Nestled in the heart of Southwest Florida, Ft. Myers Yacht & Shipbuilding carved out a notable niche in the marine industry, particularly known for its robust sailboats and custom trawlers. While specific details on its founding vision and individual founders remain less documented in public records, the company emerged as a significant builder, contributing to the region's rich maritime heritage. The primary corporate entity, "FORT MYERS YACHT & SHIPBUILDING CO., INC.," was officially filed on March 21, 1980, marking the formal beginning of its operations in yacht construction.
Ft. Myers Yacht & Shipbuilding gained recognition for its commitment to durable construction, primarily utilizing fiberglass, a material that became standard in yacht building during their operational period. Their reputation was significantly bolstered by collaborations with celebrated naval architects, most notably Edward S. Brewer and Bruce Kirby. These partnerships underscored the builder's dedication to creating vessels with sound engineering and performance characteristics.
Iconic Models and Notable Projects
Over its history, Ft. Myers Yacht & Shipbuilding produced several memorable yacht models, establishing a legacy that continues to be appreciated by owners today.
Among their most recognized sailing yachts are the Brewer series:
- Brewer 12.8: This 42-foot cruising cutter was a cornerstone of their sailboat production, with the yard completing approximately 40 units. The Brewer 12.8 was lauded for embodying "the signature of Ted Brewer's innovation and Ft. Myers Yacht & Shipbuilding, Inc.'s creativity," suggesting a harmonious blend of design prowess and build quality.
- Brewer 44: A larger iteration, 24 units of the 44-foot Brewer 44 were sold, further solidifying the builder's reputation in the cruising sailboat market.
Another notable sailboat model was the Nightwind 35, with its first recorded build by the company in 1980.
Beyond sailboats, Ft. Myers Yacht & Shipbuilding also ventured into the powerboat market, demonstrating versatility in its production capabilities. The Captiva 24, often cited as an "awesome family boat" from the mid-1980s, showcased the company's fiberglass molding expertise, particularly its distinctive lapstrake-style hull. The company also produced larger, custom power yachts, including the Fort Myers Custom 68 Trawler and the 74-foot trawler yacht DELIA, which was delivered in 1995, highlighting their capacity for significant custom projects.
The Builder Today
As of recent records, the corporate entity "FORT MYERS YACHT & SHIPBUILDING CO., INC." is listed as "INACTIVE," having undergone administrative dissolution. This suggests that the company is no longer actively building new vessels under that specific designation. While the physical address in Fort Myers, Florida, may still be associated with marine services, the era of Ft. Myers Yacht & Shipbuilding as a prolific yacht builder appears to have concluded.
Despite its current inactive status as a new build manufacturer, the vessels produced by Ft. Myers Yacht & Shipbuilding continue to sail and cruise waters worldwide, a testament to the enduring quality and thoughtful design embedded in each boat. The legacy of their collaboration with renowned designers and their focus on robust construction ensures that Ft. Myers-built boats remain a valued part of the pre-owned yacht market, appealing to those who appreciate classic designs and sturdy craftsmanship.
