2016 brought a lot of positive change to Lauderdale Marine Center. We initiated a new Certified Contractors program, hired new key staff members, moved into our new office space, and exhibited at FLIBS for the very first time. We are looking forward to 2017 for more exciting changes and improvements.

New Yard Space – The development of the old Riverbend facility is ongoing. Old facilities have been demolished, new floating docks have arrived, and drainage is currently being installed. It may not look like much now, but the facility will eventually allow for 42 additional spaces on the hard and 43 in the water – All for boats under 80 feet. This will open space in the existing yard for our larger friends.

Upgrades to Lifts – We’re working on upgrading our 2 larger lifts. The 100 ton travelift will be traded in for a 220 ton. We’re also upgrading our 300 ton to a 500 ton travelift specifically designed for our yard.

Crew Amenities – We know yard time can be tough on captains and crew, so we are aiming to make your stay more comfortable with upgrades and additions to our amenities.

We are excited for what 2017 will bring, and look forward to seeing everyone next year!

Fort Lauderdale has seen hurricanes come and go over the years with none more serious than the next.  Here at Lauderdale Marine Center we take each one seriously and plan ahead. Hurricane Matthew recently activated our hurricane plan, which involves changes in service and evacuations of some clients.

During this time we were to help over 230 vessels, some as large as 190 feet, weather the storm unscathed. We secured all of the vessels with the focus on the clients’ well-being. Here is a little bit on how the process played out:

Starting Tuesday, we held two meetings a day with contractors and crew informing them of storm predications and possible impact to LMC. Two days prior to storm approaching we mandated the following:

1. All tents built on scaffolding/floats in the water must be removed.  Actual metal scaffolding could stay up but must be secure (planking, framing etc.)
2. All make-shift tents not shrink wrapped must be removed
3. All loose items, ladders, deck chairs, misc. equipment must be secured with straps, line.

Also in the days leading up to Hurricane Matthew, we toured each tent to verify structural integrity and to prioritize those that needed repair or removal. A comprehensive cleanup of all yard areas was ongoing during this time.

Wednesday, we informed all contractors and crew that we would be moving through the yard and removing any loose items or trash, if not already completed. Photo and video documentation was completed throughout the process and the decision was made that the power would remain on.

In an industry where the mindset ‘bigger is better’ and luxury is a must, smaller vessels often get over looked. And even though she may not fall into the coveted “superyacht” category, this high power, completely custom, aluminum 37’ boat deserves some serious recognition. Built right here at Lauderdale Marine Center by Captain Andrew Grego, ‘Warrior’ is nothing shy of remarkable in both her unique, physical body and for whom she represents. Warrior is the vessel used by Blue Water Warriors, a nonprofit organization which give veterans who have been injured in the line of duty an opportunity to get out on the water and heal their souls.

“She started with a vision,” says Captain Andrew. “I wanted honor those who have fought for our freedom and have lost a little of theirs. This boat was designed in such a way that even those who are wheelchair bound have the ability to partake in activities that may otherwise have been off-limits to them due to their life-changing injuries. We give our vets the opportunity to get out on the water to cruise, fish, dive, snorkel and forget about, at least for a little while, their daily struggles.” To ensure these heroes and their families will be comfortable and safe while aboard, the following accommodations were made when she was built:

• Deck-leveling boarding ramp adjustable to various dock configurations
• Specially developed non-skid surfaces
• Wheelchair accessible boarding without a hoist & locking mechanisms to secure chairs
• Offset console for wider passageway
• Storage for prosthetic limbs
• Seakeeper Gyro stabilizer to minimize boat roll and increase stability
• A custom lift that can be raised & lowered for water access
• Deck-level, wheelchair accessible bathroom facility
• Swing open transom & side doors

As impressive as she is, what makes Warrior even more special is all of the love that has gone into making her the beauty she is today. Electronics, paint and fairing, underwater lights, a generator, cleats, hinges and all of the fixes and fittings, as well as much of the labor has been generously donated by various companies and private sectors. Wanting to do our part to give back, Lauderdale Marine Center is donating a haul-out and laydays, so that Warrior can complete a full bottom job with as little cost to her as possible. Upon completion of the work, Warrior will return to the water to continue to serve those who have served for our country.

