Boat dealer acquires digital platform intended to improve customer experience

CLEARWATER — Boat and yacht retailer MarineMax Inc. has acquired Boatyard, a digital platform that allows boat owners to quickly contact service providers via a mobile app. 

Clearwater-based MarineMax (NYSE: HZO), according to a press release, will operate Boatyard as an independent brand. Boatyard founder and CEO Nathan Herber will remain with the organization as president of Boatyard. Other terms of the deal, including acquisition cost, were not disclosed. 

“As MarineMax continues to leverage its investments in technology, the addition of Boatyard will be a key focus for the organization,” MarineMax President and CEO Brett McGill states in the release. “We believe this digital platform can become an accelerator in MarineMax’s evolving strategy to enhance and further transform the boating experience. I look forward to Nathan and his team building on our digital experience for our customers, and to continue bringing innovative solutions to our industry.”

Boatyard, the release states, was named to Boating Industry Magazine’s “Top Products of 2015” list. 

MarineMax reported gross revenue of $1.24 billion in 2019, up from $1.18 billion in 2018.