Former Correct Craft CEO and Wakeboarding Hall of Fame member, Walter N. Meloon (Walt) has died at the age of 87.
The grandson of Correct Craft’s founder, Walt served in the family boat business for 52 years.
Throughout his tenure, he was instrumental in Correct Craft’s innovation and in establishing the company as a market leader.
Walt served as president and CEO of Correct Craft for 18 years and was also the distributor at Southeast Correct Craft and was at the helm of the company during the development of countless new products.
In a statement, Correct Craft said Walt’s legacy was built on his dedication to the ethics and principles established by the Meloon family in 1925 when Correct Craft was founded.
“Walt stayed true to the Meloon tradition established by his grandfather of ‘Building boats to the glory of God’.
We deeply appreciate the work Walt did leading our company for many years.
Bill Yeargin
“While president and CEO of Correct Craft, Walt played a part in developing the wakeboard tower, an innovation that would permanently change the watersports industry,” said the statement.
“In addition, Walt had an integral role in the Ski Nautique Paragon project, which paved the way for the luxury and performance towboats on the market today.”
Walt was inducted into the Wakeboarding Hall of Fame in 2020 in recognition of the many advancements during his leadership at Correct Craft.
“Not long ago, I had the opportunity to spend an afternoon with Walt at his house and, as I have done many times, thanked him for the foundation he helped lay upon which our team has grown Correct Craft,” said Bill Yeargin, current Correct Craft president and CEO.
“We deeply appreciate the work Walt did leading our company for many years.”
He added: “Wakeboarding came of age during Walt’s tenure as president and CEO of Correct Craft.
“We were happy to see his effort in developing the sport recognised in 2020 by Walt’s induction into the Wakeboarding Hall of Fame. We will forever be grateful for all he did.”
Correct Craft is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025.
