United Yacht Sales is proud to announce an exciting new chapter: the company has been purchased by Clint Boutwell, who will serve as Owner and Chief Executive Officer.
Clint’s journey to United Yacht Sales is the kind of story that feels perfectly at home on the water - rooted in adventure, built on hard work, and guided by a deep respect for the people who make a great experience possible.
A “Bluewater Guy” at Heart
While Clint is originally from Texas, his childhood was shaped by moving often, eventually settling in both Oxford, Mississippi and Florida’s Panhandle - two places that helped define his love of community and the coast.
Clint’s passion for the ocean began early. At 13 years old, a friend’s father taught him to sail and soon took Clint and his friend on a trip they would never forget: a nearly 10-day sail from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport, Bahamas, and on to Bimini on a 25' O'day sailboat. Along the way, Clint absorbed the kind of lessons you can only learn offshore - self-reliance, seamanship, and respect for the sea. He still smiles when he talks about spearfishing and hunting for conch shells (which became dinner). That experience didn’t just teach Clint how to sail, it cemented a lifelong identity as a “Bluewater Guy.”
An Entrepreneur Who Builds Great Teams
Clint is also a proven entrepreneur with a passion for building businesses centered on service, consistency, and trust.
His love for food and hospitality started at his grandmother’s kitchen table and through his work in the Mississippi Delta. He pursued culinary classes and even completed a brief internship with Emeril’s in New Orleans, before Hurricane Katrina cut his time in the city short. After relocating to Tennessee, Clint continued honing his culinary skills and leadership approach.
Eventually, home pulled him back to Mississippi, when in May of 2013, The Oxford Grillhouse became a standout success story and is currently in operation and thriving in the home of the University of Mississippi.
From Client to Broker to Owner
Clint’s path to United Yacht Sales began the way many great boating stories do: as a client living the dream! After purchasing a 45-foot Prout sailing catamaran through United Yacht Sales and broker Trent Palmer, he started off on a solo sailing journey with his dog Oscar, leaving Stuart in January 2024 and arriving in Trinidad in May 2024, he realized he didn’t just love being on the water....he loved the business and the people behind it. That insight brought him back to become a professional yacht broker, and after immersing himself in the company, Clint ultimately purchased United Yacht Sales from previous owner Brian Boettler and Jeff Palmer, with a long-term vision focused on growth, clarity, and team alignment.
As part of this next chapter, Clint also plans to integrate his daughter, Mary Lakyn, into the business starting her marine career in the marketing and listing departments, further strengthening the family-driven, long-term vision he brings to United Yacht Sales.
Clint’s Vision for United Yacht Sales
Clint believes that United Yacht Sales is, at its core, a company built for yacht brokers, and that the best way to serve clients is to first ensure brokers have the strongest support system possible. In Clint’s words, the goal is simple: give brokers the very best support possible so they can support their clients the best they can.
That means improving the foundation - systems, communication, training, and teamwork, so every broker can grow and thrive.
Clint's Promise to our brokers & clients
As Clint steps into the CEO role, he is committed to putting practical improvements into action across the organization to even further streamline the processes for brokers and our clients. Here is his promise to our team members and clients:
- Organize and deliver a smooth listing & closing system that streamlines all processes providing an industry-leading experience for all.
- Build “United University”: Broker training that includes a streamlined office process that keeps our brokers on the forefront of technology and industry changes.
- Openness & transparency from United headquarters.
- Listening to everyone's suggestions and feedback to improve both broker and client experiences.
- Equip our team, at every level, with all of the tools and knowledge they need to provide world-class service and results to our clients.
Looking ahead
Clint often says it’s a dream come true to be able to work in the boating industry and that he loves the opportunity to be near the water daily. With his bluewater perspective, entrepreneurial experience, and service-driven mindset, Clint is focused on honoring the company’s foundation while building an even stronger future.
Also paramount to the success of United, the entire staff, including UYS President Jeffrey Palmer, will continue on in the same capacity of delivering remarkable boat buying and selling experiences.
United Yacht Sales is excited for what’s ahead and grateful to the brokers, staff, and clients who make this company what it is. Please join us in welcoming Clint Boutwell as the new Owner & CEO of United Yacht Sales.
