Sunsation

What Sunsation does

Sunsation Boats (legally Sunsation Products, Inc.) is a privately held American manufacturer of custom center console performance boats, founded in 1982 by Wayne Schaldenbrand in Algonac, Michigan and currently operating from a headquarters and manufacturing facility at 10145 Marine City Hwy, Ira Township, Michigan. The company designs, engineers, and handcrafts three core models — the 32CCX, 34CCX, and 40CCX — each configurable with Mercury Racing outboard configurations ranging from Twin 300R V8 up to Quad 500R (up to 2,000HP on the 40CCX). Boats are outfitted with integrated Garmin Marine navigation, JL Audio marine stereo systems, Sea-Dek flooring, and optional FLIR 360-degree camera systems, drawing on a network of core technology partnerships that define the product specification set.

The business operates a hybrid go-to-market combining direct factory sales (driven by a proprietary 3D Boat Builder Configurator and online quote-request flow) with an authorized U.S. dealer network providing local sales, service, parts, and warranty support. Customers are individual affluent boating enthusiasts purchasing custom, build-to-order vessels through one-time transactions; aftermarket parts and warranty/claim processing constitute ancillary revenue streams. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and varies materially with model, engine package, and option selection.

Ownership remains concentrated within the founding Schaldenbrand family (Wayne, Joe, John, and Jeremy Schaldenbrand), with no evidence of external institutional investment, parent company, or M&A activity. The company is positioned as the sole remaining boat builder in the historic Algonac corridor — the birthplace of American performance boat building — and competes on heritage, customization, and premium component integration against larger luxury performance boat brands such as Cigarette, Donzi, and Formula.

Name

Sunsation

Legal name

Sunsation Products, Inc.

Website

https://sunsationboats.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Sunsation Boats is a privately held, family-owned Michigan manufacturer founded in 1982 that handcrafts custom center console performance boats (32CCX, 34CCX, 40CCX) with Mercury Racing power, selling to affluent individual boating enthusiasts via direct factory sales and an authorized U.S. dealer network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Recreational Boats

NAICS

Boat Building (336612), Ship and Boat Building (3366)

SIC

Ship & Boat Building & Repairing (3730)

akta.pro primary industry

Day Cruiser, Bowrider & Runabout Manufacturing (IMAJAEAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Recreational Fishing & Sportfishing Boat Manufacturing (IMAJAEAH), Electric & Hybrid Leisure Craft Manufacturing (IMAJAEAK)

Keywords

• Center console boats
• Performance boat manufacturing
• Custom boat building
• Offshore powerboats
• Marine vessel design

Headquarters

HQ city

Algonac

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Custom Center Console Boat Sales: Sunsation designs, engineers, and manufactures custom center console boats (32CCX, 34CCX, 40CCX) sold directly to consumers through dealer network and factory sales. Boats are built to order with extensive customization options including Mercury Racing engine packages, electronics, canvas, graphics, and interior options.
2. Parts and Aftermarket Components: Company sells replacement parts, components, and aftermarket upgrades for existing boat owners through dealer network and direct factory orders. Services include warranty claims processing and parts fulfillment for self-installation or dealer installation.
3. Warranty and Support Services: Factory warranty support and claim processing for defective components. Support includes troubleshooting with technical staff and coordination with vendors for component replacements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Sunsation Boats designs, engineers, and manufactures custom-built center console boats (32CCX, 34CCX, 40CCX) inspired by offshore racing heritage. Boats are powered by Mercury Racing outboard motors and equipped with Garmin Marine navigation, JL Audio stereo, and Sea-Dek flooring, with extensive customization available through a 3D boat builder configurator.

Product overview

Sunsation builds high-performance center console boats inspired by offshore racing heritage, founded in 1982. The current product lineup consists of three CCX (Center Console eXtreme) models: the 32CCX (32-foot, most compact), 34CCX (34-foot, mid-size with triple engine options), and 40CCX (40-foot, largest with quad engine options). All boats are internally designed and handcrafted, powered by Mercury Racing outboard motors, equipped with Garmin Marine navigation systems, JL Audio stereo systems, and Sea-Dek flooring. The company also produced the legacy F4 43-foot luxury performance vee bottom. A 3D boat builder tool allows customers to customize their boats before purchase.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 32CCX Center Console Boat 32-foot center console boat, the most compact CCX in the lineup, engineered to out-last and out-perform other mid-sized center console boats. Powered by Mercury Racing Twin 300R V8, Twin 400R V10, or Twin 500R V8 outboards. Features Garmin Marine navigation with dual 16-inch HD widescreen displays, JL Audio stereo, and Sea-Dek flooring. Built for performance boating enthusiasts.
• 34CCX Center Console Boat 34-foot center console boat with triple Mercury Racing engine options (300R V8, 400R V10, 500R V8), expanded cabin space, ergonomically designed helm, Garmin 8617/8622 widescreen displays, optional FLIR 360 camera, and JL Audio stereo system. Built for performance boating enthusiasts.
• 40CCX Center Console Boat 40-foot center console boat, the largest CCX in the lineup, featuring Quad engine configurations (Quad 400R or Quad 500R delivering up to 2000HP), second row seating, Garmin Marine 22-inch HD widescreen displays, FLIR camera, Sea-Dek flooring, JL Audio amplifiers, and extensive customization options. Built for performance boating enthusiasts.
• Parts and Aftermarket Components Replacement parts, components, and aftermarket upgrades sold to existing boat owners through dealer network and direct factory orders, including warranty claims processing and parts fulfillment.
• Warranty and Support Services Factory warranty support and claim processing for defective components, including troubleshooting with technical staff and coordination with vendors for component replacements.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, standard, premium option and minor.

