Located on Harbor Island directly across from downtown San Diego, is the premier bayfront dining destination, Coasterra restaurant. With stunning views of America’s finest city, the event float hosting private events recently underwent a cosmetic upgrade to match the restaurant’s upscale design aesthetic.
Right to Left; Before and After of the Coasterra Event Float in San Diego, CA.
While a beautiful event facility once you’re on it, the view from the restaurant of the decades-old floating hopper barge wasn’t up to par with the view of San Diego’s pristine skyline. Due to the long-standing relationship between Bellingham Marine and the property owner, the owners reached out to BMI to figure out what could be done to breathe new life into the lackluster appearance of the event barge.
Tucked in Marin County’s San Rafael Bay located north of San Francisco, lies Safe Harbor Loch Lomond Marina. One of the largest marinas in the North Bay with over 500 slips up to 62’ long, is currently undergoing a cosmetic and structural upgrade that will last for many years to come.
Sometimes marinas are in good structural order and rehabilitation of decking and fendering creates a new look that enhances the cosmetics of the marina. The existing layout worked well, and the existing dock framework was in good working order, so Bellingham Marine is currently installing modern floats, new tri-frames with poly covers, and new composite decking throughout, utilizing the existing framework for a modern, upgraded look with lower maintenance. Continue Reading…
For the marina industry, 2012 continued a steady march forward toward greater innovation, higher customization and a stronger push for value.
The extra wide floating docks at YCCS marina are perfect for accommodating the crowds of people that visit the facility during the club’s annual Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous.
The passing of time is inevitable; another year has come and gone and we are now well into 2013. Part fueled by tighter budgets and part by improvements in materials and technologies, the marina industry is becoming leaner and more advanced.
A look back at the many discussions with owners and developers over the year reveals an ever increasing importance being placed by owners on aesthetics, functionality and last but not least value.
Many of the trends in aesthetics center on customization and personalization. Each year, the number of clients requesting colored and /or stamped concrete docks increases. Rounded finger ends are becoming a standard feature in Australia and are continuing to increase in popularity in the U.S., use of LED lighting is becoming more widespread, and requests for hardwood and composite trim packages are starting to show up in large public projects.
Looking ahead to 2012, customization continues to be a growing trend in marina design.
Looking at Bellingham Marine’s many different projects across the globe, gives unique insight into the worldwide trends in marina design. The company’s clients are diverse and offer a great cross section of the industry – from commercial fishing facilities in Alaska’s remote reaches to the sophisticated super yacht facilities that dot the Caribbean.
A trend that continues to grow in direct correlation with increasing boat size is the general design and layout of the marina. Bigger boats require longer and wider berths, larger fairways and deeper basins. Many also want higher freeboard and wider walkways. Larger boats require more power and often more services. This trend is nothing new for the marina industry and continues to be the driving force behind many marina renovations.
In addition to the increase in average boat size, is the increase in mix of boats. More and more marinas are being asked to cater to a broader range of boaters, which encompasses everyone from kayakers to mega yacht owners. With growth in vessel diversity comes the need to offer a greater variety of moorage and water access options. Where once standard 16” to 20” freeboard was appropriate for all boats in the marina, marinas are now looking to incorporate into their facility low freeboard areas for kayakers, rowing clubs and junior sailing programs, “standard” freeboard for mid-sized boats, and extra high freeboard docks for larger vessels.
Another trend that’s on the rise is customization. Many marinas are looking to set themselves apart and create a unique experience for their tenants. Modern marina designs reflect playful use of architectural design and color that lead to a sophisticated and polished look.