLT also underscores the craftsmanship behind American boatbuilding. Boat manufacturing remains highly skilled and labor-intensive, requiring expertise in areas including lamination, fabrication, upholstery and engineering. In Monroe County, marine manufacturing accounts for roughly 4,000 of the county's approximately 7,000 manufacturing jobs, with average salaries of about $65,000 annually.

The story also looks ahead to the technologies shaping the next generation of recreational boats, from advanced digital connectivity and sophisticated onboard systems to new innovations that improve the boating experience.

East Tennessee's story reflects the strength of recreational boating manufacturing nationwide. Ninety-five percent of boats sold in the United States are made in the United States, and 93% of boat builders are small businesses. From East Tennessee to manufacturing communities across the country, recreational boating supports skilled American jobs while building products that are enjoyed-and in demand-around the world.

Watch the full WVLT feature, "The Quiet Powerhouse: How East Tennessee Became a Giant of American Boat Manufacturing."