Willis Acquires American Custom Yachts

Willis Custom Yachts announced its acquisition of the assets of American Custom Yachts, in Stuart, Fla.

“I am very excited to be able to greatly expand our ability to offer the absolute finest quality custom sportfishing vessels to many new owners,” company founder Mark Willis said in a statement. “Having waterfront access of this magnitude changes the game for us and will vastly enhance our ability to provide the highest quality service and support to all of our customers.”

WCY also announced that Doug West joined the company as president and general manager of yacht services. West previously served as president and CEO of Lauderdale Marine Center and president of Rybovich in West Palm Beach, Fla.

The American Custom Yachts property encompasses nearly 64 acres, and WCY plans to expand the facilities with an additional 90,000 square feet of manufacturing space, which the company said will shorten build times and increase capacity.

WCY plans to add covered repair and dockage facilities, a 150-ton lift and a larger haulout well with a 220-ton lift. A new waterfront facility is being developed for customer deliveries near Stuart Inlet.

Several yachts are under construction, with more scheduled for this summer and spring 2022.

The acquisition includes Bausch American Towers; Tim Bausch will continue to lead that facility. The Venture center console brand was also included. Other details of the acquisition were not announced.

Willis Custom Yachts was formed earlier this year by Stuart boatbuilder Mark Willis and Fort Lauderdale entrepreneur and investor Brooks Smith.