As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 6, 2020

Registration No. 333-232639

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Amendment No. 5
to
Form S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

OneWater Marine Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

6275 Lanier Islands Parkway
Buford, Georgia 30518
(678) 541-6300
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

Austin Singleton
Chief Executive Officer
6275 Lanier Islands Parkway
Buford, Georgia 30518
(678) 541-6300
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

Copies to:

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box:  o

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  o

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  o

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.  o

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until this registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities, and it is not soliciting an offer to buy, these securities in any state or jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED                , 2020

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS

             Shares

OneWater Marine Inc.
Class A Common Stock

This is the initial public offering of Class A common stock of OneWater Marine Inc., a Delaware corporation. We are offering              shares of Class A common stock.

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our Class A common stock. We have been approved to list our Class A common stock on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “ONEW.”

We anticipate that the initial public offering price will be between $       and $       per share of Class A common stock.

Certain of our Legacy Owners (as defined herein), including affiliates of The Beekman Group, our Chief Executive Officer, Austin Singleton, LMI Holding, LLC and Dr. A. Derrill Crowe, have indicated an interest in purchasing up to an aggregate of $       million of shares of our Class A common stock in this offering at the initial public offering price per share. In addition, Regal Marine Industries, Inc., one of our boat manufacturers, has indicated an interest in purchasing up to $       of shares of our Class A common stock in this offering at the initial public offering price per share. However, because indications of interest are not binding agreements or commitments to purchase, these parties may elect to purchase more, less or no shares in this offering or the underwriters may elect to sell more, less or no shares in this offering to these parties. The number of shares of Class A common stock available for sale to the general public will be reduced to the extent these parties purchase shares of Class A common stock in the offering. The underwriters will receive the same discount from any Class A common stock purchased by these parties as they will from any other shares of Class A common stock sold to the public in this offering. Any shares purchased by such parties in this offering will be subject to a 180-day lock-up agreement with the underwriters.

The underwriters have the option for a period of 30 days from the date of this prospectus to purchase up to a maximum of        additional shares of Class A common stock from us at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount and commissions.

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and will be subject to reduced reporting requirements. This prospectus complies with the requirements that apply to an issuer that is an emerging growth company. We will have two classes of common stock outstanding after this offering: Class A common stock and Class B common stock. Upon consummation of this offering, investors in this offering, including any of our affiliates that may purchase shares in this offering, will hold       % of the Class A common stock, representing       % of the total voting stock outstanding. Legacy Owners will hold       % of the total voting stock outstanding, including 100.0% of the Class B common stock, which votes together with the Class A common stock as a single class.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Investing in our Class A common stock involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 22 to read about factors you should consider before buying shares of our Class A common stock.

The underwriters expect to deliver the shares of Class A common stock to purchasers on or about       , 2020, through the book-entry facilities of The Depository Trust Company.

The date of this prospectus is          , 2020.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus and any free writing prospectus we have prepared. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. Offers to sell, and solicitations of offers to buy, shares of our Class A common stock are being made only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of our Class A common stock. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since the date of this prospectus.

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. See “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Industry and Market Data

The market data and certain other statistical information used throughout this prospectus are based on independent industry publications, publicly available information, business organizations, government publications and other published independent sources, including data from an annual report published by the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association (“NMMA”). Some data is also based on our good faith estimates. Although we believe these third-party sources are reliable as of their respective dates, neither we nor the underwriters have independently verified the accuracy or completeness of this information. Market share data is subject to change and may be limited by the availability of raw data, the voluntary nature of the data gathering process and other limitations in any statistical survey of market share data. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such market share data or any other such estimates. The industry in which we operate is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a

variety of factors, including those described in the section entitled “Risk Factors.” These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in these publications.

Trademarks and Trade Names

We rely on various trade names that we use in connection with the operation of our business. This prospectus may also contain trademarks, service marks and trade names of third parties, which are the property of their respective owners. Our use or display of third parties’ trademarks, service marks, trade names or products in this prospectus is not intended to, and does not imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship by us. Solely for convenience, the trademarks, service marks and trade names referred to in this prospectus may appear without the ^®, ^TM or ^SM symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the right of the applicable licensor to these trademarks, service marks and trade names.

Basis of Presentation

Organizational Structure

In connection with the closing of this offering, we will effect certain organizational transactions, which we describe in “Prospectus Summary─Corporate Reorganization” and “Corporate Reorganization” and refer to herein as the “Reorganization.” Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, all information in this prospectus reflects the consummation of the Reorganization, including this offering. See “Corporate Reorganization” and a diagram depicting our organizational structure in “Prospectus Summary─Corporate Reorganization” for more information.

Except as otherwise indicated or required by the context, all references in this prospectus to the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” relate to OneWater Marine Inc. (“OneWater Inc.”) and its consolidated subsidiaries after giving effect to the Reorganization. References in this prospectus to “OneWater LLC” or our “Predecessor” refer to One Water Marine Holdings, LLC, our accounting predecessor, and its consolidated subsidiaries. References in this prospectus to the “Legacy Owners” refer to the existing owners of OneWater LLC, including, but not limited to, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (“Goldman Sachs”) and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Goldman”), affiliates of The Beekman Group (“Beekman”) and certain members of our management team.

We will be a holding company and the sole managing member of OneWater LLC, and upon completion of this offering and the application of proceeds therefrom, our principal asset will consist of common units of OneWater LLC.

Presentation of Financial and Other Information

OneWater LLC is the accounting predecessor of the issuer, OneWater Inc. OneWater Inc. will be the audited financial reporting entity following this offering. Accordingly, this prospectus contains the following historical financial statements:

The unaudited pro forma financial information of OneWater Inc. presented in this prospectus has been derived by the application of pro forma adjustments to the historical consolidated financial statements of OneWater LLC and its subsidiaries included elsewhere in this prospectus. These pro forma adjustments give effect to the Reorganization and the consummation of this offering as if they had occurred on October 1, 2018, in the case of the unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of operations data, and as of September 30, 2019, in the case of the unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information” for a complete description of the adjustments and assumptions underlying the pro forma financial information included in this prospectus.

Certain monetary amounts, percentages and other figures included in this prospectus have been subject to rounding adjustments. Percentage amounts included in this prospectus have not in all cases been calculated on the basis of such rounded figures, but on the basis of such amounts prior to rounding. For this reason, percentage amounts in this prospectus may vary from those obtained by performing the same calculations using the figures in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Certain other amounts that appear in this prospectus may not sum due to rounding.

The Company’s fiscal year ends on September 30. Unless otherwise stated, all references to the “fiscal year” refer to the twelve months ended September 30 of the applicable year.

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary contains basic information about us and the offering. Because it is a summary, it does not contain all the information that you should consider before investing in our Class A common stock. You should read and carefully consider this entire prospectus before making an investment decision, especially the information presented under the heading “Risk Factors,” “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

Except as otherwise indicated, all information contained in this prospectus assumes an initial public offering price of $       per share of Class A common stock (the mid-point of the range set forth on the cover of this prospectus) and that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock, and excludes (i)        shares of Class A common stock reserved for issuance under our long-term incentive plan and (ii) any shares of our Class A common stock that may be purchased in this offering by affiliates of Beekman, our Chief Executive Officer, Austin Singleton, and LMI Holding, LLC, to the extent such purchases affect the beneficial ownership in our Class A common stock of such entities, individually or in the aggregate (for the avoidance of doubt, such purchased shares, if any, will continue to be reflected in Class A common stock sold in this offering and other figures derivative thereof). Please see “Principal Stockholders.”

ONEWATER MARINE INC.

Overview

We believe that we are the largest and one of the fastest-growing premium recreational boat retailers in the United States with 63 stores comprising 21 dealer groups in 11 states. Our dealer groups are located within highly attractive markets throughout the Southeast, Gulf Coast, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, including Texas, Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Ohio and New York, which collectively comprise eight of the top twenty states for marine retail expenditures. We believe that we are a market leader by volume in sales of premium boats in 12 out of the 17 markets where we operate. In 2019, we sold over 8,500 new and pre-owned boats, of which we believe approximately 40% were sold to customers who had a trade-in or with whom we otherwise had established relationships. The combination of our significant scale, diverse inventory, access to premium boat brands and meaningful dealer group brand equity enables us to provide a consistently professional experience as reflected in the number of our repeat customers and same-store sales growth.

Note: Store count as of December 2019.

We have a diversified revenue profile that is comprised of new boat sales, pre-owned boat sales, finance and insurance (“F&I”) products, repair and maintenance services, and parts and accessories. Non-boat sales were approximately 11.4% of revenue and 31.1% of gross profit in fiscal year 2019, approximately 10.5% of revenue and 26.7% of gross profit in fiscal year 2018, and approximately 10.9% of revenue and 28.5% of gross profit in fiscal year 2017. We offer a wide array of new boats at various price points through relationships with over 48 manufacturers covering 72 brands. We are currently a top-three customer for 24 of our 72 brands and the single largest customer for each of our top five highest-selling brands. While our order volume amounts to between 5% to 35% of total sales for those top five brands, no single brand accounts for more than 10% of our sales volume. Our relationships with many of our manufacturers are long-standing and have been developed over multiple decades of experience within the marine industry. We believe that the strength of our relationships combined with our scale enables us to receive among the best pricing and terms available across all of the brands and models that we carry, and we routinely evaluate the sales performance and demand for each respective brand to ensure that the economic relationship we have in place with our manufacturers optimizes our profitability.

We were formed in 2014 as One Water Marine Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, through the combination of Singleton Assets & Operations, LLC, a Georgia limited liability company, d/b/a Singleton Marine (“Singleton Marine”), and Legendary Marine, LLC, a Florida limited liability company (“Legendary Marine”), which created a marine retail platform that collectively owned and operated 19 stores. Since the combination in 2014, we have acquired a total of 40 additional stores through 17 acquisitions. Our current portfolio as of December 1, 2019 consists of 21 different local and regional dealer groups. Because of this, we believe we are the fastest growing and largest premium recreational boat retailer in the United States based on number of stores and total boats sold. While we have opportunistically opened new stores in select markets, we believe that it is generally more effective economically and operationally to acquire existing stores with experienced staff and established reputations.

We believe that our dealer group branding strategy, which retains the name, logo and trademarks associated with each store or dealer group at the time of acquisition, significantly differentiates us from our largest competitors who employ singular, national branding strategies. We are committed to maintaining local and regional dealer group branding because we believe that the value of retaining the goodwill and long-standing customer relationships of these local businesses, many of which have been

built by families over decades, far exceeds the benefits of attempting to establish a potentially unfamiliar “OneWater” national brand. In addition, preserving this established identity maintains the long term engagement of former owners because their name and reputation remain figuratively and literally “on the door.”

Summary of Financial Performance for Fiscal Year 2019 and Key Metrics

We have experienced significant growth in recent years.

For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), its most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), see “—Summary Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial and Operating Data” below.

Our Market and Our Customer

Consumer spending on boats, engines, services, parts, accessories and related purchases reached almost $42 billion in 2018 and has, on average, grown in excess of 5% annually since 2010. New powerboat sales have driven market growth and reached $10.7 billion in 2018, implying a 13% average annual growth rate since 2010. Of the approximately one million powerboats sold in the United States each year, 80% of total units sold (approximately 815,000) are pre-owned. Relative demand for new and late-model boats has increased in recent years in part due to the continuous evolution of boat technology and design including, but not limited to, seating configurations, power, efficiency, instrumentation and electronics, and wakesurf gates, each of which represents a material design improvement that cannot be matched by more dated boat models. We believe the increasing pace of innovation in technology and design will result in more frequent upgrade purchases and ultimately higher sales volumes of new and late-model, pre-owned boat sales.

The boat dealership market is highly fragmented and is comprised of over 4,000 stores nationwide. Most competing boat retailers are operated by local business owners who own three or fewer stores. We are one of the largest and fastest-growing premium recreational boat retailers in the United States. Despite our size, we comprise less than 2% of total industry sales. Our scale and business model allow us to leverage our extensive inventory to provide consumers with the ability to find a boat that matches their preferences (e.g., make, model color, configuration and other options) and to deliver the boat within days while providing a personalized sales experience. We are able to operate with a comparatively higher degree of profitability than other independent retailers because we allocate support resources across our store base, focus on high-margin products and services, utilize floor plan financing and provide core back-office functions on a scale that many independent retailers are unable to match. We seek to be the leading boat retailer by total market share within each boating market and within the product segments in which we participate. To the extent that we are not, we will evaluate acquiring other local retailers in order to increase our sales, to add additional brands or to provide us with additional high-quality personnel.

We believe that boating is a lifestyle that brings families and friends together regardless of their stage of life. Whether a person grew up in a household that owned a boat or experiences boating later in life, once a person buys their first boat they often become a boating customer for life. Our customers are typically middle to upper-middle class families who either own a house on the water or live near a body of water where they can engage in boating activities. We serve customers whose boating preferences span from general recreation and cruising to fresh and salt water fishing to watersports, including wakeboarding and wake surfing. The profile of our customers range from those in their early-to-mid 30’s who are upgrading their house, cars and lifestyle to those who have owned multiple boats and view boating as a way of life. Our inventory and product selection allow us to cater to a highly diverse customer base with price points and boat types that appeal to a broad spectrum of budgets and preferences. The boating industry’s and MarineMax’s average selling prices for a new boat were $52,000 in calendar year 2018 and $204,000 in fiscal year 2019, respectively. By comparison, our average selling price for a new boat in fiscal year 2019 was $105,000.

Our Strengths

Leading Market Position and Scale: We are one of the largest and fastest-growing premium recreational boat retailers in the United States, with 63 stores across 11 states. We have a strong presence in Texas, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, New York and North Carolina with 55 stores. Collectively these markets comprise eight of the top twenty states for marine retail expenditures.

Differentiated Marketing and Branding Strategy: We are committed to maintaining a local and regional dealer group branding strategy and believe that retaining the goodwill and long-standing customer relationships of dealer groups that we acquire provides significantly more value than

establishing a potentially unfamiliar “OneWater” national brand across each of our stores. Preserving the existing brands enables us to retain key staff, including senior management, which reduces or eliminates our need to hire and train new people when we complete an acquisition.

Our marketing department is able to deploy highly efficient and targeted sales campaigns due to the number of customers we have served to date and the analytics we have obtained from prior transactions. Customers who buy boats commonly make ongoing purchases of parts, repair and maintenance services and storage. We proactively send marketing messages to anticipate when a customer may need additional repair and maintenance services in order for us to maximize the value of a customer and to diversify our revenue streams across all revenue categories.

Seasoned Consolidator in a Highly Fragmented Market: We have an extensive acquisition track record within the boating industry and have developed a reputation for treating sellers and their staff in an honest and fair manner. We believe our reputation and scale have positioned us as a buyer of choice for boat dealers who want to sell their businesses. To date, 100% of our acquisitions have been sourced from inbound inquiries, and the number of annual inquiries we receive has consistently increased over time. Less than 50% of the inbound leads that we receive meet our criteria but more than 90% of the stores on which we conduct diligence are ultimately acquired. Our acquisition and integration team has executed 17 acquisitions since 2014. Our acquisition team is typically able to convert the selling dealer groups’ back-office systems to our IT platform within approximately ten days, with full integration of most acquisitions completed in approximately 45 days. Our strategy is to acquire stores at attractive EBITDA multiples and then grow same-store sales while benefitting from cost-reducing synergies. Historically, we have typically acquired dealer groups for less than 4.0x EBITDA on a trailing twelve months basis and believe that we will be able to continue to make attractive acquisitions within this range.

