Goodhue's acquisition of East Coast Flightcraft will streamline service for customers

Goodhue Boat Company has acquired East Coast Flightcraft locations in New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts, and they’re all set for boating season. 

Goodhue, a marina group serving boaters across New England and elsewhere, announced the acquisition in January. East Coast Flightcraft operates locations in Meredith and Laconia, and Ryan Cardella, vice president of East Coast Flight Craft New England, said customers will keep on working with the same professionals they always have. The Goodhue acquisition includes the Flightcraft dealership operations, not the on-water showroom in Laconia.

“For us, this acquisition is about serving customers better — plain and simple,” Cody Gray, chief operations officer of Goodhue Boat Company, said. “Boaters don’t all want the same thing, and they shouldn’t be forced into a one-size-fits-all solution. By expanding our portfolio of premium boat brands and services, we’re better equipped to help each customer find the boat that truly works for their lifestyle, their family, and the way they want to enjoy the water.”

For customers of East Coast Flight Craft, not much will change at all. The existing team will remain in place, day-to-day operations will continue without interruption, and the same local expertise and service will remain for consumers. Customers will gain, however, access to expanded resources through Goodhue Boat Company, a broader lineup of inventory and a larger network of marina locations and boating services.

“It’s a total acquisition, they took over all the East Coast [Flightcraft] locations,” Cardella said.

Goodhue says the acquisition allows them to invest in enhanced service capabilities, long-term customer support, and a wider selection of boats to serve those interested in everything from watersports and cruising to family recreation or simple relaxation. 

“Goodhue Boat Company looks forward to building on East Coast Flightcraft’s strong foundation and continuing to help families create lasting memories on the water for years to come,” a press release reads, in part. 

Lakes Region residents can access Goodhue locations in Wolfeboro, Tilton, Meredith and Freedom.

"Our goal is to make boat ownership easier and more enjoyable by providing reliable, responsive support throughout the entire ownership experience. In terms of inventory, the acquisition expands the range of boat brands and models available to Goodhue and East Coast customers," Michaela Austin, spokesperson for Goodhue, said. "East Coast Flightcraft has long been known for its expertise in Malibu and Axis boats, and by bringing those brands into the Goodhue portfolio alongside our existing lineup, we’re able to offer a more comprehensive selection of boats for different types of boating lifestyles — from watersports and performance boating to cruising and family recreation."

When Goodhue acquired East Coast Flightcraft, Cardella said, they only acquired one service building — in general, Flightcraft doesn’t own real estate.

“We’ve worked with Goodhue for almost a decade now,” he said. 

The partnership began in earnest when one of the companies whose boats are sold by East Coast Flightcraft asked the retailer to consider markets in New Hampshire. When they pulled the trigger and expanded to the Granite State, they partnered with Goodhue.

“I fell in love with the place, so I stayed,” Cardella said. The acquisition should allow improved service for customers. 

And not much will change with the Winnipesaukee Pier, located at Weirs Beach in Laconia, either. North Water Marine will take over sales there, where East Coast Flightcraft has long operated a “showroom on the water.” 

“It gives them a great waterfront location,” Cardella said. 

For customers, some of whom have been with East Coast Flightcraft for years, they can expect to work with the same people, call the same phone numbers and receive the same level of service to which they’re accustomed. 

“A lot of these customers are our personal friends,” he said. Adding extra avenues for boaters to receive service is a plus. “It should be easier, we hope, for them.”