Trending Marine Services News In Florida
Brunswick Consolidating Boat Production In Florida Facilities
This week Brunswick Corporation announced a realignment of the company’s global fiberglass boat manufacturing footprint, a move which will see more production move out of Mexico and into existing boat manufacturing facilities in Florida and Tennessee.
Brunswick, which produces a wide range of well-known boat brands including Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Bayliner and Quicksilver, is planning to expand operations at the company’s manufacturing facilities in Merritt Island and Edgewater, Florida, as well as in Vonore, Tennessee.
The company plans to invest an additional $5 million in its Florida and Tennessee facilities, transition employees from Flagler Beach to Edgewater, create an additional 200 manufacturing jobs, and complete the transition by Summer 2026.
For more information, visit brunswick.com.
Off The Hook Announces Launch of Autograph Yacht Group
Off The Hook Yachts, a leading provider of marine services including brokerage, wholesale and new boat sales, has announced the launch of Autograph Yacht Group, a new venture that will focus exclusively on luxury vessels and world-class service.
According to the official press release, Autograph will bring together a talented team of industry veterans with over 100 years of combined expertise in the luxury yacht market. For starters, the company will serve clients from two of the most attractive Florida markets for luxury yacht outings: Fort Lauderdale and Jupiter.
“I am thrilled to launch Autograph Yacht Group alongside a world-class team of brokers who share my passion for client relationships and exceptional service. With decades of combined experience and a focus on the luxury market, we are committed to setting a new standard for high-end yacht brokerage.” – Mike Burke
Autograph Yacht Group will make its official debut at the 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show which takes place from October 29 to November 2.
For more information, visit autographyachts.com.
MarineMax Opens Flagship Yacht Center in Fort Myers
This month MarineMax, the world’s largest recreational boat and yacht retailer, announced the grand opening of its flagship Fort Myers Yacht Sales and Service Center.
According to the official press release, the new flagship location on Deep Lagoon at 14030 McGregor Boulevard features 276 rack storage spaces, 128 wet slips, a 75-ton lifting capacity and 40-foot high bays which can accommodate a wide range of vessels.
MarineMax CEO & President Brett McGill says the new Fort Myers facility spans over 30,000-square-feet was built to meet increasing demand in one of Florida’s top yachting and boating markets.
“We’re excited to introduce MarineMax Fort Myers as a key resource for Southwest Florida boaters, bringing together sales, maintenance, storage, and on-water support at one convenient location. Our team looks forward to supporting the evolving needs of the region’s boating and yachting enthusiasts.” – Brett McGill
For more information, visit marinemax.com.
Florida Now The Global Epicenter For Marine Industry Startups
Is Florida Becoming the Capital for Marine Industry Startups? That’s the question posed in the headline of a new article in the current issue of Marine Industry News (MIN) written by Yachting Ventures founder Gabbi Richardson.
Long considered The Boating Capital of the World, Florida is now attracting a record amount of venture capital funding and Richardson points to Miami and Tampa as the foundations of the Sunshine State’s marine startup ecosystems.
She writes that Miami and Tampa are home to a growing number of leisure marine startup incubators like Seaworthy Collective and Tampa Bay Wave which are great resources and support networks for aspiring marine entrepreneurs. In conclusion, she lists some of the leading venture firms and angel networks in Florida.
To read the full article, visit Marine Industry News.
Malibu Boats Unveils All-New 2026 Malibu 21 LX and 22 LSV
This month Malibu Boats, a leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of a diverse range of recreational powerboats, unveiled two new Wakesetter models: the 2026 Malibu LX and the 2026 Malibu 22 LSV.
The 21 LX occupies a unique niche in the fast-growing 21-foot category. At 21’5” in length, with a 102” beam, 13-person capacity, and 3,425 lbs. of ballast, the 21 LX blends Malibu’s proven performance technology with a size profile that increases towability and opens new opportunities in restricted waterways.
With a weight of 4,900 lbs. and a 55-gallon fuel tank, the 21 LX is engineered for both endurance and convenience, giving families an entry point into Malibu’s Wakesetter line without compromise.
The 2026 Wakesetter 22 LSV is Malibu’s new flagship model which features over a dozen breakthrough features from helm personalization to acoustic upgrades.
According to the official launch release, “the 2026 Wakesetter 22 LSV incorporates Malibu’s exclusive Power Rise & Slide Helm Seat, an advanced 15.8” touchscreen Command Center, upgraded three-coil wireless phone chargers, and refined design elements specifically engineered for enhanced ride quality and ease of operation.”
To find an authorized dealer near you, visit malibuboats.com.
Vision Marine Expands Electric Boat Training Program In Florida
This month Vision Marine Technologies announced the expansion of its electric boat training program at Nautical Ventures showrooms on the East and West Coasts of Florida.
Customers at these select showrooms can now receive more in-depth training on Vision Marine’s E-Motion 180E, a 180 horsepower, continuous electric outboard motor equipped with multi sensor captors and independent cooling.
In addition to the enhanced training sessions, Nautical Ventures also has multiple Vision electric boats in stock at select showrooms for immediate delivery. Nautical Ventures has a network of nine retail and service locations across Florida.
Nautical Ventures was named the 2024 Top Dealer of the Year by Boating Industry magazine. The award acknowledges outstanding business operations, professionalism, customer service, and innovation in the marine industry.
For more information about Vision Marine and available models, visit nauticalventures.com. and visionmarinetechnologies.com.
Tax Law Changes Fueling Miami's Luxury Yacht Market
Recent tax law changes in the U.S. are giving a serious boost to the luxury yacht market in South Florida, according to an article from FYI Yachts.
Founder Ralph Navarro says recently revised charter depreciation rules can reduce first-year ownership costs by millions of dollars. He gives the example of a 2017 Azimuth 95 Raised PilotHouse with first-year depreciation of $5.5 million generating estimated tax savings of $2.0 million for the owner.
In light of these recent tax law changes, Navarro feels Miami is ideally positioned as a premier destination for both investment and leisure.
“Miami has always been at the heart of U.S. yachting. Now, with the ability to reduce ownership costs through charter depreciation, buyers have one of the strongest incentives the market has ever seen. It’s more than lifestyle; it’s also a great financial move.” – Ralph Navarro
For more information, visit prnewswire.com and fyiyachts.com.
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If you own an established boating or marine services business in Florida or Georgia and would like to get a better understanding of the current market value of your company and important steps you can take today to maximize that value, get in touch with a CII business advisor today.