Strong Yet Flexible Relationships with Leading Boat Manufacturers: Most of our relationships with our manufacturers are long-standing with many dating back two decades or longer. We communicate with our manufacturers on a weekly basis to monitor our orders and make adjustments based on our current inventory levels and forecasted customer demand. Our contracts also exclude any requirements pertaining to mandatory capital expenditures, branding and unit pricing. Furthermore, we have flexibility to change brands, subject to territory availability, at each store based on sales performance or other factors.

We are an essential customer to many of our top manufacturers and do not believe that there is a material risk that they would stop selling boats to us in any of our markets given our scale and long-standing relationships. We were recognized as Dealer of the Year by Boating Industry in 2016 and 2017, were inducted into the Boating Industry Top 100 Hall of Fame in 2018, and have been a Top 100 dealer since 2006. Certain of our local and regional dealer groups, including Singleton Marine, have been recognized among the top dealers worldwide for Cobalt Boats, Regal Boats, Harris and Yamaha Boats, and among the top dealers in the Southeast for Malibu and Axis. Additionally, we are also the top Yamaha Jet Boat dealer by volume in the United States. We began selling Sunseeker yachts in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019 through one of our consignors that is the exclusive dealer for certain Sunseeker yachts in select states, including Texas, certain counties in Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. From time to time, we may continue to add additional manufacturers whose products match our focus on premium recreational boats.

Diversified Revenue Streams: We offer a broad range of products and services beyond new and pre-owned boats, including repair and maintenance services, parts and accessories, F&I products and ancillary services, including storage. Although non-boat sales contributed approximately 11.4%, 10.5% and 10.9% to revenue in fiscal years 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively, the higher gross margin on these product and service lines resulted in non-boat sales contributing 31.1%, 26.7% and 28.5% of gross profit during such periods, respectively. During different phases of the economic cycle, consumer behavior may shift away from new boats; however, we are well positioned to benefit from revenue from pre-owned boats, repair and maintenance services, and parts and accessories, which have historically increased during periods of economic uncertainty. We have also diversified our business across geographies and dealership types (e.g., fresh water and salt water) in order to reduce the effects of seasonality. For instance, boating activity in South Florida increases during winter months, whereas freshwater boating in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast peaks during late-spring and summer.

Attractive Financial Profile: Since the formation of OneWater LLC in 2014, we have established a high growth financial profile driven by strong same-store sales growth and acquisitions. This growth has resulted in a high level of free cash flow generation, and allows us to maintain a conservative leverage profile. Excluding inventory financing, our business requires a low level of capital with historical maintenance capital expenditures typically under 0.5% of revenue. We are focused on achieving profitable growth and have been able to achieve an increase in Adjusted EBITDA margins by growing revenue at a higher rate than operating expenses have increased.

Highly Experienced Management Team: We have assembled an exceptional team of highly experienced professionals within the boating industry. The average industry tenure of our executive team is 25 years, and our Chief Executive Officer, Austin Singleton, who is a second generation boat dealer, has been in the industry for 31 years. In addition, our Chief Operating Officer, Anthony Aisquith, and Chief Financial Officer, Jack Ezzell, have 24 and 18 years of industry experience, respectively, and both have public-company experience with our largest competitor, MarineMax.

Growth Strategy

Organic Growth Strategy: Our business model utilizes our unique scale to drive profitable same-store sales growth. We seek to gain market share by delivering high-quality products and services, with customized attributes tailored to our customers’ product specifications. Our management team and business model are extremely agile, allowing us to target sales in specific segments of the industry that are outperforming overall industry trends. Additionally, we are able to leverage our potential customer

database to garner new sales. Sales growth from our existing stores is a core component of our current and future strategy. We believe non-boat sales will be a driver of our organic growth strategy in the future. We have implemented a targeted marketing strategy across our platform focused on increasing new and existing customer awareness and usage of our F&I products, repair and maintenance services, and parts and accessories products. We may also develop a dealership if an attractive acquisition is not available in a market we choose to target.

Acquisition Strategy: We believe there is a tremendous opportunity for us to expand in both existing and new markets, given that the industry is highly fragmented with most boat retailers owning three or fewer stores. We seek to create value by implementing the best tested operational practices to family-owned and operated businesses that previously lacked the resources, management experience and expertise to maximize the profitability of the acquired standalone businesses. We believe that the boat retail market is underpinned by strong fundamental drivers, and that, with the implementation of operational control measures and the injection of resources, local stores can significantly increase revenues and profitability. We believe our status as a consolidator of choice is based on the expertise we have developed through completing 17 acquisitions (40 stores acquired) since the combination of Singleton Marine and Legendary Marine in 2014, our growing cash flow and financial profile and our footprint of retailers within prime markets. Our ability to acquire additional stores or dealer groups at attractive multiples is further enhanced by our growing reputation for retaining the seller’s management team and keeping their branding and legacy intact. We believe there is significant opportunity to expand our store footprint in regions with strong boating cultures. While we have a strong presence in the Southeastern portion of the United States, there are several areas of opportunity in states adjacent to our current geographic footprint as well as states in new regions in the Midwest and Western United States. We are targeting to complete four to eight potential acquisitions that may contribute an estimated total of $100.0 million to $200.0 million in sales over the next 24 months, though we can provide no assurance as to the timing or completion of such acquisitions. As a result of our reputation in the market place, we expect our pipeline of potential acquisitions to grow over time.

Recent Developments

This recent developments section includes “forward-looking statements.” All statements contained herein other than statements of historical facts, including, without limitation, statements regarding our expectations regarding our financial and operating results for the three months ended December 31, 2019, and our future financial and business performance, are forward-looking statements. The words “could,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives and financial needs. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements described under the heading “Risk Factors,” “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business” included in this prospectus.

Preliminary Financial Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2019

Based upon preliminary financial information for the three months ended December 31, 2019, we estimate that consolidated same-store sales have              approximately       % compared to the corresponding period in the prior year, while gross margins have              by approximately        basis points over the same period.

Consistent with the trends described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations,” we believe these preliminary financial results to be primarily driven by                   . Please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for additional information regarding the factors and trends affecting our business. Our results of operations for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 are not yet available. Our expected results above reflect our current estimates for such period based on information available as of the date of this prospectus. We believe that the estimated comparable store sales and gross margin data are important to an investor's understanding of our performance, notwithstanding that

we are not yet able to provide estimated operating income or net income data. Our independent registered public accounting firm, Grant Thornton LLP, has not audited or reviewed, and does not express an opinion with respect to, these data. Our actual results may differ from these estimates due to the completion of our financial closing procedures and final adjustments and other developments that may arise between now and the time our final financial statements are completed.

Additional Recent Events

On November 26, 2019, OneWater LLC and certain of its subsidiaries further amended the Inventory Financing Facility (as defined herein) and, among other things, increased the maximum amount of borrowing available under the Inventory Financing Facility from $292.5 million to $392.5 million.

Corporate Reorganization

OneWater Inc. was incorporated as a Delaware corporation on April 3, 2019. Following this offering and the related transactions, OneWater Inc. will be a holding company whose only material asset will consist of membership interests in OneWater LLC. Following the closing of this offering, OneWater LLC will own all of the outstanding equity interests in One Water Assets & Operations, LLC (“Opco”), which in turn will own all of the outstanding equity interests in the subsidiaries through which we operate our assets. After the consummation of the Reorganization, OneWater Inc. will be the sole managing member of OneWater LLC and will be responsible for all operational, management and administrative decisions relating to OneWater LLC’s business and will consolidate financial results of OneWater LLC, Opco and its subsidiaries.

In connection with the offering:

will use such cash, consisting of the net proceeds of the offering, cash on hand and borrowings under the Term and Revolver Credit Facility (as defined below), to redeem all of the outstanding preferred units (“Opco Preferred Units”) in Opco held by Goldman and Beekman for cash. Please see “Use of Proceeds,” “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Historical Transactions with Affiliates—Opco Preferred Units” and “—OneWater LLC Warrants” for additional information.

After giving effect to these transactions and the offering contemplated by this prospectus, OneWater Inc. will own an approximate       % interest in OneWater LLC (or       % if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full), and the OneWater Unit Holders will own an approximate       % interest in OneWater LLC (or       % if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full) and all of the Class B common stock. Please see “Principal Stockholders.”

Each share of Class B common stock has no economic rights but entitles its holder to one vote on all matters to be voted on by stockholder generally. Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock will vote together as a single class on all matters presented to our stockholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by applicable law or by our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. OneWater Inc. does not intend to list Class B common stock on any exchange.

Following this offering, under the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of OneWater LLC (the “OneWater LLC Agreement”), each OneWater Unit Holder will, subject to certain limitations, have the right (the “Redemption Right”) to cause OneWater LLC to acquire all or a portion of its OneWater LLC Units for, at OneWater LLC’s election, (i) shares of our Class A common stock at a redemption ratio of one share of Class A common stock for each OneWater LLC Unit redeemed, subject to conversion rate adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassification and other similar transactions or (ii) an equivalent amount of cash. An independent committee of our board of directors will determine whether to issue shares of Class A common stock or cash based on facts in existence at the time of the decision, which we expect would include the relative value of the Class A common stock (including trading prices for the Class A common stock at the time), the cash purchase price, the availability of other sources of liquidity (such as an issuance of stock) to acquire the OneWater LLC Units and alternative uses for such cash. Alternatively, upon the exercise of the Redemption Right, OneWater Inc. (instead of OneWater LLC) will have the right (the “Call Right”) to, for administrative convenience, acquire each tendered OneWater LLC Unit directly from the redeeming OneWater Unit Holder for, at its election, (x) one share of Class A common stock, subject to conversion rate adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassification and other similar transactions, or (y) an equivalent amount of cash. In addition, OneWater Inc. has the right to require (i) upon the acquisition by OneWater Inc. of substantially all of the OneWater LLC Units, certain minority unitholders or (ii) upon a change of control of OneWater Inc., each OneWater Unit Holder (other than OneWater Inc.), to exercise its Redemption Right with respect to some or all of such unitholder’s OneWater LLC Units. In connection with any redemption of OneWater LLC Units pursuant to the Redemption Right or the Call Right, the corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock will be cancelled. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—OneWater LLC Agreement.” Certain Legacy Owners will have the right, under certain circumstances, to cause us to register the offer and resale of their shares of Class A common stock. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions— Registration Rights Agreement.”

OneWater Inc.’s acquisition (or deemed acquisition for U.S. federal income tax purposes) of OneWater LLC Units in connection with this offering or pursuant to an exercise of the Redemption Right or the Call Right is expected to result in adjustments to the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of OneWater LLC, and such adjustments will be allocated to OneWater Inc. These adjustments would not have been available to OneWater Inc. absent its acquisition or deemed acquisition of OneWater LLC Units and are expected to reduce the amount of cash tax that OneWater Inc. would otherwise be required to pay in the future.

OneWater Inc. will enter into a tax receivable agreement, which we refer to as the “Tax Receivable Agreement,” with certain of the OneWater Unit Holders. The Tax Receivable Agreement generally provides for the payment by OneWater Inc. to such OneWater Unit Holders of 85% of the net cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income and franchise tax (computed using the estimated

impact of state and local taxes) that OneWater Inc. actually realizes (or is deemed to realize in certain circumstances) in periods after this offering as a result of, as applicable to each such OneWater Unit Holder, (i) certain increases in tax basis that occur as a result of its acquisition (or deemed acquisition for U.S. federal income tax purposes) of all or a portion of such OneWater Unit Holder’s OneWater LLC Units pursuant to the exercise of the Redemption Right or the Call Right or that relate to prior transfers of such OneWater LLC Units that will be available to OneWater Inc. as a result of its acquisitions of those units and (ii) imputed interest deemed to be paid by OneWater Inc. as a result of, and additional tax basis arising from, any payments OneWater Inc. makes under the Tax Receivable Agreement.

Payments will generally be made under the Tax Receivable Agreement as OneWater Inc. realizes actual cash tax savings in periods after this offering from the tax benefits covered by the Tax Receivable Agreement. However, if OneWater Inc. experiences a change of control (as defined under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which includes certain mergers, asset sales and other forms of business combinations) or the Tax Receivable Agreement terminates early (at OneWater Inc.’s election or as a result of OneWater Inc.’s breach), OneWater Inc. would be required to make an immediate payment equal to the present value of the anticipated future payments to be made by it under the Tax Receivable Agreement (determined by applying a discount rate equal to one-year LIBOR plus 100 basis points) and such early termination payment is expected to be substantial. OneWater Inc. will be dependent on OneWater LLC to make distributions to OneWater Inc. in an amount sufficient to cover OneWater Inc.’s obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement.

The following diagram indicates our simplified ownership structure immediately following this offering and the transactions related thereto (assuming that the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is not exercised):

Our Legacy Owners

Upon completion of this offering, the Legacy Owners will initially own        shares of Class A common stock, representing approximately       % of the voting power of the Company (or       % if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full), and        shares of Class B common stock, representing approximately       % of the voting power of the Company (or       % if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full). For more information on our corporate reorganization and the ownership of our common stock by our principal stockholders, see “Corporate Reorganization.”

Summary Risk Factors

Investing in our Class A common stock involves risks. You should read carefully the section of this prospectus entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 22 for an explanation of these risks before investing in our Class A common stock. In particular, the following considerations may offset our competitive strengths or have a negative effect on our strategy or operating activities, which could cause a decrease in the price of our Class A common stock and a loss of all or part of your investment.

See “Risk Factors” immediately following this prospectus summary for a more thorough discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties we face.

Emerging Growth Company Status

As a company with less than $1.07 billion in revenue during our last fiscal year, we qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS

Act”). An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These provisions include:

We may take advantage of these provisions until the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering or such earlier time that we are no longer an emerging growth company. We would cease to be an emerging growth company upon the earliest of: (i) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenues are $1.07 billion or more; (ii) the date on which we have, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities; or (iii) the date on which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer,” which will occur as of the end of any fiscal year in which we (x) have an aggregate market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates of  $700 million or more as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, (y) have been required to file annual and quarterly reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), for a period of at least 12 months and (z) have filed at least one annual report pursuant to the Exchange Act.

We have elected to take advantage of the reduced disclosure obligations listed above in this prospectus, and may elect to take advantage of other reduced reporting requirements in future filings. In particular, we have elected to adopt the reduced disclosure with respect to our executive compensation disclosure. As a result of this election, the information that we provide stockholders may be different than you might get from other public companies.

The JOBS Act permits an emerging growth company like us to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies. We have elected to use this extended transition period and, as a result, we will adopt new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for private companies. Our election to use the transition periods permitted by this election may make it difficult to compare our financial statements to those of non-emerging growth companies and other emerging growth companies that have opted out of the extended transition periods permitted under the JOBS Act and who will comply with new or revised financial accounting standards. If we were to subsequently elect instead to comply with public company effective dates, such election would be irrevocable pursuant to the JOBS Act.

