Fort Lauderdale, Florida’s Pier Sixty-Six Hotel and Marina is synonymous with the yachting lifestyle. Owner Tavistock Development Company has begun a major transformation of the property, starting with a new state-of-the-art SF Marina floating concrete superyacht dock for its Pier South location.
As visiting superyachts became ever larger over the years, the existing fixed dock located south of the 17th Street Bridge became problematic. Its curved design limited the size of vessel that could tie-up. Plus, it was quite narrow, making serving the boats difficult.
For the first phase of the Pier South renovation, Ebsary Foundation Company installed 440 feet of SF Marina Type 2060 floating pontoons. Their 20′ width and 36″ freeboard easily accommodate superyachts up to 350′ on the main berth. The structure is secured with 30″ diameter steel piles within HDPE sleeves, offset to enable two-way golf cart traffic on the dock. Other superyacht-oriented features include a double row of composite timber rub rails and oversized 15- and 25-ton ship bollards. Manufactured in Sweden, the dock sections for Pier South were transported by cargo ship to Port Everglades, Florida. A video of the pontoons being offloaded is at vimeo.com/440448340. With a global network of offices and production locations, no project is too distant for SF Marina.
Engineered by Moffatt & Nichol, the Pier South dock has an advanced set of integrated utilities. Superyacht power needs are met with 1,200A power pedestals. Guests can enjoy CCTV and Wi-Fi. In-deck, high-flow waste pump out and potable water locations offer convenience, as does the diesel fuel transfer system. Fire hydrants provide security. Above the water, LED lighting lines both sides of the dock while underwater fixtures illuminate the perimeter.
“We have had great feedback from everyone,” said Megan Lagasse, marine director for Pier Sixty-Six Hotel and Marina. “Owners and captains of large vessels are beyond thrilled to sit on 300′ of floating dock; they just don’t get that opportunity often.”
Pier Sixty-Six Hotel and Marina annually hosts the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. While both its Pier North and Pier South marinas continue to welcome boaters, the former hotel site is being redeveloped with a new and enhanced building, though preserving its iconic tower. New condominiums are being added, as well as a marina promenade with shops, offices and restaurants.
More information on the revitalization is at www.info-piersixtysix.com.
Republished from Marine Construction Magazine Issue IV, 2021
