JMS YACHTING
yacht conversion Fort Lauderdale
Expert Yacht Conversion in Fort Lauderdale
Transform Your Vessel with Professional Yacht Conversion Fort Lauderdale Services
Yacht conversion Fort Lauderdale services are redefining what it means to upgrade and refit luxury vessels. Whether you want to modernize interiors, reconfigure deck layouts, or install advanced marine technology, Fort Lauderdale is the global hub for bespoke yacht renovations. Expert designers and engineers collaborate closely with owners to deliver unique transformations that elevate comfort, performance, and style. This thriving industry combines craftsmanship, innovation, and attention to detail to ensure every conversion project matches the client’s expectations. Choosing a professional yacht conversion team in Fort Lauderdale guarantees a result that blends luxury living with seaworthy engineering excellence.
Luxury Yacht Transformation
Fort Lauderdale, often called the ‘Yachting Capital of the World,’ offers world-class facilities for yacht conversion projects. The city’s well-developed marina network, experienced workforce, and access to premium materials make it the preferred location for complex vessel transformations. Yacht conversion Fort Lauderdale companies possess decades of expertise in handling both private and commercial yachts of various sizes. They offer seamless project management, from concept design to final delivery. Additionally, the region’s favorable climate allows year-round operations, minimizing downtime. With robust marine infrastructure and specialized service providers, Fort Lauderdale continues to attract yacht owners from across the globe seeking quality and precision.
Why Choose Fort Lauderdale
A professional yacht conversion Fort Lauderdale company provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet owners’ specific needs. These include full interior reconfigurations, mechanical upgrades, hull extensions, and state-of-the-art entertainment system installations. Each project begins with detailed consultation and planning to ensure design harmony and structural integrity. Skilled craftsmen handle custom furniture, lighting upgrades, and eco-friendly features that improve energy efficiency. Advanced engineering teams implement propulsion and navigation system enhancements to optimize performance. Every stage reflects a balance between modern aesthetics and seafaring functionality. The result is a bespoke vessel that stands out in both elegance and reliability on the open sea.
Comprehensive Conversion Services
One of the main strengths of yacht conversion Fort Lauderdale providers is their access to experienced naval architects and design specialists. These experts translate an owner’s vision into precise technical plans, ensuring compliance with international safety and quality standards. They use advanced 3D modeling and digital rendering tools to visualize every conversion phase. Designers work closely with clients to select fine materials, colors, and finishes that reflect personal taste. By addressing structural, mechanical, and comfort considerations simultaneously, the design phase lays the foundation for a flawless outcome. This collaboration ensures each yacht renovation is as practical as it is luxurious, maintaining performance with style.
Experienced Design Specialists
Investing in a yacht conversion Fort Lauderdale service not only elevates the yacht’s appearance and functionality but also enhances its market value. Owners benefit from expert craftsmanship that aligns with the latest marine innovations and sustainability standards. Transparent communication, timely project updates, and adherence to budget deliver peace of mind throughout the process. The region’s reputation is built on high client satisfaction and repeat business from returning yacht owners. Whether the goal is modernization or a complete transformation, Fort Lauderdale’s conversion experts ensure a tailored experience. Their dedication, precision, and artistry make every yacht transformation a lasting reflection of excellence.
A FEW KIND WORDS
From our clients...
Captain, MY 45m Mangusta
You have done a fantastic job keeping track of all the receipts – I really appreciate how organized and accurate you’ve been! It’s been a pleasure working with you all, and I hope we’ll have the chance to collaborate again on a new project!
Chief Stewardess – MY 45m
Thank you so much for all your incredible help and patience – it’s been truly appreciated. I hope to be in touch again soon, wherever my next adventure at sea takes me. If not, thank you once more, Sophie. Stay safe and well.
Captain M/Y FEADSHIP
The financial management and reporting on our yacht has never been this accurate and on point as it is today with JMS Yachting.
Captain Jade 37m MY
I highly recommend Jansen Maritime Services to any yacht owner, captain, or industry professional looking for a management company that truly understands the intricacies of yachting. Their dedication, expertise, and seamless operations make yacht management stress-free, ensuring a world-class experience on the water.
Captain Alastair 55m MY
If you’re looking for a reliable, efficient, and highly professional yacht management company, look no further than JMS Yachting. I highly recommend them to any yacht owner who values exceptional service and a stress-free ownership experience!
Captain Marcus Boswell
I have worked extensively with Sam and JMS yachting over the past year, they have consistently presented excellent candidates for the positions that we have been looking to fill, who have been thoroughly vetted. They have been attentive to our requirements and assisted us in securing some excellent crew members, some at very short notice.
Captain Alex MY Khalilah
Our owner decided to change from private to commercial so we could charter Khalilah, we used JMS Yachting for the compliance management. The whole process ran smoothly, with JMS Yachting handling any issues with flag and class that arose, they also worked well in partnership with our charter brokers.
THE POWER BEHIND JMS YACHTING
Meet Your Worldwide Specialists
Effective global yacht management depends on being present and responsive in every time zone. Unlike many providers that rely on a single office with limited support desks, JMS Yachting operates from five fully resourced international locations. This ensures that Owners and Captains have access to comprehensive services, expertise, and decision-making power 24/7. By maintaining this global presence, JMS Yachting provides seamless continuity, offering the confidence that your yacht operations are supported by an experienced team wherever you sail.
Let us introduce you to the people behind your peace of mind – the specialists at JMS Yachting .

