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After being nearly destroyed when Hurricane Ian made landfall in September 2022, Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, is open for the 2024 boating season. The Category 5 hurricane caused widespread destruction to countless businesses, residences and communities in western Florida, making 2023 a year of rebuilding. Faced with an abundance of necessary repairs, Pink Shell owner Boykin Management Co. completed its initial hotel remediation, then immediately called up Golden Marine Systems to rebuild the marina.

Evaluating the Damage
For days following the storm, search and rescue efforts took the place of ordinary operations for most southern Florida businesses. At Pink Shell resort, Ian’s 19-foot storm surge pummeled the first and second floors but failed to compromise the structural integrity of the iconic hotel. In no time, Pink Shell opened its doors to provide accommodation for relief workers, contractors and some displaced residents. On the mainland, Golden Marine Systems’ Fort Myers facility sustained damage as well. After well-being checks to confirm the safety of its employees were conducted, Golden was up and running a week after the storm. “We had the typical roof damage and bay doors blown out,” said Mike Shanley, president of Golden Marine Systems. “Very quickly everything was boarded up and protected until it could be repaired.”

Golden went right back to work manufacturing boat lifts and docks. “Within a matter of days, [Pink Shell] called me to rebuild the marina,” Shanley remembers. “Within a day or two, I got the numbers together, they signed, and we went to work.”

Dave O’Connor, manager of the Pink Shell marina, said all but five of the marina’s 33 original steel piles survived the storm. Two days after the storm, we didn’t have anything except the pilings,” he recalled.

While only the five piles needed replacement, the new docking system would need to meet precise manufacturing specs to fit the existing piles. Tolerance for the new docking system to match the existing piles was 1/8 of an inch. “We had a center point survey done to identify the center of the piles and positions,” Shanley said. “Then our engineers went to work and designed the docks, and we hit them spot on.”

To expedite the project, the new docks matched the same footprint as the original dock layout. Golden replaced the floating main dock and 13 fingers for a total of 41 slips that will serve mostly transient boaters. “We didn’t make any modifications,” O’Connor said. “It’s the exact same footprint.” Maintaining the original marina footprint avoided re-permitting, which allowed construction to begin immediately.

The dock installation was performed by long-time Golden dealer RJ Gorman Marine Construction, based out of Panama City. “Golden did an outstanding job of fabricating the new docks to fit around the undamaged piles,” said Jared Gorman, co-owner of RJ Gorman. “The installation went perfectly.” With the dock system installed successfully, the full opening of the marina waited only for electrical panels, which O’Connor noted, along with switch gears, had been scarce due to local demand following the storm. The marina is currently fully operational and enjoying the best of the 2024 season.

Protection Against Future Storms
The new docking system incorporates the Golden 850 Series Single Track System and Golden 100 Series Commercial Gangways, built of 6061-T6 aluminum to ensure strength against future storms. Proprietary features include the Integrated E-Tracks, which allow the marina to add and move cleats as needed for specific vessel sizes, while Flexi-Block connectors reduce dock noise as sections respond to wave activity.

O’Connor expressed sincere gratitude to the Golden team for their work. “Special thanks goes to Mike Shanley and the Golden production crew for their dedication, which facilitated the transformation of our space into a fully operational marina within 14 months, just in time for the season,” O’Connor said. “Their commitment to our project was much appreciated.”

In the rebuilding after Ian’s landfall, Golden was awarded four other large marina rehabilitation projects in the area. “The three marinas that we did have on Fort Myers beach all survived, so that testimony sold itself,” Shanley said.
Golden also assisted in reopening other Fort Myers Beach facilities, Moss Marine and Gulf Star Marina, rebuilding damaged gangways and dock sections. Federal agencies then utilized the marinas during search and rescue efforts on outer islands and coastal areas. “The response from local, state and federal was pretty intense,” Shanley added, “the best I’ve ever seen.”

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Golden Marine Systems, a prominent provider of marine infrastructure solutions, offers crucial guidance to prepare marinas for hurricane season. Drawing from extensive experience in the marine industry, the company emphasizes proactive measures to mitigate potential damage and ensure safety.

Hurricanes pose significant threats to coastal communities, making marinas especially vulnerable. To assist marina operators and boat owners, Golden Marine Systems advises:

Develop a Comprehensive Emergency Plan: Create a detailed plan outlining procedures for securing the marina, evacuating vessels, and ensuring personnel safety. Regularly review and update the plan based on past experiences.

Secure Infrastructure: Inspect docks, piers, and other structures for wear or damage. Reinforce weak points and secure loose items to prevent them from becoming projectiles in high winds.

Secure Vessels: Ensure all vessels are properly secured with adequate lines and fenders. Consider relocating boats to safer locations or hauling them out of the water.

