PHONE
(800) 784-6478
ADDRESS
4737 Adams Rd.
Hixson, Tennessee 37343

From the McLaughlin website:

The history of McLaughlin Boat Works dates back to the 1960s in San Diego, California with two passionate sailors, Earl Elms and Herb Shear. Operating under the name Chubasco (storm on the water), Elms and Shear designed the original Snipe mold used to build the famous McLaughlin Snipes that dominated the World Championships for over 30 years.

Eventually, California Snipe sailor and veteran boat builder Mike McLaughlin, who had worked at Chubasco most of his life, purchased the Snipe molds and moved the operation to Tennessee in response to the relocation of the International Snipe Headquarters to Chattanooga. Mike McLaughlin further expanded the company’s success and helped distribute the McLaughlin Snipe on a worldwide spectrum.

Steve Sherman, Indiana lake sailor and father of three boys (two of whom presently work at McLaughlin), purchased the company from Mike McLaughlin in 1986.

At one time the company built the Lightning, Day Sailor, Windmill, Highlander, Thistle and Tanzer 16.

Beginning in 1990, at the request of families from the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, Mclaughlin began a new tradition building its first International Optimist Dinghy. Today, Mclaughlin specializes in the Optimist and has become one of the leading manufacturers in the World.

Years in Business: 1979 - present