Mike Hinze

Captain Mike Hinze

Captain Mike Hinze brings more than 35 years of hands-on marine experience to Great Southern Yachts, offering clients a rare blend of technical expertise, real-world seamanship, and down-to-earth guidance.

Born in Guam and raised in an Air Force family, Mike ultimately found home in Destin, Florida, where he has lived and worked for nearly four decades.

Mike’s career spans charter fishing, marina operations, yacht management company ownership, and more than a decade in yacht sales. In 2015, a longtime client asked him to become full-time captain of their 60’ Viking Sportfish — a role he continues to hold today.

His experience includes operating vessels ranging from center consoles to large sportfishing yachts and motor yachts, with runs from New Jersey to South Florida and the Keys, throughout the Bahamas, across the Gulf Coast to Texas, and along inland waterways.

From helm to engine room, Mike understands boats inside and out. He brings hands-on experience with maintenance, marine electronics, and vessel operations, along with extensive knowledge of offshore, inshore, and intracoastal waters.

He has coordinated vessel transport across the U.S. and internationally, including cross-country and overseas deliveries.

Licensed as a Florida Yacht Broker and a USCG 100-Ton Master, Mike holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of West Florida.

Clients describe him as hardworking, approachable, and best-in-class — not just a salesman, but a trusted advisor who stays involved before, during, and after the sale.

Mike lives in Destin with his wife of 25 years and their three children. When he’s not on the water, he enjoys time with family and friends, hunting, and college football.