ABOUT US
For the first-time visitor to this yard off US1 in Pompano Beach...
...it soon becomes obvious that Merritt's Boat and Engine Works is a family business full of rich history. The main office is adorned with fishing trophies, rods and reels, varied parts of fighting chairs, sample pieces of lumber and pictures…lots of pictures, most depicting fishing scenes or boats, or both, things this family has become synonymous with.
The Merritt Family
The Merritt family name personifies the growth of the boating industry in South Florida. After leaving their Long Island home in 1947, Franklin (Roy) and Ennis Merritt purchased a 10-acre tract of land on the Intracoastal Waterway in Pompano Beach, Florida. In 1948, Merritt Boat and Engine Works was born.
The Boatyard
The boatyard was set up primarily to maintain the Merritt's charter boats, in addition to other charter and drift boats in the area. The boatyard soon became a very busy place, as the Merritt reputation of quality work and friendly customer relations grew. The personal qualities instilled by Franklin and Ennis in future generations of the family has enabled the Merritt name to maintain these very high standards for over 75 years. The yard began building boats in 1955, and the Merritt sons joined their parent's business with Buddy running the boat building division and Allen in charge of business administration.
An Avid Fisherman
Buddy built what he perceived to be the perfect fishing boat. The first of his 37 footers were totally lacking the luxuries taken for granted today. They were built for one purpose: to catch tuna fish. The results were a huge success. It became immediately evident to the boating community that the Merritt name would not only represent great boat service and repair, but also great boat building. Many changes have occurred since the boat yard was started. While the Merritt boat size has grown to 88 footers with many luxurious enhancements, the small Mom & Pop feel of the yard has basically remained the same with additional family members becoming part of the business.
