The first phase of Port 32 Fort Lauderdale, a service and storage facility for yachts and megayachts, is complete. In-water service slips are available now. Within the next few months, the upland boatyard should see completion. The developers say it will include the largest drystack, well suited for tenders, in Broward County.
Located on the New River, across from Marina Mile Yachting Center, the property previously housed the Fort Lauderdale Boatyard & Marina. Port 32, based in South Carolina, has been redeveloping it since acquiring it in 2016. The same company has marinas elsewhere in Florida, including Palm Beach Gardens and Tampa. It further has three marinas in Charleston, South Carolina.
The newly minted in-water service slips accommodate megayachts to 150 feet (about 46 meters). Teak work is among the tasks therefore that can be performed. However, once the 150-ton mobile hoist and on-land boatyard see completion, Port 32 Fort Lauderdale will offer additional services. For instance, megayachts to 120 feet (about 36.6 meters) can be hauled and worked on under cover. Owners and captains can employ their own service professionals, or rely on the on-site contractors. Either way, surveys, painting, hull repairs, engine work, and more will all be available.
In addition, Port 32 Fort Lauderdale is readying its fuel dock for opening. It will be the only one in the vicinity of Marina Mile.
All the while, work continues on a significant-size drystack for hundreds of boats between 25 and 55 feet (7.6 and 16.8 meters). Many of them will be for primary boat owners. However, the management team is designating some for short- and long-term tender stowage, too. It’s for the convenience of the megayachts taking advantage of either the wet slips or on-land structures for maintenance. Joe Miller, Port 32’s managing principal, says, “Fort Lauderdale is obviously the boating capital of the U.S. We see acquisition and redevelopment of this large and strategically located site as a means to serve both the yacht market from a service viewpoint, and the expanding center console market from both a storage and service perspective.”
Finally, also for convenience, the facility will offer concierge services, along with a captain and crew lounge.
Port 32 Fort Lauderdale port32fortlauderdale.com
Burnice Bauch
Exciting news about the opening of the Port 32 Fort Lauderdale service yard! It’s great to see the expansion of marina facilities and services, especially for megayachts. Fort Lauderdale is known as the Yachting Capital of the World, and this new service yard will further enhance the area’s reputation as a premier destination for yacht owners and enthusiasts. Congratulations on the new facility, and I’m sure it will be a valuable addition to the boating community in Fort Lauderdale.