Merrill-Stevens dry dock is sold

MIAMI – Merrill-Stevens Dry Dock Co. has been acquired by Miami business and civic leaders Hugh A. Westbrook and Carole Shields Westbrook, the new owners reported in a release this morning.

The Westbrooks said the acquisition closed today for an undisclosed price.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have this opportunity to operate and expand the historic Merrill-Stevens boat yard,” Hugh Westbrook said. “The existing professional management under CEO Fred Kirtland will remain in place. The yard is well positioned for growth and to take advantage of the plans to dredge the Miami River next year. The best days of the Merrill-Stevens presence on the Miami River are yet to come.”

The Westbrooks said they plan to upgrade and expand the Merrill-Stevens boat yard, which occupies both sides of the Miami River near 12th Avenue. The yard has provided full repair and refit services for yachts and mega-yachts along with haul and launch facilities and yacht brokerage services at this site since 1923.

“The Merrill family is proud to see its marine business continue its long tradition and well regarded name and reputation under the new ownership by the Westbrooks,” said a statement issued by James Merrill, Eleanor Fowler and Roxanna Seely – the three great-great grandchildren of founder James Gilman Merrill.

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