MarineMax Expands Marina Network with New Facility in Stuart, Florida
MarineMax, Inc. (NYSE: HZO), the world’s largest recreational boat and yacht retailer, as well as a premier marina operator and provider of superyacht services, has announced the successful completion and official opening of its newest marina in Stuart, Florida. This strategic expansion reinforces MarineMax’s long-term commitment to growth and customer service in one of the most dynamic boating regions in the United States.
The new facility, named MarineMax Stuart Marina, is located on Company-owned property that already houses MarineMax’s established retail and service operations in the region. The integration of the new marina with existing operations is intended to deliver a seamless customer experience by combining sales, service, and storage into one comprehensive location. According to MarineMax, this addition further strengthens its presence in the important southeast Florida market, which has long been a key area for recreational boating and marine activity.
Designed for the Future of Boating
The newly constructed Stuart Marina is tailored to meet the evolving demands of the modern boating community, particularly the increasing popularity of larger center-console boats. These boats, often used for offshore fishing and leisure cruising, require robust storage infrastructure capable of handling larger sizes and heavier weights.
To meet these needs, MarineMax Stuart Marina features advanced infrastructure, including over 100 state-of-the-art boat lifts. These lifts are capable of accommodating vessels weighing up to 56,000 pounds, positioning the marina to handle a broad range of boat types and sizes with ease. This capability significantly improves convenience for boat owners in the area by offering quick, dry storage and launch services, as well as enhanced protection for their valuable vessels.
“We are seeing a growing demand for larger center-console boats among customers in southeast Florida,” explained Brett McGill, President and Chief Executive Officer of MarineMax. “This new marina was specifically designed to address that need, offering unmatched storage and convenience for boaters in this rapidly expanding market.”
An Integrated Vision: Sales, Service, and Storage
What sets the Stuart facility apart is MarineMax’s vision of creating fully integrated marine destinations. By situating the new marina directly adjacent to its existing retail and service operations in Stuart, MarineMax aims to provide boaters with a comprehensive one-stop solution. Whether a customer is purchasing a new boat, seeking expert maintenance, or looking for secure and convenient storage, everything is now available in one location.
McGill emphasized the strategic value of this integration: “The development of this new marina enhances our integrated offerings in the Stuart market and creates valuable synergies that support our neighboring retail sales and service activities. We believe that offering an all-in-one solution greatly enhances the customer experience and builds long-term loyalty.”
A Milestone in In-House Development Capabilities
MarineMax Stuart Marina also marks a major milestone for MarineMax in another respect: it is the first full-scale marina development completed entirely in-house using the Company’s own marine construction subsidiary, Midcoast Marine Group. MarineMax acquired Midcoast in 2022 to gain direct control over marine infrastructure development, and the Stuart project is the first completed from start to finish by this team.
“Bringing the entire development process in-house allowed us to streamline construction, reduce external dependencies, and maintain a high standard of quality throughout the project,” McGill noted. “This project validates our investment in Midcoast Marine Group and illustrates our ability to accelerate future developments with greater efficiency.”
By leveraging Midcoast Marine Group’s expertise, MarineMax has added an important strategic capability to its business model. The Company can now evaluate and execute on new marina opportunities more quickly while maintaining better control over timelines, costs, and quality. This advantage is likely to play a critical role in MarineMax’s future expansion plans, especially as demand for high-quality marina facilities continues to grow across coastal markets.
Serving a High-Growth Region
Stuart, Florida, located on the state’s eastern coastline near the convergence of the St. Lucie River and the Atlantic Ocean, has seen rapid population and economic growth in recent years. Known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” Stuart has long been a magnet for boating enthusiasts, both seasonal and year-round.
The region’s unique geography—offering quick access to offshore fishing grounds, the Intracoastal Waterway, and inland waterways—makes it one of the most attractive marine destinations in the country. As such, the demand for high-quality marina facilities has risen sharply. MarineMax reports that slips at the new Stuart Marina are already in high demand, with reservations filling quickly.
“Stuart and the surrounding area is a rapidly growing, vibrant market,” said McGill. “We are proud to be part of the community’s growth and to provide the infrastructure needed to support the local boating lifestyle. Our new facility is designed not only to meet the needs of today’s boaters but also to serve as a lasting asset for the region.”
MarineMax’s Broader Growth Strategy
The completion of the Stuart Marina fits squarely within MarineMax’s broader strategy of expanding its marine operations footprint to support its retail and services businesses. Over the past several years, the Company has been aggressively investing in marinas, boatyards, and service facilities across the U.S. and internationally.
MarineMax’s growth strategy includes both organic development—such as the Stuart Marina—and strategic acquisitions. In recent years, the Company has acquired several key businesses, including IGY Marinas, Northrop & Johnson, and Fraser Yachts, enhancing its capabilities in marina operations, brokerage, chartering, and superyacht services.
By strengthening its infrastructure and service offerings, MarineMax seeks to deliver an end-to-end customer experience—from initial boat purchase to ongoing support and luxury services. This holistic approach positions MarineMax not only as a retailer but also as a comprehensive marine lifestyle company.
Commitment to Customer-Centric Innovation
From its inception, MarineMax has been deeply focused on enhancing the boating experience for customers. The new Stuart Marina reflects this ongoing commitment, combining technological innovation, user-centric design, and high-quality construction to meet the practical and recreational needs of today’s boat owners.
Looking ahead, MarineMax plans to continue evaluating additional opportunities to expand its marina portfolio in other high-growth coastal regions. With in-house construction capabilities through Midcoast Marine Group and a deep understanding of customer preferences, the Company is well-positioned to accelerate the development of new facilities tailored to evolving market trends.
With the completion of the new Stuart Marina, MarineMax has taken a significant step forward in its mission to provide customers with an unmatched marine experience. By combining advanced infrastructure, integrated retail and service operations, and in-house development expertise, the Company has created a powerful model for future growth.
As southeast Florida continues to attract a new generation of boaters and marine enthusiasts, MarineMax stands ready to support that growth with premium facilities, expert services, and a long-term commitment to customer satisfaction.
“We are excited to welcome customers to our new marina and look forward to supporting them at every step of their boating journey,” McGill concluded.