Sell your Marine business
Florida is the heart of the U.S. marine industry. Whether you run a dealership, marina, or service yard, here’s what your marine business is worth and how to sell it on your terms.
What it’s worth
Marine valuation multiples
Marine businesses that are owner-operated typically trade around 2–4× SDE — the range most Florida sales actually close in. The step up comes with size: once a business has management depth and roughly $1M+ of EBITDA, buyers price on EBITDA rather than owner earnings, and multiples commonly reach 4–5.5× EBITDA, rising toward 6–8.5× for platform-scale companies.
These are general, illustrative ranges for healthy businesses—not a valuation or an offer. Actual value depends on size, margins, recurring revenue, customer concentration, owner dependence, and deal structure. For a real number, request a free confidential valuation.
Where you land
- 2–4×SDEOwner-operated — you still run it day to day
- 4–5.5×EBITDAManagement-run, roughly $1M+ EBITDA
- 6–8.5×EBITDAPlatform scale, sold into a competitive process
Factors that affect value
What moves your multiple — up and down
Two marine businesses with identical earnings can sell for very different numbers. These are the factors buyers actually price, and most of them can be improved before you go to market.
What lifts your multiple
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Recurring service, storage, or slip revenue
Contracted storage and service revenue is far more valuable than transactional sales.
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A strong location or waterfront position
Hard-to-replicate waterfront access is a genuine moat.
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Dealer or brand agreements
Franchise and brand relationships that transfer add real value.
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Certified marine technicians
Skilled techs are scarce; retention protects the service revenue stream.
What pulls it down
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Cyclical, transactional boat sales
New and used boat sales swing hard with the economy and are valued below service revenue.
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Inventory and floor-plan exposure
Heavy inventory carries risk and financing cost that buyers factor in.
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Short or unassignable waterfront lease
If the location doesn’t transfer, neither does much of the value.
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Owner-driven sales relationships
If you personally close the deals, the buyer isn’t buying much.
Who’s buying
The buyer landscape
- Marine dealership and marina consolidators active in Florida
- Strategic operators expanding locations and capacity
- Investors and operators acquiring waterfront-anchored businesses
Florida & beyond
What’s specific to selling here
- Florida’s year-round boating market drives strong, steady marine demand
- Waterfront real estate, slips, and dry storage can dominate value
- Manufacturer relationships and service capacity are key diligence items
Before you go to market
How to prepare—and lift your value
1
Grow recurring service, storage, and slip revenue
2
Clarify how waterfront real estate is valued and structured
3
Document inventory, floor-plan terms, and technician staffing
FAQ
Selling your marine business: FAQ
What is my marine business worth?
It depends on type: service and repair yards often sell for 3–5× SDE, while dealerships and marinas are valued on EBITDA plus assets — with waterfront real estate frequently the largest piece.
Who buys marine businesses in Florida?
Dealership and marina consolidators, strategic operators, and investors are active, drawn by Florida’s year-round boating market and waterfront assets.
How is my waterfront real estate handled?
Waterfront property, slips, and dry storage are often the biggest value driver. We structure whether it’s sold with the business, leased back, or sold separately.
Start here
Thinking about selling your Marine business?
Start with a confidential conversation and an honest read on your value, your likely buyers, and your timeline.