Franc Jansen
Founder, Managing Director
Languages: English and Dutch.
Certification: BSc (Maritime Sciences), MSc (Maintenance and Safety Management), CEng and MIMarEST.
With over four decades in the maritime industry, Franc’s career began in commercial shipping, working aboard cargo and cruise ships before transitioning into the yachting sector in 2005. As a qualified Navigational Officer, Marine Engineer, Technical Manager, and Class Surveyor, he brings a wealth of expertise to yacht management.
Recognised across the superyacht industry for his straightforward, client-focused approach, Franc was among the first to integrate commercial shipping discipline into yachting. His commitment to excellence and operational efficiency has set new standards in the field.
In 2015, he founded JMS, now one of the leading independent yacht management firms, with offices in Monaco, Palma de Mallorca, Fort Lauderdale, Dubai and the UK. JMS currently oversees the operational management of more than 50 yachts and has built a reputation for having one of the strongest technical teams in the industry, managing high-profile new builds and major conversion projects worldwide.
“The most technically qualified and experienced yacht operator I know!” Theo Hooning, SYBAss (Superyacht Builders’ Association)
In his free time, Franc enjoys engineering, speed and being on the open road. Building classic motorbikes is the gift that keeps on giving. He built a Café Racer from a 1981 Kawasaki and a Scrambler from a 1987 Moto Guzzi NX650. Living in the south of France, there is no shortage of mountain roads, coast roads and perfect weather to be out there all the time.
- Phone:+377 97 70 01 73
- Email:monaco@jmsyachting.com

Lucia Badano
Technical Director
Languages: Italian, English, German and Spanish.
Certification: Naval Architect with certification in ISM, ISPS, MLC.
Lucia brings a deep-rooted expertise in the yachting sector, having spent the majority of her career immersed in all facets of yacht classification, compliance, and technical oversight. With a distinguished background as a surveyor for leading flag states and classification societies, including RINA, Lloyd’s Register, the Cayman Islands Registry, and the Isle of Man, Lucia has handled virtually every technical and regulatory challenge the industry presents.
Her professional journey has taken her from plan approval and new construction supervision to inspections of existing vessels, covering the full lifecycle of yacht compliance and safety management. To broaden her maritime experience beyond yachts, Lucia also spent a year working as a superintendent for a bulker shipping company in Italy, adding commercial shipping insight to her already impressive portfolio.
Many of the world’s most iconic yachts carry her technical fingerprints. Lucia’s contributions have been integral to vessels such as MY Serene, SY Black Pearl, MY DAR, MY B, and numerous others, ensuring they meet the highest standards of construction and operation.
Lucia thrives on contrasts. Her passion for speed and power fuels her love for high-adrenaline pursuits, whether it is driving motorcycles, skiing downhill, or navigating winding mountain roads by car. Yet, she also cherishes moments of stillness and simplicity: spending quiet afternoons in her garden or sharing peaceful company with her cats.
- Phone:+377 97 70 01 73
- Email:spain@jmsyachting.com

