01
Premium craftsmanship
Refined details. Lasting quality.
West Frankfort, Illinois
Why Crownline
Premium craftsmanship, innovative features and uncompromising quality, because every detail should make your time on the water even better.
02
Innovative features
Technology that enhances every moment.
03
Confident performance
Built to handle more of what you love.
04
A stronger community
Owners, adventures and stories that inspire.
Our story · West Frankfort, Illinois
A legacy that moves forward.
Boats delivered worldwide
0
+
Since the first Crownline rolled off the line in 1991.
1990
Crownline founded
1991
First boat, a 182 BR bowrider
5
Signature Crownline innovations
2026
Joins Whisper Marine
Crownline was founded in 1990 with a small manufacturing shop in Whittington, Illinois, and an upholstery shop in a former school gymnasium. On March 25, 1991, a team of 25 produced its first boat: the 182 BR bowrider.
Detailed craftsmanship, distinctive sports-car styling, and design-driven engineering have shaped Crownline from the beginning. Hands-on construction and inspections throughout the build process carry that commitment into every boat.
Key moments
Built in Illinois
From 25 people in a small shop to one of the top sterndrive sport boat builders in the world.
1990
Founded
Crownline Boats is founded, with its first shop in Whittington, Illinois.
1991
First boat
The first Crownline, a 182 BR bowrider, rolls off the line in Whittington, Illinois, on March 25. The team numbers 25.
1991
West Frankfort
By July, Crownline outgrows Whittington and moves to a larger building in West Frankfort, Illinois.
1994
New plant
The 10,000th boat is built in November. A new permanent plant, designed for efficiency and added capacity, opens in December.
2014
Outboards
The first Crownlines powered by outboard engines are introduced, expanding the ways owners can enjoy time on the water.
2019
Surf
New surf boat models debut after years of testing and development by the Crownline design and engineering team.
2020
Center consoles
Crownline introduces its first three center console fishing boats as 2020 models.
2026
Whisper Marine
On June 26, Crownline joins Whisper Marine. More than 90,000 boats delivered worldwide, and a new chapter begins.
Production milestones
Every one counted
The models behind the milestone boats, from the 10,000th to the 90,000th.
10,000th
Boat
225 BR
Bowrider · November 1994
25,000th
Boat
202 BR
Bowrider · June 1999
50,000th
Boat
202 BR
Bowrider · April 2005
75,000th
Boat
230 CC
Fishing boat · August 2019
90,000th
Boat
250 XSS
Outboard · August 2023
Innovation
Signature ideas
Features Crownline designed and engineered.
01
F.A.S.T. Tab® hull
02
Social Swim® transom
03
Cruiser Sunbed with Trunk Storage®
04
Sundeck with Boarding Assist Handle®
05
Powered Swim Step with Boarding Assist Retractable Handle®
The next chapter
June 26, 2026
Crownline joins Whisper Marine.
Still designed and built in West Frankfort, Illinois. A legacy that moves forward.
On June 26, 2026, Whisper Marine, LLC acquired Crownline Boats, expanding its marine portfolio into a new category of recreational boating.
Every Crownline is water tested on Lake Crownline, right next to the manufacturing plant, before its final inspection.
