Our History
The story of how Yachts Direct was built to change an industry
A Vision Born from Experience
Yachts Direct was founded by Dylan Wiley with a clear purpose: to build the kind of brokerage he wished existed when he first entered the marine industry. After seeing too many clients pushed toward boats that were easy to sell rather than boats that truly fit their needs, Dylan set out to create something different.
The idea was simple but powerful—operate like a trusted advisor, not a dealership. Represent clients objectively, educate instead of rushing decisions, and curate the right solution rather than forcing a sale.
That founding principle hasn't changed. Every deal, every interaction, and every decision at Yachts Direct is still measured against one question: Does this benefit the client?
Key Milestones
The Beginning
Dylan Wiley identifies a gap in the yacht brokerage industry—too many firms prioritizing inventory over people—and begins laying the groundwork for a client-first alternative.
Yachts Direct Launches
Yachts Direct officially opens its doors, offering brokerage, wholesale, and trade-in services with a commitment to representing clients, not pushing inventory.
Nationwide Expansion
Growing demand leads to nationwide operations. Yachts Direct begins sourcing boats across the entire U.S. and managing long-distance transactions seamlessly.
In-House Financing Introduced
To further reduce friction and simplify the process, Yachts Direct adds in-house financing options—giving clients more flexibility and faster closings.
Digital-First Marketing
Yachts Direct invests in strategic digital marketing and strong online presence, creating exposure and demand that traditional brokerages couldn't match.
Looking Ahead
With a growing base of repeat clients and referrals, Yachts Direct continues to set the standard for trust-based, client-first yacht brokerage across the United States.