For additional descriptions of the qualifications and other requirements applicable to emerging growth companies and certain elections that we have made due to our status as an emerging growth company, see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to this Offering and Our Class A Common Stock—For as long as we are an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with certain reporting requirements, including those relating to accounting standards and disclosure about our executive compensation, that apply to other public companies.”

Our Offices

Our principal executive offices are located at 6275 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, Georgia 30518, and our telephone number at that address is 678-541-6300. Our website address is www.onewatermarine.com. Information contained on our website does not constitute part of this prospectus.

The Offering

by us (or approximately $       million of net proceeds if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock is exercised in full).

We intend to contribute the net proceeds of this offering received by us to OneWater LLC in exchange for OneWater LLC Units. OneWater LLC will use the net proceeds, together with cash on hand and borrowings under the Term and Revolver Credit Facility (as defined herein), to redeem the Opco Preferred Units held by Goldman and Beekman. Please see “Use of Proceeds.”

elect to purchase more, less or no shares in this offering or the underwriters may elect to sell more, less or no shares in this offering to these parties. The number of shares of Class A common stock available for sale to the general public will be reduced to the extent these parties purchase shares of Class A common stock in the offering. The underwriters will receive the same discount from any Class A common stock purchased by these parties as they will from any other shares of Class A common stock sold to the public in this offering. Any shares purchased by such parties in this offering will be subject to a 180-day lock-up agreement with the underwriters.

Summary Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial and Operating Data

OneWater Inc. was incorporated on April 3, 2019 and does not have historical financial operating results for the period from April 3, 2019 to September 30, 2019. The following table presents the summary historical and certain pro forma financial data and other data for OneWater LLC, the accounting predecessor of OneWater Inc., and its subsidiaries. The historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period, and should be read together with “Use of Proceeds,” “Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data,” “Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Corporate Reorganization” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

The summary historical financial data as of September 30, 2019 and 2018 and for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was derived from the audited historical financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The OneWater LLC summary historical financial data as of September 30, 2017 was derived from audited historical financial statements not included elsewhere in this prospectus.

The summary unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of operations data for the year ended September 30, 2019 presents our consolidated results of operations after giving effect to (i) the Reorganization, including this offering, as described under “Corporate Reorganization,” as if such transactions occurred on October 1, 2018, (ii) the use of the estimated net proceeds to us from this offering, as described under “Use of Proceeds” and (iii) a provision for corporate income taxes on the income attributable to OneWater Inc. at an effective rate of 24.7% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, inclusive of all U.S. federal, state and local income taxes (collectively, the “pro forma adjustments”). The unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2019 gives effect to the pro forma adjustments, including this offering, as if the same had occurred on September 30, 2019. The pro forma adjustments are based on available information and upon assumptions that our management believes are reasonable in order to reflect their impact, on a pro forma basis, on the historical financial information of OneWater LLC. The summary unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information is included for informational purposes only and does not purport to reflect the results of operations or financial position of OneWater Inc. that would have occurred had OneWater Inc. been in existence or operated as a public company or otherwise during the periods presented. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information should not be relied upon as being indicative of our results of operations or financial position had the described transactions occurred on the dates assumed. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information also does not project our results of operations or financial position for any future period or date.

federal income tax. Our predecessor, OneWater LLC, was not subject to U.S. federal income tax at an entity level. As a result, the consolidated and combined net income in our historical financial statements does not reflect the tax expense we would have incurred if we were subject to U.S. federal income tax at an entity level during such periods.

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of net income as determined by GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure that is used by management and external users of our consolidated financial statements, such as industry analysts, investors, lenders and rating agencies. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest expense – other, income taxes, depreciation and amortization and other expense (income), further adjusted to eliminate the effects of items such as the change in the fair value of warrants and transaction costs.

Our board of directors, management team and lenders use Adjusted EBITDA to assess our financial performance because it allows them to compare our operating performance on a consistent basis across periods by removing the effects of our capital structure (such as varying levels of interest expense), asset base (such as depreciation and amortization) and other items (such as the fair value adjustment of the warrants and transaction costs) that impact the comparability of financial results from period to period. We present Adjusted EBITDA because we believe it provides useful information regarding the factors and trends affecting our business in addition to measures calculated under GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is not a financial measure presented in accordance with GAAP. We believe that the presentation of this non-GAAP financial measure will provide useful information to investors and analysts in assessing our financial performance and results of operations across reporting periods by excluding items we do not believe are indicative of our core operating performance. Net income (loss) is the GAAP measure most directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA. Our non-GAAP financial measure should not be considered as an alternative to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. You are encouraged to evaluate each of these adjustments and the reasons we consider them appropriate for supplemental analysis. In evaluating Adjusted EBITDA, you should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses that are the same as or similar to some of the adjustments in such presentation. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. There can be no assurance that we will not modify the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA in the future, and any such modification may be material. Adjusted EBITDA has important limitations as an analytical tool and you should not consider Adjusted EBITDA in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Because Adjusted EBITDA may be defined differently by other companies in our industry, our definition of this non-GAAP financial measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, thereby diminishing its utility.

The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to the GAAP financial measure of net income (loss) for the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

RISK FACTORS

Investing in our Class A common stock involves risks. You should carefully consider the information in this prospectus, including the matters addressed under “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and the following risks before making an investment decision. Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks or uncertainties. The trading price of our Class A common stock could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to Our Business

General economic conditions and consumer spending patterns can have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

General economic conditions, including changes in employment levels, consumer demand, preferences and confidence levels, the availability and cost of credit, fuel prices, levels of discretionary personal income, interest rates, periods of economic or political instability and consumer spending patterns can negatively impact our operating results. Unfavorable local, regional, national or global economic developments or uncertainties regarding future economic prospects could reduce or defer consumer spending in the markets we serve and adversely affect our business. Consumer spending, including that of high net worth individuals, on discretionary goods may also decline as a result of political uncertainty and instability, even if prevailing economic conditions are generally favorable. Economic conditions in areas in which we operate stores, particularly the Southeast and Gulf Coast regions in which we generated approximately 65%, 68% and 81% of our revenue during fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, could have a major impact on our operations. Local influences, such as corporate downsizing, inclement weather such as hurricanes or other storms, environmental conditions and specific events, such as Hurricanes Dorian, Florence and Michael in 2019 and 2018, also could adversely affect, and in certain instances have adversely affected, our operations in certain markets.

In an economic downturn, consumer discretionary spending levels generally decline, at times resulting in disproportionately large reductions in the sale of discretionary goods. Consumer spending on discretionary goods also may decline as a result of lower consumer confidence levels, even if prevailing economic conditions are favorable. Our business was significantly impacted during the recessionary period that began in 2007, and this period of weakness in consumer spending and depressed economic conditions had a substantial negative effect on our operating results. In response to these conditions we reduced our inventory purchases, closed certain stores and reduced headcount. Although we have expanded our operations and increased our focus on pre-owned sales, parts and repair services and F&I products, during periods of stagnant or modestly declining industry trends, the cyclical nature of the recreational boating industry or the lack of industry growth could lead to oversupply and weak demand, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations in the future. Any period of adverse economic conditions or low consumer confidence could have a negative effect on our business.

The availability and costs of borrowed funds can adversely affect our ability to obtain adequate boat inventory, the ability and willingness of our customers to finance boat purchases and our ability to fund future acquisitions.

The availability and costs of borrowed funds can adversely affect our ability to obtain and maintain adequate boat inventory and the holding costs of that inventory, the ability and willingness of our customers to finance boat purchases and our ability to fund future acquisitions.

OneWater LLC and certain of its subsidiaries are parties to the Fourth Amended and Restated Inventory Financing Agreement with Wells Fargo Commercial Distribution Finance, LLC and various lender parties thereto (as amended, the “Inventory Financing Facility”), which consists of uncommitted inventory floorplan financing of up to $292.5 million as of September 30, 2019. We subsequently further amended and increased the maximum amount of borrowing available under the Inventory Financing Facility to $392.5 million on November 26, 2019. The Inventory Financing Facility has a maturity date of September 28, 2021. As of September 30, 2019 and 2018, we had an aggregate of $225.4 million and $157.5 million, respectively, outstanding under the Inventory Financing Facility. We rely on the Inventory

Financing Facility to purchase and maintain our inventory of boats. The collateral for the Inventory Financing Facility consists primarily of our inventory that is financed through the Inventory Financing Facility and related assets, including accounts receivable, bank accounts and proceeds of the foregoing, and excludes the collateral that underlies the GS/BIP Credit Facility (as defined below).

Additionally, OneWater LLC and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a Credit and Guaranty Agreement with OWM BIP Investor, LLC, as a lender, Goldman Sachs Specialty Lending Group, L.P., as a lender, administrative agent and collateral agent, and various lender parties thereto (as amended, the “GS/BIP Credit Facility,” and together with the Inventory Financing Facility, our “Credit Facilities”), which consists of an up to $60.0 million multi-draw term loan facility and a $5.0 million revolving line of credit. The GS/BIP Credit Facility has a maturity date of October 28, 2021. As of September 30, 2019, we had $58.0 million outstanding under the multi-draw term loan and no amount outstanding under the revolving line of credit. As of September 30, 2018, we had $28.6 million outstanding under the multi-draw term loan and no amount outstanding under the revolving line of credit.

As of September 30, 2019, we were in compliance with all of the covenants under the Credit Facilities, and our additional available borrowings under the Credit Facilities were approximately $74.1 million based upon the outstanding borrowings and maximum facility amounts.

Our ability to borrow under the Credit Facilities depends on our ability to continue to satisfy our covenants and other obligations under the Credit Facilities. In particular, our ability to borrow under our Inventory Financing Facility depends on the ability of our manufacturers to be approved vendors under our Inventory Financing Facility. The aging of our inventory limits our borrowing capacity as defined curtailments under the Inventory Financing Facility reduce the allowable advance rate as our inventory ages. Depressed economic conditions, weak consumer spending, turmoil in the credit markets and lender difficulties, among other potential reasons, could interfere with our ability to maintain compliance with our debt covenants and to utilize the Credit Facilities to fund our operations. Accordingly, under such circumstances, it may be necessary for us to close stores, further reduce our expense structure, liquidate inventory below cost to free up capital, or modify the covenants with our lenders. Any inability to utilize the Credit Facilities or the acceleration of amounts owed, resulting from a covenant violation, insufficient collateral or lender difficulties, could require us to seek other sources of funding to repay amounts outstanding under the Credit Facilities or replace or supplement the Credit Facilities, which may not be possible at all or under commercially reasonable terms.

The interest rate on our Inventory Financing Facility for new boats is calculated using the one-month London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus an applicable margin of 2.75% to 5.00% depending on the amount of days the boat has been in inventory. Interest on pre-owned boats is calculated at the new boat rate plus 0.25%. These variable interest rates under our Inventory Financing Facility will fluctuate with changing market conditions and, accordingly, our interest expense will increase as interest rates rise. Accordingly, a significant increase in interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, has announced that it intends to stop encouraging or requiring banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021, and it is unclear if LIBOR will cease to exist or if new methods of calculating LIBOR will evolve. If LIBOR ceases to exist or if the methods of calculating LIBOR change from their current form, interest rates on our current or future debt obligations may be adversely affected.

Similarly, decreases in the availability of credit and increases in the cost of credit could adversely affect the ability of our customers to purchase boats from us and thereby adversely affect our ability to sell our products and impact the profitability of our finance and insurance activities. For example, tight credit conditions during each fiscal year beginning with fiscal 2008 and continuing through fiscal 2011 adversely affected the ability of customers to finance boat purchases, which had a negative effect on our operating results.

Concurrent with the closing of this offering, we expect to refinance the GS/BIP Credit Facility to, among other things, increase the amount we may borrow under such facility, permit the transactions contemplated by this offering, and ensure that OneWater LLC will be permitted to make pro rata cash distributions to the OneWater Unit Holders, including OneWater Inc., in an amount sufficient to allow OneWater Inc. to pay its taxes and to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. For

additional information relating to the GS/BIP Credit Facility and the Term and Revolver Credit Facility, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Debt Agreements—GS/BIP Credit Facility” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Historical Transactions with Affiliates—GS/BIP Credit Facility.”

Failure to implement strategies to enhance our performance could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

We are increasing our efforts to grow our repair and maintenance services, parts and accessories, and financing and insurance businesses to better serve our customers and thereby increase revenue and improve profitability as a result of these comparatively higher margin businesses. These efforts are designed to increase our revenue and reduce our dependence on the sale of new and pre-owned boats. In addition, we are pursuing strategic acquisitions to capitalize upon the consolidation opportunities in the highly fragmented recreational boat dealer industry by acquiring additional dealer groups and related operations and improving their performance and profitability through the implementation of our operating strategies. These business initiatives have required, and will continue to require, us to add personnel, invest capital, enter businesses or geographic regions in which we do not have extensive experience and encounter substantial competition. As a result, our strategies to enhance our performance may not be successful and we may increase our expenses or write off such investments if not successful.

Our success depends, in part, on our ability to continue to make successful acquisitions at attractive or fair prices and to integrate the operations of acquired dealer groups and each dealer group we acquire in the future.

Since the beginning of fiscal year 2016, we have acquired 14 recreational boat dealer groups. Additionally, we actively evaluate and pursue acquisitions on an ongoing basis, and our pipeline of potential acquisitions over the next 24 months currently includes four to eight dealer groups. Each acquired dealer group operated independently prior to our acquisition. Our success depends, in part, on our ability to continue to make successful acquisitions at attractive or fair prices that align with our culture and focus on customer service and to integrate the operations of acquired dealer groups, including centralizing certain functions to achieve cost savings and pursuing programs and processes that promote cooperation and the sharing of opportunities and resources among our stores. We may not be able to oversee the combined entity efficiently, realize anticipated synergies or effectively implement our growth and operating strategies. To the extent that we successfully pursue our acquisition strategy, our resulting growth will place significant additional demands on our management and infrastructure. Our failure to successfully pursue our acquisition strategies or effectively operate the combined entity could have a material adverse effect on our rate of growth and operating performance.

We are required to obtain the consent of our manufacturers prior to the acquisition of other dealer groups.

In determining whether to approve acquisitions, manufacturers may consider many factors, including our financial condition and ownership structure. Manufacturers may also impose conditions on granting their approvals for acquisitions, including a limitation on the number of their dealers that we may acquire. Our ability to meet manufacturers’ requirements for approving future acquisitions will have a direct bearing on our ability to complete acquisitions and effect our growth strategy. There can be no assurance that a manufacturer will not terminate its dealer agreement, refuse to renew its dealer agreement, refuse to approve future acquisitions or take other action that could have a material adverse effect on our acquisition program.

Our growth strategy also entails expanding our product lines and geographic scope by obtaining additional distribution rights from our existing and new manufacturers. We may not be able to secure additional distribution rights or obtain suitable alternative sources of supply if we are unable to obtain such distribution rights. The inability to expand our product lines and geographic scope by obtaining additional distribution rights could have a material adverse effect on the growth and profitability of our business.

Boat manufacturers exercise control over our business.

