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.”