“My vision would not have been possible without the help and generosity of the South Florida Marine Industry,” remarks Captain Andrew. “I have to give credit to everyone who has helped make my Blue Water Warrior vision a reality: Karen Grego, Lauderdale Marine Center, Luu Marine, Boat Art, as well as all of the engineers, contractors, crew members & those who have donated monetarily; Warrior could not have been built without your help.”

As Warrior was set down on the hard awaiting her bottom job, Captain Andrew added, “It feels really good to be able to do something nice for others.”

If you would like to donate to this awesome organization, please visit their website at www.bluewaterwarriors.org.

On May 27^th, Broadwater arrived at Lauderdale Marine Center to begin prepping for her refit. This 165’ Feadship is undergoing a complete interior renovation, as well as making numerous modifications to her exterior. On June 1^st, the refit kicked off and to date, things are progressing nicely. There is a tremendous amount of work that goes into a project of this magnitude and completion is not expected until mid-November. Several of LMC’s on-site partners as well as certified partners are involved with the refit, as there is plenty of work to go around.

Project Plans

Broadwater’s transformation is well underway with Drawings, Fabrication & Details, Inc. serving as the onboard project manager and Bill Pratley from Global Vessel Services representing the owner. The hull is currently being prepped by Y&D Yacht Refinishing and once ready, the exterior paint work will begin. The hull color is being changed from white to blue and a boot stripe will be added. Y&D will also refinish the window surrounds, mast & bridge deck aft. All Points Boats is responsible for both exterior and interior structural modifications, as well as pipe work. The interior design work is being done by Adam Voorhees who, at the owner’s request, is planning to create a more streamlined and open feel.

He’s drawn up plans which include adding an additional guest-room, opening up the bulkhead to make a coffee bar, a very impressive aluminum staircase and adding dining for 14 on the bridge aft deck.

Interior Systems Management is responsible for all of the interior carpentry work, while Alt, Breeding and Schwartz, as well as Premier are fabricating the interior cabinetry. Electronic Home Environments is doing all of the AV and IT work, while Sea Coast Fire is recertifying and upgrading the fire system. LMC’s High Seas Hydraulics will work on repairing Broadwater’s hydraulic issues and Elite Marine is busy rebuilding the entire air conditioning system and adding upgrades.

Patience Is a Virtue

As with all major refits, when there is so much work to be completed, patience is key. Noting all of progress that has been made so far and keeping the end in sight, we are excited to watch Broadwater’s transformation and even more eager to see the final outcome of the refit.

LMC’s Partners in Refit

• All Points Boats
• Drawings, Fabrication & Details, Inc.
• High Seas Hydraulics

After 4 years on the hard at Lauderdale Marine Center, M/Y Never Enough’s owner, captain and crew members have eagerly anticipated her return to the water. After a complete refit with everything from exterior paint to teak decking, shafts, new engines, a fly bridge extension, an aft main deck modification, new generators and more, this 140’ Feadship has undergone a remarkable transformation from the inside out. The entire refit has been supervised by Captain Kim Sandell and along with her crew members and numerous LMC contractors and subcontractors, they have all worked tirelessly to ensure Never Enough would be ready to splash today.

“When this project first began, the owner had the option to either replace old, existing parts of the vessel or tear everything out and start new. Ultimately, that’s what he wanted to do. He loves his yacht and has no intention of selling. Plus, by rebuilding the foundation of the vessel, it’s a capital investment for him, extending the life of the yacht.  Replacing the engines, gearboxes, generators, navigation system, the main switchboard and power management system, he’ll now have the next 20+ years to enjoy aboard,” says Captain Kim. She also stated that the owner has been heavily involved in the entire refit process and has enjoyed visiting LMC to watch the transformation.