We depend on our dealer agreements, which generally provide for renewable, one-year terms. Through dealer agreements, boat manufacturers exercise control over their dealers, restrict them to specified locations and retain approval rights over changes in management and ownership, among other

things. The continuation of our dealer agreements with most manufacturers depends upon, among other things, our achieving stated performance goals for customer satisfaction ratings and market share penetration in the market served by the applicable dealer group. Failure to meet performance goals and other conditions set forth in any existing or new dealer agreement could have various consequences, including the following:

These events could have a material adverse effect on our product availability, competitive position and financial performance.

The failure to receive rebates and other manufacturer incentives on inventory purchases or retail sales could substantially reduce our margins.

We rely on manufacturers’ programs that provide incentives for dealers to purchase and sell particular boat makes and models or for consumers to buy particular boat makes or models. Any eliminations, reductions, limitations or other changes relating to rebate or incentive programs that have the effect of reducing the benefits we receive, whether relating to the ability of manufacturers to pay or our ability to qualify for such incentive programs, could increase the effective cost of our boat purchases, reduce our margins and competitive position and have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.

Increases in fuel prices may adversely affect our business.

All of the recreational boats we sell are powered by gasoline or diesel engines. Consequently, a significant increase in the price or tax on the sale of fuel on a regional or national basis could have a material adverse effect on our sales and operating results. Increases in fuel prices (such as those that occurred during 2008) negatively impact boat sales. The price of or tax on fuels may significantly increase in the future, adversely affecting our business.

Our sales may be adversely affected by a material increase in interest rates and adverse changes in fiscal policy or credit market conditions.

Over the past several years, our economy has been positively impacted by historically unprecedented low interest rates. Such interest rates are driven by the policies of the Federal Reserve System. Although interest rates generally increased in 2018 and decreased in 2019, there can be no assurance as to what actions the Federal Reserve System will take in the future. Any change in interest rates or the market expectation of such change may result in significantly higher long-term interest rates.

Given that we sell products that are often financed, a material increase in interest rates and adverse changes in fiscal policy or credit market conditions may negatively impact our customers’ ability or desire to purchase our products. In addition, such an increase or adverse change could reduce the availability or increase the costs of obtaining new debt and refinancing existing indebtedness or negatively impact the market price of our common stock.

The availability of boat insurance is critical to our success.

The ability of our customers to secure reasonably affordable boat insurance that is satisfactory to lenders that finance our customers’ purchases is critical to our success. Historically, affordable boat insurance has been available. However, as a severe storm approaches land, insurance providers cease

underwriting until the storm passes. This loss of insurance prevents or delays lenders from lending. As a result, sales of boats can be temporarily halted making our revenue difficult to predict and causing sales to be delayed or potentially cancelled. Any difficulty of customers to obtain affordable boat insurance could impede boat sales and adversely affect our business.

Other recreational activities, poor industry perception, real or perceived human health or safety risks, changing consumer attitudes and environmental conditions can adversely affect the levels of boat purchases.

Other recreational activities, poor industry perception, real or perceived human health or safety risks, changing consumer attitudes and environmental conditions can adversely affect the levels of boat purchases. Demand for our products can be adversely affected by competition from other activities that occupy consumers’ time, including other forms of recreation as well as religious, cultural and community activities. In addition, real or perceived human health or safety risks from engaging in outdoor activities generally or boating activities specifically could deter consumers from purchasing our products. Local environmental conditions in the areas in which we operate stores could also adversely affect the levels of boat purchases, including adverse weather conditions or natural disasters. Changing trends and attitudes toward large discretionary purchases on the part of younger consumers in particular, who may prefer to share or borrow a boat rather than incur the expense of ownership, may impact our future sales. Further, as a seller of high-end consumer products, we must compete for discretionary spending with a wide variety of other recreational activities and consumer purchases. In addition, perceived hassles of boat ownership and customer service and customer education throughout the retail boat industry, which has traditionally been perceived to be relatively poor, represent impediments to boat purchases.

Unforeseen expenses, difficulties and delays frequently encountered in connection with expansion through acquisitions could inhibit our growth and negatively impact our profitability.

Our growth strategy of acquiring additional recreational boat dealer groups involves significant risks. This strategy entails reviewing and potentially reorganizing acquired business operations, corporate infrastructure and systems, and financial controls. Unforeseen expenses (including potential environmental legacy liabilities), difficulties and delays frequently encountered in connection with rapid expansion through acquisitions could inhibit our growth and negatively impact our profitability. We may be unable to identify suitable acquisition candidates or to complete the acquisitions of candidates that we identify. Increased competition for acquisition candidates or increased asking prices by acquisition candidates may increase purchase prices for acquisitions to levels beyond our financial capability or to levels that would not result in expected returns required by our acquisition criteria to be in the best interest of stockholders. Acquisitions also may become more difficult or less attractive in the future as we acquire more of the most attractive dealer groups that best align with our culture and focus on customer service. In addition, we may encounter difficulties in integrating the operations of acquired dealer groups with our own operations, in retaining employees, in retaining and maintaining relationships with customers, suppliers or other business contacts, and in managing acquired dealer groups profitably without substantial costs, delays or other operational or financial problems. As part of our growth strategy, we generally retain existing key staff, including senior management, when we complete an acquisition. There can be no assurance that we will be able to retain dealer groups’ key staff, including senior management, when we complete an acquisition in the future and failure to do so could adversely affect our businesses.

We may issue common or preferred stock and incur substantial indebtedness in making future acquisitions. The size, timing, and integration of any future acquisitions may cause substantial fluctuations in operating results from quarter to quarter. Consequently, operating results for any quarter may not be indicative of the results that may be achieved for any subsequent quarter or for a full fiscal year. These fluctuations could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

Our ability to continue to grow through the acquisition of additional dealer groups will depend upon various factors, including the following:

As a part of our acquisition strategy, we frequently engage in discussions with various recreational boat dealer groups regarding their potential acquisition by us. In connection with these discussions, we and each potential acquisition candidate exchange confidential operational and financial information, conduct due diligence inquiries and consider the structure, terms, and conditions of the potential acquisition. In certain cases, the prospective acquisition candidate agrees not to discuss a potential acquisition with any other party for a specific period of time, grants us an option to purchase the prospective dealer group for a designated price during a specific time period, and agrees to take other actions designed to enhance the possibility of the acquisition, such as preparing audited financial information and converting its accounting system to the system specified by us. Potential acquisition discussions frequently take place over a long period of time and involve difficult business integration and other issues, including in some cases management succession and related matters. As a result of these and other factors, a number of potential acquisitions that from time to time appear likely to occur do not result in binding legal agreements and are not consummated.

Our success depends to a significant extent on our manufacturers, and the loss of certain manufacturers could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We depend on our manufacturers for the sale of new boats. Sales of new boats from our top ten brands represents approximately 40.4%, 40.0% and 44.7% of total sales, for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, making them major suppliers of our company. Of this amount, Malibu Boats, Inc, including its brands Malibu, Axis, Cobalt and Pursuit, accounted for 15.9%, 13.4% and 13.2% of our consolidated revenue for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Any adverse change in the reputation, product development efforts, technological advancement, expansion of manufacturing capabilities, supply chain and third-party suppliers and financial condition of our manufacturers and their respective brands, would have a substantial adverse impact on our business. Any difficulties encountered by our manufacturers resulting from economic, financial, or other factors could also adversely affect the quality and amount of new boats and products that they are able to supply to us and the services and support they provide to us.

Additionally, any interruption or discontinuance of the operations of our manufacturers, including bankruptcy or insolvency, could also cause us to experience shortfalls, disruptions, or delays with respect to new boats and inventory. We also enter into renewable annual dealer agreements with manufacturers, and there is no guarantee that we will be able to renew such dealer agreements in the future. We may not be able to easily replace the loss of certain manufacturers or brands, including at the necessary quantity, quality or price, and the loss of certain manufacturers or brands may therefore have an adverse material effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our growth strategy may require us to secure significant additional capital, the amount of which will depend upon the size, timing and structure of future acquisitions and our working capital and general corporate needs.

If we finance future acquisitions in whole or in part through the issuance of common stock or securities convertible into or exercisable for common stock, existing stockholders will experience dilution in the voting power of their common stock and earnings per share could be negatively impacted. The extent to which we will be able and willing to use our common stock for acquisitions will depend on the market value of our common stock and the willingness of potential sellers to accept our common stock as full or partial consideration. Our inability to use our common stock as consideration, to generate cash from operations or to obtain additional funding through debt or equity financings in order to pursue our acquisition program could materially limit our growth.

Any borrowings made to finance future acquisitions or for operations could make us more vulnerable to a downturn in our operating results, a downturn in economic conditions, or increases in interest rates on borrowings that are subject to interest rate fluctuations. If our cash flow from operations is insufficient to meet our debt service requirements, we could be required to sell additional equity securities, refinance our obligations or dispose of assets in order to meet our debt service requirements. In addition, our credit arrangements contain financial covenants and other restrictions with which we must comply, including limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness. Adequate financing may not be available if and when we need it or may not be available on terms acceptable to us. The failure to obtain sufficient financing on favorable terms and conditions could have a material adverse effect on our growth prospects and our business, financial condition and results of operations. For additional information relating to our credit arrangements, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Debt Agreements” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”

Our internal growth and operating strategies of opening new stores and offering new products involve risk.

In addition to pursuing growth by acquiring boat dealer groups, we intend to continue to pursue a strategy of growth through opening new stores and offering new products in our existing and new territories. Accomplishing these goals for expansion will depend upon a number of factors, including the following:

Our dealer agreements require manufacturer consent to open or change store locations that sell certain products. We may not be able to open and operate new store locations or introduce new product lines on a timely or profitable basis. Moreover, the costs associated with opening new store locations or introducing new product lines may adversely affect our profitability.

As a result of these growth strategies, we expect to continue to expend significant time and effort in opening and acquiring new store locations, improving existing store locations in our current markets, and introducing new products. Our systems, procedures, controls, and financial resources may not be adequate to support expanding operations. The inability to manage our growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our planned growth also will impose significant added responsibilities on members of senior management and require us to identify, recruit, and integrate additional senior level managers. We may not be able to identify, hire or train suitable additions to management.

Our business, as well as the entire recreational boating industry, is highly seasonal, with seasonality varying in different geographic markets.

Over the three-year period ended September 30, 2019, the average revenue for the quarterly periods ended December 31, March 31, June 30 and September 30 represented approximately 12%, 24%, 37% and 27%, respectively, of our average annual revenue. With the exception of Florida, we generally realize significantly lower sales and higher levels of inventories, and related floor plan borrowings, in the quarterly periods ending December 31 and March 31. Revenue generated from our stores in Florida serves to offset generally lower winter revenue in our other states and enables us to maintain a more consistent revenue stream. The onset of the public boat and recreation shows in January stimulates boat sales and allows us to reduce our inventory levels and related floor plan borrowings throughout the remainder of the

fiscal year. We also have various stores in the Northeast and Midwest region of the United States, which typically experience colder temperatures in the winter months. The impact of seasonality on our results of operations could be materially impacted based on the location of our acquisitions. For example, our operations could be substantially more seasonal if we acquire additional dealer groups that operate in colder regions of the United States, which are generally closed or experience lower volume in the winter months.

Our failure to successfully order and manage our inventory to reflect consumer demand and to anticipate changing consumer preferences and buying trends could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our success depends upon our ability to successfully manage our inventory and to anticipate and respond to product trends and consumer demands in a timely manner. Our products appeal to consumers across a number of states who are, or could become, boat owners. The preferences of these consumers cannot be predicted with certainty and are subject to change. Further, the retail consumer industry, by its nature, is volatile and sensitive to numerous economic factors, including consumer preferences, competition, market conditions, general economic conditions and other factors outside of our control. We cannot predict consumer preferences with certainty, and consumer preferences often change over time. We typically order product several months in advance, although such orders are not binding until the merchandise is delivered to our stores. The extended lead times for many of our purchases may make it difficult for us to respond rapidly to new or changing product trends, increases or decreases in consumer demand or changes in prices. If we misjudge either the market for our products or our consumers’ purchasing habits in the future, our revenues may decline significantly and we may not have sufficient quantities of product to satisfy consumer demand or sales orders or we may be required to discount excess inventory, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Weather, natural disasters, adverse climate changes and other environmental conditions may adversely impact our business and may not be adequately covered by our insurance.

Weather and environmental conditions may adversely impact our operating results. For example, drought conditions, reduced rainfall levels, excessive rain, natural disasters and adverse climate changes, as well as other environmental conditions or hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, may force boating areas to close or render boating dangerous or inconvenient, thereby curtailing customer demand for our products. Such conditions may also result in physical damage to or closure of one or more of our facilities, inadequate work force in our markets, and disruption or reduction in the availability of products at our stores. Concerns regarding global changes in climate could also adversely affect the levels of boat purchases. In addition, unseasonably cool weather and prolonged winter conditions may lead to shorter selling seasons in certain locations. Many of our stores sell boats to customers for use on reservoirs, thereby subjecting our business to the continued viability of these reservoirs for boating use.

In addition, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, floods and other natural disasters could result in the disruption of our operations and/or supply chain, including boat deliveries from manufacturers, or damage to our boat inventories and facilities as has been the case when the Southeast and Gulf Coast regions and other markets have been affected by hurricanes. Additionally, severe weather or other natural disasters could damage our on-site inventory at our stores or cause serious disruptions in the operations of our stores. We maintain hurricane and casualty insurance, subject to deductibles. While we traditionally maintain property and casualty insurance coverage for damage caused by severe weather or other natural disasters, there can be no assurance that such insurance coverage is adequate to cover losses that we may sustain as a result of severe weather or other natural disasters, such as damage from Hurricanes Dorian, Florence and Michael in 2019 and 2018.

We depend on our ability to attract and retain customers.

Our future success depends in large part upon our ability to attract and retain customers for our boat sales, repair and maintenance services, parts and accessories and F&I products. The extent to which we achieve growth in our customer base and retain existing customers materially influences our profitability. Any number of factors could affect our ability to grow and maintain our customer base. These factors

include consumer preferences, the frequency with which customers utilize our products, repair and maintenance services and F&I products, general economic conditions, our ability to maintain our store locations, weather conditions, the availability of alternative services, protection plans, products and resources, significant increases in gasoline prices, the disposable income of consumers available for discretionary expenditures and the external perception of our brands. Any significant decline in our customer base, the growth of our customer base or the usage of our services, protection plans or products by our customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We face intense competition.

We operate in a highly competitive and fragmented environment. In addition to facing competition generally from recreation businesses seeking to attract consumers’ leisure time and discretionary spending dollars, the recreational boat industry itself is highly fragmented, resulting in intense competition for customers, quality products, boat show space and suitable store locations. We rely to a certain extent on boat shows to generate sales. Our inability to participate in boat shows in our existing or targeted markets could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We compete primarily with local boat dealers who own three or fewer stores, as well as with a limited number of larger operators, including MarineMax and Bass Pro Shops. With respect to sales of marine parts, accessories, and equipment, we compete with national specialty marine parts and accessory stores, online catalog retailers, sporting goods stores, and mass merchants. Competition among boat dealers is based primarily on the quality of available products, the price and value of the products, and attention to customer service. There is significant competition both within markets we currently serve and in new markets that we may enter. We compete in each of our markets with retailers of brands of boats and engines we do not sell in that market. In addition, several of our competitors, especially those selling marine equipment and accessories, are large national or regional chains that have substantial financial, marketing, and other resources. Private sales of pre-owned boats represent an additional source of competition.

