About Taylor Marine Centers
Founded on Integrity (1972)
In 1972, father and son Sterling and Doug Van Rees purchased the Milford location of Taylor Marine Center. At the time, Grady-White and Boston Whaler were just beginning to establish what would become their defining traits: overbuilt construction, exceptional safety, and uncompromising quality for both fishermen and families. Sterling and Doug recognized a shared integrity with these manufacturers and their leadership—values that aligned perfectly with the standards they envisioned for their dealership.
Growing Alongside Iconic Brands
When Taylor Marine Center began, 21 feet was the largest boat produced by both Grady-White and Boston Whaler. As these brands evolved and expanded, so did Taylor Marine Center. Together, they grew into industry leaders known for superior craftsmanship and outstanding customer service, setting benchmarks that continue to define premium boating today.
A Multi-Generation Family Business
The Van Rees family legacy deepened in 1976 when Doug’s brother, Skip, joined the business. In 1986, Doug’s son Dirk came on board, marking the third generation of Van Rees leadership at Taylor Marine Center. This continuity has helped preserve the family-first values and long-term relationships that customers have trusted for decades.
Expanding to Serve the Peninsula
To better serve boaters throughout the Peninsula, Taylor Marine Center expanded in August of 2004 with the purchase of a second location, Taylor Marine Center II, in Ocean City, Maryland. Today, the business operates from an on-water facility in Milford, Delaware and a 10-acre complex in Ocean City—both conveniently located for customers throughout the region, including Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, DC.
Nearly 50 Years of Commitment
For nearly 50 years, Taylor Marine Center has remained guided by a simple philosophy: sell only the highest quality products, price equipment competitively, and exceed customer expectations through exceptional service. This commitment has become the hallmark of the company’s success and the reason generations of customers continue to return as their boating needs evolve.