All Hands on Deck

Many of LMC’s contractors and subcontractors were present to watch the much anticipated launch of Never Enough. Some of the major projects she underwent include:

• 12’ fly bridge extension completed by American Marine
• New teak deck by Teak Decking Systems
• New Caterpillars C32 Acert engines by Mendol USA
• New John Deere generators
• New Reintjes gearboxes
• New mufflers by D’Angelo Exhaust
• Aft main deck modification
• New handrails by K & G Marine
• New A/C by Cuge Marine
• New shorepower convertor by Atlas Marine Systems
• New alarm & monitoring systems by Night Watch Industries
• New navigation communication system by Telemar Yachting
• New shafts & alignment by DATUM RMS

LMC’s On-site Contractors used in the refit include:

• Exterior paint by Luu Marine & Associates
• New main switchboard & power management system by TESS Electrical

While the bulk of Never Enough’s refit has been completed on land, she will reside in the water at LMC a bit longer to complete the remainder of the project. Engineers and contractors still need to commission new machinery and continue installing additional electronics. But for now owner, captain and crew are all so happy to be back in the water. “It feels really good to get wet again,” says First Mate Bob Keino. “We’ve worked really hard to get the boat ready and it’s exciting to have the owner and his guests present for the launch.”

Lauderdale Marine Center is the largest marine service center in the United States. With more than 60 onsite contractors and over 100 additional Certified Contractors, they have established themselves as a premier full-service yacht service and refit facility. Whether your vessel needs minor repairs or routine maintenance, Lauderdale Marine Center is the shipyard you can trust.

What LMC Has to Offer

The facility sits on more than 60-acres and is equipped to accommodate vessel from 40’ to 200’LOA. Far more than a marina, customers are encouraged to take advantage of the many other offerings, such as covered docks, over 100 out of water layday spaces and access to the finest marine contractors in South Florida.

The LMC Team gives customers the royal treatment they deserve by continuing to tailor their services to better meet their needs. At Lauderdale Marine Center, the staff goes the extra mile to ensure that your experience is world class.

LMC offers 24-hour security to ensure a safe and secure environment. Other amenities include a crew lounge, café, fee Wi-Fi and on site ship store.

A Premier Shipyard Where Customers Come First

LMC has established a professional code of conduct for all contractors designed to contribute to the overall customer experience. They also make every effort to keep the facility as clean and organized as possible to further contribute to a five-star customer experience.
Once you see and experience what LMC has to offer, you’ll see they are building a better shipyard. Browse the website and gallery to learn and see more of the facility. Remember, no matter what your docking needs are, Lauderdale Marine Center has you covered.

First, they have more than 100 LMC Certified Contractors and more than 60 onsite contractors to accommodate their customers repair and refit needs. LMC also offers its customer more than 6,500 feet of out of water storage. There is also more than 10,000 feet of dockage with all of the accommodations of a world class destination marina.

Optimal Protection Against Extreme Weather Occurrences
Lauderdale Marine Center is located approximately four miles north up the New River. This location gives the facility the best protection from extreme weather. Whether there are swells, surges, hurricanes or some other disastrous weather, customers can sleep easy knowing that their vessels are safely docked at LMC.

Ongoing Commitment to the Environment
Although LMC is the largest yacht marine center and docking facility in Florida and in the United States, they continue to be extremely conscious of the marine environment. As a testament to their dedication, the state of Florida has designated them as a Clean Marina. They remain very mindful of their operations to ensure they do not compromise the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem. Some of their eco-friendly practices include Haz-Mat management, pump-out hook ups, storm water regulation and recycling so they can continue to meet their operational needs without sacrificing the health and viability of Florida’s natural resources.

It’s a Clean and Pristine Operation
Every inch of the 60+ acre facility is kept clean. They don’t use harsh and toxic chemicals, nor do they engage in unsafe practices that risk the safety of customers or their vessels. By keeping the facility in pristine condition, they show customers that the best place for them to dock their small boat or mega yacht is with Lauderdale Marine Center.

No Other Shipyard Does it Better
Finding the right place to dock and store boats can be a challenge. But when you take into consideration the size of their facility and their diverse services and amenities, you’ll find that no other shipyard comes close. Although they specialize in yachts, they work just as hard to deliver the best docking services to vessels of all osizes.

Because of all of the reasons mentioned above, Lauderdale Marine Center has become a premier all-inclusive marine center. They didn’t become this big of a success overnight. It took years and years of perseverance, dedication, vision and hard work. Just because they have come this far and established themselves as the biggest shipyard in the United States doesn’t mean that they will rest on their laurels. LMC’s commitment to their customers is what continues to guide them while they strive to remain the best marine service center in South Florida. LMC is committed to building a better shipyard.