As a youngster, Michael Mayer built his first boat and then sailed to the Bahamas. Upon his return, he worked as yard foreman for several marine yards where he favorably impressed owners and future clients alike. However, before starting his own company he built another sail boat and traveled deeper into the Caribbean. There he fished offshore, as he would later along the eastern seacoast, tagging blue and white marlin, sailfin and tuna.

In 1984 Mayer Yacht opened its doors on the Industrial Canal in New Orleans, specializing in renovation, restoration, paint and mechanical work. In 1997 the company introduced its second location in Slidell where wooden boats were, and still are, a specialty with on-site inboard and outboard mechanics, riggers and carpentry experts. This yard also offers full or do-it-yourself service and has the only 100-ton Travelift in the Gulf South. Between both locations, Mayer Yacht has the largest lifting capacity in Louisiana and Missisippi. Aside from repairs and service, Mayer Yacht is a manufacturer's representative and brokerage house servicing its Luhrs and Hunter customers in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Arkansas.