Imagine a place where you can land a record-size snook in the morning, target reef species after lunch and hook a trophy sailfish by late afternoon—all within a 15-mile boat ride. It may sound like an angler’s dream, but this place exists: Florida, a global hub for fishing and boatbuilding.
This 500-mile-long peninsula has produced legendary builders over the decades—Bertram Yachts, Merritt’s and Rybovich among them—and today a new generation of manufacturers continues the tradition. From small skiffs to large center consoles, Florida builders serve anglers and families with boats that blend performance, durability and fishability. Below are profiles of several notable Florida boatmakers that build on the state’s fishing heritage while introducing modern technology and design.
MAVERICK BOAT GROUP
Scott Deal, president of Maverick Boat Group in Fort Pierce, learned to fish young and has built a lifetime around the sport. His company now includes Pathfinder, Hewes, Maverick and Cobia—brands that span flats skiffs, bay boats and center consoles. Deal’s personal passion for skinny-water fishing and backcountry poling led him to revive and expand established brands, and to create the bay-boat concept that appeals to today’s anglers.
The Pathfinder 2200 quickly became a market favorite and helped establish Pathfinder as a leading bay-boat line; the current lineup ranges from 20 to 27 feet and now includes the larger 2700 Open in response to customer demand for more space and capability. Maverick Boat Group also brought Cobia into the fold in 2005, giving the company a well-regarded center-console line available in both center and dual-console configurations. A 40-foot center console has been on the drawing board as the brand continues to develop larger models.
Across its two modern factories, the group can produce as many as 1,500 hulls annually. One of the company’s production advantages is VARIS—vacuum-assisted resin infusion system—which distributes resin evenly through hull and deck laminates to produce a stiff but lightweight structure. That focus on build quality, combined with an understanding of anglers’ and family boaters’ needs, helps Maverick Boat Group deliver boats that are reliable, comfortable and high-performing on the water.
EVERGLADES
To build credibility in Florida’s rigorous fishing environment, versatility is key. Shane Kwaterski, director of dealer development for Everglades, notes that anglers here pursue everything from kite fishing on the East Coast to deep dropping on the West Coast and inshore flats fishing in the Keys—so boats must perform in all conditions.
Everglades Boats of Edgewater earned its reputation after launching in 2001 under founder Bob Dougherty, who brought decades of experience from Boston Whaler and developed the RAMCAP construction method. RAMCAP machines the foam core as a separate component rather than injecting it between laminates, producing a robust, single-piece hull that resists flexing and holds up in rough water. That overbuilt approach delivers a comfortable, confidence-inspiring ride and long-term durability—qualities that matter to serious anglers and offshore cruisers alike.
Everglades now produces center consoles, dual consoles and cabin models from about 23 to 43 feet and builds roughly 300 boats a year from an expanded production plant. The brand continues to introduce new models—like a 235cc and expanded dual-console offerings—while maintaining a premium focus. Everglades positions itself as a builder of high-end fiberglass production boats, offering features such as lifetime hull warranties and a design aesthetic that resonates with buyers in South Florida’s style-conscious markets.
JUPITER MARINE
When the Jupiter 31 debuted in 1989 it was a quiet success that later developed a loyal following among boaters who ply routes to the Bahamas. Known for its clean-running deep-V hull and solid construction, the original Jupiter established a reputation for offshore capability and seaworthiness. That lineage continues today in the Jupiter 32 and other models that trace their roots to the Donald Blount hull designs prized by bluewater anglers.
Under ownership that includes industry veterans, Jupiter expanded into a line that ranges from 26 to 43 feet. While most models are center consoles intended for fishing, the boats are designed for family use as well—comfortable and often luxurious—reflecting the modern trend toward multi-use sportfishing yachts. Jupiter’s styling is intentionally classic and minimalist, focusing on timeless lines and attention to detail rather than flashy trends.
Production remains boutique—about 100 boats a year—so Jupiter can emphasize quality and refinement. New additions continue to expand the lineup, including larger center-console models that appeal to anglers who want capable offshore performance along with refined onboard amenities.
INTREPID POWERBOATS
Intrepid Powerboats of Largo is known for innovation and a semi-custom production approach. President Ken Clinton rose through the company ranks and today oversees a 19-model lineup that includes center consoles, walkarounds and crossover boats from roughly 20 to 47 feet. Intrepid has a history of being first to market with useful innovations and embraces customer-driven customization so few boats leave the factory identical.
Since its origins in 1983, Intrepid has concentrated on outboard-powered craft and has repeatedly adapted when suppliers couldn’t meet a need—engine controls, painted outboards, or longer outboard shafts, for example—by developing solutions in-house. That practical inventiveness led to features like cockpit diver doors, and early adoption of resin infusion and vacuum bagging to create rigid, lightweight hulls that perform efficiently and last.
Intrepid’s buyers often want a boat that can handle a hard day of fishing with friends and then serve as a comfortable family platform on weekends. Recent models such as the 409 Valor and the 438 Evolution reflect that dual-purpose ethos, offering thoughtful deck layouts, forward lounge areas and belowdecks accommodations for extended trips. With demand strong and new models in development, Intrepid continues to expand its range while maintaining a focus on quality and customization.
Florida’s combination of varied fisheries and passionate boaters has driven builders to innovate and specialize. Whether you want a flats skiff for poling, a versatile bay boat, a powerful center console for offshore sportfishing or a luxurious family-focused angling yacht, Florida’s manufacturers deliver options designed to meet anglers’ needs while pushing marine design and construction forward.
This article was originally published in the December 2020 issue.