The Limestone is back.

Sept 24, 2020

Limestone, a heritage Canadian boat brand that has earned a loyal following over the past 35 years of production in Ontario is back! The brand is re-launched with new ownership as The Limestone Boat Company.

Renowned designer Mark Ellis developed the original Limestone boats. Ellis was an early C&C designer in the 70s then branched out to create a long list of landmark boats like the Nonsuch 30 (and all the other Nonsuch models), the Aloha 32 and the Niagara 35.

Ellis initially designed the Limestone 24 for customer Fred Eaton and it was constructed by Hinterhoeller Yachts in St. Catharines, Ontario. His second Limestone powerboat was the Limestone 20 for Medeiros Boat Works, of Oakville, Ontario.

Limestones have been a fixture in Muskoka, Georgian Bay and the Great Lakes as well as through the eastern United States since the mid 1980s. Over time, Limestone models have undergone a series of enhancements and as the models evolved, customers took notice of the durability and functionality that ultimately created a cult like following.

Scott Hanson, a marine industry veteran, now serves as Limestone’s new chief executive officer. In mid-2019 Hanson stepped down as former head and lead designer at Rossiter Boats in Markdale, ON. Earlier this year he and his partners acquired the global manufacturing and Limestone branding rights from Mark Ellis Design LLC, purchased the Limestone molds, and created the Limestone Boat Company. Hanson and his team have also engaged Ellis to be involved with the evolution of existing designs and new model creations.

Hanson holds an honors degree in Marine Design, Engineering and Boatbuilding from the Landing School in Kennebunk, Maine. At Rossiter, Hanson took the company from two part-time employees, to the international boat brand that it has become, in just over a decade.

Mark Ellis, though an American by birth, has been a leading light in the Canadian boating industry. Beyond his work at C&C, Ellis was a partner at Harris & Ellis and a fixture at Canadian boat shows and on both the sailing and power boating scenes.

“I’m excited and pleased to be part of the Limestone rejuvenation and to be working with Scott and his assembled team,” said Ellis. “Limestone has had an enthusiastic following of experienced owners over the last 35 years. It’s great that Scott and the new Limestone Boat Company will bring this brand forward and introduce it to a wider audience. I’m truly looking forward to its rebirth and evolution.”

Initial product offerings over the current 2021 model year and following 2022 model year, will provide a nine model lineup ranging from 17’ to 29’, complete with runabouts, cuddies, center and dual consoles with classic day boat and fish arrangements. Models include the L-170DC & CC, L-200R & CC, L-250R, L-270CD, L-290CD, and soon to be launched L-270DC and L-290DC (set to debut in Q2 of 2021).

Limestone has partnered with a renowned, U.S. manufacturer that has a 40+ year history in manufacturing quality boats that dealers and boaters have counted on for decades. They also offer substantial capacity for growth in their 145,000 sq. ft. facility in Tennessee, have a large skilled labor force and a management team that brings generations of experience with household boat brands in the saltwater and freshwater markets.

“Our focus in re-launching this heritage brand has encompassed a transformation of the models themselves,” added Hanson. “Limestone is best known for their timeless design, big water performance, quality, and functionality. Its recognizable, unique deep V hull and forward flair provide a forgiving ride and an unmatched assurance of safety. We are building upon this history, but with an eye to the future, as we currently bring modernity into the product line. Our team has evolved and expanded the product offerings by introducing technology enhancements, and deck arrangements that offer sociability, accessibility, functionality, and adaptability…all important features for today’s boater.”

Limestone models have primarily been sterndrive, with outboard configurations typically used commercially and in coastal New England, but the current and future designs move the models to outboard engine applications. The move to focus solely on outboards is a major evolution for the model line-up, enhancing their accessibility, usability, performance, safety and maintenance characteristics.

For more information on the Limestone Boat Company, visit www.limestoneboats.com