Hunter Marine (USA)

Warren Luhrs, founder of Hunter Marine began in the boat building business, first with his father and brother at Henry Luhrs Sea Skiffs and then Silverton Sea Skiffs. Both companies were quite successful.

Being an avid sailor, Luhrs had the idea of applying production line efficiencies to the sailing industry. In 1973, the first Hunter sailboat was launched. This was the HUNTER 25, designed by John Cherubini.

This boat, as well as may models that followed were extremely well received. Hunter Marine soon became a major force in the sailboat industry.

Luhrs became involved in single handed ocean racing and set many records aboard Thursday’s Child and Hunter’s Child. These floating test beds became the basis for many of the innovations that have appeared in Hunter production models. These include B & R rigs, arches and water-ballast.

Hunter was sold in August 2012 to Mr. David E. Marlow, builder of Marlow Yachts and renamed Marlow-Hunter.

By 2020 the Marlow-Hunter manufacturing site in Alachua, FL was sold to A&M Manufacturing builders of StyleCraft, EliteCraft and WideTide power/pontoon boats. They continued to manufacture Hunter boats in the 15 - 22 foot range although it is unknown if any were produced.

By 2024, it appears Marlow-Hunter is no longer in business.