Nabeel Hijris
Middle East Director
Languages: English and Arabic.
Certification: Master of Yachts 500 GT (Unlimited), Certified Marine Instructor.
Nabeel brings over 14 years of extensive experience in luxury yacht management, charter operations, and maritime leadership. With a distinguished career as a Fleet Captain and Yacht Captain, Nabeel has managed high-profile superyacht fleets and operations across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
His expertise spans the full spectrum of yacht operations, from implementing international safety and compliance standards to delivering elite charter experiences for VIP clientele, including celebrities and government officials. He has successfully supervised large scale refits and newbuilds, coordinated multinational crews of over 40 members, and overseen comprehensive fleet operations for vessels ranging up to 70 metres.
Fluent in English and Arabic, Nabeel combines technical precision with strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills. As a Master of Yachts 500 GT (Unlimited) and a certified maritime instructor, he embodies JMS Yachting’s commitment to operational excellence and bespoke yacht management solutions tailored to Dubai’s growing yachting sector.
- Phone:+971 50 249 2667
- Email:dubai@jmsyachting.com

Nicholas Gray
President of JMS USA
Languages: English.
Certification: Master 3000 GT and Certified Diving Instructor.
Nick has over 18 years’ experience in yachting including 4 years ashore.
Born in Hamilton, New Zealand, Nick lived mostly in Tauranga, an amazing beach area. An incredibly active and passionate person who started sailing at 17 and completed all yacht courses to the Master 3000 GT. He is also a certified Diving Instructor.
Nick spent 1 year as a Deckhand and was then promoted to his first mates’ job on a 41 meter (135 feet) Lurssen, MY Blind Date and, thereafter, worked mostly on 50 meters (170 feet) up to 73 meters (240 feet) yachts.
Well-travelled, Nick has cruised the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, East Coast US, South Pacific, Central and South America; and now lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
During his spare time, Nick loves Rugby, spending time with his children and loves to BBQ.
- Phone:+1 954 533 5428
- Email:usa@jmsyachting.com

Rob Pijper
Operations Director
Languages: English and Dutch.
Certification: Surveyor, ISM, ISPS, MLC, and ISO certification.
Rob Pijper brings a formidable depth of technical, operational, and compliance expertise to his role as Operations Director, underpinned by a career spanning senior maritime leadership across classification, engineering, and vessel management. Holding a Chief Engineer Unlimited license, Rob has built a reputation for excellence in both commercial shipping and the yachting sectors.
He spent a significant portion of his career at Lloyd’s Register, where he held several high-level positions. Beginning as Senior Surveyor and Senior Auditor in the Port of Rotterdam, Rob went on to become Manager of the Marine Management Systems Office, overseeing ISM, ISPS, MLC, and ISO certifications, first in the Nordic Area, then expanding his oversight to the Western Area, and later all of Northern Europe. His leadership extended further as Operations Manager, responsible for field operations and plan approval across Western and Northern Europe, including key maritime nations such as Germany, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Poland, the Baltics, Ukraine, Russia, and Belgium.
Following his tenure at Lloyd’s Register, Rob transitioned into yacht operations, taking on the role of Vessel Manager aboard the iconic converted tug/icebreaker MY Legend. In this multifaceted position, he was responsible for the vessel’s technical, operational, financial, commercial, and human resources management. His hands-on contributions have included the development of a comprehensive POLAR manual, the modernization of management systems, and oversight of major refits and warranty phases for several notable vessels—including MY Legend, the 90 metre (295 feet) Dar, the conversion of the 70 metre (230 feet) Project Master and the 74 metre (243 feet) MY Cocoa Bean among others.
Rob’s broad scope of experience, from compliance frameworks to vessel engineering and operations, makes him an indispensable figure in the JMS team, capable of navigating the most complex maritime challenges with technical rigour and strategic vision.
When he is not managing fleets or refining operational systems, Rob enjoys resetting his mind through maintenance work on old furniture and homes. Winter months find him skiing through scenic alpine terrain, while summer days are often spent sailing small open boats, reconnecting with the fundamentals of wind, water, and simplicity.
- Phone:+377 97 70 01 73
- Email:spain@jmsyachting.com