Additional competitors, including boat clubs, may enter the businesses in which we currently operate or intend to expand. In particular, an increase in the number of aggregator and price comparison sites for our products may negatively impact our sales of these products. If any of our competitors successfully provides a broader, more efficient or attractive combination of services, protection plans, products and resources to our target customers, our business results could be materially adversely affected. Our inability to compete effectively with existing or potential competitors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Due to various matters, including environmental concerns, permitting and zoning requirements, and competition for waterfront real estate, some markets in the United States have experienced an increased waiting list for marina and storage availability. In general, the markets in which we currently operate are not experiencing any unusual difficulties. However, marine retail activity could be adversely affected in markets that do not have sufficient marine and storage availability to satisfy demand.

A significant amount of our boat sales are from the Southeast and Gulf Coast regions.

Economic conditions, weather and environmental conditions, competition, market conditions and any other adverse conditions impacting the Southeast and Gulf Coast regions of the United States, in which we generated approximately 65%, 68% and 81% of our revenue during fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, could have a major impact on our operations.

We depend on income from financing, insurance and extended service contracts.

A portion of our income results from referral fees derived from the placement or marketing of various F&I products, consisting of customer financing, insurance products and extended service contracts, the most significant component of which is the participation and other fees resulting from our sale of customer financing contracts.

The availability of financing for our boat purchasers and the level of participation and other fees we receive in connection with such financing depend on the particular agreement between us and the lender and the current interest rate environment. Lenders may impose terms in their boat financing arrangements with us that may be unfavorable to us or our customers, resulting in reduced demand for our customer financing programs and lower participation and other fees. Laws or regulations may be enacted nationally or locally which could result in fees from lenders being eliminated or reduced, materially impacting our operating results. If customer financing becomes more difficult to secure, it may adversely impact our business.

Changes, including the lengthening of manufacturer warranties, may reduce our ability to offer and sell extended service contracts which may have a material adverse impact on our ability to sell F&I products. Moreover, these products are subject to complex federal and state laws and regulations. There can be no assurance that regulatory authorities in the jurisdictions in which these products are offered will not seek to regulate or restrict these products. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could result in fines or other penalties including orders by state regulators to discontinue sales of the warranty products in one or more jurisdictions. Such a result could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Dodd-Frank Act established a consumer financial protection bureau with broad regulatory powers. Although boat dealers are generally excluded, the Dodd-Frank Act could lead to additional, indirect regulation of boat dealers through its regulation of other financial institutions which provide such financing to our customers.

The reduction of profit margins on sales of F&I products or the lack of demand for or the unavailability of these products could have a material adverse effect on our operating margins.

Our operations are dependent upon key personnel and team members.

Our success depends, in large part, upon our ability to attract, train, and retain qualified team members and executive officers, as well as the continuing efforts and abilities of team members and executive officers. Although we have employment agreements with certain of our executive officers and management succession plans, we cannot ensure that these or other executive personnel and team members will remain with us, or that our succession planning will adequately mitigate the risk associated with key personnel transitions. Expanding our operations may require us to add additional executive personnel and team members in the future. As a result of our decentralized operating strategy, we also rely on the management teams of our dealer groups. In addition, we likely will depend on the senior management of any significant businesses we acquire in the future. The loss of the services of one or more key employees before we are able to attract and retain qualified replacement personnel could adversely affect our business. Additionally, our ability to manage our personnel costs and operating expenses is subject to external factors such as unemployment levels, prevailing wage rates, healthcare and other benefit costs, changing demographics and our reputation and relevance within the labor markets where we are located. Increases in the prevailing wage rates due to competitive market pressures or other factors could increase our personnel costs and operating expenses and have a material adverse effect on our business.

Manufacturer recall campaigns could adversely affect our business.

Manufacturer recall campaigns could adversely affect our new and pre-owned boat sales or customer residual trade-in valuations, could cause us to temporarily remove vehicles from our inventory, could force us to incur increased costs and could expose us to litigation and adverse publicity related to the sale of recalled boats, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

The products we sell or service may expose us to potential liability for personal injury, product liability or property damage claims relating to the use of those products.

Manufacturers of the products we sell generally maintain product liability insurance. We maintain third-party liability insurance with respect to the sale and servicing of boats and other watercrafts but do not maintain product liability insurance. We may therefore experience claims that are not covered by our

insurance coverage. While we have not experienced material losses related to product liability, personal injury or property damage claims in the past, we could be exposed to such claims or losses in the future. The institution of any significant claims against us could subject us to damages, result in higher insurance costs and harm our business reputation with potential customers.

If we cannot dispose of pre-owned boats acquired through our trade-in or direct purchase processes at prices that allow us to recover its costs, our profitability will be adversely affected.

The resale values of any pre-owned boats that we acquire through trade-ins or direct purchase may be lower than our estimates, which are based on expected retail sales prices. If the resale value of the pre-owned boats we acquire is lower than our estimates and/or we are not able to resell them timely or at all, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Additionally, certain pre-owned boats or other vehicles that we acquire through trade-ins may fail to meet our retail quality standards. Instead, we sell these units through a wholesale process. If the prices that we receive for our pre-owned boats sold in this process are not sufficient to cover the prices paid or credit given at trade-in for such pre-owned boats, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Adverse federal or state tax policies could have a negative effect on us.

Changes in federal and state tax laws, such as an imposition of luxury taxes on new boat purchases, increases in prevailing tax rates, and removal of certain interest deductions, may influence consumers’ decisions to purchase products we offer and could have a negative effect on our sales. For example, during 1991 and 1992, the federal government imposed a luxury tax on new recreational boats with sales prices in excess of $100,000, which coincided with a sharp decline in boating industry sales from a high of more than $17.9 billion in 1988 to a low of $10.3 billion in 1992. Any increase in tax rates, including those on capital gains and dividends, particularly those on high-income taxpayers, could adversely affect our boat sales.

Environmental and other regulatory issues may impact our operations.

Our operations are subject to comprehensive federal, state and local laws and regulations governing such matters as finance and insurance, consumer protection, consumer privacy, escheatment, anti-money laundering, discharges and emissions into the environment as well as environmental protection, human health and safety, and employment practices, including wage and hour and anti-discrimination legal requirements. These laws and regulations affect many aspects of our operations, such as requiring the acquisition of permits, licenses and other governmental approvals to conduct regulated activities, including the operation of recreational boats, restricting the manner in which we handle, recycle and dispose of our wastes, requiring capital and operating expenditures to construct, maintain and upgrade pollution control and containment equipment and facilities, imposing specific human health and safety criteria addressing worker protection, and imposing liabilities for pollution or inappropriate payment or treatment of our workers with respect to our operations. The failure to satisfy those and other legal requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, failure to comply with those and other legal requirements, or with U.S. trade sanctions, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other applicable laws or regulations could result in the assessment of damages, the imposition of sanctions including monetary penalties, changes to our processes, or a suspension or cessation of our operations, as well as damage to our image and reputation, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Numerous governmental agencies, including the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) and similar federal agencies as well as analogous state and local agencies have jurisdiction over the operation of our stores, repair facilities, and other operations, with respect to matters such as consumer protection, human safety and environmental protection, including any contamination of or releases into ambient air, surface water and groundwater, and soil. Marine engine manufacturers are subject to emissions standards imposed under the Clean Air Act, as amended (the “CAA”), and the EPA has enacted a number of legal requirements imposing more

stringent emissions standards for two-cycle, gasoline outboard marine engines. It is possible that regulatory bodies such as the EPA may impose more stringent emissions standards in the future for marine engines, including with respect to recreational use. Any increased costs of those manufacturers producing engines resulting from current or future EPA standards could be passed on to dealers in the retail recreational boat industry, such as ourselves, or could result in the inability or potential unforeseen delays of these manufacturers to manufacture and make timely delivery of recreational boats to such dealers, which developments could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

As with companies in the retail recreational boat industry generally, and parts and service operations in particular, our business involves the use, handling, storage, and contracting for recycling or disposal of waste materials, including hazardous or toxic substances and wastes as well as environmentally sensitive materials, such as motor oil, waste motor oil and filters, transmission fluid, antifreeze, freon, waste paint and lacquer thinner, batteries, solvents, lubricants, degreasing agents, gasoline, and diesel fuels. Laws and regulations regarding the prevention of pollution or remediation of environmental contamination generally apply regardless of whether we lease or purchase the land and facilities. Additionally, certain of our stores and/or repair facilities utilize underground storage tanks (“USTs”) and above ground storage tanks (“ASTs”), primarily for storing and dispensing petroleum-based products. Storage tanks in the United States are generally subject to financial responsibility requirements and testing, containment, upgrading and removal requirements under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended (“RCRA”), and its state law counterparts, as well as federal, state and local legal standards relating to investigation and remediation of contaminated soils and groundwater resulting from leaking tanks and lifts. We also may be subject to civil liability to third parties for remediation costs or other damages if leakage from our owned or operated tanks migrates onto the property of others.

Certain of our stores and/or repair facility properties have been operated by third parties whose use, handling and disposal of petroleum-based products or wastes were not under our control. We are subject to regulation by federal, state, and local authorities establishing investigatory, remedial, human health and environmental quality standards and imposing liability related thereto, which liabilities may include sanctions, including monetary penalties for violations of those standards.

We also are subject to laws, ordinances, and regulations governing investigation and remediation of contamination at facilities we operate or to which we send hazardous or toxic substances or wastes for treatment, recycling, or disposal. In particular, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (“CERCLA”), also known as the Superfund law, and analogous state laws, impose joint, strict, and several liability on:

A majority of states have adopted Superfund laws comparable to and, in some cases, more stringent than CERCLA. If we were to be found to be a responsible party under CERCLA or a similar state statute, we could be held liable for all investigative and remedial costs associated with addressing such contamination. In addition, claims alleging personal injury or property damage may be brought against us as a result of alleged exposure to hazardous substances resulting from our operations. Moreover, certain of our stores are located on waterways that are subject to federal laws, including the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, and the Oil Pollution Act, as amended (the “OPA”), as well as analogous state laws regulating navigable waters, oil pollution (including prevention and cleanup of the same), adverse impacts to fish and wildlife, and other matters. For example, under the OPA, owners and operators of vessels and onshore facilities may be subject to liability for removal costs and damages arising from an oil spill in waters of the United States.

Soil and groundwater contamination may exist at certain properties owned or leased by us. We may also be required to remove USTs, ASTs and inground lifts containing petroleum-based products and hazardous or toxic substances or wastes in the future. As to certain of our properties, including some of our properties that were previously used as gasoline service stations, specific releases of contaminants may require remediation in the future in accordance with state and federal guidelines. We are performing monitoring activities with respect to soil and groundwater as required by applicable state and federal guidelines. Historically, our costs of compliance with these investigatory, remedial and monitoring requirements have not had a material adverse effect on our results of operations; however, there can be no assurance that such costs will not be material in the future or that such future compliance will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operation and financial condition. We also may have additional storage tank liability insurance and other insurance coverage with respect to pollution-related liabilities where available, but such coverages may be insufficient to address such liabilities. Environmental laws and regulations are complex and subject to frequent change. Compliance with amended, new, or more stringent laws or regulations, more strict interpretations of existing laws, or the future discovery of environmental conditions may require additional expenditures by us, and such expenditures may be material.

Moreover, the threat of climate change continues to attract considerable attention in the United States and in foreign countries and numerous regulatory initiatives have been made and could continue to be made in the United States at the national, regional, state and local levels of government to monitor and limit existing emissions of greenhouse gases (“GHGs”) as well as to restrict or eliminate such future emissions. Also, governmental, scientific, and public concern over the threat of climate change arising from GHG emissions has resulted in increasing political, financial and litigation risks in the United States and globally. While these various risks target predominantly fossil fuel-related energy entities or their operations, there also may be indirect adverse effects on other companies or industries, such as the recreational boat industry, for example, whose services or products generate GHGs or rely upon motor fuels refined from fossil fuels, which effects could be substantial. Concerns regarding climate change by certain members of the public could also adversely affect the levels of boat purchases.

Additionally, certain states have imposed legal requirements or are considering the imposition of such requirements that would obligate buyers and/or operators of recreational boats to obtain a license in order to operate such boats. These requirements could discourage potential buyers of recreational boats, thereby limiting future sales and adversely affecting our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Furthermore, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act increased our annual employee health care costs that we fund, and significantly increased our cost of compliance and compliance risk related to offering health care benefits.

Moreover, adverse changes in labor policy could lead to increased unionization efforts, which could lead to higher labor costs, disrupt our store operations, and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our sales of boats produced by certain foreign manufacturers expose us to international political, economic, and other risks.

Our sales of boats produced by Absolute S.p.A. in Italy; Prestige, a division of Beneteau S.A., in France; Riviera Australia Pty. Ltd. in Australia; and Sunseeker International in the United Kingdom, as well as any other non-U.S. manufacturer whose products we may sell in the future, expose us to international political, economic and other risks. We also import certain boat components from international suppliers which could further our exposure to such international risks. Protectionist trade legislation in the United States, the European Union, and other countries, such as changes in current tariff structures, export or import compliance laws, or other trade policies could adversely affect our ability to import boats or boat components from these foreign suppliers under economically favorable terms and conditions.

There have been recent changes, and future, additional changes may occur, to United States and foreign trade and tax policies, including heightened import restrictions, import and export licenses, new tariffs, trade embargoes, government sanctions or trade barriers. Any of these restrictions could prevent or make it difficult or more costly for us to import boats and boat components from foreign suppliers under

economically favorable terms and conditions. Increased tariffs could require us to increase our prices which likely could decrease demand for our products. In addition, other countries may limit their trade with the United States or retaliate through their own restrictions and/or increased tariffs which would affect our ability to export products and therefore adversely affect our sales.

Our foreign purchase of boats and boat components creates a number of logistical and communications challenges. The economic, political and other risks we face resulting from these foreign purchases include the following:

Increased cybersecurity requirements, vulnerabilities, threats and more sophisticated and targeted computer crime could pose a risk to our systems, networks, and data. Our business operations could be negatively impacted by an outage or breach of our informational technology systems or a cybersecurity event.

Our business is dependent upon the efficient operation of our information systems. The systems facilitate the interchange of information and enhance cross-selling opportunities throughout our company. The systems integrate each level of operations on a Company-wide basis, including but not limited to purchasing, inventory, receivables, payables, financial reporting, budgeting, marketing and sales management. They also prepare our consolidated financial and operating data. The failure of our information systems to perform as designed or the failure to maintain and enhance or protect the integrity of these systems could disrupt our business operations, impact sales and the results of operations, expose us to customer or third-party claims, or result in adverse publicity.

Increased global cybersecurity vulnerabilities, threats and more sophisticated and targeted cyber-related attacks pose a risk to the security of our and our customers’, suppliers’ and third-party service providers’ products, systems and networks and the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data. Unauthorized parties may also attempt to gain access to our systems or facilities, or those of third parties with whom we do business, through fraud, trickery or other forms of deceiving our team members, contractors, vendors and temporary staff. While we attempt to mitigate these risks by employing a number of measures, including employee training, systems and maintenance of protective systems, we remain potentially vulnerable to known or unknown threats.

