Fort Lauderdale’s Oldest Family-Operated Marina – Continuous Service Since 1948
Lauderdale Marina is Fort Lauderdale’s most historic and beloved yachting destination, offering over 75 years of continuous family operation since its founding in 1948. With 60 premium slips for vessels 40-80 feet, the iconic 15th Street Fisheries Restaurant (legendary waterfront dining), an on-site Boston Whaler dealership (Fountain PowerBoats), full-service boat yard, fuel dock, and deep connections to Fort Lauderdale’s yachting heritage, Lauderdale Marina represents the finest traditions of personal service, reliability, and community that made Fort Lauderdale the “Yachting Capital of the World.” This is where generations of boaters have called home.
Marina Overview & Location
- Address: 1535 SE 15th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Location: New River, Downtown Fort Lauderdale
- Phone: (954) 522-2033
- Website: www.lauderdalemarina.com
- Email: Through website contact form
- Founded: 1948 (75+ years continuous operation)
- Type: Family-owned full-service marina
- Management: Same family ownership since 1948
- Slips: 60 premium moorage spaces
Lauderdale Marina – Fort Lauderdale
Lauderdale Marina sits on the New River in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale, just steps from the vibrant 15th Street dining and entertainment district.
Table of Contents
Historic Family Legacy
75+ Years of Excellence (Since 1948)
The Lauderdale Marina Story
In 1948, the site of the marina was a closed, highly secret research station for submarine torpedoes of World War II. It was so far “out of town” that the police pistol firing range was on the same dirt road, SE 15th Street, at what is now Cordova Road.
Robert Cox, making a permanent move from New York to Fort Lauderdale, arrived in Port Everglades in 1946 on a deep draft motor sailer. He was astonished to find that there was no place where the water was deep enough to dock his 9′ draft boat. The Navy torpedo research station was the only spot with enough depth to accommodate Cox’s vessel.
Cox, recognizing that the miles of empty Fort Lauderdale waterways would someday be lined with homes and boats, all of which would have to pass the torpedo station on their way to the ocean or up and down the Intracoastal Waterway, negotiated with the owners of the land and in 1948 opened Lauderdale Marina as a fueling station.
“How well I remember that day we opened,” said Cox. “We sold 48 gallons of gas to a customer who not only filled his small boat’s tank but also a bunch of 5 gallon cans. Asked why he filled the cans, too, the customer said he was tired of carrying fuel from a highway gas station and, from the looks of the marina’s early dock, wasn’t sure how long we would be in business.”
Evolution Through Generations
- 1948: Robert Cox founded Lauderdale Marina as a fueling station on the site of a former WWII Navy torpedo research facility
- 1949: Cox, an engineer fascinated by fiberglass, opened the first sales agency for fiberglass boats in the State of Florida
- 1976: The Cox family erected the waterfront building that would become 15th Street Fisheries in 1978
- 1986-1991: Robert Cox served as Mayor of Fort Lauderdale
- 2007: The Cox family (Drum and Clark descendants) took over operation of 15th Street Fisheries
- 2013: Robert Cox passed away, leaving a legacy that transformed Fort Lauderdale yachting
- Today: Three generations of the Cox family guide the marina complex – Scott Clark (President, Lauderdale Marina), Kelly Drum (President, 15th Street Fisheries and The Shipyard holding company)
What Sets Them Apart
- Family ownership – Same family since 1948
- Continuity – Stable, predictable management
- Personal relationships – Know boaters by name
- Time-tested service – Generations of expertise
- Community commitment – Invested in Fort Lauderdale
- Professional standards – Consistent quality
- Trust – Earned over 75 years
Marina Facilities
60 Premium Slips
Accommodation
- 60 slips total – Varied sizes
- Vessels 40-80 feet – Mid-range yachts
- Floating docks – Modern construction
- Protected basin – Safe anchorage
- Fresh water – Dockside connections
- Electrical service – Multiple amperage
- 24/7 access – Convenient scheduling
- Professional staff – Knowledgeable crew
Services
- Fuel dock – Diesel and gasoline (major fuel dock on the Intracoastal Waterway)
- Pump-out – Sanitation services
- Ice – Block and cube
- Provisioning – Local shopping assistance
- Boat yard – In-house repair capability
15th Street Fisheries Restaurant
Legendary Waterfront Dining Institution
Historic Establishment
15th Street Fisheries has been the heart of Lauderdale Marina since 1978, earning a legendary reputation for fresh seafood, expert preparation, and waterfront ambiance. The structure was designed by architect Bill Bigoney, a Harvard-educated designer whose specialty was rustic, tropical design.
The restaurant was founded in 1979 by Michael Hurst, a past president of the National Association of Restaurants and a professor at Florida International University. Under the name “15th Street Fisheries & Boathouse,” it quickly became one of the most popular eating establishments in South Florida.
After Mike Hurst’s passing in 2001 and his son Andy’s untimely death in 2006, the Hurst family sold the rights to the restaurant name and operation to the Cox family (Lauderdale Marina owners) in 2007.
