RIVIERA BEACH, FL. — As Cracker Boy Boat Works celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, the South Florida boatyard is investing in new equipment to improve efficiency and continue serving recreational and commercial boaters.
The family-owned company recently added a new Marine Travelift 75BFMII mobile boat hoist with a 75-metric-ton lifting capacity. The new Travelift replaces an older unit as part of the yard’s long-term equipment replacement strategy aimed at minimizing downtime and maintaining reliable operations.
Founded in 1976, Cracker Boy Boat Works has grown from a marine construction business into a two-location DIY boatyard serving a wide variety of vessels, from recreational boats to barges, tugs and heavy marine equipment. The company remains one of the few South Florida facilities capable of accommodating large commercial vessels alongside pleasure craft.
“Our family-owned business provides old-fashioned customer service,” said John Murphy, president of Cracker Boy Boat Works. “Customers frequently comment that our friendly staff, experienced yard crew and tidy grounds are refreshing. We take a ‘can do’ approach and continue to adapt to the changing needs of boaters.”
The new Travelift features wireless remote controls and an extended sailboat top beam designed to improve visibility and speed up daily operations. According to the company, the upgrades allow operators to maneuver vessels more efficiently while reducing delays when hauling sailboats.
With three Marine Travelift units operating across its two facilities, Cracker Boy follows a proactive equipment rotation schedule to keep the busy yards running smoothly. The company said avoiding unexpected equipment failures helps reduce disruptions for customers and staff alike.
Murphy said the installation process was completed efficiently with support from Marine Travelift’s service team, and operators have responded positively to the new equipment.
The investment reflects Cracker Boy Boat Works’ continued commitment to providing reliable hauling services while modernizing its operations as it enters its sixth decade serving the boating community.
