About Us

KEY Marine Advisors is an independent consulting firm specializing in yacht project management and owner representation. We serve as a trusted intermediary among yacht owners, captains, management firms, builders, and shipyards—ensuring seamless communication, alignment, and oversight. Backed by more than thirty years of industry expertise, we deliver unbiased guidance and disciplined project management to ensure every project is executed efficiently, transparently, and with maximum financial value for our clients.

A smiling, bald man wearing a white shirt and black blazer, sitting indoors with a door featuring frosted glass panels behind him.

Our Founder

With over 30 years of experience in the marine industry, Ken Youngchild has established himself as a reliable figure in the realms of yacht construction, repair, and refit management. His journey has seen him transition from hands-on shipyard management to executive-level project leadership, orchestrating a seamless collaboration between owners, shipyards, and stakeholders to deliver projects of unparalleled quality and precision.

Over the course of his career, Ken has successfully managed more than 1,400 client projects, ranging from routine annual maintenance drydockings to the construction of a range of large custom yachts. He frequently collaborates with naval architects, vessel engineers, U.S. Coast Guard officials, class inspectors, and other regulatory agencies, ensuring all projects adhere to the highest technical and safety standards.

Ken holds multiple certifications from the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC®) and is a former U.S. Coast Guard Master, bringing together deep technical proficiency and real-world maritime experience. As a Project Management Institute (PMI®) Project Management Professional (PMP®), he applies advanced project governance, leadership, and process-driven methodologies to effectively manage people, systems, and strategic priorities across complex marine projects—consistently delivering high-quality, disciplined results.

Ken’s leadership experience at top U.S. superyacht shipyards such as Thunderbolt Marine, Bridgeport Boatworks, and Safe Harbor Lauderdale Marine Center has provided him with in-depth knowledge of skilled trades and support services in the shipyard sector. His leadership style emphasizes clear and direct communication, advocating for stakeholders, and working collaboratively to resolve issues, always putting owners’ interests first to protect their investments and ensure successful outcomes.

Today, Ken Youngchild, through KEY Marine Advisors, provides independent owner representation and disciplined project governance to clients worldwide. His mission is to align strategic intent with flawless execution—giving yacht owners confidence, clarity, and exceptional results at every stage of the project lifecycle.

A fit man in work clothes and a baseball cap is inspecting the underside of a large tug boat in a shipyard, surrounded by scaffolding and construction materials.

Why Work with Us?

Client-First Advocacy – We represent you - and only you. Every decision, negotiation, and milestone is managed solely with your best interests in mind.

Ownership Mindset – Your yacht is more than a project; it’s a legacy. We safeguard its value with the same dedication and discretion you would expect of a trusted confidant.

Connected Expertise – With decades of trusted industry relationships, we bring together the right shipyards, craftsmen, and specialists to deliver exceptional results.

Excellence, Delivered – From concept to completion, we orchestrate complex projects with precision. The result: minimized downtime, optimized budgets, and elevated operational excellence.