Marinalife is pleased to announce this year’s photography contest that showcases the joy of boating and good times on the water.
We welcome snapshots that capture moments of maritime merriment — the freedom of getting back on the water after a long winter, a memorable boating experience with family and friends, a special seaside vacation, the thrill of water sports, an epic fishing trip where you reeled in a trophy catch, or the face of a pet who’s too cute for words. Whatever floats your boat, we’d like to see it.
Who’s Eligible: Everybody is invited — from amateur shutterbugs to seasoned photographers — to send your favorite shots of what you love most about the cruising lifestyle and high seas adventures.
By Friday, July 21, 2023, submit your favorite photos. Limit of up to 3 photos per person that are high resolution (300 dpi, 2 mb or 600 kb). Please include a brief description of the photo’s location, the photographer’s credit, and your contact info, email and phone.
Winners: Our staff will select the first, second and third place winners and runners up whose photographs will appear on our website and in the fall 2023 issue of Marinalife. Prizes will be announced soon.
For related questions, email submissions@marinalife.com
Based out of Fort Myers, FL, Golden Boat Lifts has been a leading marine manufacturer for more than 30 years, growing and expanding projects worldwide. Innovator of top-notch boat lifts and marine products, Golden is proud to announce the launch of three groundbreaking items that are changing the game in the marina industry.
The following new products are designed to enhance the boater experience and provide quality structures that guarantee customer satisfaction.
This revolutionary boat lift system seamlessly blends with any waterfront property. Engineered for discretion and performance, the Invisilift is designed to be invisible when not in use, preserving the natural beauty of the surroundings. Its robust construction and advanced technology ensure it performs a smooth and reliable operation, providing boat owners with peace of mind and a sleek, unobtrusive solution for convenient accessibility.
The new lift offers unparalleled results when it comes to versatility. Perfect for locations where traditional lift installations are not feasible, this freestanding model is designed to support a range of boat sizes and types. Its modular design allows for easy customization and relocation, making it an ideal choice for both private docks and commercial marinas. Constructed with marine-grade materials, the Freestanding Lift guarantees durability and longevity in harsh marine environments.
This innovative lift is set to pioneer the way boaters dock and store their vessels, the system combines the convenience of floating docks with the security and stability of traditional boat lifts. Featuring a user-friendly design, the Golden Float Lift allows for effortless docking and retrieval of boats, reducing the risk of damage and making boating more enjoyable. Its adaptable structure can accommodate various water levels and boat sizes, ensuring a perfect fit for every boater's needs.
With a commitment to innovation, craftsmanship and customer service, Golden Boat Lifts continues to set the standard for excellence in the marine industry. The company’s extensive product range includes lifts for personal watercraft, yachts and everything in between, all designed to make boating safer, easier, and more enjoyable.
For more information about the Invisilift, Freestanding Lift, Golden Float Lift or any other Golden Boat Lifts products, visit goldenboatlifts.com or contact the business development team at 239-337-4141.
From small ports to luxury resorts, marinas are buzzing with news and exciting announcements. Constantly working to meet boaters’ needs from upgraded amenities to new restaurant openings, these properties continue to enhance facilities and make guests feel at home. Check out the latest happenings at the following marinas spanning coastal Florida to the Bahamas and Caribbean.
St. Augustine, FL
Windward Marine Group is taking Florida by storm with renovations and upgrades to their coastal properties. Just two miles from St. Augustine’s historical district, Camachee Cove is proud to announce its completion of the East Bulkhead project and concrete remediation project on the northeast side of the marina. The facility boasts 230 wet slips, four lift slips, high-speed fuel pumps and a service yacht yard.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
This facility offers an unparalleled boating experience that combines cutting-edge technology with luxury and convenience. The new advanced automated crane system ensures quick and safe boat storage for up to 249 boats, all within a Category 4 hurricane-rated facility designed to withstand winds up to 170 m.p.h. To elevate your experience, the marina proudly offers Admiral’s concierge services for a white-glove experience. Enjoy assistance with provisioning and discounted parts and services that ensure your boating needs are meticulously managed. The premier location provides direct access from the ICW and Atlantic Ocean and provides excellent service from proactive care to personalized attention.
Islamorada, FL
The Keys’ former Postcard Inn Resort & Marina recently reopened as the newly revamped Three Waters Resort & Marina situated along 15 acres of scenic oceanfront. The marina offers 18 transient slips accommodating vessels up to 80 feet and on-site laundry and shower facilities. Stock up on fishing supplies at Abel’s Tackle Box & General Goods, stay in an island- inspired guestroom, enjoy nine unique culinary experiences on-site and embark on a world-class fishing fleet.
