October 2000

The Return of Grumman Canoes

Marathon Boat Group brings a half-century tradition back to Cortland County and the Finger Lakes

One Grumman Way, Marathon, NY -- The Marathon Boat Group has successfully struck a license agreement with the Northrop Grumman Corporation to use the Grumman name again in the production of its high quality canoe boats manufactured in Marathon, NY.

Located in Cortland County, The Marathon Boat Group was organized in September of 1996 and currently produces 13 Marathon Canoe models and 11 models of DuraNautic V hulls and jon boats.

The company traces its origins in Cortland and the Finger Lakes region back to 1952 when Leroy Grumman, president of the Grumman corporation in Bethpage, Long Island, decided to relocate its highly successful new canoe enterprise to Marathon. Marathon Boat Group's forerunner, the Metal Boat Division of the Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation, produced its first aluminum boats early in 1953, and the mid-fifties saw the introduction of aluminum fishing boats and runabouts. Early aluminum boats were based on work going back to 1945 by William Hoffman who produced the first prototype at Grumman's aircraft plant in Long Island, demonstrating superior strength and handling characteristics to wood and canvas counterparts, while weighing 30% less.

Over the years Grumman expanded its boat line and formed a subsidiary, Grumman Allied Industries, of which the Marathon location became known as Grumman Boats, a division of GAII. By the mid 1980s, boat demand was so great that the line had expanded to included aluminum "V" bottom fishing boats and pontoon boats. By the end of the 1980s Grumman had produced the largest boat in its history at Marathon, designed primarily for Great Lakes use. Grumman Boats was acquired by Outboard Marine Corporation who later purchased and relocated DuraNautic Boat to Marathon from Scranton, PA.

In 1996, the Marathon operation was purchased from OMC by four former Grumman/OMC employees and a local investor, and recapitalized with the assistance of the Cortland County Business Development Corporation as a new company, The Marathon Boat Group, Inc. The company resumed production of Marathon Canoes, identical in every respect to the renowned Grumman Canoes, with the exception of the former brand decal. DuraNautic Boat production was also continued by newly formed Marathon Boat Group which has enjoyed steady growth since its formation in 1996 both in terms of sales and employment levels.

"When we organized as the Marathon Boat Group in September of 1996, we were contractually prohibited from using the Grumman name by the seller as part of the purchase agreement," noted Marathon Boat Group President Douglas Potter. "We are delighted to have reached an agreement with the Northrop Grumman Corporation to again utilize the name that was the cornerstone for building this company over the past half-century, and know that it will help to continue and accelerate our growth."

"We're thrilled at the success of Mr. Potter and Marathon Boat in re-securing the world known Grumman name," added BDC director Linda Hartsock. "What a great success story for the company, for Cortland County and for the Finger Lakes - Central New York Region where nearly a half million Grumman aluminum canoes were produced during the past five decades."

The tradition will continue, said Potter. "Grumman Canoes enjoyed, and still enjoy, a reputation for being an extremely well-engineered, durable, virtually maintenance free, lightweight watercraft. We're delighted to have this famous name back on our canoes which will be built in the same plant, using the same tools and patterns by the same people who built the world class good old Grumman Canoes."

For many, the Grumman name also evokes memories of great World War II fighter plans, such as the Hellcat and Avenger, and later the F-14 Tomcat jet fighters as seen in Top Gun, as well as the Apollo Space Program's Lunar Module or LEM, according to Potter. "Today, from backyard ponds to backwoods runs, countless outdoor adventures have been launched in Marathon canoes. A proven design, they've proven their mettle in the wild, while making boating accessible to generations of outdoor enthusiasts," said Potter.

Every Marathon Canoe is handcrafted from a special age-hardened stretch-formed aluminum alloy and hand riveted for strength. All canoes receive a limited lifetime warranty against hull puncture. Models currently include a double enders in varying lengths, square sterns in varying lengths, falcon double enders, falcon square sterns, and 15' "three-in-one" sport boat designed for paddle, row or motor. An accessory line includes folding anchors, sail and row rigs, cartop carrier kits and other canoe components. The DuraNautic Line, produced since the early 1960's, features stainless steel bow eyes in a V model line, with precision welding and durability that result in both strength and performance in tough boats that are affordable and versatile. A new line, the DuraNautic Jons, feature deeper keels for rougher Northern waters.

Along with the Grumman brand name, the company will use a "by Marathon" signature decal in conjunction with the Grumman logo on its canoes.

Additional information is available on line at http://www.marathonboat.com.