From the deck of the Nautical Mile
Sea Hunt Boats
A Legacy of Quality and Innovation
In 1995, a father-son duo, Vic and Bubba Roof, founded Sea Hunt Boat Company in a modest one-room shop outside Columbia, South Carolina. Their vision was clear: to craft affordable, high-quality boats that excelled in their class, catering to both fishing enthusiasts and families seeking memorable time on the water.
What began as a small operation has grown into the number one selling saltwater boat brand in the United States, a testament to their commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
From its humble beginnings, Sea Hunt expanded rapidly due to demand for its reliable and versatile vessels. By 2004, the company outgrew its initial facility, leading to a relocation to a state-of-the-art 170,000-square-foot factory in 2006.
This expansion allowed Sea Hunt to produce over 2,000 boats annually, employing more than 200 skilled craftsmen. Today, the company remains family-owned, maintaining the core values of affordability and quality that Vic and Bubba instilled.
Their focus on constant innovation—integrating advanced technologies and high-quality materials—has kept Sea Hunt at the forefront of the boating industry.
Sea Hunt’s lineup, including the Gamefish, Ultra, Bay, and Escape series, caters to diverse boating needs, from offshore fishing to family cruising. The Gamefish series, like the Gamefish 28, is designed for serious anglers, featuring large livewells, ample rod storage, and robust hulls for rough waters.
The Ultra series, such as the Ultra 234, blends fishing functionality with family-friendly features like cushioned seating and spacious layouts. The BX series excels in shallow waters, while the Escape series offers dual-console designs for leisurely outings.
This versatility ensures Sea Hunt appeals to a broad audience, from hardcore fishermen to casual boaters.
What sets Sea Hunt apart from competitors like Grady-White, Sailfish, or Sea Pro is its balance of premium features and affordability. Sea Hunt boats use composite materials, eliminating wood to enhance durability and reduce maintenance, a significant advantage over brands that may rely on traditional materials prone to rot.
Their deep-V hulls, with transom deadrise angles of 20°–24°, provide a smooth, dry ride in challenging conditions, rivaling the performance of higher-priced brands like Grady-White’s SeaV² hulls. Additionally, Sea Hunt incorporates standard amenities—Garmin electronics, insulated fish boxes, and customizable upholstery—at a lower price point than competitors, offering unmatched value.
The company’s commitment to customer service further distinguishes it. Sea Hunt offers a limited lifetime hull warranty and maintains a robust dealer network, ensuring accessible support.
Unlike some competitors criticized for inconsistent fit and finish, Sea Hunt’s boats are NMMA-certified, meeting rigorous industry standards for safety and quality. Their focus on practical innovation, like pop-up footrests and spacious storage, enhances user experience without inflating costs.
Sea Hunt’s rise from a small shop to an industry leader reflects its dedication to quality, versatility, and affordability.
By prioritizing durable construction, innovative design, and customer-centric features, Sea Hunt continues to outshine competitors, delivering boats that make every trip on the water unforgettable.
Nautical Mile Magazine
