HIS GRANDFATHER, AMOS, OWNED A SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIR YARD BUSINESS, WHICH MARK BEGAN VISITING AT AGE 4.
After studying Architecture Design and Mechanical Engineering, Mark began his career with New Orleans shipyard Halter Marine, where he managed the construction of 65-foot yachts.
A chance meeting with Don Aronow at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show led to Halter Marine purchasing Cigarette Boats from Aronow in March, 1977.
Mark subsequently moved to North Miami Beach, where he supervised construction of Cigarette models from 20 to 41 feet.
The first 38-foot Kevlar-hull “Ajac Hawk” built by Mark McManus in 1978 went on to win three World Championships for Cigarette Racing Team.
Mark’s successful use of Kevlar lamination set a standard for an unheard-of 10- to 30-year hull life expectancy.
His research and development in hull materials led the Cigarette 38 and Apache 41 designs to become the most sought-after and copied boats in offshore today.
creating the first 38-foot offshore race boat built with Kevlar in 1977, subsequently winning three consecutive world championships;
building the first 40-foot and 50-foot Deep-V pleasure and race boat models using Kevlar and Kevlar Carbon laminates;
pioneering centerline steering, the standard for high performance safety;
building the first sit-down canopy, Deep-V, triple-engine super boat;
pioneering the use of staggered engines using 18-inch to 22-inch centerline in both racing and pleasure models;
and building the first high performance, 100-year capable Deep-V race boat from Kevlar 149 composite, which went on to win two world titles.
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