Merrill-Stevens is Florida’s oldest continuously operating yacht services company and has maintained a strong commitment to providing one of the finest and most complete yacht repair and renovation facilities in the world.  Founded in Jacksonville by James Gilman Merrill in 1866, Merrill-Stevens evolved from a blacksmith shop to the largest Atlantic shipyard south of Norfolk, Va., during World War II.  

Incorporated in 1885 by James Eugene Merrill, the family-owned business opened a yacht repair facility on the Miami River in 1923. Following their business success in World War II, Merrill-Stevens opened a yacht repair and brokerage office at Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove, Florida, in 1949. In 1990, the company consolidated its operation at the Miami River facility where it still operates today. In December 2004, Merrill-Stevens Dry Dock Co. was acquired by Miami business and civic leaders Hugh A. Westbrook and Carole Shields Westbrook.  

Significant plans are moving forward to upgrade and expand the Merrill-Stevens boat yard to a state-of-the-art facility with 2 acres of undercover facilities and a 2,000 ton lift (accommodating up to 250’) on the north side of the Miami River.

In June 2005, Merrill-Stevens added additional yacht services to its already impressive portfolio. These services include yacht management, charter marketing, charter brokerage and crew placement. For more details, contact our office or yachtinfo@merrillstevens.com

In August 2005, Merrill-Stevens completed its acquisition of the assets of Ft. Lauderdale based Bradford Yacht Sales.  Established in 1963, Bradford Yacht Sales, recognized as a major yacht broker in the industry, has represented thousands of buyers and sellers in brokerage, new boat and charter transactions.

On the 1st of November, 2005, as part of a strategic plan to offer complete and professional service to customers throughout the world, Merrill-Stevens announced the opening of its San Diego office.

In February 2006, Merrill-Stevens completed its acquisition of Koch Newton & Partners, a full service charter and sales brokerage company with offices in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and Singapore.  This addition to the Merrill-Stevens family adds depth to its sales and charter divisions. Koch Newton & Partners was established in 1990 and since that time has earned a superior reputation among the most prominent yacht brokerage companies worldwide as specialists in quality large motor and sailing yachts.