• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Megayacht News 2021 Logo

Megayacht News

the trusted source for megayacht and superyacht information

Megayacht News 2021 Logo
  • Home
  • Yachts
    • Associations & Organizations
          • Associations & Organizations Recent Posts
            Yachting for Forests aims for more sustainability aboard superyachts
            Yachting for Forests: Sustainability Standards for Woods on Your Yacht

            March 27, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            Junior SeaKeeper students learn about water sampling from superyachts
            Junior SeaKeeper Program Wants Young Ocean Ambassadors

            July 20, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            superyacht company Northrop & Johnson is supporting Water.org
            Water.org Gains Support From Northrop & Johnson

            June 11, 2022 By Marie Cullen

    • Brokerage
          • Brokerage Recent Posts
            the yacht Yersin is for sale
            Yacht Yersin Hits Brokerage Market for New Adventurous Owners

            August 17, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Graceful is alleged to be among Russian-owned superyachts
            Imperial Yachts, Several Superyachts Added to U.S. Sanctions List

            June 3, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            a new Y.CO partnership with YachtAid Global will see superyachts step up for sustainability
            Y.CO Partnership With YachtAid Global Supports New Sustainability Efforts

            June 12, 2021 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Motoryachts
          • Motoryachts Recent Posts
            Tankoa T560 Apache yacht beach area
            Tankoa T560 Apache Yacht Is Beach-Style Retreat for American Cruisers

            October 4, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            the Benetti Veranda Deck
            Benetti Veranda Deck Is a Main Deck Like You’ve Never Seen

            October 3, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Custom Line Navetta 38 yacht at night
            Custom Line Navetta 38 Yacht Sets New Design Standards

            October 2, 2023 By Marie Cullen

    • Sailing Yachts
          • Sailing Yachts Recent Posts
            the yacht Project Ouzel
            Yacht Project Ouzel Being Built in Maine

            August 31, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Monaco Yacht Show sailing superyachts
            Monaco Yacht Show Sailing Superyachts on Display

            August 21, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Baltic Yachts' Zemi sailing superyacht
            Baltic Yachts’ Zemi Sailing Through Sea Trials

            August 19, 2023 By Marie Cullen

    • Superyacht 101 Series
          • Superyacht 101 Series Recent Post
            Buddy Darby
            Superyacht 101 Series: Advice From Fellow Owner Buddy Darby

            November 9, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

            Mark Robba
            Superyacht 101 Series: Advice From Fellow Owner Mark Robba

            October 31, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

            superyacht 101 owner's representative
            Superyacht 101 Series: Selecting an Owner’s Representative

            July 29, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Tenders, Toys, &
      Products
          • Tenders, Toys, & Products Recent Posts
            the FunAir Climbing Playground with a mini slide
            FunAir Climbing Playground Is for the Young & Young at Heart

            September 20, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Dominator Ilumen Midi M35 is a dayboat
            Dominator Midi Ilumen M35 Is Mini Megayacht

            July 17, 2023 By Megayacht News Staff

            the Compass Tenders limo and open tenders for the Oceanco yacht H3
            WATCH: Compass Tenders Delivers “Sistership” Pair to Oceanco Yacht H3

            July 6, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

    • The Superyacht 6
          • The Superyacht 6 Recent Posts
            The Superyacht 6: 6 Superb Charter-Yacht Crews

            October 23, 2011 By Diane M. Byrne

            The Superyacht 6: 6 Must-See Megayachts at the Fort Lauderdale Show

            October 9, 2011 By Diane M. Byrne

            The Superyacht 6: 6 Editor’s Picks From the Monaco Yacht Show

            September 24, 2011 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Photo Galleries
          • the Amels Entourage is an Amels 60 superyacht
            Check Out the Amels Entourage Yacht Interior Ambience

            May 24, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the superyacht saloon aboard the Van der Valk yacht Blue Jeans
            Yacht Blue Jeans Begins Globetrotting: Photo Gallery

            January 16, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            Azimut Grande 26M megayacht
            Azimut Grande 26M Packs Punch in 86 Feet: Photo Gallery

            December 8, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Sponsored Posts
          • Yacht Sponsored Posts
  • Builders
    • Builders Directory
          • A - E
          • F - L
          • M - R
          • S - Z
    • Yard News
          • Yard News Recent Posts
            Amsterdam Yacht Service does superyacht refits
            Amsterdam Yacht Service Refits Ongoing

            August 10, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            the Derecktor Dania shipyard where renovations will take place in red
            Derecktor Dania Renovating to Accommodate Big Sailing Superyachts & More

