Every year it seems that the world’s original mega and super yacht marina draws more exhibitors and visitors to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. In September 2003, the Bahia Mar Yachting Center will welcome regular users, and in October, show attendees, with a completely new look and truly world-class amenities.
The Southeast Division of Bellingham Marine Industries was awarded the turn-key contract to replace the existing 360 fixed, concrete and wood slips with 235 Unifloat concrete floating slips. The company will provide both the standard 18″ freeboard Unifloat and 30″ high-freeboard megayacht Unifloat systems to better accommodate larger boats. The slips will range in size from 45′ to 120′. Side-tie slips will handle superyachts over 130′.
Bellingham’s contract includes the manufacture and installation of the float systems, furnishing and driving piling, and supplying utilities, including electrical, plumbing, marina sanitation and fire suppression systems, telephone and fiber-optic computer wiring. The utility system will provide additional power and water for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, as well as the day-to-day operation of the marina.
Larger slips will offer a choice between single- and three-phase electrical service. Electrical usage will be read remotely by the marina staff to facilitate arrivals and departures of the guests. All slips will provide three telephone lines and a fiber optic, high-speed digital line for computer equipment. Sewage pumpout will be handled at each slip by an on-demand, vacuum pumpout system.
The fire protection system will be enhanced by fire pole alarm pull stations. Located on world famous Fort Lauderdale Beach and the Intracoastal Waterway, Bahia Mar was originally built in 1949. Its facilities include a Radisson hotel and conference center, boat brokerages and service facilities, a charter fishing fleet, water taxi center, shops and restaurants. The marina also offers concierge service, paper delivery and refuse pickup, room service directly to the boats, shower facilities, laundry and 24-hour uniformed security.
Bellingham Marine designs, manufactures and installs Unifloat floating dock systems, Unideck freshwater dock systems and Unistack dry storage buildings for marinas and boat service facilities worldwide.
From Bellingham Marine, P.O. Box 8, Bellingham, WA 98227. www.bellingham-marine.com.
