Riviera Beach, FL – Cracker Boy Boat Works, a family-owned boatyard celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, continues to invest in operational excellence with the addition of a new Marine Travelift 75BFMII (75 metric ton capacity) mobile boat hoist. The new machine replaces an existing Marine Travelift unit as part of the yard’s proactive equipment rotation strategy, ensuring consistent performance and efficiency for their high-volume boat yard.
Founded in 1976, Cracker Boy Boat Works has grown from its roots in marine construction into a DIY boatyard with two locations in South Florida. Built on a legacy of hands-on craftsmanship and working waterfront expertise, the facility supports a wide range of vessels, from recreational boats to commercial marine construction equipment. Today, the yard remains one of the few that accommodates barges, tugs, and heavy equipment, reinforcing its unique position in the region.
As vessel sizes and customer expectations have evolved, Cracker Boy Boat Works has remained focused on delivering great service. “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 addition of the new 75BFMII plays a critical role in maintaining that service standard. With three Marine Travelift units operating five days a week, the two yards follow a disciplined replacement cycle to avoid operational disruptions. “For a busy yard, unplanned downtime creates logistical headaches for staff and poor customer experiences,” the team explained. “By replacing our oldest unit every few years, we ensure reliability and keep operations running smoothly.”
Designed with operator efficiency in mind, the new machine includes a wireless remote control and an extended sailboat top beam. These features improve daily operations by reducing blind spots and minimizing the need for additional coordination during lifts. “The remote allows operators to position the Travelift more quickly, while the extended crossbar eliminates the need to wait for sailboats to adjust rigging, or reposition for hauling,” Murphy noted.
These enhancements have had a measurable impact on throughput and safety. The yard typically schedules hauls 60 minutes apart and launches 30 minutes apart, so the improved maneuverability allows for more efficient vessel handling within that schedule. Additionally, the ability to handle larger sailboats with the 75BFMII reduces reliance on other equipment for stepping masts, thus improving operational flow.
The delivery and installation process further reinforced Cracker Boy Boat Works’ confidence in Marine Travelift. “Professional crew and timely communication made for a smooth set-up,” Murphy shared. “The detailed pre-assembly information allowed us to prepare properly and avoid delays, and the crew was efficient and great to work with.”
Operators have responded positively to the new addition, with “smiles all around,” and the longstanding relationship with Marine Travelift continues to be a key factor in the yard’s success. “The machines are workhorses, and share our ‘can-do’ attitude,” the operating team added. “From sales to service, the support we receive is essential to maintaining the level of service our customers expect.”
As Cracker Boy Boat Works marks five decades in business, the addition of the new Marine Travelift 75BFMII reflects its ongoing commitment to efficiency, reliability, and delivering superior customer experience.
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Officially established in 1954, Marine Travelift Inc. has a long-standing reputation as a marine industry leader and is recognized for its tradition of excellence on a global scale. The company manufactures mobile boat hoists, marine forklifts, self-propelled transporters, and other related marine lifting products. It also has an extensive U.S. and international dealer network, with more than 4,500 units in service worldwide.