            August 5, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            Ron Cleveringa of Burger Boat Company
            Burger Boat Company: Journey Through History & Craftsmanship

            July 19, 2023 By Megayacht News Staff

    • Sponsored Posts
          • Builders Sponsored Posts
  • Charter & Cruising
    • Charter & Cruising News
          • Charter & Cruising Recent Posts
            Atalanta Yachts managed yachts like O'Ptasia
            Atalanta Golden Yachts to Become Part of Fraser Yachts Greece

            September 26, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            the yacht Hanse Explorer affords the chance to stay at the Awasi Patagonia resort
            Book the Yacht Hanse Explorer Land and Sea Package in Patagonia

            September 11, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            the skylounge aboard the yacht Mustique
            Yacht Mustique in Below Deck Med: Learn All About Her

            September 5, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Charter Yacht Brokers
      Directory
          • A - D
          • E - L
          • M - R
          • S - Z
    • Destination Guides
          • Destination Guide Recent Posts
            chartering in Costa Rica: sunsets
            Why Chartering in Costa Rica Is an Immersive Natural Experience

            August 4, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Newport is among American megayacht destinations
            American Megayacht Destinations for the Fourth of July

            July 4, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            visit Bahia De Los Angeles when cruising Baja by superyacht
            Cruising Baja by Superyacht: 5 Must-See Spots

            May 5, 2023 By Megayacht News Staff

    • Marinas News
          • Marina News Recent Posts
            the Antigua Yacht Club Marina in 2016
            Antigua Yacht Club Marina Devastated by Fire

            October 3, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Williams Island Marina is under Oasis Marinas management
            Williams Island Marina in Florida Under New Ownership

            September 9, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            Marina Ibiza is testing a spill treatment product with La Alternativa Eco
            Marina Ibiza Testing Natural Solution for Fuel Spills

            August 26, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

  • People
    • Consultants
          • Consultants Recent Posts
            Adrienne Gang is organizing culinary and interior courses for Blue Oceans Yachting
            Blue Oceans Yachting Offering Courses for Superyacht Chefs and Foodie Fans

            September 23, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            the Ocean Titans docu-series honors the Water Revolution Foundation
            Ocean Titans Docu-Series Honors Water Revolution Foundation: Sunday Superyacht Video

            September 3, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            the SEA Index measures a superyacht's carbon footprint
            SEA Index Can Measure Your Yacht’s Carbon Footprint

            August 12, 2023 By Marie Cullen

    • Crew
          • Crew Recent News
            the Honours awards recipient Zoran Selakovic
            Honours Awards Fete 3 Significant Superyacht Industry Innovators

            September 30, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            superyacht industry careers are varied
            Superyacht Industry Careers Website Strives to Guide and Help Retain Crew

            September 6, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            cooking for guests aboard a superyacht is demanding
            Cooking for Guests Aboard a Superyacht: Sunday Superyacht Video

            June 11, 2023 By Marie Cullen

    • Designer Directory
          • A - D
          • E - L
          • M - E
          • S - Z
    • Designers
          • Designers
            Vripack is upcycling with North Sails to get superyachts to help clean beaches
            Vripack Is Upcycling Sails Into Beach Cleanup Bags—and You Can Get One

            December 3, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            Donald L. Blount left an indelible mark on superyachts
            Donald L. Blount, Renowned Naval Architect, Dies

            July 15, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Marco Casali Freedom Collection includes 500 superyacht NFTs
            Marco Casali Freedom Collection NFTs Minting Now

            April 15, 2022 By Marie Cullen

    • Leadership Series
          • Leadership Series Recent Posts
            Alexander Dreyfoos
            Megayacht News Leadership Series: Alexander Dreyfoos, Silver Cloud Owner

            September 6, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

            Roberto Zambrini
            Megayacht News Leadership Series: Roberto Zambrini, Mondomarine

            August 1, 2016 By Michael Verdon

            Antonio Romano Hot Lab Yacht & Design
            Megayacht News Leadership Series: Antonio Romano, Hot Lab

            July 1, 2016 By Frances and Michael Howorth

    • Owners
          • Owners Recent Posts
            the Honours awards recipient Zoran Selakovic
            Honours Awards Fete 3 Significant Superyacht Industry Innovators

            September 30, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the winning bid for Alfa Nero is in question
            Winning Bid for Alfa Nero Withdrawn, Runner-Up Bidder Files Suit  

            September 11, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the yacht Nakoa ran aground in February 2023; the Nakoa yacht grounding resulted in lawsuits
            $117,000 Fine Levied in Nakoa Yacht Grounding

