Collaboration sets groundwork for advanced drystack build

Bon Secour Marina in Alabama, USA, part of the Legendary portfolio of marinas, has been dramatically revitalised with a 507-slot drystack storage facility designed and built by Florida-based Mack David Buildings. The highly anticipated and ambitious project represents a new benchmark in boat storage buildings.

The concept of the drystack storage marina was born out of a need for a more efficient, secure and visually appealing solution for boat storage. Legendary, a premier provider of marine services in the USA and the Bahamas, sought to enhance Bon Secour Marina to accommodate a growing clientele of boat owners. Recognising the potential for drystack to achieve this aim, the company turned to David Coyle, owner of Mack David Buildings, for a functional and durable solution that incorporates several cutting-edge features.
“Mack David Building’s combination of competitive pricing and knowledge of marina operations stands out in this specialised industry,” said Legendary vice president Rodney Chamberlain. “David Coyle can create conceptual graphics very quickly to ensure that I, as the owner, get exactly what I am expecting.”
Coyle brought not just his extensive experience in marina construction, but also his knack for innovation to the table. One of the standout features of the marina is his proprietary no-tool-needed quick-release bolt system for bunker boards. This system allows for easy adjustments and maintenance, significantly reducing the time and effort required to reconfigure storage spaces to accommodate different boat sizes.
Additionally, the marina includes adjustable ground stands and ‘easy-adjust’ racks. These features provide flexibility and convenience for marina operators, allowing them to more efficiently access and manage boats. The adjustable racks and boards can be easily modified using the marina forklift.
The Gulf Shores region is no stranger to extreme weather conditions, making durability a critical factor in the design and construction of the marina. It is, therefore, built to be hurricane-rated, incorporating robust materials and construction techniques that provide enhanced resistance to high winds and storm surges.
The use of high-strength steel frames and reinforced concrete foundations ensures that the marina is not only durable but also provides a safe and secure storage solution. The design also includes strategic drainage systems to manage rainwater and prevent flooding, further enhancing the marina’s resilience.
The successful completion of the marina was the result of a collaborative effort between Coyle and the experts at Legendary. From the initial concept to the final touches, the project was characterised by a shared vision of excellence and innovation. Legendary provided valuable insights into the specific needs of boat owners, ensuring that the design was both practical and attractive. Coyle, meanwhile, focused on translating these requirements into a robust and aesthetically pleasing structure. The result is a marina that not only meets the functional needs of boat storage but also enhances the overall appeal of the site.
Boat owners can now enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing their vessels are stored in a secure, hurricane-rated facility. The ease of access and maintenance provided by the design features further enhances the marina operator’s experience, making it simpler and more convenient to manage boats.
The project also lays out the groundwork for future advancements in the field of marina construction. “The marina truly is state of the art,” said Jeremy Holcomb CMM, general manager Legendary Marina and Yacht Club, Gulf Shores. “The wide drive aisles allow us a clean swing on boats up to 50ft [15m] on a maximum of two points. In addition, the fire suppression design makes moving beams quick work for crew when necessary. The dual bridge design makes for a friendly and safe transition from vehicle to boat. You traverse down a beautiful promenade and beneath the launch bridges, never walking across the busy forklift pad.”
“In addition to a vast in-water staging area, we also have 30 ground racks for flushing and washing, as well as 70 outside raised racks for staging up to three high. This assembly line from launch, retrieval, staging, wash/flush and back to the vessel’s home, makes for an incredibly efficient launch and retrieval operation,” he added.
The Mack David/Legendary team effort will be repeated as another creative collaboration is on the horizon for Legendary’s Bluewater Cay Marina in the Bahamas. This is described as the first of its kind for storing 65ft (19.8m) boats weighing 55,000lbs (25,000kg). Wiggins Lift will design and build a new forklift to handle boats of this size.
“The new Legendary Marina at Blue Water Cay will be the first true dry storage facility in The Bahamas,” claims Rodney Chamberlain. “The Bahamian dry storage market has been ignored for many years, so there is a lot of excitement for us to bring this marina online. The current government recognises the need for this marina and the benefits it brings to local Bahamians, so it has been a real collaborative effort throughout this process.”
The new drystack should be completed by mid-2025 but may edge into the third quarter.