Marine Services in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale is the headquarters of the global yacht refit industry. Lauderdale Marine Center, Bradford Marine, Roscioli, and a dozen smaller yards concentrate more refit capability in one zip code than anywhere else on the planet. For cruisers, the question isn't whether you can get something done — it's whether you can afford it.
The cost-conscious path is to use smaller yards (Stuart, Dania Beach, Riverside) for routine work while tapping the Fort Lauderdale specialist trades selectively. Cruisers doing comprehensive refits often relocate to Stuart for the duration and commute to Lauderdale for specialist appointments.
The main yards
- Lauderdale Marine Center — the biggest. Travelifts up to 350 tons.
- Bradford Marine — superyacht refit specialist.
- Roscioli Yachting Center — full service.
- Riverside Marine — cruiser-budget alternative.
- Dania Beach Boatyards — multiple options just south.
- Stuart yards (45 min north) — cruiser-favourite refit base.
What it costs
| Service | Common range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marina berth / day (40 ft) | $80–180 | Wide variation |
| Haul + relaunch (40 ft) | $1,200–2,000 | Higher at LMC |
| Hardstand / month | $700–1,100 | 40-footer total |
| Bottom job (40 ft) | $5,000–8,500 | Full prep, paint |
| Labour / hour | $120–200 | US Florida rates |
| Specialist (composites, hydraulics) | $150–250/hr | Superyacht-grade |
Services available
- Everything. If a service exists in yachting, it exists here. Multiple providers.
- Specialty: Composites, electronics integration, hydraulics, watermaker servicing, paint applicators, sailmakers, riggers, joinery.
- Parts: West Marine, Defender, and dozens of specialty chandleries.
Frequently asked questions
Why Fort Lauderdale?
World's biggest yacht refit cluster.
Cruiser-budget options?
Smaller yards in Dania Beach, Stuart, Riverside.
Cost?
Labour $120–200/hour. Bottom job $5,000–8,500. Marina $80–180/night.
Trade depth?
Unmatched globally.
Alternatives nearby?
Stuart and Dania Beach for cheaper yards with same specialist access.