About McMichael Yacht Brokers

To hear what our customers have to say about working with McMichael, click here.

Our History

This year McMichael celebrates 77 years of sales & service to the marine industry. Founded in New Rochelle in 1935 by Howard and Jacqueline McMichael, the company provided necessary services to the boating public, including service, fuel and provisioning. Many of their customers were from nearby Larchmont Yacht Club. They built the business over the following years believing that “providing good service in a friendly manner is the key to success”.

In 1938, Howard and Jacqueline leased property in the east basin of Mamaroneck Harbor from the Orienta Yacht Club.  The business continued to grow and service the needs of sailors, fishermen and recreational boaters of Western Long Island Sound. During the war years, Howard worked in a defense plant at night, ran the boat business during the day, and was also a foreman at a yard in Rye building tugs for the Navy.

In 1945, while still working nights, Howard purchased the Rushmore Avenue boat yard in the west basin in Mamaroneck. This was also our first sales office, where Edna Brilleman – the first female yacht broker in the industry – was our first broker. Today the Rushmore location is still in use as our powerboat yard, where we provide a 50-slip marina and winter storage/service.

In 1960, the property next to Orineta YC was purchased and a service building was built on the water, with the first indoor drysailing operation on the East Coast. The building now houses our yard offices, heated work areas for boats up to 45’, the rigging shop, carpentry and mechanic’s shops. A sales office followed, built at the upper portion of this property on the Boston Post Road, which is now the main office for McMichael Yacht Brokers.

In 1962, Howard Jr. joined the business after serving two years as an officer in the infantry. Having grown up in the boat yard, he started in the office selling boats, managing purchasing and marketing. Howard remains deeply involved in the day-to-day operation of the business as President.

The 1960’s to the 1980’s were years of expansion and strong sales, with McMichael representing nearly every major builder at some point. Highlights include C&C, Pearson, Sweden, O’Day, Morgan, Ranger, Paceship, Nauticat, Islander, and of course J/Boats. During this time McMichael was the largest dealer in the world for many of these lines.

Today, McMichael Yacht Brokers and Yacht Yards employ over 35 people that continue to “provide good service in a friendly manner”. The second generation of the McMichael family, Howard McMichael (Jr), President, and Joan (McMichael) Kelly, actively run the business. Our service yards are widely recognized as one of the top choices in the East for laminate repair and offshore race outfitting. Our brokerage office is staffed by some of the most experienced and respected brokers and administration in the industry. We are the top dealers in the nation for J/Boats and Alerion Express, and also proudly represent MJM, EdgeWater Power Boats, AB Inflatables, C&C and Tartan Yachts.

We look forward to working with you.

Customer Feedback

Here’s what a few of our customers have to say about working with McMichael:

Mary Lou, thank you for the extreme kindness you gave me on Friday in helping me with fetching the provisions for my trip South on the J/124 I purchased thru McMichael. I made the trip thru NYC and down to Delaware non-stop in 25 hours and 25 minutes. The boat is safe and sound at my dock in Delaware. Many many thanks! You are a credit to your firm.

- Stephen

After 34 years with Anemone bought, serviced, and sold at McMichael’s, and another eight years with two Lightnings and a 110 at the Rushmore yard starting in 1945, I think it is time to go on record and say thank you for all that you and your assoicates have done to keep me afloat these many years.

- Al, Pearson 365

I am writing to inform you of our thanks to the crew of McMichael Boat Yard for their outstanding service and dediction to [our program]. Consistently, they have met and or exceeded expectations for service and quality of work and remain instrumental in my smooth sailing success summer after summer.

The professional demeanor of Helmut and his crew has always been admired by our captain and my two children, who frequent the premise and often interact with the staff. I want to personally thank the entire yard for their service and let them know how much I appreciate their work.

- James, Santa Cruz 52

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your efforts, professionalism, and success in selling my sailboat. Despite the difficulties of the recession, you delivered a timely sale and reasonable purchase price.

There are so many details involved in the sale of a boat in this size range. You paid close attention and gave strong focus to managing this process. I can’t imagine trying to sell a boat without the help of McMichael Yacht Brokers. Please feel free to use me as a reference in the future.

- Robert, C&C 35 mk3