Why RMK Merrill-Stevens Defines the South Florida Refit Advantage
When planning yacht maintenance or a major refit, few destinations rival South Florida — and fewer still match the legacy and capacity of RMK Merrill-Stevens (RMK MS). Florida sits at the crossroads of the Caribbean, the US East Coast, and transatlantic routes, making it a natural refit hub with strong logistics, labour, infrastructure, and crew experience.
Florida’s unique location offers a gateway to opportunities on and off the water. From South Beach to Ocean Drive to the bays and beaches beyond, Miami blends culture, nightlife, and natural beauty. With more than 250 days of sunshine each year on average, there is ample time to enjoy both downtime and get work done.
Stylish and vibrant, Miami delivers cultural experiences that are hard to match elsewhere, from theatres and galleries to world-class museums. Dining options abound, and Miami and Miami Beach are frequently ranked among the top U.S. food destinations. From food trucks and casual waterfront venues to Michelin-starred kitchens, you can find most cuisines in the area. For crew facing a potentially long refit, these experiences help ensure yard time is transformed into fun time.
South Florida also excels when it’s time to focus on work. The region attracts yachts from the East Coast, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean, and even from the other side of the Atlantic, Europe, because of its concentration of maritime expertise — from skilled technicians and subcontractors to naval architects and engineers. Among the area’s established yards, RMK MS stands out.
Drawing on more than 140 years of shipyard experience, the company brings deep knowledge and modern capabilities to the market. With operations shared between two locations on the banks of the Miami River — the North Yard, also known as the SuperYacht Center, and the South Yard —RMK MS offers flexibility for a wide range of projects.
Today, RMK MS serves vessels from 30 to 240 feet, providing comprehensive refit, repair, and maintenance services backed by a vetted network of in-house specialists and subcontractors. The North Yard and South Yard together accommodate everything from complex superyacht refits to in-water maintenance and warranty work. In recent years, RMK MS has also expanded into the commercial sector, adding barges, tugboats, and other commercial vessels to its growing portfolio, and it is one of the few facilities offering maintenance services for vessels built in Europe.
Infrastructure investments at the North Yard enable RMK MS to handle larger, more complex projects using its 2,700-ton Pearlson shiplift. A large platform and hardstanding also support yachts requiring extensive technical or structural work, while their extensive network of subcontractors and vendors operates on-site, with workshops within the yard to ensure availability and seamless coordination. Customers also benefit from expanded yacht sales options through the shipyard’s sister company, Merrill Stevens Yachts, which further streamlines the process from purchase through commissioning and ongoing service.
The South Yard complements these capabilities with covered slips and haul-out facilities for smaller vessels up to 130 feet, supporting in-water maintenance, painting, and refit work. The team provides warranty support for new boat sales through dealer partners and offers full commissioning services.
RMK MS’s in-house capabilities range from welding and fabrication to fiberglass and composite repairs, mechanical and driveline work, air-conditioning and refrigeration, electrical and electronic systems, stabilizers and hydraulics, painting and refinishing, including driveline and anti-fouling paint applications, as well as carpentry and joinery.
Supporting captains and crew throughout the refit process is a priority. A modern, air-conditioned Captain’s Lounge on site offers a dedicated crew lounge, kitchen, and dining areas during yard periods. Yacht services — from provisioning to outfitting — are easily accessible, and when the crew clocks off for the day, Fort Lauderdale is just a short drive north, with Miami’s attractions only minutes away. The area also serves as a major travel hub, with convenient access to international airports and local transportation for captains and crew.
For captains planning a South Florida yard period, RMK MS remains a premier destination for comprehensive refit, repair, and maintenance services — where you can feel “your yacht, your signature.”
Considering a refit in South Florida? Contact RMK Merrill-Stevens to help navigate the process: 305-324-5211 or email info@rmkms.com.