We may also have access to sensitive, confidential or personal data or information that is subject to privacy, security laws, and regulations. Despite our efforts to protect sensitive, confidential or personal data or information, we may be vulnerable to security breaches, theft, misplaced or lost data, programming errors, employee errors and/or malfeasance that could potentially lead to the compromising of sensitive, confidential or personal data or information, improper use of our systems, unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification or destruction of information, and operational disruptions. It is possible that we might not be aware of a successful cyber-related attack on our systems until well after the incident. In addition, a cyber-related attack could result in other negative consequences, including damage to our reputation or competitiveness, remediation or increased protection costs, litigation or

regulatory action, and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Depending on the nature of the information compromised, we may have obligations to notify customers and/or employees about the incident, and we may need to provide some form of remedy, such as a subscription to a credit monitoring service, for the individuals affected by the incident.

We may be named in litigation, which may result in substantial costs and reputational harm and divert management’s attention and resources.

We face legal risks in our business, including claims from disputes with our employees and our former employees and claims associated with general commercial disputes, product liability, personal injury and other matters. Risks associated with legal liability often are difficult to assess or quantify and their existence and magnitude can remain unknown for significant periods of time. While we maintain automobile, directors and officers, general liability, inventory, property and workers compensation insurance, the amount of insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover a claim and the continued availability of this insurance cannot be assured. Additionally, we may be named in the future as defendants of class action lawsuits. Negative publicity from litigation, whether or not resulting in a substantial cost, could materially damage our reputation. We may in the future be the target of litigation and this litigation may result in substantial costs and reputational harm and divert management’s attention and resources. Costs, harm to our reputation and diversion could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We may be unable to enforce our intellectual property rights and we may be accused of infringing the intellectual property rights of third parties, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We rely on a number of trade names with respect to the dealer groups that we have acquired, which we do not re-brand under our “OneWater” mark. If any of our current trade names or any trademarks that we may own in the future become generic or if third parties adopt marks similar to our marks, our ability to differentiate our dealer groups may be adversely affected, we could lose brand recognition and be forced to devote additional resources to advertising and marketing for our dealer groups. From time to time, we may be compelled to protect our intellectual property, which may involve litigation. Such litigation may be time-consuming, expensive and distract our management from running the day-to-day operations of our business, and could result in the impairment or loss of the involved intellectual property. There is no guarantee that the steps we take to protect our intellectual property, including litigation when necessary, will be successful.

Other parties also may claim that we infringe their proprietary rights. Such claims, whether or not meritorious, may result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources, injunctions against us or the payment of damages. These claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Changes in the assumptions used to calculate our acquisition related contingent consideration liabilities could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.

Some of our acquisitions have included, and future acquisitions may include, contingent consideration liabilities relating to payments based on the future performance of the operations acquired. Under generally accepted accounting principles, we are required to estimate the fair value of any contingent consideration. Our estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable but which are uncertain and involve significant judgments. Changes in business conditions or other events could materially change the projection of future earnings used in the fair value calculations of contingent consideration liabilities. We reassess the fair value quarterly, and increases or decreases based on the actual or expected future performance of the acquired operations will be recorded in our results of operations. These quarterly adjustments could have a material effect on our results of operations.

An impairment in the carrying value of long-lived assets, goodwill and identifiable intangible assets could negatively impact our financial results and net worth.

Our long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, are required to be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. As of September 30, 2019, we have approximately $16.0 million of property and equipment,

net of accumulated depreciation, recorded on our consolidated balance sheet. Recoverability of an asset is measured by comparison of its carrying amount to undiscounted future net cash flows the asset is expected to generate. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair market value. Estimates of expected future cash flows represent our best estimate based on currently available information and reasonable and supportable assumptions. Our impairment loss calculations contain uncertainties because they require us to make assumptions and to apply judgment in order to estimate expected future cash flows.

Additionally, our goodwill and identifiable intangible assets are recorded at fair value at the time of acquisition and is not amortized, but reviewed for impairment at least annually or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. In evaluating the potential for impairment of goodwill, we make assumptions regarding industry conditions, our future financial performance, and other factors. Uncertainties are inherent in evaluating and applying these factors to the assessment of goodwill. While we do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a change in the judgments and assumptions used in our assessments of goodwill and long-lived assets which would result in a material effect on our operating results, we cannot predict whether events or circumstances will change in the future that could result in non-cash impairment charges that could adversely impact our financial results and net worth.

Our same-store sales may fluctuate and may not be a meaningful indicator of future performance.

Our same-store sales may vary from quarter to quarter. A number of factors have historically affected, and will continue to affect, our same-store sales results, including:

An unanticipated decline in revenues or same-store sales may cause the price of our Class A common stock to fluctuate significantly.

Changes in accounting standards could significantly affect our results of operations and the presentation of those results.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), or other accounting organizations or governmental entities frequently issue new pronouncements or new interpretations of existing accounting standards. Changes in accounting standards, how the accounting standards are interpreted, or the adoption of new accounting standards can have a significant effect on our reported results, and could even retroactively affect previously reported transactions, and may require that we make significant changes to our systems, processes and controls. Changes resulting from these new standards may result in materially different financial results and may require that we change how we process, analyze and report financial information and that we change financial reporting controls. Such changes in accounting standards may have an adverse effect on our business, financial position, and income, which may negatively impact our financial results.

We primarily lease our stores. If we are unable to maintain those leases or locate alternative sites for our stores in our target markets and on terms that are acceptable to us, our revenues and profitability could be adversely affected.

We currently lease 62 of the real properties where we have retail operations. Most stores operate under long-term leases with an initial term of 10 years and renewal options for an additional 10 years. Additionally, we have entered into dealership leases with certain of the Legacy Owners for which we incurred $1.9 million, $1.8 million and $2.0 million in lease expense in the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain our existing store locations as leases expire, extend the leases or be able to locate alternative sites in our target markets and on favorable terms. Any failure to maintain our existing store locations, extend the leases or locate alternative sites on favorable or acceptable terms could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Related to this Offering and Our Class A Common Stock

OneWater Inc. is a holding company. OneWater Inc.’s only material asset after completion of this offering will be its equity interest in OneWater LLC, and OneWater Inc. will accordingly be dependent upon distributions from OneWater LLC to pay taxes, make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement and cover OneWater Inc.’s corporate and other overhead expenses.

OneWater Inc. is a holding company and will have no material assets after completion of this offering other than its equity interest in OneWater LLC. Please see “Corporate Reorganization.” OneWater Inc. will have no independent means of generating revenue. To the extent OneWater LLC has available cash and subject to the terms of any current or future debt instruments, the OneWater LLC Agreement will require OneWater LLC to make pro rata cash distributions to OneWater Unit Holders, including OneWater Inc., in an amount sufficient to allow OneWater Inc. to pay its taxes and to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement it will enter into with certain of the OneWater Unit Holders. We generally expect OneWater LLC to fund such distributions out of available cash and in the event that payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement are accelerated, where applicable, we generally expect to fund such accelerated payment out of the proceeds of the change of control transaction giving rise to such acceleration. When OneWater LLC makes distributions, the OneWater Unit Holders will be entitled to receive proportionate distributions based on their interests in OneWater LLC at the time of such distribution. In addition, the OneWater LLC Agreement will require OneWater LLC to make non-pro rata payments to OneWater Inc. to reimburse it for its corporate and other overhead expenses, which payments are not treated as distributions under the OneWater LLC Agreement. To the extent that OneWater Inc. needs funds and OneWater LLC or its subsidiaries are restricted from making such distributions or payments under applicable law or regulation or under the terms of any current or future financing arrangements, or are otherwise unable to provide such funds, our liquidity and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

Moreover, because OneWater Inc. will have no independent means of generating revenue, OneWater Inc.’s ability to make tax payments and payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement is dependent on the ability of OneWater LLC to make distributions to OneWater Inc. in an amount sufficient to cover OneWater Inc.’s tax obligations and obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement. This ability, in turn, may depend on the ability of OneWater LLC’s subsidiaries to make distributions to it. The ability of OneWater LLC, its subsidiaries and other entities in which it directly or indirectly holds an equity interest to make such distributions will be subject to, among other things, (i) the applicable provisions of Delaware law (or other applicable jurisdiction) that may limit the amount of funds available for distribution and (ii) restrictions in relevant debt instruments issued by OneWater LLC or its subsidiaries and other entities in which it directly or indirectly holds an equity interest. To the extent that OneWater Inc. is unable to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for any reason, such payments will be deferred and will accrue interest until paid.

The requirements of being a public company, including compliance with the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, may strain our resources, increase our costs and distract management, and we may be unable to comply with these requirements in a timely or cost-effective manner.

As a public company, we will need to comply with new laws, regulations and requirements, certain corporate governance provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, related regulations of the SEC and the requirements of The Nasdaq Stock Market (the “Nasdaq”), with which we are not required to comply as a private company. Complying with these statutes, regulations and requirements will occupy a significant amount of time of our board of directors and management and will significantly increase our costs and expenses. We will need to:

Upon becoming a public company, we will be required to comply with the SEC’s rules implementing Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which will require management to certify financial and other information in our quarterly and annual reports and provide an annual management report on the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting. Although we will be required to disclose changes made in our internal controls and procedures on a quarterly basis, we will not be required to make our first annual assessment of our internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 until the year following our first annual report required to be filed with the SEC. Additionally, we are not required to have our independent registered public accounting firm attest to the effectiveness of our internal controls until our first annual report subsequent to our ceasing to be an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the Securities Act. Accordingly, we may not be required to have our independent registered public accounting firm attest to the effectiveness of our internal controls until as late as our annual report for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. Once it is required to do so, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue a report that is adverse in the event it is not satisfied with the level at which our controls are documented, designed, operated or reviewed. Compliance with these requirements may strain our resources, increase our costs and distract management, and we may be unable to comply with these requirements in a timely or cost-effective manner.

In addition, we expect that being a public company subject to these rules and regulations may make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve on our board of directors or as executive officers. We are currently evaluating these rules, and we cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs.

If we experience any material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to develop or maintain an effective system of internal controls in the future, we may not be able to accurately report our financial condition or results of operations, which may adversely affect investor confidence in us and, as a result, the value of our Class A common stock.

Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports, prevent fraud and operate successfully as a public company. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our reputation and operating results would be harmed. As a result of being a public company, we will be required, under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, to furnish a report by management on, among other things, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting beginning in the year following our first annual report required to be filed with the SEC. This assessment will need to include disclosure of any material weaknesses identified by our management in our internal control over financial reporting. For example, during the course of preparing for this offering, we and our independent registered public accounting firm identified a

material weakness in internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2018 and 2017 related to our review controls over key assumptions used in the September 30, 2017 valuation of the LLC Warrants. The material weakness has been remediated as of September 30, 2019 with the hiring of additional technical accounting personnel and retention of additional valuation and technical consulting resources, but our remediation efforts may not enable us to remedy or avoid material weaknesses in the future. We continue to take additional steps to improve control processes as appropriate, validate through testing that controls are functioning as documented, and implement a continuous reporting and improvement process for our internal control over financial reporting. If we identify one or more material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting during the evaluation and testing process, such as the one we identified as described above, we may be unable to conclude that our internal controls are effective. For additional information, please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Internal Controls and Procedures.”

Additionally, when we cease to be an “emerging growth company” under the federal securities laws, our independent registered public accounting firm may be required to express an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal controls. If we are unable to confirm that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of our internal controls, we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which could cause the price of our Class A common stock to decline.

The initial public offering price of our Class A common stock may not be indicative of the market price of our Class A common stock after this offering. In addition, an active, liquid and orderly trading market for our Class A common stock may not develop or be maintained, and our stock price may be volatile.

Prior to this offering, our Class A common stock was not traded on any market. An active, liquid and orderly trading market for our Class A common stock may not develop or be maintained after this offering. Active, liquid and orderly trading markets usually result in less price volatility and more efficiency in carrying out investors’ purchase and sale orders. The market price of our Class A common stock could vary significantly as a result of a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control. In the event of a drop in the market price of our Class A common stock, you could lose a substantial part or all of your investment in our Class A common stock. The initial public offering price will be negotiated between us and representatives of the underwriters, based on numerous factors which we discuss in “Underwriting,” and may not be indicative of the market price of our Class A common stock after this offering. Consequently, you may not be able to sell shares of our Class A common stock at prices equal to or greater than the price paid by you in this offering.

The following factors could affect our stock price:

The stock markets in general have experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our Class A common stock. Securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in the overall market and in the market price of a company’s securities. Such litigation, if instituted against us, could result in very substantial costs, divert our management’s attention and resources and materially harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

The Legacy Owners will own a significant amount of our voting stock, and their interests may conflict with those of our other stockholders.

Upon completion of this offering, the Legacy Owners will own approximately       % of our voting stock (or approximately       % if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full), assuming no purchases by our affiliates, including their affiliated entities, who have indicated an interest in purchasing an aggregate of $       million of Class A common stock in the offering, and no purchases by any of our affiliates in our directed share program. After giving effect to the potential purchase of all $       million of Class A common stock, the Legacy Owners would own approximately       % of our voting stock (or approximately       % if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full). As a result, the Legacy Owners may be able to influence matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors, approval of any potential acquisition of us, changes to our organizational documents and significant corporate transactions. This concentration of ownership makes it unlikely that any other holder or group of holders of our Class A common stock will be able to affect the way we are managed or the direction of our business. The interests of the Legacy Owners with respect to matters potentially or actually involving or affecting us, such as future acquisitions, financings and other corporate opportunities and attempts to acquire us, may conflict with the interests of our other stockholders.

For example, the Legacy Owners may have different tax positions from us, especially in light of the Tax Receivable Agreement, that could influence their decisions regarding whether and when to support the disposition of assets, the incurrence or refinancing of new or existing indebtedness, or the termination of the Tax Receivable Agreement and acceleration of our obligations thereunder. In addition, the determination of future tax reporting positions, the structuring of future transactions and the handling of any challenge by any taxing authority to our tax reporting positions may take into consideration the Legacy Owners tax or other considerations which may differ from the considerations of us or our other stockholders. Please read “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement.”

We intend to use proceeds from this offering to pay or otherwise fund certain of our contractual obligations, including obligations with certain Legacy Owners.

On October 28, 2016, Goldman and Beekman purchased, among other things, Opco Preferred Units. Pursuant to the terms of Opco’s First Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, holders of the Opco Preferred Units (“Opco Preferred Holders”) are entitled to certain returns and distributions at a specified percent per annum and to redemption rights in certain instances. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering, together with cash on hand and borrowings under the Term and Revolver Credit Facility that we expect to enter into, to redeem all of the shares of Opco Preferred Units held by Goldman and Beekman. As of September 30, 2019 and December 1, 2019, the redemption amount of the Opco Preferred Units held by Goldman and Beekman in the aggregate was $86.0 million and $87.6 million, respectively. Please see “Use of Proceeds” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Historical Transactions with Affiliates—Opco Preferred Units” for additional information.

