Before we dive into the numbers, let’s get to know the man behind the helm. Captain Lee Rosbach, affectionately known as the “Stud of the Sea,” has become a household name thanks to his starring role on Bravo’s hit reality show “Below Deck.”
Born in 1949 in Saginaw, Michigan, Lee didn’t start his maritime career until later. He spent years in the restaurant industry before obtaining his captain’s license at 35 and embarking on a new adventure in yachting.
Captain Lee’s Net Worth
As of 2025, Captain Lee Rosbach’s estimated net worth falls between $800,000 and $1 million.
While this might seem modest compared to some reality TV stars, it’s important to remember that Lee’s wealth comes from a combination of his long career in yachting and his more recent television fame.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Let’s take a closer look at how Captain Lee has built his fortune:
- Yachting Career: As a seasoned yacht captain with over three decades of experience, Lee commands a substantial salary. Yacht captains of his caliber can earn anywhere from $95,000 to $130,000 per year, depending on the vessel’s size and experience.
- Reality TV Earnings: While Bravo doesn’t disclose exact salaries, it’s estimated that Lee earns a significant amount per episode of “Below Deck.” Reality TV stars of his status often make tens of thousands of dollars per episode.
- Book Sales: In 2018, Lee released his memoir, “Running Against the Tide: True Tales from the Stud of the Sea,” which likely contributed to his overall wealth.
- Endorsements and Appearances: Lee has likely benefited from endorsement deals and paid appearances as his fame has grown.
How Captain Lee’s Net Worth Compares
When we look at Captain Lee’s net worth in the context of the yachting and reality TV worlds, a few interesting points emerge:
- Yachting Industry: Lee’s wealth is impressive for someone in the yachting industry, where many crew members make modest salaries.
- Reality TV: Unlike some reality TV stars, especially those from shows like “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” Lee’s net worth might seem small. However, it’s substantial for a career mariner who came into TV later in life.
- Below Deck Cast: Lee is likely among the highest-paid cast members on “Below Deck,” given his central role and longevity on the show.
Factors Contributing to Captain Lee’s Wealth
1. Long-standing Career
Lee’s decades-long career in yachting provided a solid financial foundation before his TV fame. His expertise and reputation in the industry likely command top dollar for his services.
2. Television Success
Since its debut in 2013, Bravo’s “Below Deck” has been a massive hit. As the show’s face, Lee has undoubtedly benefited from its success in terms of salary and increased opportunities.
3. Brand Building
Lee has successfully leveraged his TV fame to build a personal brand. He’s created multiple income streams, including his book and social media presence.
4. Wise Financial Management
While we don’t have insight into Lee’s personal financial strategies, his background in business (remember his restaurant days?) suggests he likely manages his money wisely.
Looking to the Future
At 74 years old in 2024, Captain Lee shows no signs of slowing down. While he’s stepped back from full-time appearances on “Below Deck,” he continues to be involved in the yachting world and entertainment industry.
His new show, “Deadly Waters with Captain Lee,” set to premiere on Oxygen, could potentially boost his net worth even further.
Conclusion
Captain Lee Rosbach’s journey from restaurant manager to yacht captain to reality TV star is a testament to the power of following your passions and embracing new opportunities.
While his net worth of $800,000 to $1 million might not put him in the same league as some entertainment moguls, it represents a successful career and smart financial management.
For fans of “Below Deck” and aspiring mariners alike, Captain Lee’s story inspires. It shows that with hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck, it’s possible to build a rewarding career and comfortable financial future, even when starting a new path later in life.
As the Stud of the Sea might say, it’s not about the size of your bank account but how you navigate the waters of life. And Captain Lee Rosbach seems to be sailing smoothly indeed.
FAQs
1. Who is Captain Lee Rosbach?
Captain Lee Rosbach is a seasoned yacht captain best known for his role on Bravo’s reality TV series Below Deck. He joined the show at its debut in 2013 and became a fan favorite for his no-nonsense leadership style and witty remarks. He earned the nickname “Stud of the Sea” and has over 35 years of experience in yachting.
2. How did Captain Lee become a yacht captain?
Captain Lee transitioned to yachting later in life. Originally a restaurant manager, he discovered his passion for the sea while living in Turks & Caicos. At age 35, he obtained his captain’s license after working as a mate on a sailboat. He has since captained numerous yachts and superyachts.
3. What is Captain Lee’s net worth?
Captain Lee Rosbach’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million. His income comes from his yachting career, earnings from Below Deck, merchandise sales, book royalties from Running Against the Tide, and personalized Cameo videos.
4. Why did Captain Lee leave Below Deck?
Captain Lee stepped away during Season 10 of Below Deck due to health issues, specifically a nerve condition that impacted his mobility following back surgery. He returned later in the season but officially departed after Season 10, marking the end of his tenure on the show.
5. Is Captain Lee married?
Yes, Captain Lee has been married to Mary Anne Rosbach for nearly 50 years. The couple has five children together and shares a strong bond. Mary Anne has been a constant source of support throughout his career.
6. What happened to Captain Lee’s son?
Captain Lee’s son, Joshua Rosbach, tragically passed away in 2019 due to fentanyl poisoning. Since then, Captain Lee has been an advocate for raising awareness about addiction and substance abuse, sharing his family’s story to help others.
7. What is Captain Lee’s book about?
Captain Lee authored Running Against the Tide: True Tales from the Stud of the Sea, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at his life as a yacht captain and his experiences on Below Deck. The book includes anecdotes about yachting, crew dynamics, and personal reflections.
8. What other projects is Captain Lee involved in?
Beyond Below Deck, Captain Lee hosts a true crime series called Deadly Waters with Captain Lee, focusing on maritime-related crimes. He also engages with fans through Cameo videos and continues to share insights about yachting and leadership.
9. Where does Captain Lee live?
Captain Lee resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, often considered the yachting capital of the world. He enjoys spending time with his family when not working at sea or on television projects.
10. How has Captain Lee influenced the yachting industry?
Captain Lee played a pivotal role in popularizing yachting through Below Deck. The show introduced millions to careers in yachting and showcased the industry’s unique challenges and rewards. His leadership style and dedication to maritime safety have inspired many aspiring yachties worldwide.
