Sportsman boats are made by Sportsman Boats Manufacturing, Inc., a family owned manufacturer headquartered in Summerville, South Carolina.
The brand is known for center console, bay, and dual console fishing boats built by two of the most experienced names in the saltwater boat industry.
Sportsman Boats Manufacturing remains privately held and family owned, founded by longtime boat builders Tommy Hancock and Dale Martin.
Knowing that Sportsman’s founders each built and sold a previous boat company before starting Sportsman helps explain the brand’s fast rise to become a serious competitor in the saltwater fishing boat market.
This article covers Sportsman’s ownership, where the boats are built, the difference between its Open Series and Heritage Series, and how it compares to fellow South Carolina builder Key West.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Owns Sportsman Boats?
Sportsman was founded in 2011 by Tommy Hancock and Dale Martin, two boat builders who had previously been competitors before joining forces.
Hancock founded Sea Pro Boats and sold the company to Brunswick in 2005, while Martin founded Key West Boats and sold his interest in that company in 2003, according to a discussion of the founders’ backgrounds on 2 Cool Fishing Forum.
The two longtime friends launched Sportsman with a 229 center console model that debuted at the Charleston Boat Show, and the company has remained privately held and family run since.
Where Are Sportsman Boats Made?
Sportsman boats are manufactured in Summerville, South Carolina, where the company started in a 20,000 square foot space in 2011.
The company’s facility has undergone several expansions since, growing from an original 74,000 square feet to more than 190,000 square feet to keep pace with demand.
Sportsman uses 3D computer modeling technology throughout its design process, a modern approach the founders built into the company from day one.
Sportsman Open Series vs Heritage Series: What Is the Difference?
The Open Series covers Sportsman’s offshore center console lineup, ranging from 21 to 31 feet, built for anglers who want to run further from shore.
The Heritage Series is a smaller offshore focused line, spanning 21 to 25 feet, offering a more compact footprint for anglers who do not need the largest hull in the lineup.
Sportsman also produces the Masters and Tournament series of bay boats, giving the brand a presence in both offshore and inshore fishing segments.
Sportsman vs Key West: How Are They Related?
Sportsman and Key West are separately owned companies today, though Sportsman co-founder Dale Martin previously co-founded Key West before selling his stake in 2003.
Forum members frequently place both brands in a similar mid tier category alongside Sea Hunt and Cobia, describing them as solid value builders rather than premium ones.
Buyers who liked Key West’s original construction philosophy sometimes gravitate toward Sportsman, given the shared design lineage between Martin’s two companies.
Are Sportsman Boats Any Good?
Sportsman earns solid reviews from most owners on forums like The Hull Truth and 2 Cool Fishing, with several describing the build quality, hardware, and layout as comparable to more expensive brands.
Owners frequently praise the bilge access, dry ride, and overall value compared to premium competitors like Grady White, with several buyers saying they cross shopped Sportsman against pricier options before settling on it for the price to feature ratio.
One longtime owner summed up a common sentiment on The Hull Truth, describing Sportsman as solidly in line with other production builders like Sea Hunt and Cobia rather than a top tier brand, but a strong value with good service and support, in a detailed owner review on The Hull Truth.
Recurring minor complaints include smaller items like fish box design on some bay boat models and occasional LED lighting failures, though most owners describe these as minor rather than deal breaking issues.
The honest takeaway is that Sportsman delivers a genuinely strong price to feature ratio backed by two founders with deep saltwater boat building experience, making it a smart consideration for buyers who want solid mid tier quality without paying premium brand prices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sportsman Boats
Who owns Sportsman Boats?
Sportsman Boats Manufacturing is privately held and family owned, founded in 2011 by Tommy Hancock and Dale Martin.
Where are Sportsman boats manufactured?
Sportsman boats are built in Summerville, South Carolina.
Is Sportsman the same company as Key West?
No, Sportsman is a separately owned company, though co-founder Dale Martin previously co-founded Key West Boats before selling his stake in 2003.
How old is the Sportsman Boats brand?
Sportsman was founded in 2011, making it about 15 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.