Builder of some of the world’s most premier sportfishing vessels, Rybovich Yachts was founded in 1910 as John Rybovich & Sons commercial fishing boat operation and small boat repair.
By the ‘30s, John Rybovich and Sons gained much popularity and had significantly grown, establishing a strong reputation for itself. Following the sons’ return from WWII, the family decided to build their own sportfishing yacht. By 1947, their first sportfishing vessel, MISS CHEVY II was launched. The yard worked closely alongside its clientele to continue to build greater and better boats, and that they did. As the years progressed, they continued working closely alongside their clientele to build increasingly better boats. By 1952, when the yard launched MISS CHEVY IV, it had established its signature broken sheer with an aluminum tuna tower and a transom door – turning the sportfish arena around.
From Yacht Builder to Becoming a Full-Service Superyacht Marina
By 1972, the company had launched 75 yachts but after the death of Tommy – one of the sons – the yard lasted an additional three years before it was sold to a new owner. In the early 2000s, the yard was owned by H. Wayne Huizeinga – the company’s fourth owner since the first sale in 1975. By 2005, Michael Rybovich rejoined the company, and the yard was once again represented by the family, building yachts under the famous moniker. The company flourished, and delivered 5 yachts from 54 to 78 feet – the final two were the largest ever build by the family name. Business began to slow down when the economy took a hit in 2008, and the company decided to shift its focus on a full-service superyacht marina in Palm Beach at the Riviera Beach Site. Soon after, the partnership with Huizenga amicably dissolved, and the Rybovich family purchased the former E&H Boat Works, and started Michael Rybovich & Sons Custom Boat Works, that still runs today, building and selling premier sportfishing yachts.
Shipyard Stats
- Size: 54 to 78 ft
- Type: Premier sportfishing vessels
- Hull type: Wood