Boats

Florida Boatbuilders Tour

Big things from the Sunshine State

By Capt. Jen Copeland

Updated: October 12, 2018

Gamefisherman boat hull under construction

The new Gamefisherman 43 hull sits in the early morning sun waiting for the two cranes to arrive for the rollover. Capt. Jen Copeland

The timing of the Gamefisherman 43 hull rollover was a great excuse to jet up to the Treasure Coast and check on the happenings in Stuart, Florida. Luckily for me, 90 percent of these builders all lie within literally blocks from one another — some even right next door. On my way out of town, I stopped in Palm Beach to check in with my old friends at Michael Rybovich and Sons.

Not to be overshadowed by the builders in North Carolina and elsewhere, the boats emerging from Florida are among some of the finest and most refined custom sportfishermen anywhere in the world. Let’s take a closer look at a few new builds now underway.

Gamefisherman boat transom under construction

This 50-foot express by Gamefisherman is moving along in her build with only a few more months to go. She will then be moved to the water for final preparations before delivery. Capt. Jen Copeland

The 43 in mid-flip. Capt. Jen Copeland

Smaller boat flips go very quickly. If you blink, you’ll miss it. Capt. Jen Copeland

Boat hull under construction under a tent

Outside, this 26-foot center-console is Mike Matlack’s final build before retirement. He built it for himself. Capt. Jen Copeland

Just a few blocks away, this Garlington 61 shows off her beautiful tumblehome. Capt. Jen Copeland

The builders must be in constant communication since owners can make changes at almost any time during the build. Capt. Jen Copeland

Two Garlington 61s sit side-by-side as they are completed. Capt. Jen Copeland

worker making final adjustments to cover boards

Final adjustments are made to the covering boards for the cleanest line possible. Capt. Jen Copeland

fairing team smoothing out a boat hull under construction

The fairing team uses a single board to smooth out the hull of this 100-foot Jim Smith. Capt. Jen Copeland

boat construction workers taking a break

Working indoors in the heat of a scorching Florida summer, the team takes a break. Capt. Jen Copeland

The deep tunnels on the new 100-foot Ovation are a necessity when navigating shallow-draft locations in the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. Capt. Jen Copeland

garlington boat transom under construction

Ovation will receive a teak transom once the fairing is complete. Capt. Jen Copeland

A carpenter preps his next project. Capt. Jen Copeland

a tank-test hull model leaning against a wall

A tank-test model leans against the wall in the yard office at Michael Rybovich and Sons in Palm Beach. Capt. Jen Copeland

Dusty Rybovich looking at drawings for boat build

Dusty Rybovich goes over some preliminary drawings in prep for a new build. Capt. Jen Copeland

construction underway on two rybovich boat hulls

Two of Rybovich’s projects occupy these bays on the Intracoastal Waterway. Capt. Jen Copeland

Mahogany boards are triple-planked on every Rybovich hull; the bottom has four overlapping layers. Capt. Jen Copeland

When working outside, the fiberglass team must work fast to be sure the cure rate of the resin is kept in check. Capt. Jen Copeland

american custom yacht under construction with anodized tower

Inside the huge boat shed at American Custom Yachts, this new 68-footer gleams with her anodized tower welds. Capt. Jen Copeland

american custom yachts close up of towing eye

The 68 is fitted with a heavy-duty towing eye made of stainless steel so it can be towed by a supply ship, saving on fuel and maintenance costs. Capt. Jen Copeland

american custom yacht que mas boat refit

The ACY 70, Que Mas, is in for a big refit, including a re-power. Capt. Jen Copeland

More: American Custom Yachts, behind the boat, Gamefisherman Boats, Garlington Yachts, Jim Smith, Rybovich, Sport Fishing Boats

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