Sam Thompson
Group Commercial Director
Languages: English and French.
Certification: Cert RP and Master 3000 GT.
Sam began his yachting career back in 1994 working on an 80 metre (262 feet) yacht that led him on an epic adventure to Thailand. He hasn’t looked back since.
A qualified Master 3000 GT, he worked on six yachts including two new builds before moving on land to start a family and specialise in professional recruitment for the Oil & Gas industry and commercial shipping, working with industry leaders such as Technip, Subsea 7, BP Shipping and Bibby Ship Management.
A passionate sailor, Sam is a much liked industry professional whose known ability for getting things done is respected by Owners and Captains.
“Sam has been a massive help with finding new crew. Any crew he placed with us have been exactly what we were looking for, and are all still on board well over 12 months later.” Marc Van Loon 42 metres (138 feet), M/Y CLICIA
Outside of work, Sam enjoys cricket, watching and playing it. He notched up 220 runs ‘not out’ in a league game in the UK once. However since moving to the South of France, Sam has limited opportunity to play these days. Therefore, he has reverted to his second passion in life and bought a very old motor boat. He spent a large part of his adult life crewing yachts, passing on his enjoyment of the water to his kids and friends.
- Phone:+377 97 70 01 73
- Email:monaco@jmsyachting.com
yacht conversion Fort Lauderdale
See Some Of Our Clients’ Most FAQs

Fort Lauderdale offers advanced shipyards, skilled professionals, and excellent marine infrastructure. Its strategic location and reliable weather conditions support year-round operations, enhancing project efficiency. Local yacht conversion experts deliver superior craftsmanship and comprehensive services, making it the top destination for international yacht owners seeking full-scale rebuilds and luxury upgrades.
The duration of a yacht conversion Fort Lauderdale project depends on the vessel size and complexity. Minor refits may take a few months, while full structural conversions can last a year or more. Experienced teams ensure efficient scheduling, frequent updates, and transparent communication throughout each phase of the conversion process.
Yes, older yachts can be completely revitalized through professional yacht conversion Fort Lauderdale services. Specialists upgrade interior fittings, mechanical systems, and onboard technologies while preserving the vessel’s original integrity. This process extends lifespan, improves functionality, and ensures your yacht meets modern comfort, safety, and engineering standards effectively.
Typical yacht conversion Fort Lauderdale packages cover design consultation, structural modifications, mechanical system upgrades, and interior refits. Additional services can include entertainment technology installation, deck reconfiguration, eco-friendly solutions, and painting. The customization ensures each yacht conversion reflects the owner’s vision and meets technical performance benchmarks efficiently.
A professional yacht conversion Fort Lauderdale significantly boosts resale value by enhancing aesthetics and performance. Upgraded interiors, modern systems, and innovative designs make your vessel more appealing to buyers. Proper documentation of work and use of premium materials further increase market credibility, ensuring maximum return on investment.
Yes, many yacht conversion Fort Lauderdale companies emphasize sustainability. They use eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient engines, and waste-reduction systems. These sustainable upgrades align with modern environmental regulations while maintaining top-tier luxury and performance. Owners benefit from reduced operating costs and improved long-term environmental responsibility, meeting global marine standards.
Start by researching reputable yacht conversion Fort Lauderdale firms with proven experience and certifications. Review previous projects, client testimonials, and offered warranties. Ensure the team communicates openly, provides transparent quotes, and demonstrates expertise in luxury detailing. Selecting the right company guarantees smooth execution and superior results tailored precisely.
New To Yacht Ownership?
Your most common questions, answered clearly.
View some of our clients most FAQs.
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