Yes, Florida hosts a vibrant luxury yacht building scene, especially in areas like Fort Lauderdale (the "Yachting Capital of the World") and Miami, with several top-tier custom builders operating there.
Key ones include:
Willis Custom Yachts (Fort Lauderdale, FL): Specializes in custom sportfishing yachts (50-100+ ft), blending high-end finishes with performance. Founded in 1983 by Mark Willis; acquired American Custom Yachts in 2022 for expanded capabilities.
Burger Boat Company (Fort Lauderdale, FL; headquarters in Manitowoc, WI): Builds semi-custom luxury motor yachts (60-170 ft) with steel/aluminum hulls, emphasizing explorer-style vessels up to $50M+.
Derecktor Shipyards (Mamaroneck, NY; major facility in Fort Lauderdale, FL): Focuses on custom superyacht refits and new builds (100-300 ft), including steel-hulled tri-deck yachts for global clients.
Delta Marine (Seattle, WA; operations in Fort Lauderdale, FL): Known for massive custom megayachts (150-300 ft), with Florida yards handling repairs and builds exceeding $100M.
Hinckley Yachts (Trenton, ME; service center in Stuart, FL): Builds upscale downeast yachts (30-50 ft) with modern composites, popular for luxury day boats.
Florida's industry thrives due to tax incentives, skilled labor, and proximity to marinas, producing dozens of custom yachts annually.
Yes, Florida hosts a vibrant luxury yacht building scene, especially in areas like Fort Lauderdale (the "Yachting Capital of the World") and Miami, with several top-tier custom builders operating there.
Key ones include:
Florida's industry thrives due to tax incentives, skilled labor, and proximity to marinas, producing dozens of custom yachts annually.