What Makes It Special
- Fresh fish daily – Local catches featured
- Classic preparations – Traditional recipes
- Expert chefs – Culinary excellence
- Waterfront seating – Marina and river views
- Casual atmosphere – Relaxed elegance
- Boat-friendly service – Walk from your slip
- Destination restaurant – People visit from across region
- Multi-generational – Families return year after year
Menu Highlights
- Fresh local grouper, snapper, mahi-mahi
- Stone crab (seasonal)
- Shrimp and oysters
- Classic seafood dishes
- Steaks and chops for non-seafood lovers
- Award-winning preparations
Boston Whaler Dealership
Fountain PowerBoats Dealer
Boat Sales
- Boston Whaler dealer – Iconic center console boats
- Fountain PowerBoats – Performance boats
- New boats – Latest models
- Trade-ins – Boat brokerage services
- Financing – Boat loan assistance
- Service support – Professional technicians
- Marine Industry 5-Star Dealer certification
Why Lauderdale Marina
Bringing together boat sales, service, and marina operations creates a complete boating ecosystem where customers can purchase, maintain, dock, and enjoy their vessels in one integrated location.
Full-Service Boat Yard
Professional Maintenance & Repair
Services Available
- Mechanical work – Engine service and repair
- Hauling and storage – Boat lift capability
- Bottom cleaning – Maintain hull condition
- Fiberglass repair – Structural and cosmetic
- Electrical systems – Troubleshooting and repair
- Plumbing systems – Fresh water and sanitation
- Canvas and upholstery – Custom work
- Detailing – Professional cleaning
- Parts and repair services
Professional Team
- Factory-trained mechanics – Certified technicians
- Experienced crew – Years of expertise
- Quality focus – High standards
- Customer service – Personal attention
Location Advantages
Heart of Fort Lauderdale
By Water
- New River access – Downtown location on Fort Lauderdale’s historic waterway
- Intracoastal Waterway – Connected waterways
- Port Everglades – 3 minutes by boat
- Atlantic Ocean – 10 minutes to open water
- Protected basin – Safe anchorage
By Land
- 15th Street – Heart of dining district
- Downtown Fort Lauderdale – Walking distance
- Las Olas Boulevard – 10-minute walk
- Fort Lauderdale Beach – 15-minute walk
- Fort Lauderdale Airport – 15 minutes
Nearby
- Restaurants and bars – Immediate vicinity
- Shops and services – Walking distance
- Culture and entertainment – Complete district
- Banking and services – Full availability
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Common Services Available
- Boat maintenance – Routine service
- Engine specialists – All makes and models
- Bottom work – Cleaning and painting
- Fiberglass repair – Structural and cosmetic
- Electrical systems – Troubleshooting
- Mechanical systems – All boat systems
- Canvas and upholstery – Custom work
- Detailing – Professional cleaning
- Propeller service – Repair and balancing
- Rigging work – Sailboat specialists
Why Choose Lauderdale Marina?
Historic Excellence Since 1948
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Legacy | 75+ years same family operation since 1948 |
| Slips | 60 premium slips for vessels 40-80 feet |
| Dining | 15th Street Fisheries legendary waterfront restaurant |
| Boat Sales | Boston Whaler dealership with 5-Star certification |
| Service | Full boat yard with professional repair services |
| Heritage | Fort Lauderdale’s boating heritage preserved |
| Service Quality | Family-owned attention to detail |
| Location | Heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale on New River |
| Amenities | Fuel, provisions, complete marina services |
| Staff | Experienced, knowledgeable crew |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Lauderdale Marina been in operation?
Since 1948 – over 75 years of continuous family operation, making it Fort Lauderdale’s oldest family-owned marina.
What size vessels can the marina accommodate?
60 premium slips accommodate vessels from 40 to 80 feet.
Is 15th Street Fisheries restaurant on-site?
Yes, this legendary waterfront dining institution has been at the marina since 1978 and is now operated by the same family that owns the marina.
Can I purchase a boat at the marina?
Yes, Lauderdale Marina is an authorized Boston Whaler and Fountain PowerBoats dealer with Marine Industry 5-Star certification.
Are boat repair services available?
Yes, the marina has a full-service boat yard with factory-trained mechanics and comprehensive repair capabilities.
How close is the marina to the ocean?
Lauderdale Marina is located on the New River, approximately 10 minutes by boat to the Atlantic Ocean via Port Everglades (3 minutes away).
What makes Lauderdale Marina special?
Over 75 years of family ownership, continuity, personal service, and deep connections to Fort Lauderdale’s yachting heritage make it unique.
Contact Information
Lauderdale Marina
1535 SE 15th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: (954) 522-2033
Website: www.lauderdalemarina.com
15th Street Fisheries: On-site dining
Hours: 24/7 slip access
Emergency: 911 or Coast Guard Channel 16
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Lauderdale Marina – Where Fort Lauderdale’s boating heritage thrives since 1948