Remove Potential Hazards: Clear debris, including equipment, trash, and vegetation, to prevent hazards during storms.

Communicate Effectively: Maintain open communication with marina tenants, local authorities, and emergency agencies. Keep stakeholders informed and provide guidance on evacuation procedures.

Monitor Weather Conditions: Stay informed about approaching storms by monitoring forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and local authorities. Take proactive measures based on the latest information.

Prepare for Power Outages: Develop contingency plans for power outages, including backup generators and emergency lighting. Ensure essential equipment remains operational during power loss.

Stay Informed and Flexible: Remain vigilant throughout hurricane season and adjust plans based on evolving weather conditions and guidance from authorities.

Michael Shanley, President of Golden Marine Systems, stresses the importance of proper preparation for minimizing hurricane impacts on marinas and ensuring safety. The company remains dedicated to supporting marinas and coastal communities in preparing for and mitigating hurricane impacts.

During Hurricane Ian’s devastation in Southwest Florida, Golden Marine Systems’ over-engineered products, like Golden Boat Lifts and marinas, withstood the destruction. The company single-handedly rebuilt marinas, restoring Fort Myers Beach to its natural beauty.

For a free Hurricane Preparation Plan for marinas, please visit goldenmarinesystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Marina-Hurricane-Prep.pdf

Golden Marine Systems, a leading provider of innovative marine solutions based in Fort Myers, Florida, proudly announces the completion of the ‘B’ dock construction project for Marine Max Pensacola. Renowned for its exceptional specifications and seamless execution, the project underscores Golden Marine Systems’ commitment to excellence in marine infrastructure.

The newly constructed dock, extending an impressive 358 feet, boasts side-to-tie functionality and comprises 19 slips designed to accommodate vessels of up to 70 feet in length. Notably, the addition of a 100-foot fuel dock, featuring custom flotation tailored for a ship store, enhances the dock’s versatility and utility for boaters.

Key components of the project include Golden Marine Systems’ state-of-the-art 850 Series single track system, renowned for its reliability and performance. Further enhancing durability and aesthetics, the dock features Endeck PVC decking, ensuring enduring resilience against the elements. Additionally, the incorporation of 12″ GMS adjustable cleats ensures secure mooring, while pile guides and finger piers enhance functionality and safety for boaters.

GCG Construction, a reputable general contractor based in Fort Myers, Florida, played a pivotal role in overseeing execution, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. Furthermore, installation management was expertly handled by Mid-Coast Marine, guaranteeing meticulous attention to detail throughout the project lifecycle.

Mike Shanley, President of Golden Marine Systems, expressed his gratitude for the seamless collaboration between Mid-Coast Marine and GCG Construction, citing their collective efforts as instrumental in the project’s resounding success. “The completion of the ‘B’ dock project for Marine Max Pensacola exemplifies our unwavering commitment to delivering superior marine solutions,” stated Shanley. “We are immensely proud of the craftsmanship and innovation showcased in this project, and we look forward to continuing to exceed the expectations of our clients.”

The City of Leesburg, Florida, was in the final stages of an ambitious public waterfront revitalization in October. In order to expand public boating access and enhance recreational opportunities, the city added fixed and floating docks at Venetian Cove Marina, at the north end of Lake Harris.

The fixed aluminum dock system from Golden Marine Systems is designed for greater space between pilings than a comparable wooden structure. That not only saved the city money, but also made the docks more attractive to view from shore. The floating dock section, also from Golden, features adjustable pile guides, cleats and 22 finger piers with power pedestals, water service, and a fire suppression solution. Both docks have composite decking. Golden also supplied four heavy-duty gangways and a security gate.

Kelly Brothers, Inc. of Fort Myers installed the new docks. “The docks turned out great,” said John Folker, City of Leesburg project manager. “We host several bass fishing tournaments that have a lot of boating and pedestrian traffic. Plus, the area ties into many popular islands within Lake Harris and its adjoining lakes. The revitalized waterfront with new docks will be a huge asset for the city.”

Other improvements at the site include a new restaurant and extensive landscaping. The area offers walking trails and access to Rogers Park and Pat Thomas Stadium, both popular event venues.

The Venetian Gardens renewal project was funded through grants from Lake County and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Bayview Harbor, located between New York Harbor and Cape May in Barnegat Light, New Jersey, recently completed renovations on one of its two marina basins. Bayview Harbor has 150 slips that can accommodate vessels 25 to 120 feet in length. The marina recently upgraded its north basin by replacing the old fixed docks with new slips from Golden Marine Systems (GMS). According to Mike Shanley, president of GMS, the project utilized Golden Marine Systems’ 850 Series single track system which features adjustable cleats, pile guides, and finger piers. Golden also manufactured the gangways. The crew at Bayview topped the docks and gangways with Cumaru hardwood decking. The new slips, which comprise over 9,500 square feet of dockage, are equipped with water and either 30 or 50 amp electrical service. Picnic tables, bathrooms, and showers have also been added to the campus.

