The Maritime and Classic Boat Museum tells the fascinating tale of the development of the first outboard motor by Ole Evinrude and the more powerful motor developed by his son Ralph, a resident of Jensen Beach. It all started with ice cream, by the way. Visit the Museum for the real story.

Motors on boats added a whole new dimension to boating for fishing and for fun. The Whiticar Boat Yard was one of the first to build boats in the area to meet the passion that was growing for sports fishing in deep water. Down the road, Rybovich and Sons was developing ever better boats for sports fisherman and more effective fishing platforms. The first “fighting chair” for sports fishermen was developed by John Rybovich, Jr.

The marine industry – building boats, supplying their components, restoring boats, selling them and restoring them – is a major industry for the Treasure Coast. According to the Marine Industries Association, Florida is the number one state in the nation for boat registrations. Boating represents 220,000 jobs in Florida and $18.4 million annually.