FORT PIERCE, FL – The big wheels rolled in – by truck. After what seemed an almost endless wait during this pandemic-dominated time, the first components of Derecktor Ft. Pierce’s mammoth mobile boat hoist have begun arriving on-site.
Notable among the huge erector set-like parts delivered by tractor trailer from the Port of Miami were the gigantic wheels. Measuring more than 8 feet tall and weighing more than 10,000 pounds each, the 32 wheels give an inkling of the enormity of the machine they will carry.
Once assembled, the lift will be the world’s largest, with a capacity of 1,500 tons – the equivalent of nearly 8 Boeing 747 airplanes. It will also be the heart of the shipyard’s first phase of operation. With the ability to haul vessels up to 250 feet in length from the water for service work quickly, safely and efficiently, it will offer the growing global fleet of larger megayachts benefits unmatched by any U.S. shipyard.
While the lift is assembled, work on the haul-out basin to accommodate the historic machine continues. This 220-foot long by 50-foot-wide slipway, with a water depth of 21 feet, will allow the machine to hoist all but the very largest yachts quickly, safely and efficiently, and then precisely position them on the 12-acre site.
“This gives us the ability to save time and money for our customers who before this have had to rely on dry docks for haul-outs” said Justin Beard, Marketing and Sales Development for Derecktor. “Before this, large sailing yachts have generally not looked to U.S. yards for service due to the lack of suitable haul-out facilities. It opens an exciting new market to us and the industry in Florida.”
Derecktor Ft. Pierce anticpates hauling operations to commence in May, and is now scheduling haul-outs and service work.
Founded in 1947, Derecktor Shipyards has since become a worldwide leader for excellence in the construction, repair and refit of yachts, commercial and military vessels. Today, four Derecktor facilities span the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S. from Maine to South Florida, offering vessel owners and operators everything from marina space to megayacht construction.
For more information about Derecktor Shipyards, visit www.derecktor.com, email info@derecktor.com or call 772-971-8144.