Certain of our executive officers and directors have significant duties with, and spend significant time serving, entities that may compete with us in seeking business opportunities and, accordingly, may have conflicts of interest in allocating time or pursuing business opportunities.

Certain of our executive officers and directors, who are responsible for managing the direction of our operations, hold positions of responsibility with other entities (including affiliated entities) that are in the boat retail industry. These executive officers and directors may become aware of business opportunities that may be appropriate for presentation to us as well as to the other entities with which they are or may become affiliated. Due to these existing and potential future affiliations, they may present potential business opportunities to other entities prior to presenting them to us, which could cause additional conflicts of interest. They may also decide that certain opportunities are more appropriate for other entities with which they are affiliated, and as a result, they may elect not to present those opportunities to us. These conflicts may not be resolved in our favor. For additional discussion of our management’s business affiliations and the potential conflicts of interest of which our stockholders should be aware, see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, as well as Delaware law, will contain provisions that could discourage acquisition bids or merger proposals, which may adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock and could deprive our investors of the opportunity to receive a premium for their shares.

Our certificate of incorporation will authorize our board of directors to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval in one or more series, designate the number of shares constituting any series, and fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption, redemption price or prices and liquidation preferences of such series. If our board of directors elects to issue preferred stock, it could be more difficult for a third party to acquire us. In addition, some provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, even if the change of control would be beneficial to our stockholders. These provisions include:

In addition, certain change of control events have the effect of accelerating the payment due under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which could be substantial and accordingly serve as a disincentive to a

potential acquirer of our company. Please see “—In certain cases, payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement may be accelerated and/or significantly exceed the actual benefits, if any, OneWater Inc. realizes in respect of the tax attributes subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement.”

Our certificate of incorporation will designate the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or agents.

Our certificate of incorporation will provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers, employees or agents to us or our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against us or any director or officer or other employee of ours arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), our certificate of incorporation or our bylaws, or (iv) any action asserting a claim against us or any director or officer or other employee of ours that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in each such case subject to such Court of Chancery having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants therein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the exclusive forum provision will not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Exchange Act, the Securities Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock will be deemed to have notice of, and consented to, the provisions of our certificate of incorporation described herein. This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or agents, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and such persons. Alternatively, if a court were to find these provisions of our certificate of incorporation inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Investors in this offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution of $       per share.

Based on the initial public offering price of $       per share (the mid-point of the range set forth on the cover of this prospectus), purchasers of our Class A common stock in this offering will experience an immediate and substantial dilution of $       per share in the as adjusted net tangible book value per share of Class A common stock from the initial public offering price, and our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of September 30, 2019 after giving effect to this offering would be $       per share. If the initial public offering price were to increase or decrease by $1.00 per share, then dilution in pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share to new investors in this offering would equal $       or $      , respectively. This dilution is due in large part to earlier investors having paid substantially less than the initial public offering price when they purchased their shares. See “Dilution.”

We do not intend to pay cash dividends on our Class A common stock, and our Credit Facilities place certain restrictions on our ability to do so. Consequently, your only opportunity to achieve a return on your investment is if the price of our Class A common stock appreciates.

We do not plan to declare cash dividends on shares of our Class A common stock in the foreseeable future. Additionally, the Credit Facilities place certain restrictions on our ability to pay cash dividends. Any future credit agreements or financing arrangements may also contain restrictions on our ability to pay cash dividends. Consequently, your only opportunity, while such dividend restrictions remain in place, to achieve a return on your investment in us may be to sell your Class A common stock at a price greater than you paid for it. There is no guarantee that the price of our Class A common stock that will prevail in the market will ever exceed the price that you pay in this offering.

Future sales of our Class A common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales may occur, could reduce our stock price, and any additional capital raised by us through the sale of equity or convertible securities may dilute your ownership in us.

We may sell additional shares of Class A common stock in subsequent public offerings. We may also issue additional shares of Class A common stock or convertible securities. After the completion of this

offering, we will have           outstanding shares of Class A common stock (or           shares of Class A common stock if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full). This number includes           shares that we are selling in this offering and           shares that we may sell in this offering if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is fully exercised, which may be resold immediately in the public market. Following the completion of this offering, and assuming full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares, the Legacy Owners will own           shares of our Class A common stock and           shares of our Class B common stock, or approximately       % of our total voting stock outstanding. Certain OneWater Unit Holders will be party to a registration rights agreement, which will require us to effect the registration of any shares of Class A common stock that they receive in exchange for their OneWater LLC Units in certain circumstances no earlier than the expiration of the lock-up period contained in the underwriting agreement entered into in connection with this offering.

In connection with this offering, we intend to file a registration statement with the SEC on Form S-8 providing for the registration of           shares of our Class A common stock issued or reserved for issuance under our long term incentive plan. Subject to the satisfaction of vesting conditions, the expiration of lock-up agreements and the requirements of Rule 144, shares registered under the registration statement on Form S-8 may be made available for resale immediately in the public market without restriction.

We cannot predict the size of future issuances of our Class A common stock or securities convertible into Class A common stock or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of shares of our Class A common stock will have on the market price of our Class A common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of our Class A common stock (including shares issued in connection with an acquisition), or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices of our Class A common stock.

The underwriters of this offering may waive or release parties to the lock-up agreements entered into in connection with this offering, which could adversely affect the price of our Class A common stock.

We, all of our directors that will own equity in us following the completion of this offering, all of our executive officers and substantially all of the Legacy Owners have entered or will enter into lock-up agreements pursuant to which we and they will be subject to certain restrictions with respect to the sale or other disposition of our Class A common stock for a period of 180 days following the date of this prospectus. The underwriters, at any time and without notice, may release all or any portion of the Class A common stock subject to the foregoing lock-up agreements. See “Underwriting” for more information on these agreements. If the restrictions under the lock-up agreements are waived, then the Class A common stock, subject to compliance with the Securities Act or exceptions therefrom, will be available for sale into the public markets, which could cause the market price of our Class A common stock to decline and impair our ability to raise capital.

OneWater Inc. will be required to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for certain tax benefits that it may claim, and the amounts of such payments could be significant.

In connection with the closing of this offering, OneWater Inc. will enter into a Tax Receivable Agreement with certain of the OneWater Unit Holders. This agreement will generally provide for the payment by OneWater Inc. to each OneWater Unit Holder of 85% of the net cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax and franchise tax (computed using simplifying assumptions to address the impact of state and local taxes) that OneWater Inc. actually realizes (or is deemed to realize in certain circumstances) in periods after this offering as a result of certain increases in tax basis available to OneWater Inc. as a result of the exercise of the Redemption Right or the Call Right or that relate to prior transfers of such OneWater LLC Units that will be available to OneWater Inc. as a result of its acquisition of those units, and certain benefits attributable to imputed interest. OneWater Inc. will retain the benefit of the remaining 15% of these net cash savings.

The term of the Tax Receivable Agreement will commence upon the completion of this offering and will continue until all tax benefits that are subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement have been utilized or

expired, unless OneWater Inc. exercises its right to terminate the Tax Receivable Agreement (or the Tax Receivable Agreement is terminated due to other circumstances, including OneWater Inc.’s breach of a material obligation thereunder or certain mergers or other changes of control), and OneWater Inc. makes the termination payment specified in the Tax Receivable Agreement. In addition, payments OneWater Inc. makes under the Tax Receivable Agreement will be increased by any interest accrued from the due date (without extensions) of the corresponding tax return. In the event that the Tax Receivable Agreement is not terminated, the payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement are anticipated to commence in 2023, depending on the timing of future exercises of the Redemption Right, and to continue for 20 years after the date of the last redemption of the OneWater LLC Units.

The payment obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement are OneWater Inc.’s obligations and not obligations of OneWater LLC, and we expect that the payments OneWater Inc. will be required to make under the Tax Receivable Agreement will be substantial. Estimating the amount and timing of OneWater Inc.’s realization of tax benefits subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement is by its nature imprecise. The actual increases in tax basis covered by the Tax Receivable Agreement, as well as the amount and timing of OneWater Inc.’s ability to use any deductions (or decreases in gain or increases in loss) arising from such increases in tax basis, are dependent upon significant future events, including but not limited to the timing of the redemptions of OneWater LLC Units, the price of OneWater Inc.’s Class A common stock at the time of each redemption, the extent to which such redemptions are taxable transactions, the amount of the redeeming unit holder’s tax basis in its OneWater LLC Units at the time of the relevant redemption, the depreciation and amortization periods that apply to the increase in tax basis, the amount, character, and timing of taxable income OneWater Inc. generates in the future, the timing and amount of any earlier payments that OneWater Inc. may have made under the Tax Receivable Agreement, the U.S. federal income tax rate then applicable, and the portion of OneWater Inc.’s payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement that constitute imputed interest or give rise to depreciable or amortizable tax basis. Accordingly, estimating the amount and timing of payments that may become due under the Tax Receivable Agreement is also by its nature imprecise. For purposes of the Tax Receivable Agreement, net cash savings in tax generally are calculated by comparing OneWater Inc.’s actual tax liability (determined by using the actual applicable U.S. federal income tax rate and an assumed combined state and local income tax rate) to the amount OneWater Inc. would have been required to pay had it not been able to utilize any of the tax benefits subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement. Thus, the amount and timing of any payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement are also dependent upon significant future events, including those noted above in respect of estimating the amount and timing of OneWater Inc.’s realization of tax benefits. Any distributions made by OneWater LLC to OneWater Inc. in order to enable OneWater Inc. to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement, as well as any corresponding pro rata distributions made to the other OneWater Unit Holders could have an adverse impact on our liquidity.

The payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement will not be conditioned upon a holder of rights under a Tax Receivable Agreement having a continued ownership interest in OneWater Inc. or OneWater LLC. In addition, certain of the OneWater Unit Holders’ rights (including the right to receive payments) under the Tax Receivable Agreement are transferable in connection with transfers permitted under the OneWater LLC Agreement of the corresponding OneWater LLC Units or, subject to OneWater Inc.’s consent (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed), after the corresponding OneWater LLC Units have been acquired pursuant to the Redemption Right or Call Right. For additional information regarding the Tax Receivable Agreement, see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement.”

In certain cases, payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement may be accelerated and/or significantly exceed the actual benefits, if any, OneWater Inc. realizes in respect of the tax attributes subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement.

If OneWater Inc. experiences a change of control (as defined under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which includes certain mergers, asset sales and other forms of business combinations) or the Tax Receivable Agreement terminates early (at OneWater Inc.’s election or as a result of OneWater Inc.’s breach), OneWater Inc. would be required to make an immediate payment equal to the present value of the anticipated future payments to be made by it under the Tax Receivable Agreement (determined by applying a discount rate equal to one-year LIBOR plus 100 basis points) and such early termination

payment is expected to be substantial. The calculation of anticipated future payments will be based upon certain assumptions and deemed events set forth in the Tax Receivable Agreement, including (i) that OneWater Inc. has sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the tax benefits covered by the Tax Receivable Agreement, and (ii) that any OneWater LLC Units (other than those held by OneWater Inc.) outstanding on the termination date are deemed to be redeemed on the termination date. Any early termination payment may be made significantly in advance of, and may materially exceed, the actual realization, if any, of the future tax benefits to which the early termination payment relates.

If OneWater Inc. experiences a change of control (as defined under the Tax Receivable Agreement) or the Tax Receivable Agreement otherwise terminates early (at OneWater Inc.’s election or as a result of OneWater Inc.’s breach), OneWater Inc.’s obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement could have a substantial negative impact on our liquidity and could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing certain mergers, asset sales, or other forms of business combinations or changes of control. For example, if the Tax Receivable Agreement were terminated immediately after this offering, the estimated early termination payment would, in the aggregate, be approximately $       million (calculated using a discount rate equal to one-year LIBOR plus 100 basis points, applied against an undiscounted liability of $       million calculated based on certain assumptions, including but not limited to a $       per share offering price to the public (the mid-point of the range set forth on the cover of this prospectus), a 21% U.S. federal corporate income tax rate and estimated applicable state and local income tax rates, no material change in U.S. federal income tax law, and that OneWater Inc. will have sufficient taxable income to utilize such estimated tax benefits). The foregoing number is merely an estimate and the actual payment could differ materially. In the event that OneWater Inc.’s obligation to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement is accelerated as a result of a change of control, where applicable, we generally expect the accelerated payments due under the Tax Receivable Agreement to be funded out of the proceeds of the change of control transaction giving rise to such acceleration. However, OneWater Inc. may be required to fund such payment from other sources, and as a result, any early termination of the Tax Receivable Agreement could have a substantial negative impact on our liquidity. We do not currently expect to cause an acceleration due to OneWater Inc.’s breach, and we do not currently expect that OneWater Inc. would elect to terminate the Tax Receivable Agreement early, except in cases where the early termination payment would not be material. There can be no assurance that OneWater Inc. will be able to meet its obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement.

Please read “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement.”

In the event that OneWater Inc.’s payment obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement are accelerated upon certain mergers, other forms of business combinations or other changes of control, the consideration payable to holders of OneWater Inc.’s Class A common stock could be substantially reduced.

If OneWater Inc. experiences a change of control (as defined under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which includes certain mergers, asset sales and other forms of business combinations), OneWater Inc. would be obligated to make an immediate payment, and such payment may be significantly in advance of, and may materially exceed, the actual realization, if any, of the future tax benefits to which the payment relates. As a result of this payment obligation, holders of OneWater Inc.’s Class A common stock could receive substantially less consideration in connection with a change of control transaction than they would receive in the absence of such obligation. Further, OneWater Inc.’s payment obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement will not be conditioned upon the OneWater Unit Holders’ having a continued interest in OneWater Inc. or OneWater LLC. Accordingly, the OneWater Unit Holders’ interests may conflict with those of the holders of OneWater Inc.’s Class A common stock. Please read “Risk Factors—Risks Related to this Offering and Our Class A Common Stock— In certain cases, payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement may be accelerated and/or significantly exceed the actual benefits OneWater Inc. realizes, if any, in respect of the tax attributes subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement.”

OneWater Inc. will not be reimbursed for any payments made under the Tax Receivable Agreement in the event that any tax benefits are subsequently disallowed.

Payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement will be based on the tax reporting positions that OneWater Inc. will determine and the IRS or another tax authority may challenge all or part of the tax

basis increase, as well as other related tax positions OneWater Inc. takes, and a court could sustain such challenge. The OneWater Unit Holders will not reimburse OneWater Inc. for any payments previously made under the Tax Receivable Agreement if any tax benefits that have given rise to payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement are subsequently disallowed, except that excess payments made to any OneWater Unit Holder will be netted against future payments that would otherwise be made to such OneWater Unit Holder, if any, after OneWater Inc.’s determination of such excess (which determination may be made a number of years following the initial payment and after future payments have been made). As a result, in such circumstances, OneWater Inc. could make payments that are greater than its actual cash tax savings, if any, and may not be able to recoup those payments, which could materially adversely affect its liquidity.