Key West, FL
This hidden gem located along the Boca Chica Channel boasts a newly rebuilt outer rim. The marina consists of 33 slips ranging from 45 to 80 feet with floating finger piers, as well as hardwood decking and two tiki structures with open water views. In-slip pump out and daily ice delivery (two five-gallon buckets) is included with slip rentals. Enjoy upscale amenities and excursions such as scuba diving and ecotourism adventures.
Abaco, The Bahamas
This gorgeous resort destination located along Marsh Harbour celebrates the completion of a full renovation this year. Established in 1972, the resort was devastated by Hurricane Dorian in 2019, forcing temporary closure followed by a reopening in 2021. The new boutique hotel offers spacious guest rooms and suites with stunning balcony views of the 73-slip marina. Amenities include a heated plunge pool, gift shop and Snappa’s Bar & Grill waterfront restaurant.
British Virgin Islands
Chart your course for Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, the ultimate haven for vessels up to 160 feet in the British Virgin Islands. The resort offers top-tier docking services at its full- service marina, along with indulgent dining outlets and a world-class spa. Shake off your sea legs in their ocean-view villas and suites. A complimentary ferry will take you to Marina Cay for fresh bites, cold beverages, snorkeling and views.
When boaters arrive at The Wharf in Washington, DC, they are greeted with upscale amenities and accommodations in the bustling neighborhood’s recent multimillion-dollar expansion. As the premier waterfront destination continues to grow, the marina is enhancing facilities to make boaters feel at home. Introducing the Floating Showerhouse, a collaborative innovation by Flohom and Seadwell — blending luxury design and convenience to elevate the guest experience.
Located on The Wharf’s Market Docks at the north end of the Washington Channel, the Showerhouse is a spacious floating restroom and shower facility with a cozy hotel feel. After enjoying a day on the water or exploring the District’s historic streets, marina guests can step inside the 30-foot-long, pristine-white, ADA-compliant facility, separated into four private washrooms, each featuring en suite showers, electric water heaters, toiletries and outlets for electronics.
Flohom, a startup that builds houseboats for upscale lodging experiences, partnered with Seadwell, a floating architecture and development company, to bring this concept to life. The unique floating structure is built with high-quality commercial grade finishes and high-end details.
“We’re creating a societal shift to the water,” says Flohom co-founder and CEO Brian Meyer. “This project is an example of a premier destination with a need to upgrade an amenity, and the marina didn’t have to go through the arduous process of zoning and planning on land to redo a bathroom facility.”
Michael Bruce, Flohom partner and founder of Seadwell, says The Wharf Marina was the perfect location to debut the first Showerhouse. Bruce led The Wharf’s waterside Development Team, overseeing construction of all marinas and public piers. This afforded him a unique understanding of the property’s needs as he collaborated with Meyer and the Wharf to replace the former restroom with a modern aesthetic and elevated user experience.
“What’s unique about this location is that it’s at the north end of the Potomac, so it’s a destination marina where guests are usually making a night of it and want to get changed and cleaned up,” says Bruce. “That’s why this marina really needed this key piece to complement the boaters’ experience.”
Weekends at The Wharf’s Market Pier are lively with vessels ranging from commercial charter operators and Carefree Boat Club members to day-docking transients. The new Showerhouse provides exclusive accessibility to marina guests in a safe, gated location.
“There’s a heavy amount of traffic down there and a lot of demand for nice facilities whether it’s to accommodate a guest of a commercial operator or somebody just grabbing lunch at The Wharf,” says Leigh Diemert, general manager of The Wharf Marina. “I think this is an incredible maritime innovation and new concept for real estate on the water.”
The Wharf boasts new restaurants, retail, green spaces, year-round attractions, and marina perks including a swanky boaters’ lounge, dock shop, and one of the only fuel docks on the Potomac River. Upcoming events and holiday celebrations include the Christmas Boat Parade held annually on the first Saturday in December.
The advantage of this style of Showerhouse or another type of floating amenity space is not only the fresh new look and guest experience, but also the convenience for marina owners looking to upgrade.
“A lot of marinas are built in close confines or have fully developed uplands, so there’s not a lot of space for them to upgrade or add amenities,” says Bruce. “There’s land restrictions, and due to higher water level issues throughout coastal regions, floodplain requirements have become more onerous.”
This type of floating facility provides another avenue for marina owners as they look to improve their property and reduce headaches with floodplain, zoning and permitting challenges. The process reduces land disturbances from construction zones, and the team works with developers and staff through the entire process to customize the property’s needs, design and functionality.
Flohom plans to expand to additional facilities in the future such as floating event spaces, dock offices and more, says Meyer.
“We’re excited to explore opportunities and shift society to a more water-centric lifestyle, and this is just one small example of the many things that can be done,” says Meyer. “This concept already exists and is prevalent in other parts of the world, so we aspire to modernize it for people here in the United States.”
Stay tuned for updates at flohom.com and seadwell.com
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