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Today, the NMMA honored Dave Livingston, co-owner and head of design and product development of Fluid Motion, with the 2024 Charles Chapman Award. The Chapman Award recognizes individuals or groups within the marine industry who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of boating for the benefit of the recreational boating industry and boating public. The award was presented during the Industry Breakfast at the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show.

Livingston’s career spans more than 60 years and has helped shape the recreational boating industry, with contributions to hands-on product innovations and spearheading pivotal company growth.

From a young age, Livingston has been drawn to the water. He built his first boat at 14 years old, a 9’ 8” Mustang, using plans he found in Popular Mechanics magazine. During high school, Livingston spent summers working on Unlimited Hydroplane Racing teams, further fueling his passion. By the time he graduated, he had built a B class hydroplane, D class hydroplane, and several runabouts, which he raced and skied behind.

He went on to study mechanical engineering while working in design for a local firm. His study was split by four years of service in the Navy, after which he went on to work at Nickum and Spalding Naval Architecture and later Lockheed Naval Architecture. Shortly after, he designed and built what would become his first commercially successful vessel—the catamaran design bearing the family name, the Livingston dinghy. After several years at the helm of Livingston, he eventually sold the company to Reinell. With over 75,000 of these dinghies produced, his design is still found in service throughout the nation.

After his tenure at Livingston, he dedicated several years to product development at Reinell. From there, he went on to lead the design and product development team for Bayliner, where he pioneered accessible designs and oversaw efficient consolidated manufacturing. Other career milestones demonstrate Livingston’s inventiveness extending into towing logistics and storage convenience for end consumers. One of his most impactful business achievements was developing the Capri package for Bayliner which produced dramatic new affordability in recreational boating.

Other career milestones demonstrate Dave's inventiveness extending beyond propulsion systems into towing logistics and storage convenience for end consumers. He led the manufacturing of the L Drive, a lighter more efficient propulsion system. Livingston was proud to collaborate with top talent in pioneering such an innovative power solution.

In the early 2000s, Livingston teamed up with his son, John, to establish Fluid Motion. Today, Fluid Motion constructs 15 models across three brands for Ranger Tugs, Cutwater and Solara. He has channeled his lifelong expertise in boat design to craft versatile boats on the market today.

Throughout the last six decades, Livingston has collaborated with numerous manufacturers to innovate and enhance both new and existing products. Notable companies in his portfolio include Livingston, Reinell, Bayliner, Maxum, Buccaneer, US Yacht, Trophy, Arriva, Cobra, Ski Challenger, Blue Fin, Quantum, Ranger Boat Company, Martini, Solara, Ranger Tugs, Cutwater Boats, Force Outboards, Escort Trailers, Fountain, Wellcraft, and Regal.

For more information about NMMA’s Charles Chapman Award and to nominate a deserving leader for 2025, click here.