            July 31, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Yard Staff
          • Yard Staff Recent Posts
            Giuseppe Taranto was the vice chairman of The Italian Sea Group superyacht conglomerate
            Giuseppe Taranto, The Italian Sea Group Vice Chairman, Dies

            February 27, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Jan-Eric Nyfelt, a co-founder of the Baltic Yachts superyacht yard, as a young sailor
            Jan-Erik Nyfelt, Baltic Yachts Co-Founder, Dies

            February 7, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Donald L. Blount left an indelible mark on superyachts
            Superyacht Owners & Industry Figures Who Died in 2022

            December 29, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

  • Events
    • Awards
          • Awards Recent Posts
            the Honours awards recipient Zoran Selakovic
            Honours Awards Fete 3 Significant Superyacht Industry Innovators

            September 30, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            superyacht crew awards nominations
            The Crew Awards Nominations: Seeking Superb Yachties

            April 15, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            the Bowsprit Award will be given at The Honours superyacht awards ceremony
            The Honours Superyacht Awards Nominations Deadline Approaching

            February 4, 2023 By Marie Cullen

    • Boat Shows & Seminars
          • Boat Shows & Seminars Recent Posts
            Adrienne Gang is organizing culinary and interior courses for Blue Oceans Yachting
            Blue Oceans Yachting Offering Courses for Superyacht Chefs and Foodie Fans

            September 23, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            the annual Monaco Superyacht Finance Forum is in Monte-Carlo
            Annual Monaco Superyacht Finance Forum Approaching

            September 16, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            the Monaco Yacht Show sailing superyachts
            Monaco Yacht Show Sailing Superyachts on Display

            August 21, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Fundraisers
          • Fundraisers Recent Posts
            superyacht companies support the London to Monaco cycle ride
            Join the Fifth London to Monaco Cycle Ride to Support BLUE

            September 3, 2022 By Ken Kremsler

            superyacht owners can aid Mikoko Pamoja via Yacht Carbon Offset's blue carbon initiative
            Yacht Carbon Offset’s First Blue Carbon Project

            March 27, 2021 By Marie Cullen

            YacvhtAid Global launched Operation Viti for superyacht owners and crew to aid Fiji
            Operation Viti by YachtAid Global, for Fiji’s Tropical Cyclone Yasa Recovery

            January 1, 2021 By Marie Cullen

    • Rendezvous & Events
          • Rendezvous & Events
            IGY Marinas Miami Grand Prix packages include superyacht dockage and race tickets
            IGY Marinas Miami Grand Prix Packages Available

            April 11, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            Marina Port Vell is the Preferred Superyacht Marina for the 37th America's Cup
            Marina Port Vell Named Preferred Marina for Superyachts for America’s Cup

            January 17, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Superyacht Cup Palma 2022 has high interest
            Superyacht Cup Palma 2022 Set to Kickstart the Summer

            April 12, 2022 By Marie Cullen

    • The Superyacht Cup
          • The Superyacht Cup Recent Posts
            the Superyacht Cup Palma 2023 is the 27th year of the race
            Superyacht Cup Palma 2023 Setting Sail: Sunday Superyacht Video

            January 29, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            The Superyacht Cup Palma regulars and newcomers are excited
            Superyacht Cup Palma Regulars and Newcomers Set to Race

            January 29, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            the Superyacht Cup Palma is exclusively for sailing superyachts
            Superyacht Cup Palma to Celebrate 25th Anniversary, With Changes

            February 27, 2021 By Marie Cullen

    • Sponsored Posts
          • Events Sponsored Posts
  • Podcasts & Videos
    • Podcasts
          • Recent Podcasts
            the recommendations of classification societies on superyachts
            The Impact of Classification Societies on Superyachts: Don’t Make an Expensive Mistake

            August 28, 2023 By Megayacht News Staff

            Ron Cleveringa of Burger Boat Company
            Burger Boat Company: Journey Through History & Craftsmanship

            July 19, 2023 By Megayacht News Staff

            Navigating Sanctions in Yachting can be complex
            Navigating Sanctions in Yachting: A Guide for Superyacht Owners and Professionals

            June 16, 2023 By Megayacht News Staff

    • Yacht Videos
          • Recent Yacht Videos
            the WiderCat 92 yacht beach club
            WiderCat 92 Yacht Closer to Launch: Sunday Superyacht Video

            September 17, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the ISA Sportivo 140 yacht
            Sneak Peek at the ISA Sportivo 140 Yacht Series: Sunday Superyacht Video 