“Our fixed docks were in need of repair and our new floating docks are so much more accessible,” said owner Tom MacArthur. “Many customers have expressed how happy they are with the investments and improvements.” Bayview has plans to continue the improvements by installing a pumpout station on their fueling dock and constructing new buildings at both of the two basins. Similar to the upgrade in the north basin, the marina plans to overhaul the south basin as well by replacing the old docks.

“Bayview Harbor is comprised of what had been two multi-generational marinas along one of the prettiest stretches of Barnegat Bay,” MacArthur said. “The facilities had become a little tired over time and it has been so exciting to combine them and breathe new life into the marina for another generation. New floating docks, plus gardens and trees, combined with our stunning views of Barnegat Bay makes it beautiful for our boaters.”

The marina’s location near the Barnegat Inlet provides easy entry to the Atlantic for seasonal and transient boaters, as well as access to topside amenities such as restaurants, shops, galleries, and the Viking Village fishing fleet. The marina offers gas and diesel fuel, a 40-ton travel lift, mechanical and hull services, a ship’s store, and winter storage.

Mystic Pointe Marina in Aventura, Florida, has recently completed the first wave of improvements as part of an overhaul to their docking system. The existing docks, made of wood and over 30 years old, had long since passed their projected life of 25 years. “Not only was the exterior deteriorating visibly, but all the utilities were in need of repair and failing from corrosion,” said Todd Tennen, marina HOA president.

The new aluminum dock system, manufactured by Golden Marine Systems of Fort Meyers, Florida, incorporates their 950 Series double-track system for the main docks and their 850 Series single-track docks for the finger piers. The docks allow for adjustable cleats, and pile guides, and include utility troughs that allow for easy topside access to facilitate the installation and maintenance of in-slip utilities. Tennen noted that since the upgrades, the utilities are more reliable and have safety features the old system never had. Tennen was quick to praise the stability of the new docking system. “Walking on our new dock system feels more like walking on a fixed dock or a concrete floating dock, a tremendous improvement in stability and appearance over our old natural wood docks. Phase One is now complete and that section looks better than ever,” he added.

Construction of Phase Two will include an additional 47 slips and is slated to begin in June 2023. Michael Shanley of Golden Marine Systems explained that manufacturing of the second phase docks is set to begin in the fall of 2022.
This time between the two construction phases, where elements of the original wooden docking system co-exist with the new docks, has allowed the opportunity of comparing the old system with the new. “Since the completion of Phase One, you can see the contrast of quality and appearance. It is like night and day and no doubt, one of the reasons sales of slips have been at record speed and at the highest prices ever,” Tennen said.

Golden Marine Systems played a role in the recent reopening of Gulf Harbour Yacht and Country Club in Fort Myers after the devastation of Hurricane Ian. Phase 1 of the restoration project has been completed, showcasing a selection of 101 slips capable of accommodating boats up to 80 feet in length just 18 months after the storm. Golden Marine Systems and contractor, MidCoast Marine, employed the top-of-the-line 950 Series double track for the main sections and 850 Series for the finger piers, ensuring both durability and functionality. Sixteen-inch GMS adjustable cleats, featuring the Gulf Harbour logo, adjustable pile guides and finger piers were integrated to provide the finishing touches. Custom utility troughs with removable panels were installed for easy access to utilities. Also included were Endeck Ashwood decking and facia, complemented by heavy-duty D-Fenders for added protection.

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The 2024 Golden Opportunity Scholarship has been awarded to Amanda Holcroft. Presented by Golden Manufacturing and the Association of Marina Industries (AMI), the scholarship provides financial assistance to deserving marina industry professionals.

Holcroft will attend an upcoming AMI Certified Marina Manager (CMM) course for marina managers and operators. The AMI Training Institute has classified over 400 individuals with this distinction.

“Achieving CMM certification is a fantastic opportunity to further my career, network with other industry professionals, and obtain valuable information that can be implemented in the marinas I oversee,” said Holcroft. “I’m honored to be a recipient of the scholarship and can’t thank Golden and the AMI enough for this amazing opportunity!” A graduate of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Holcroft oversees the day-to-day operations of four Newburyport Marinas in Massachusetts.

“We are very fortunate and happy to award this year’s scholarship to Amanda,” said Michael Shanley, Golden Marine Systems president. “The CMM program offered through AMI is the most comprehensive and prestigious designation that a marina professional can achieve. We encourage current and future marina professionals seeking this designation to apply for the Golden Opportunity Scholarship at www.marinaassociation.org/goldenscholarship.”