EXTRA! Interview
Wayne Huizenga Jr., Rybovich Chairman

Superyacht yard pushes
forward to build better facilities
and offer more services

By Doug Thompson

Wayne Huizenga Jr. grew up in South Florida and has been on the water his entire life. As the son Wayne Huizenga Sr., then founder of Blockbuster Video and former owner of the Miami Dolphins, he’s been steeped in high-powered business affairs. He graduated from the University of Tampa with a degree in business in 1985, and married his childhood sweetheart, Fonda Hix, in 1991. They have four children.

In 2004, Huizenga Jr., bought the famed Rybovich marine facility in West Palm Beach, Fla. Since then he and his company have rebuilt the property, in March 2011 announced plans to build a superyacht haul out facility. Southern Boating Magazine caught up with Huizenga to get his thoughts on the marine industry and where it is headed.

SB: Since taking ownership of Rybovich in 2004 the marine industry has experienced both economic highs and lows. How has Rybovich fared since you become involved?

WH: After my purchase of Rybovich, the company underwent both a physical and an operational transformation. Over the last seven years, every square inch of the Rybovich property was torn down and rebuilt. Similarly, our operations and corporate culture were completely transformed to meet the demands of the changing market. Fortunately, our transformation placed Rybovich at a competitive advantage in facing the challenges of an uncertain market and our business has performed very well.

SB: In October of 2008 the new Mega-Yacht Service Center was opened. Has this part of the business thrived during the economic challenges the marine industry has faced?

WH: Although our business has performed very well, I don’t think that any part of the marine industry has thrived since the downturn in 2008. Concurrent with the opening of the Superyacht Service Center in 2008, Rybovich has focused on delivering unparalleled customer service and fortunately demand has been very strong for that.

SB: You also announced plans in March 2011 to build a new superyacht haul out facility in Palm Beach–now 7 months later, are you confident the marine industry will thrive in coming years?

WH: There are no dedicated superyacht haul out service facilities anywhere in the Americas. As a result, there is plenty of existing unsatisfied demand to make the facility a success regardless of the general state of the marine industry. Nonetheless, I am confident that the marine industry will also improve significantly in the coming years and that will be an added benefit.

SB: You’ve shown support for other big projects in South Florida, such as the Bahia Mar Project in Fort Lauderdale. What will the impact be when the Bahia Mar Project is complete on the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show?

WH: The Bahia Mar is a signature location for the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Boat Show is the City’s signature event. Both are dated and in disrepair and need to be improved as soon as possible if the City of Fort Lauderdale and the marine industry are ever to maximize their true potential.

SB: You grew up in South Florida and around boats. What type of boating do you enjoy?

WH: I have been blessed to have gone boating all over the world on every type and size boat imaginable. Despite all those experiences, the best boat in the world is whatever boat you are currently on, especially if you are driving. I just love to drive!

SB: Rybovich is committed to the Clean Marina and Clean Boatyard program–how has this program helped improve conditions for both your workers and the environment?

WH: The greatest benefit of the Florida Clean Marina and Clean Boatyard Programs is that it creates awareness about the importance of treating our water resources and environment with the respect that it deserves. Our entire industry exists because of our environmental resources and boaters, workers and facilities must work together to preserve those resources.

SB: Do you envision a time when recreationally boaters will be able to freely travel and enjoy Cuba? Have you ever visited there?

WH: There is no question that Cuba will one day be a magical place for American recreational boaters to freely travel and enjoy. I have never visited the island myself but I look forward to the day that I can explore its waters safely and responsibly.