By Jack Burden

Bill Yeargin, long-time president and CEO of Correct Craft — the parent company of Nautique Boats — has announced he will step down in the spring of 2026. The transition marks the end of a transformative era not only for Correct Craft but also for the sport of tournament waterskiing, where Nautique has played a dominant role.

Since 2016, Nautique has held exclusive rights to tow all International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) titled events, and it continues to be the title sponsor of the sport’s marquee competitions, including the US Masters and the Moomba Masters. Under Yeargin’s leadership, Nautique’s position at the forefront of tournament waterskiing has been firmly cemented.

Yeargin, who took the helm at Correct Craft in 2006 during a turbulent period marked by executive turnover, guided the company to unprecedented growth. Over his nearly two decades of leadership, Correct Craft expanded more than twentyfold and reached the milestone of becoming a billion-dollar enterprise in 2023. The company garnered numerous accolades along the way, including Florida’s Manufacturer of the Year and the boating industry’s Most Innovative Company.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed leading Correct Craft,” Yeargin remarked in his announcement. “Any success we have had has resulted from a wonderful team who has joined me on this journey; we have done some amazing things together. As I transition to another stage of my career, Correct Craft and its team will have my full support.”

A noted author, speaker, and industry advocate, Yeargin has served on multiple boards and represented the marine industry at the highest levels, including advisory councils under both the Obama and Trump administrations. He currently chairs the board of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).

Correct Craft’s board, which includes Yeargin, has initiated a succession process. The company expects to name its next CEO within the coming months, ensuring a smooth transition for one of the sport’s most influential companies.