Latham Marine

What Latham Marine does

Latham Marine Inc. is a privately held, founder-owned US manufacturer of high-performance marine hydraulic steering systems and related hardware, headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and founded by Bob Latham, who is credited as the inventor of the first marine hydraulic steering system. The company designs and builds its entire product line in-house — over 10,000 parts and 7,000 components — using 316 stainless steel and hard-coat anodized aluminum, with all manufacturing done in the USA. Its product portfolio centers on three hydraulic steering configurations (Full Power, Add-On, and Self Contained) plus supporting components including tie bars, steering cylinders, columns, rudder systems, autopilot valves, trim tabs, competition controls, hydraulic tender lifts, sea strainers/pumps, and Bravo/outboard spacer kits.

The business sells exclusively through a direct sales-led motion: customers contact the Fort Lauderdale office by phone (toll-free 800-422-7267, 954-462-3055) or email ([email protected]) for custom quotes on engineered steering systems. There is no e-commerce, no published price list, and no visible distributor channel — every transaction involves sales-engineer consultation. Customers include top high-performance powerboat OEMs and racing teams (Skater Powerboats, Cigarette Racing, Mystic Powerboats, Outer Limits), major outboard engine manufacturers (Mercury Racing, Yamaha, Suzuki), sport yacht and fishing boat builders, and law enforcement / military / emergency-services vessels where reliability is mission-critical. The company holds issued US patents on its Competition Controls (Patent #5,094,12) and Mercury 200 Plate System (Patent #4,964,354), and founder Bob Latham received the NMMA Alan J. Freedman Memorial Leadership Award — the first performance-boat-industry recipient — for his contributions to marine engineering.

Latham operates as a closely held family business (Bob Latham and wife Kathy Latham) with no external investors, no parent company, and no public funding history. Headcount is reported at 11–50 employees, consistent with a high-touch specialty manufacturer rather than a scaled industrial player. The company claims international reach with products used by top racing teams globally, though the primary geographic base remains North America. Commercial activity is concentrated in OEM engineering partnerships (where Latham produces fit-specific spacer kits and mounting plates for Mercury, Yamaha, and Suzuki outboards) and a long tail of aftermarket component sales across a 10,000+ SKU catalog.

Name

Latham Marine

Legal name

Latham Marine Inc.

Website

https://lathammarine.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Latham Marine is a privately held, founder-owned Fort Lauderdale manufacturer of high-performance marine hydraulic steering systems, trim tabs, controls, and hardware — over 10,000 parts engineered in-house and built in the USA — selling direct to performance boat builders, outboard OEMs (Mercury, Yamaha, Suzuki), racing teams, and military/law enforcement vessels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Steering Systems and Hardware

NAICS

Ship Building and Repairing (336611)

SIC

Ship & Boat Building & Repairing (3730)

akta.pro primary industry

Propulsion Drives, Gearboxes & Shaftlines (IMAJAHAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Propulsion, Shafting & Rudder Repair (Engines, Gearboxes, Thrusters) (IMAJAFAC), Piping, Valves & Pumps (Deck/Service Systems Components) (IMAJAIAI)

Keywords

• Marine steering systems
• Hydraulic steering cylinders
• Boat rudder systems
• Marine trim tabs
• Marine hardware components

Headquarters

HQ city

Fort Lauderdale

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Marine Hardware Parts and Components: Manufactures and sells marine steering systems, hydraulic cylinders, tie-bar assemblies, trim tabs, controls, sea pumps, sea strainers, water pickups, extension boxes, hoses and fittings, and other marine hardware. Products sold as individual components or complete kit systems. Revenue is generated through direct sales of parts and systems to boat builders, racing teams, and recreational boaters.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Latham Marine designs, engineers, and manufactures high-performance marine hardware and steering systems, including Full Power hydraulic steering systems, Add-On steering systems, Self Contained hydraulic steering systems, High Performance Competition Rudder Systems, trim tabs, controls, hydraulic tender lifts, sea pumps, sea strainers, and related accessories. The portfolio spans over 10,000 parts and 7,000 components, all engineered in-house and built in the USA for performance boats, sport yachts, fishing boats, and law enforcement/military vessels.

