[QUOTE=Steve Frost;17174]Sadly, today Gerry Douglas and Frank Butler have thrown in the towel in their fight against a hostel take over of Catalina Yachts.

It was annouced today that Marlow Acqisitions has succeded in their take over bid of Catalina Yachts. This group has made a concentrated effort in expanding their position in the world marine industry. Now under their contol Marlow now has companies under their umbrela of Mainship Marine, Lurhrs Corporatiion along with their most recent aquisition of Hunter Marine.

Along with the Hunter boats Marlow now also produces Expolerer, Voyager and Prowler Yachts. Marlow has a large production facilities in China and is expected to move more production to these production facilities.

In a statement to the media Gerry and Frank stated that they had appreciated a long and succesful business but, the timing was right for them to move on.

Dave Marlow of Marlow acquisitions stated that likely John Peterson who currently heads the Hunter Division will be in charge of merging the two Florida based companies of Catalina Yachets and Marlow Hunter into one division. Rumor has it if Marlow move the production of Hunter and Catalina off shore with their other boats, the new boats will be marketed under the name Huntalina.[/QUOTE]

And I heard all the new boats will be full keel designs with square rigs. John Peterson was quoted saying "gentlemen don't go to weather, and we're going to make sure of it."

I thought they merged with Beneteau quite a while ago. When I first started reading the Cruisers' Forum the old farts over there talked all the time about BeneHunaLinas and how crappy they were compared to real boats, like 30 year old Gulfstars, CSYs and Irwins.

As long as they bring out that new Catalina 36 MK III they've been talking about, I'm all for it. :D

Mike

Now that the day is past, I hope I can say 'well done' guys for the humor. I knew Steve would mot miss his chance, and the rest added admirably!

Now, THAT is really funny.

[QUOTE=Steve Frost;17185]Well I guess my story was convincing to some, I woke up to an email from Gerry Douglas. He stated that he has never met Mr. Marlow and there is no truth to my story.

April one has come and gone, now Catalina can go on.

Long live Catalina Yachts.

Sorry Gerry[/QUOTE]

Darn it, I really wanted that MK III.:p

Mike

Catalina is being taken over by ExxonMobil, who are planning to stop production as part of their strategy to increase their market for fossil fuel by putting all sailboat manufacturers out of business.