A series of upgrades including a unique assisted kayak launch and a low freeboard dock for paddle craft open up Coronado Bay to a diverse population of watersport enthusiasts.

Coronado, California, USA – 25 August 2017 – Glorietta Bay Marina in Coronado, California is a public boating facility owned by the City. Bellingham Marine rebuilt half of the marina in 2007. Replacement of C-dock and improvements to the marina’s boat launch were left for a later date.

In 2016, the remaining work at Glorietta went out to bid. Bellingham Marine came in low and was awarded the contract for all land and waterside improvements.

“It was important to the City that they make the most of the renovation opportunity,” shared Kevin Ketchum, Principal and General Manager of California Yacht Marina, operator of Glorietta Bay. “The items most critical to them were better universal access, environmental stewardship and the long-term value of the property.”

Replacement of C-dock included a number of improvements.

• Modern Unifloat concrete docks
• Slip reconfiguration
• Improved ADA access and designated ADA slips
• New fire lines and upgraded power
• New gate, railing, gangway, and abutment pier

Reconfiguring C-dock allowed the City to keep its original 34-slip count but gave them the chance to have some bigger slips.

“Some of the most impressive improvements were made around the boat launch,” said Ketchum. “The old concrete boat ramp was heavily deteriorated. The ramp, boarding float and the assisted kayak launch go a long way in supporting the City’s goal of providing improved access to the bay for the entire community.”

Bellingham Marine overlaid the existing ramp with a precast concrete panel.  A system of keyholes and grout were used to level out the ramp and secure the new panels in place.

“The improved boarding float is ADA accessible and includes a low freeboard aluminum dock with a ramp that allows kayakers to launch themselves into the water – it’s the only one in San Diego,” remarked Eric Noegel, Manager of Project Development for Bellingham Marine.

See additional examples of docks specifically designed for paddle craft at https://goo.gl/ri2VD1.

As the world’s leading marina design-build construction company, Bellingham Marine specializes in floating dock, floating platform and floating wave attenuation systems for marinas worldwide. The company also produces drystack systems for the upland storage of boats.