Product overview

Latham Marine is a manufacturer of high-performance marine hardware and steering systems with over 10,000 parts and 7,000 components, all engineered in-house and built in the USA. The product portfolio centers on hydraulic steering systems (Full Power, Add-On, and Self Contained configurations) with related components including steering cylinders, tie bars, steering columns, helm units, and autopilot valves. The company also produces trim tabs and cylinders, competition controls, hydraulic lifts, sea strainers and pumps, water pickups, hoses and fittings, extension boxes for sterndrives and outboards, and drive accessories like spacers and reinforcement blocks. A standout product is the High Performance Competition Rudder System designed for offshore racing. The company serves performance boats, fishing boats, sport yachts, and marine vessels requiring high reliability, with custom hardware engineering services available. Products are distributed through a network of marine industry partners.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Full Power Hydraulic Steering Systems Complete 100% hydraulic steering systems with engine-driven or electric power assist pump. Provide low steering effort with the steering wheel isolated from propeller torque, offering positive control for high-performance sterndrive and outboard applications.
• Add-On Steering Systems Economical external steering cylinder systems for Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives with factory power steering. Cylinders connect to stock controller valve retaining the original steering cable and helm for an upgrade path.
• Self Contained Hydraulic Steering Systems Hydraulic steering systems where the helm functions as a pump with fluid stored internally. Provide positive and smooth control with simpler plumbing than power-assisted systems, suitable for outboard applications.
• High Performance Competition Rudder System Ultra-high performance racing rudder system featuring Latham's exclusive quick-change design. All components including blade, transom support bracket, and attaching studs withstand extreme shock loads in offshore racing.
• Trim Tabs and Cylinders CNC-machined aluminum billet trim tabs with hard-coat anodized and powder coated finish. Includes stainless steel cylinders, stabilizer skegs, and pre-plumbed external hydraulics, with complete kits (20" and 30" lengths) and trim pump kits (12 VDC and 24 VDC, 3300 PSI).
• Hydraulic Lifts (Hydraulic Tender Lifts) Hydraulic tender lifts for cruiser applications. Features electro-polished 316 stainless steel construction with integrated mechanical lock mechanism and no external hydraulic lines; Latham Linkage Lift (KLFT-8851) provides 1,600 lbs gross weight capacity with 37" vertical stroke.
• Competition Control Boxes Modular competition throttle and shift control boxes with patent-registered design (Patent #5,094,12). Feature aluminum body and knobs in various colors, polished stainless levers, neutral safety switches, multiple throttle/shift lever configurations, and optional built-in trim and cam switches.
• Sea Strainers Water inlet strainers for filtering debris from marine cooling systems. Available in standard, 9" competition, and 15" competition versions with various port configurations for boat engine cooling.
• Sea Pumps and Manifolds Marine water pumps available in aluminum, stainless steel with aluminum end caps, or stainless steel with brass end caps. Features equal output flow from each port and self-priming at idle for engine cooling applications.
• Custom Marine Hardware Engineering Services In-house custom engineering and design services where Latham engineers review specific marine hardware applications and provide recommendations and quotes for tailored solutions. Leverages the company's in-house engineering of more than 10,000 parts and 7,000 components.

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• ABYC (American Boat and Yacht Council)minorOthersListed as partner on Latham Marine website. ABYC is the standards-making organization for the recreational marine industry.
• Cigarette RacingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigh-performance powerboat manufacturer featured in racing history. Long-standing relationship with Latham Marine products used in Cigarette racing boats.
• Mercury RacingcoreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial partner providing high-performance marine engines. Products designed for Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and Mercury outboard applications.
• Skater PowerboatscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPerformance catamaran manufacturer featured in racing history and yachts page. Uses Latham Marine steering systems.
• Outer Limits PowerboatsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigh-performance powerboat manufacturer listed as partner.
• Mystic PowerboatsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPerformance powerboat manufacturer listed as partner.
• Baja MarineminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPowerboat manufacturer listed as partner on Latham Marine website.
• Donzi MarineminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorClassic performance boat brand listed as partner.
• Formula BoatsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPerformance boat manufacturer listed as partner.
• Scout BoatsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFishing and cruising boat manufacturer listed as partner.
• NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association)minorOthersMarine trade association and award-granting body (gave Bob Latham the Alan J. Freedman Memorial Leadership Award).
• Yamaha Motor CorporationcoreTechnology or IntegrationMajor outboard motor manufacturer. Latham makes spacer kits and mounting plates specifically for Yamaha outboard applications including Yamaha 300, 350 V6 engines.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Uflex USA: Manufacturer of hydraulic steering systems, helms, cylinders, and steering wheels for marine applications. Closely comparable product line to Latham's Full Power and Add-On steering kits and competes in both sterndrive and outboard segments.
• Lenco Marine: Specialist in marine trim tabs, actuators, and control switch systems for sport and offshore boats. Direct competitor to Latham's trim tab and stabilizer skeg offering, frequently specified on the same high-performance boats that use Latham steering.
• Bennett Marine: Manufacturer of hydraulic trim tabs and tab control systems for powerboats — directly comparable to Latham's CNC-machined trim tabs, trim cylinders, and trim pump kits, and the most established brand competing head-to-head in this subcategory.
• Glendinning Marine: Manufacturer of marine electronic engine controls, synchronizers, and hydraulic steering components. Closely comparable to Latham's Competition Controls and Full Power steering portfolio, particularly on multi-engine offshore vessels.
• Edson International: Marine steering wheel, pedestal, and helm manufacturer with broad OEM and aftermarket presence in powerboat and sailboat steering. Comparable to Latham in the inside-hardware / helm-and-column category and competes for similar boat-builder and refit customers.
• Hydrive Marine: Australian manufacturer of hydraulic steering systems and cylinders for marine outboards and sterndrives. Comparable product architecture to Latham's hydraulic steering and competes internationally in the high-performance outboard segment.
• SeaStar Solutions (Dometic Marine): Largest competing manufacturer of marine hydraulic steering systems (SeaStar/Hydraulic Steering, Power Assist), tilt/trim, and jack plates. Most direct head-to-head with Latham across full power, add-on, and self-contained steering configurations sold to boat builders and OEMs.

Others

• Imtra: Marine equipment distributor and value-added supplier of steering, controls, stabilizers, and hardware brands into the OEM and refit channels. Functions as a channel route-to-market comparable to how Latham sells direct to builders, and is an adjacent ecosystem participant in performance marine hardware.

Broad incumbents

• Vetus: Broader marine equipment manufacturer offering hydraulic steering, controls, bow thrusters, and engine accessories. Overlaps with Latham in steering cylinders, helm pumps, and engine controls, though Vetus operates across many more product categories and serves a wider recreational and small-commercial base.
• Mercury Marine (Brunswick Corporation): Dominant outboard and sterndrive engine OEM whose MerCruiser, Mercury Racing, and Joystick Piloting platforms drive demand for Latham's spacer kits, tie bars, and steering components. Overlaps in marine hydraulic controls and steer-by-wire-adjacent technology through Mercury Racing's own integrated systems.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Latham-Marine-100475502099552

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Latham Marine