If OneWater LLC were to become a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, OneWater Inc. and OneWater LLC might be subject to potentially significant tax inefficiencies, and OneWater Inc. would not be able to recover payments previously made by it under the Tax Receivable Agreement even if the corresponding tax benefits were subsequently determined to have been unavailable due to such status.

We intend to operate such that OneWater LLC does not become a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A “publicly traded partnership” is a partnership the interests of which are traded on an established securities market or are readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof. Under certain circumstances, redemptions of OneWater LLC Units pursuant to the Redemption Right (or the Call Right) or other transfers of OneWater LLC Units could cause OneWater LLC to be treated as a publicly traded partnership. Applicable U.S. Treasury regulations provide for certain safe harbors from treatment as a publicly traded partnership, and we intend to operate such that redemptions or other transfers of OneWater LLC Units qualify for one or more such safe harbors. For example, we intend to limit the number of unitholders of OneWater LLC, and the OneWater LLC Agreement, which will be entered into in connection with the closing of this offering, will provide for limitations on the ability of unitholders of OneWater LLC to transfer their OneWater LLC Units and will provide OneWater Inc., as managing member of OneWater LLC, with the right to impose restrictions (in addition to those already in place) on the ability of unitholders of OneWater LLC to redeem their OneWater LLC Units pursuant to the Redemption Right to the extent OneWater Inc. believes it is necessary to ensure that OneWater LLC will continue to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

If OneWater LLC were to become a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, significant tax inefficiencies might result for OneWater Inc. and for OneWater LLC, including as a result of OneWater Inc.’s inability to file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return with OneWater LLC. In addition, OneWater Inc. may not be able to realize tax benefits covered under the Tax Receivable Agreement, and OneWater Inc. would not be able to recover any payments previously made by it under the Tax Receivable Agreement, even if the corresponding tax benefits (including any claimed increase in the tax basis of OneWater LLC’s assets) were subsequently determined to have been unavailable.

Unanticipated changes in effective tax rates or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of OneWater Inc.’s income or other tax returns could adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition.

We may be subject to taxes by the U.S. federal, state, and local tax authorities and its future effective tax rates could be subject to volatility or adversely affected by a number of factors, including:

In addition, we may be subject to audits of its income, sales and other transaction taxes by U.S. federal, state, and local taxing authorities. Outcomes from these audits could have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.

We may issue preferred stock whose terms could adversely affect the voting power or value of our Class A common stock.

Our certificate of incorporation will authorize us to issue, without the approval of our stockholders, one or more classes or series of preferred stock having such designations, preferences, limitations and relative rights, including preferences over our Class A common stock respecting dividends and distributions, as our board of directors may determine. The terms of one or more classes or series of preferred stock could adversely impact the voting power or value of our Class A common stock. For example, we might grant holders of preferred stock the right to elect some number of our directors in all events or on the happening of specified events or the right to veto specified transactions. Similarly, the repurchase or redemption rights or liquidation preferences we might assign to holders of preferred stock could affect the residual value of the Class A common stock.

If we were deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a result of our ownership of OneWater LLC, applicable restrictions could make it impractical for us to continue our business as contemplated and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Under Sections 3(a)(1)(A) and (C) of the 1940 Act, a company generally will be deemed to be an “investment company” for purposes of the 1940 Act if (i) it is, or holds itself out as being, engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities or (ii) it engages, or proposes to engage, in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading in securities and it owns or proposes to acquire investment securities having a value exceeding 40% of the value of its total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. We do not believe that we are an “investment company,” as such term is defined in either of those sections of the 1940 Act.

As the sole managing member of OneWater LLC, we will control and operate OneWater LLC. On that basis, we believe that our interest in OneWater LLC is not an “investment security” as that term is used in the 1940 Act. However, if we were to cease participation in the management of OneWater LLC, our interest in OneWater LLC could be deemed an “investment security” for purposes of the 1940 Act.

We and OneWater LLC intend to conduct our operations so that we will not be deemed an investment company. However, if we were to be deemed an investment company, restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act, including limitations on our capital structure and our ability to transact with affiliates, could make it impractical for us to continue our business as contemplated and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

For as long as we are an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with certain reporting requirements, including those relating to accounting standards and disclosure about our executive compensation, that apply to other public companies.

We are classified as an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act. For as long as we are an emerging growth company, which may be up to five full fiscal years, unlike other public companies, we will not be required to, among other things: (i) provide an auditor’s attestation report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our system of internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; (ii) comply with any new requirements adopted by the PCAOB requiring mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report in which the auditor would be required to provide additional information about the audit and the financial statements of the issuer; (iii) provide certain disclosures regarding executive compensation required of larger public companies; or (iv) hold nonbinding advisory votes on executive compensation. We will remain an emerging growth company for up to five years, although we will lose that status sooner if we have more than $1.07 billion of revenues in a fiscal year, have more than $700.0 million in market value of our Class A common stock held by non-affiliates, or issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt over a three-year period.

To the extent that we rely on any of the exemptions available to emerging growth companies, you will receive less information about our executive compensation and internal control over financial reporting than issuers that are not emerging growth companies. Additionally, we intend to take advantage of the extended transition periods for the adoption of new or revised financial accounting standards under the

JOBS Act until we are no longer an emerging growth company. Our election to use the transition periods permitted by this election may make it difficult to compare our financial statements to those of non-emerging growth companies and other emerging growth companies that have opted out of the extended transition periods permitted under the JOBS Act and who will comply with new or revised financial accounting standards.

If some investors find our Class A common stock to be less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our Class A common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our Class A common stock or if our operating results do not meet their expectations, our stock price could decline.

The trading market for our Class A common stock will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us or our business. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline. Moreover, if one or more of the analysts who cover our company downgrades our Class A common stock or if our operating results do not meet their expectations, our stock price could decline.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The information in this prospectus includes “forward-looking statements.” All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this prospectus, regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used in this prospectus, the words “could,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements described under the heading “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business” included in this prospectus. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current belief, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events.

Forward-looking statements may include statements about

We caution you that these forward-looking statements are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. These risks include, but are not limited to, decline in demand for our products and services, the seasonality and volatility of the

boat industry, our acquisition strategies, the inability to comply with the financial and other covenants and metrics in our Credit Facilities, cash flow and access to capital, the timing of development expenditures and the other risks described under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus.

Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described in this prospectus occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements.

All forward-looking statements, expressed or implied, included in this prospectus are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that we or persons acting on our behalf may issue.

Any forward-looking statement that we make in this prospectus speaks only as of the date of such statement. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, we disclaim any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus.

USE OF PROCEEDS

We expect to receive net proceeds from this offering of approximately $       million after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses of approximately $       million, in the aggregate (based on the mid-point of the range set forth on the cover of this prospectus). If the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock, we expect to receive approximately $       million of net proceeds.

We intend to contribute the net proceeds of this offering received by us to OneWater LLC in exchange for OneWater LLC Units. OneWater LLC will use the net proceeds, together with cash on hand and borrowings under the Term and Revolver Credit Facility, to redeem the Opco Preferred Units held by Goldman and Beekman.

The Opco Preferred Units incur (i) a “preferred return” at a rate of 10% per annum, compounded quarterly, on (a) the aggregate amount of capital contributions made, minus any prior distributions (the “unreturned preferred amount”), plus (b) any unpaid preferred returns for prior periods, and (ii) a “preferred target distribution” at a rate of 10% per annum on the unreturned preferred amount multiplied by (a) 40% for the calendar quarters ending March 31, 2019, June 30, 2019 and September 30, 2019, (b) 60% for the calendar quarters ending December 31, 2019, March 31, 2020, June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2020, and (c) 80% for each calendar quarter thereafter. The preferred target distribution proportionally adjusts the amount of capital contribution of each Opco Preferred Holder. As of September 30, 2019 and December 1, 2019, the redemption amount of the Opco Preferred Units held by Goldman and Beekman in the aggregate was $86.0 million and $87.6 million, respectively.

A $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $       per share would cause the net proceeds from this offering, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses received by us to increase or decrease, respectively, by approximately $       million, assuming the number of shares offered by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus remains the same. An increase or decrease of 500,000 shares offered by us at an assumed offering price of $       per share would cause the net proceeds from this offering after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses received by us to increase or decrease, respectively, by approximately $       million.

If the proceeds increase due to a higher initial public offering price or due to the issuance of additional shares by us, we would contribute the additional net proceeds received by us to OneWater LLC in exchange for OneWater LLC Units. OneWater LLC intends to use the additional net proceeds to redeem additional Opco Preferred Units and for general corporate purposes. If the proceeds decrease due to a lower initial public offering price or a decrease in the number of shares issued by us, then we would decrease the amount of net proceeds contributed to OneWater LLC and OneWater LLC would reduce by a corresponding amount the net proceeds directed to redeem the Opco Preferred Units. Any reduction in net proceeds may cause us to need to borrow additional funds under our Term and Revolver Credit Facility to redeem the Opco Preferred Units and to fund our operations, which would increase our interest expense and decrease our net income.

DIVIDEND POLICY

We do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends to holders of our Class A common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance the growth of our business. Holders of our Class B common stock are not entitled to participate in any dividends declared by our board of directors. Our future dividend policy is within the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon then-existing conditions, including our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, investment opportunities, statutory restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and other factors our board of directors may deem relevant. In addition, under our Credit Facilities, Opco is restricted from paying cash dividends, and we expect these restrictions to continue in the future, which may in turn limit our ability to pay cash dividends on our Class A common stock. Our ability to pay cash dividends may also be restricted by the terms of any future credit agreement or any future debt or preferred equity securities that we or our subsidiaries may issue. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to this Offering and Our Class A Common Stock—We do not intend to pay cash dividends on our Class A common stock, and our Credit Facilities place certain restrictions on our ability to do so. Consequently, your only opportunity to achieve a return on your investment is if the price of our Class A common stock appreciates.”

CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our cash and cash equivalents and capitalization as of September 30, 2019:

You should read the following table in conjunction with “Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Corporate Reorganization,” “Use of Proceeds” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.

DILUTION

Purchasers of the Class A common stock in this offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution in the net tangible book value per share of the Class A common stock for accounting purposes. Our net tangible book value as of September 30, 2019, after giving pro forma effect to the transactions described under “Corporate Reorganization,” was approximately $       million, or $       per share of Class A common stock. Pro forma net tangible book value per share is determined by dividing our pro forma tangible net worth (tangible assets less total liabilities, without further adjustment to exclude the redeemable preferred interest in our subsidiary) by the total number of outstanding shares of Class A common stock that will be outstanding immediately prior to the closing of this offering including giving effect to our corporate reorganization. After giving effect to the sale of the shares in this offering and further assuming the receipt of the estimated net proceeds of $       million (after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses and the application of such proceeds as described in “Use of Proceeds”), our adjusted pro forma net tangible book value as of September 30, 2019 would have been approximately $       million, or $       per share. This represents an immediate decrease in the net tangible book value of $       per share to the Legacy Owners and an immediate dilution (i.e., the difference between the offering price and the adjusted pro forma net tangible book value after this offering) to new investors purchasing shares in this offering of $       per share. The following table illustrates the per share dilution to new investors purchasing shares in this offering (assuming that 100% of the OneWater LLC Units have been exchanged for Class A common stock):

The following table summarizes, on an adjusted pro forma basis as of September 30, 2019, the total number of shares of Class A common stock owned by the Legacy Owners (assuming that 100% of the OneWater LLC Units held by the Legacy Owners have been exchanged for Class A common stock (and the corresponding shares of Class B common stock have been cancelled)) and to be owned by new investors, the total consideration paid, and the average price per share paid by the Legacy Owners and to be paid by new investors in this offering at $      , calculated before deduction of estimated underwriting discounts and commissions.

The data in the table excludes           shares of Class A common stock initially reserved for issuance under our long-term incentive plan.

Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $       per share of Class A common stock would increase (decrease) the total consideration paid by new investors in this offering and the total consideration paid by all holders of Class A common stock by $         , assuming the number of shares of Class A common stock offered by us remains the same, after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

If the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full, the number of shares of Class A common stock being offered in this offering will be increased to          , or approximately       % of the total number of shares of Class A common stock.

SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

OneWater Inc. was incorporated on April 3, 2019 and does not have historical financial operating results for the period from April 3, 2019 to September 30, 2019. The following table presents the selected historical and certain pro forma financial data and other data for OneWater LLC, the accounting predecessor of OneWater Inc., and its subsidiaries. The historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period, and should be read together with “Use of Proceeds,” “Summary Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial and Operating Data,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Corporate Reorganization” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

The selected historical financial data as of September 30, 2019 and 2018 and for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was derived from the audited historical financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The OneWater LLC summary historical financial data as of September 30, 2017 was derived from audited historical financial statements not included elsewhere in this prospectus.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations for the year ended September 30, 2019 present our consolidated results of operations after giving effect to (i) the Reorganization, including this offering, as described under “Corporate Reorganization,” as if such transactions occurred on October 1, 2018, (ii) the use of the estimated net proceeds to us from this offering, as described under “Use of Proceeds,” (iii) the repayment of the Opco Preferred Units remaining after application of net proceeds with cash on hand and borrowings under the Term and Revolver Credit Facility, and (iv) a provision for corporate income taxes on the income attributable to OneWater Inc. at an effective rate of 24.7% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, inclusive of all U.S. federal, state and local income taxes (collectively, the “pro forma adjustments”). The unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2019 gives effect to the pro forma adjustments, including this offering, as if the same had occurred on September 30, 2019.

We have derived the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information for the year ended September 30, 2019 from the audited historical financial statements of OneWater LLC and its subsidiaries included elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited pro forma financial information should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements.

The pro forma adjustments are based on currently available information and certain estimates and assumptions. Therefore, the actual adjustments may differ from the pro forma adjustments. However, management believes that the assumptions provide a reasonable basis for presenting the significant effects of the transactions described herein and that the pro forma adjustments give appropriate effect to those assumptions and are properly applied in the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements. The assumptions underlying the pro forma adjustments are described in the accompanying notes, which should be read in conjunction with these unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements.

As a public company, we will be implementing additional procedures and processes for the purpose of addressing the standards and requirements applicable to public companies. We expect to incur additional annual expenses related to these steps and, among other things, additional directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, director fees, reporting requirements of the SEC, transfer agent fees, costs associated with hiring additional accounting, legal and administrative personnel, increased auditing and legal fees and similar expenses. We have not included any pro forma adjustments relating to these costs.

The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information and related notes are presented for illustrative purposes only. The pro forma adjustments are based upon available information and methodologies that are factually supportable and directly related to the described transactions, including this offering. The historical financial information has been adjusted in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements to give effect to pro forma events that are related and/or directly attributable to the transactions, are factually supportable and, in the case of the statements of operations, are expected to have a continuing impact on our operating results. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information includes various estimates which are subject to material change and may not be indicative of what our operations or financial position would have been had the described transactions, including this offering, taken place on the dates indicated, or that may be expected to occur in the future. In addition, future results may vary significantly from the results reflected in the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements and should not be relied on as an indication of our results after the consummation of this offering and other transactions contemplated herein. The pro forma financial information is qualified in its entirety by reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, “Basis of Presentation,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

OneWater Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet
As of September 30, 2019

Notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet