RAILBLAZA, Advised By Bell Lap Advisors, Acquired By Kayak Distribution

Date

July 2026

Client

RAILBLAZA

Service

Sell-Side M&A Advisory

Buyer

Kayak Distribution

Paddle Sports, Kayak Fishing, Marine, Accessories, Manufacturing, Wholesale, International, Outdoor Recreation

RAILBLAZA, a New Zealand-based designer of modular mounting systems and accessories for kayaks, boats and the outdoors, was acquired by Kayak Distribution. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

RAILBLAZA, which was advised on the sell-side by Bell Lap Advisors, was founded in 2010 in Silverdale, Auckland by Ross Pratt. The company is best known for its StarPort mounting base system, along with rod holders, kayak carts and camera and accessory mounts built in UV-stabilised engineering polymers, stainless steel and anodised aluminium. RAILBLAZA products are sold in more than 45 countries through retail, e-commerce and OEM boat builders, with a United States operation based in Houston, Texas.

Kayak Distribution is a Canadian-owned designer and distributor of kayaks and paddle sports equipment, founded and led by Marc Pelland and based in Montreal. RAILBLAZA joins a portfolio that includes Vibe Kayaks, Cobra Kayaks, Riot Kayaks, Boreal Design and Current Designs.

Kayak Distribution President and Founder Pelland said of the transaction, “We are thrilled to welcome RAILBLAZA into the Kayak Distribution family. This is a brand built on ingenuity and a genuine passion for solving problems for people on the water. Our commitment is to invest in that legacy with innovative products, stronger service, dependable supply, and a long-term partnership built on transparency and trust.”

The transaction moves Kayak Distribution beyond boats into mounting hardware and accessories, and extends its reach from paddle sports into the wider marine and fishing market. Pelland added, “Bringing RAILBLAZA together with our kayak brands gives us a complete ecosystem for people who live for the water. We are excited for what comes next for RAILBLAZA and its partners.”

Bell Lap Advisors, advisor to RAILBLAZA, is a leading M&A advisory firm focused exclusively on outdoor recreation and active lifestyle industries, with completed transactions across the USA, Canada, the EU, Australia, Asia and New Zealand.

Have questions about how our M&A Advisory services could help your business? Reach out to us today for a free consultation.

NOTES
Source: Kayak Distribution press release, July 13, 2026.