Our History

Off The Hook Yachts is the largest buyer and seller of used boats in the nation, with operations that now span the full marine industry. From wholesale acquisitions and brokerage to financing, auctions, and beyond, we continue to expand our reach while delivering unmatched value to clients. Read more below to discover how our story began and where we’re headed next.

Early Years

Off The Hook Yachts came to fruition in 2012 as Jason Ruegg, CEO and Founder, sought to formalize his lifelong passion for buying and selling boats. Prior to launching Off the Hook Yachts, Jason began his career in the marine industry at the young age of 10 by assisting his friends and family in negotiating boat acquisitions and sales. The internet had just launched, and Jason began posting online advertisements for boat buying and selling assistance. Jason’s father, Dan Ruegg, encouraged his son’s entrepreneurial spirit and had an office set up for him in their Annapolis, Maryland home – the impetus of Jason’s first yacht firm. Although Jason was far past his years in terms of knowledge and raw ability to sell, his new venture did not take off at this time as his customers were in disbelief when they would hear his voice and discover that he was of such a young age.

Building a Business

After high school, Jason went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management with a concentration in Accounting from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Although the plan was to begin a career in accounting after graduation, Jason’s true passion was and always had been centered around boats. While his parents stressed the importance of getting an internship and working for a credible accounting firm, Jason was more interested in fishing, boating with his friends, and ultimately flipping boats. By his senior year of college, he had developed a sufficient track record to convince his parents that he was ready to start a business.

Business Today

Fifteen years later, Off The Hook Yachts has become a recognized leader in the marine industry. The company acquires more than $100 million in boats and yachts annually, operates from 8 locations across the U.S., and has the backing of significant financial resources. OTHYS has earned recognition on the Inc. 500 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies for two consecutive years, is consistently ranked among the Top 100 dealers in the U.S. by Boating Industry, and has been named the #1 dealer by its floorplan company for four straight years, out of more than 1,000 nationwide.

Looking Forward

Today, Off The Hook has evolved into a dynamic family of marine-focused businesses. In addition to Off The Hook Yachts, the group now includes Azure Funding, We Buy Boats, Autograph Yacht Group, and other ventures designed to serve every aspect of the boating lifestyle. By combining wholesale acquisitions, luxury yacht brokerage, new boat sales, and specialized financing under one umbrella, Off The Hook is building a vertically integrated marine ecosystem. Looking ahead, the company remains committed to growth, innovation, and delivering unmatched value to clients, partners, and investors as it enters its next chapter.