            September 10, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            the Ocean Titans docu-series honors the Water Revolution Foundation
            Ocean Titans Docu-Series Honors Water Revolution Foundation: Sunday Superyacht Video

            September 3, 2023 By Marie Cullen

    • Builder Videos
          • Recent Builder Video
            the Nordhavn 96 series includes the yacht VivieRae (not shown)
            The Yacht VivieRae and Her Amazing Australian Adventures: Sunday Superyacht Video

            September 24, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            the Swan Shadow superyacht chase boat
            Swan Shadow Superyacht Chase Boat Debuts in America: Sunday Superyacht Video

            May 7, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            WiderCat 92 hulls
            WiderCat 92 Hulls Move Through Fano Streets: Sunday Superyacht Video

            January 15, 2023 By Marie Cullen

  • About
Home / People / Yard Staff / Merrill-Stevens Shutdown: Not Permanent?

Merrill-Stevens Shutdown: Not Permanent?

January 5, 2010 By: Diane M. Byrne

Merrill-Stevens

For about two weeks now, I’ve been following developments at the renowned Miami-based Merrill-Stevens, which shut its doors just before Christmas. Some reports state no more employees remain, while other say about 20 security and other back-office personnel are still on site. Conflicting information like this is among the reasons why I held off on writing about the situation. Waiting has proven to be a good thing, as the owner of the yacht-repair yard now says he expects it to survive.

The layoff news was broken by The Triton on December 18, subsequently picked up by a few other marine and non-marine media over the following week. Just within the past few days, however, Hugh Westbrook, chairman of Merrill-Stevens, has told both the South Florida Business Journal and the Herald-Tribune new service that he’ll operate the yard as a storage facility and refit yachts on a project-by-project basis. He also says he still believes the company, operating on the Miami River since 1923, can become a bigger contender in the megayacht market. To make that happen, he reveals he needs investors and $12.5 million, or he’ll have to sell the business. He adds that he’s speaking with investment bankers about options.

When Westbrook purchased Merrill-Stevens in 2004, he announced ambitious plans to expand operations. Sixty million dollars would be spent renovating sheds and dock space for yachts up to 250 feet, from the current 155-foot limit. The funds would also create 300 jobs, plus a river walk and exhibits detailing Merrill-Stevens history. (The yard was founded in 1885 in Jacksonville, Florida.) While awaiting government approvals and permits for all of this, two years later Merrill-Stevens acquired Koch, Newton & Partners. This expanded overall offerings further into yacht sales and management, charter, and crew placement. Unfortunately, in 2008 the yacht management, charter, and crew-placement divisions were eliminated in favor of focusing on the pending expansion.

Westbrook blames Merrill-Stevens’ financial problems on a few things, one being approvals getting mired in red tape. The other: the economy. “We have invested more than $5 million in soft costs,” the South Florida Business Journal quotes him as saying. “Just as we were ready to go, the financing opportunity for a project like this dried up and has not come back.” Westbrook also blames customers, saying some have delayed repairs. He tells the Herald-Tribune news service that the owners of two 150-footers in storage, needing $1 million apiece in repairs, laid off their crews and postponed the work.

I’m continuing to follow developments and will post updates accordingly.

Related posts

Default ThumbnailSpencer Boat Company Operating at Merrill-Stevens Default ThumbnailMerrill-Stevens Avoids Foreclosure Default ThumbnailMerrill-Stevens Embroiled in Foreclosure Lawsuit

Categories: Yard StaffTags: Hugh Westbrook, megayacht, Merrill-Stevens

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Search Megayacht News

Popular Posts

  • Yacht Mustique in Below Deck Med: Learn All About Her
  • The Yachts of TV’s Below Deck
  • Superyacht Amara Good as New After Feadship Refit

Explore more

  • the yacht LivaO by Abeking & Rasmussen
    Yacht LivaO Marks Historic Abeking & Rasmussen Moment: Sunday Superyacht Video
  • the SEA Index measures a superyacht's carbon footprint
    SEA Index Can Measure Your Yacht’s Carbon Footprint
  • the Lurssen yacht Jag
    Lürssen Yacht Jag Jockeys Into View, Nearly Complete
  • chartering in Costa Rica: sunsets
    Why Chartering in Costa Rica Is an Immersive Natural Experience
  • NeX-T is the fourth Horizon FD92 megayacht
    WATCH: NeX-T, Horizon FD92 Hull 4, Heading for the Bahamas
Megayacht News 2021 Logo (White)

Footer

Connect with Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Terms and Conditions

© 2023 · RedHedInk LLC · Designed and Developed by Bet Hannon Business Websites