Blackfin boats are made by Seabring Marine, Inc., the same company that builds Monterey Boats, at a facility in Williston, Florida.
The brand builds offshore center console fishing boats and has carried a reputation for toughness and durability since it first appeared in the fishing boat market in 1973.
Seabring Marine is a privately held company that acquired the dormant Blackfin brand and relaunched it with an entirely new lineup starting in 2018.
Knowing that Blackfin nearly disappeared for two decades, kept alive only by a small team of Miami boat builders, helps explain why longtime fans describe the brand’s return as a genuine comeback story.
This article covers Blackfin’s ownership, where the boats are built, its Core Rigid Technology construction, and how it compares to fellow offshore builder Jupiter.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Owns Blackfin Boats?
Blackfin was established in 1973 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, by Carl Herndon, who later went on to found Jupiter Boats.
The company was sold to Detroit Diesel in 1997, and its assets eventually passed to a small team of Miami builders who kept the brand alive at low volume, producing roughly a dozen boats a year through the 2000s.
Seabring Marine, builder of Monterey Boats, acquired Blackfin and relaunched the brand with an entirely new lineup, debuting the 332 CC at the 2018 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, according to a press release announcing the relaunch.
Where Are Blackfin Boats Made?
Blackfin boats are manufactured in Williston, Florida, at the same Seabring Marine facility that builds Monterey Boats.
The relaunched lineup debuted with the 272 CC and 212 CC before expanding to include the larger 332 CC and 400 CC flagship models.
Blackfin’s current models have earned multiple Miami International Boat Show Innovation Awards, reflecting the brand’s focus on modern fishing amenities and design since its relaunch.
What Is Blackfin’s Core Rigid Technology?
Core Rigid Technology is Blackfin’s structural grid system, engineered to increase rigidity and reduce hull flex compared to traditional stringer construction.
Blackfin pairs this construction with Advanced Carbon Fiber Technology and solid composite running surfaces, materials the company says contribute to both strength and reduced weight.
The company backs its boats with a warranty built on more than 30 years of combined boat building experience within Seabring Marine’s broader operations.
Blackfin vs Jupiter: How Are They Related?
Blackfin and Jupiter share a historical connection through founder Carl Herndon, who built Blackfin before later founding Jupiter Boats.
The two brands are separately owned today, with Jupiter continuing under its own ownership while Blackfin operates under Seabring Marine.
Both brands compete in the offshore center console market, and shoppers researching Blackfin’s history often come across Jupiter given the shared founder. For other offshore builders, see Who Makes Sea Hunt Boats and Who Makes Sportsman Boats.
Are Blackfin Boats Any Good?
Blackfin’s relaunched lineup has earned strong marks from marine publications, with Boating Magazine and Sport Fishing Magazine both praising the 332 CC’s fishability, ride quality, and attention to detail, according to a boat test of the 332 CC from Boating Magazine.
The 332 CC won a Miami Innovation Award, and testers have specifically highlighted features like flush mounted electronics, a full size head compartment, and a well thought out leaning post and command center.
Because the relaunched brand is still relatively young, there is limited long term owner complaint data available compared to boat brands with decades of continuous production, and most published feedback so far comes from professional boat tests rather than years of ownership.
Blackfin maintains parts support for its earlier generation boats built up through 2006, and the company has said its new generation boats are built to meet or exceed international longevity standards with proper maintenance.
The honest takeaway is that Blackfin’s relaunched lineup has earned genuinely strong reviews from marine press and early owners, but because the brand is still building a long term track record under its current ownership, buyers should weigh that shorter history against more established offshore competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blackfin Boats
Who owns Blackfin Boats?
Blackfin is owned by Seabring Marine, Inc., the same company that builds Monterey Boats.
Where are Blackfin boats manufactured?
Blackfin boats are built in Williston, Florida.
Did Blackfin ever stop making boats?
Blackfin never fully stopped, but production dropped to roughly a dozen boats a year through the 2000s before Seabring Marine relaunched the brand with an entirely new lineup starting in 2018.
How old is the Blackfin brand?
Blackfin was established in 1973, making it more than 50 years old as of 2026.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.