In a positive move for the industry, Miami’s defunct Merrill Stevens Dry Dock has been acquired by David Marlow, chairman of Marlow Yachts in Palmetto, Florida, for $6.6 million.
Now renamed Marlow Merrill Stevens, the company was incorporated in 1885 and was the oldest operating business in Florida, employing some 170 workers at its height in 2008. The owners had big plans for ambitious expansion, perhaps too ambitious, as the onset of the economic crisis and a foreclosure complaint from Coconut Grove Bank saw the yard close its doors on December 18th 2009.
Says David Marlow, “Starting immediately, the process of restoration, enhanced services offered and related community involvement matters will begin with clear marching orders. Providing a strong influence on the restoration and conservation of Marlow Merrill Stevens and the renaissance of the unique and storied Miami River are the thumbnail description of multi faceted community efforts. When completed the yard will appear park like, kept spotlessly clean like all Marlow facilities and offer the most complete array of services in the marine industry from new builds of virtually any size to complete rehabilitation of fine yachts.”