Carver Yachts had a rich history that dates back to 1954. Founded by Charles "Charlie" Carter and George Verhagen in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Carver Yachts initially focused on crafting elegant mahogany runabouts. Contrary to popular belief, they did not start their boat-building journey in a backyard garage. Both Carter and Verhagen were seasoned marine industry professionals, opting to build boats rather than sell them through Carter's marine dealerships.
In 1963, Carver Yachts witnessed a significant shift when Walter "Wally" Markham and Glen Nordin, former employees of Cruisers Yachts, acquired the business. Under their visionary leadership, Carver Boat Corporation embraced fibreglass construction techniques, propelling the company from a regional boat builder to a global brand with widespread sales.
Fast forward to 2004, Carver expanded its offerings with the introduction of the Marquis Yachts line. This venture commenced with the production of the 59 and 65 Motor Yachts, with the latter witnessing commendable success, with over 100 units built from 2005 to 2008 in Pulaski, Wisconsin.
Recently, Carver Yachts met a significant milestone when it was acquired by the Marquis-Larson boat group. However, Carver Yachts permanently closed its doors on July 30, 2021. This marked the end of an era for a brand that has played an integral role in the boating industry's evolution.