• Mercury RacingcoreTechnology or IntegrationMercury Racing is the exclusive outboard motor supplier for Sunsation Boats. The partnership provides factory-integrated Mercury Racing engines across all CCX models including Twin/Triple/Quad configurations of 300R V8, 400R V10, and 500R V8 engines delivering 300-500HP per motor. The 40CCX Quad 500R configuration provides up to 2000HP total power. This is a critical performance partnership defining the boats' capabilities.
• Garmin MarinecoreTechnology or IntegrationGarmin Marine provides navigation electronics integrated into all CCX models. Standard equipment includes Garmin Touch Screen displays (12-inch dual on 32CCX, 17-inch and 22-inch options on 34CCX/40CCX), depth sounders, sonar, VHF radio, and radar systems. Provides unparalleled coverage and exceptional detail for on-water navigation.
• JL AudiostandardTechnology or IntegrationJL Audio provides marine-grade stereo systems across all CCX models. The Sunsation boats feature JL Audio Stereo with RGB LED controller integration, stereo control at bow and transom locations, and Deluxe JL Audio package options for premium audio-visual experience.
• Sea-DekstandardTechnology or IntegrationSea-Dek supplies durable and shock-absorbent marine flooring installed in all CCX models. The proprietary anti-fatigue flooring provides comfort and safety while maintaining a clean, professional appearance throughout the boat.
• FLIR Systemspremium optionTechnology or IntegrationFLIR provides optional 360-degree camera systems with joystick control on 34CCX and 40CCX models. Enhances situational awareness and safety for navigation in crowded waters or low-visibility conditions.
• LewmarstandardTechnology or IntegrationLewmar supplies anchor systems including Lewmar Claw Anchor and rode systems (185' line with 15' chain) for CCX models. Lewmar anchor rode is listed as standard equipment with a known issue under evaluation regarding binding and line wear being addressed with vendor.
• AfterShock (Agency)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAfterShock is a digital agency that built and powers the Sunsation Boats website. Noted in website footer as 'Built by Aftershock.' Provides ongoing website development and digital support services.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Donzi Marine: Iconic performance boat brand named alongside Sunsation in its competitive set. Both build premium powerboats with offshore performance heritage, serving performance boating enthusiasts.
• Cigarette Racing Team: High-performance boat builder explicitly named by Sunsation as a peer. Both compete in the offshore-inspired performance and center console space, with comparable Mercury Racing integration and premium positioning.
• Mystic Powerboats: High-performance catamaran and center console builder operating in similar offshore-performance tier with Mercury Racing power. Comparable in customer profile and use case.
• Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats: High-performance center console and offshore boat manufacturer with similar Mercury Racing integration and custom build-to-order model. Directly comparable in product, customer, and price tier.
• Midnight Express Powerboats: Specialist builder of high-performance center console boats in the 39'–50' range. Directly comparable in product, propulsion choices, and premium buyer segment.
• Formula Boats: Performance and luxury boat manufacturer named by Sunsation as a competitive reference. Both serve the performance/luxury segment with premium center console and sport boat offerings.

Broad incumbents

• Boston Whaler: Larger, Brunswick-owned recreational boat brand with a broad center console lineup (Dauntless, Conquest, Outrage). Competes with Sunsation in the center console category at a wider price range and significantly greater scale.
• Grady-White Boats: Premium center console and dual console boat manufacturer with strong dealer network. Overlaps Sunsation in the 32–40 ft center console category from a higher-volume, broader-portfolio position.
• Pursuit Boats: Established premium center console and offshore boat brand (S2 Yachts). Competes with Sunsation in the 32–40 ft center console segment with broader product portfolio and larger dealer network.
• Scarab Boats (Wellcraft/Scout): Recreational performance boat brands (Scarab, Wellcraft, Scout) overlapping in center console and sport boat segments. Comparable product category, broader scale, and mainstream dealer distribution.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

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 Sunsation