The United States is the world’s largest economic driver of yachting. ONBOARD speaks with Bert Fowles, chairman of the US Superyacht Association (USSA), for insight
For many international superyacht professionals, the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) provides their introduction to the yachting industry in the United States. With more docks, exhibitors and superyachts than any other global in water yacht event, it’s a good first glimpse. However, there’s much more to America than the world’s largest in water boat show. From the East Coast to the West Coast, and from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, the United States has over 11 million registered vessels of all sizes nationwide. What’s more, from construction to refit and service, the United States is not only a dominant player on the global yachting stage, it represents the single largest economic driver for boating in the world.
SUPERYACHT OWNERSHIP
Most superyacht owners have long come from the United States, and that trend continues to hold true. Over 23% of the world’s 2,000 largest vessels over 131ft are owned by US owners, representing the largest percentage by far of any country.
These numbers make more sense when you consider the United States’ rich legacy in yachting and its tens of thousands of miles of coastline. They also make sense when you take a look at the makeup of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs). Wealth-X, which analyses the spending power and habits of the super-rich worldwide, reports that 161,000 of them live in the USA. It’s more than all of the European countries or Asian nations combined.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Just as Americans have a rich legacy of enjoying the yachting lifestyle, new-build shipyards in the country have rich legacies, founded on American ingenuity. Hodgdon Yachts is the oldest by far, dating to 1816, which further makes it the oldest superyacht shipyard in the world. Based in Maine, it’s family-run, too, with the fifth and sixth generations of Hodgdon relatives at the helm. While the yard has delivered several significant sailing superyachts, its expansion into custom tenders nearly 15 years ago has paid of handsomely, regularly meeting the needs of some of the most demanding owners.
In the Midwest, meanwhile, Burger Boat Company is nearly as old, tracing its origins to 1863. It therefore ranks among the five oldest yacht builders worldwide. The largest-ever Burger to slip into the water will soon complement multiple decades-old Burgers that are still cruising. A 180-foot/55-metre, all-aluminum motoryacht is under construction for a private client. Due to ongoing demand for large superyachts, Burger has a same-size spec project underway and available for sale.
Out in Washington State, Westport Yachts is the undisputed leader in composite semi-custom construction, having pioneered the use of the material in vessel construction in the 1960s. While some shipyards limit their series to just a few years, Westport’s various models have extensive histories. In fact, the Westport 112 series enjoyed an unprecedented 30-year run before being retired for the recent Westport 117/35-metre series. The new series allows including an SCR system for environmental responsibility.
SERVICE & REFIT
Just as American customer service is renowned the world over, the American superyacht service and refit sector has an enviable reputation, with most owners heading to US waters. Notably, about one-quarter of all of refit periods year after year since 2020 have involved American shipyards. About three dozen diferent facilities have handled the work, too, whether it’s been for the smallest of superyachts or ones well in excess of 328 feet/100 metres.
Since facilities stretch from San Diego to Savannah, and from Maine to Florida, owners and captains have their needs met no matter what part of the country they cruise. South Florida still attracts the lion’s share, in part due to the skills of the 120,000 yachting sector employees in the region. The business generated by the yard visits, along with yacht sales and other transactions, makes a nearly $12-billion economic impact in the area. That’s more than the Super Bowl contributed to New Orleans in 2024 ($1.25 billion), and significantly more than the Monaco Grand Prix generates each year (€90 million).
Most importantly, regardless of whether owners are buying, building or refitting yachts, they’re supporting small businesses. Among the US Superyacht Association’s 350-plus members, the overwhelming majority are small businesses of fewer than 100 employees. Small businesses are the backbone of the country’s economy, driving innovation, job creation and community growth. Their size keeps them nimble, capable of responding quickly to market changes and rising equally quickly to opportunities.
The superyacht sector is rife with opportunity, so encouraging its success means supporting the success of entrepreneurs and skilled craftspeople who are vital for a healthy economy.
