Historic Superyacht Builder & Refit Facility – Custom Yacht Construction Since 1948
Broward Marine Shipyard is an iconic American superyacht builder and refit facility with a legendary 77-year history of excellence. Originally established in 1948 by Frank and Gertrude Denison on their honeymoon in Fort Lauderdale, Broward has built over 300 custom luxury yachts ranging from 18 to 50 meters (60-164 feet) in aluminum and steel. Today, operating in Dania Beach just south of Port Everglades under ownership by Bruce & Chris Moore (since 2009), Broward Shipyard continues its legacy of custom yacht construction, major refits, repairs, and comprehensive maintenance for superyachts, offering design bureau services, close collaboration with renowned naval architects (Evan K. Marshall, Vripack, D. Starkey), professional project management, and the unmatched expertise that comes from decades building the world’s finest yachts.
Shipyard Overview & Location
- Address: 750 NE 7th Avenue, Dania Beach, FL 33004
- Location: South of Port Everglades inlet, Dania Beach, Broward County
- Phone: (954) 927 – 4119
- Website: www.browardshipyard.com
- Founded: 1948 (77 years continuous operation)
- Type: Superyacht builder and refit facility
- Original Founders: Frank & Gertrude Denison
- Current Owners: Bruce & Chris Moore (since 2009)
- Construction Capability: Yachts 18-50 meters (60-164 feet)
- Production History: 300+ yachts built
- Materials: Aluminum and steel construction
- Specialty: Custom yacht construction, major refits, comprehensive repairs
Broward Marine Shipyard – Dania Beach
Broward Marine Shipyard occupies a historic and prestigious position in the superyacht industry, having built some of the world’s most distinguished yachts since 1948 and playing a crucial role in developing the superyacht industry in the Americas.
Table of Contents
Historic Legacy – 77 Years of Excellence
From Honeymoon to Superyacht Dynasty
The Broward Story (1948)
In 1948, Michigan boat technician Frank Denison and his bride Gertrude purchased the site of Dooley’s Dry Dock (formerly Dooley’s Basin & Dry Dock Company, organized in 1937 for the war effort and closed after WWII) while visiting Fort Lauderdale on their honeymoon. Renaming it Broward Marine, they transformed a former defense contractor repair facility into one of the world’s premier superyacht builders.
Frank Denison was already known in the yachting world – he’s credited with installing the first diesel engines in a yacht in the mid-1930s in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and had built a career buying boats on spec, making repairs, and reselling them.
Company Milestones & Evolution
- 1948: Founded by Frank & Gertrude Denison on former Dooley’s Dry Dock site, Fort Lauderdale
- 1948-1953: Service and repair business established
- 1953: First custom motor yacht “Stormy III” (53 feet, wood construction) designed by noted naval architect John Wells
- 1954-1958: Korean War era – Built minesweeper vessels under NATO contract for Royal Dutch Navy
- Four 144-foot wooden minesweepers (first flight)
- Seven 173-foot AMS-class minesweepers for U.S. Navy
- Became largest private employer in Broward County during this period
- 1958: 25-meter (82 feet) luxury yacht “Jonathan III” built for Jim Beam Distilleries owner Harry Blum
- 1970s: Embraced aluminum construction technology, shifting from traditional wooden boats
- 1977: Second facility opened in Saugatuck, Michigan on the Kalamazoo River
- Late 20th Century: Primary focus shifted to custom luxury yacht construction
- 1999: Ownership changed; company renamed Broward Yachts under Glenn Straub
- 2000: Later acquired by Tom Lewis; both yards closed, operations moved to Dania Beach
- 2009: Economic recession – Company restructured; Bruce & Chris Moore took ownership, incorporating Broward Shipyard, Inc.
- Present: Premier refit and repair facility with custom yacht construction capabilities
- Production Total: 300+ yachts built throughout company history
Original Fort Lauderdale Location
The original Broward Marine facility was located where Safe Harbor Lauderdale Marine Center is now situated – on the New River, just east of I-95. This historic site became the birthplace of the American superyacht industry.
Custom Yacht Construction
Aluminum & Steel Construction 18-50 Meters
Construction Capabilities
- Size range: 18-50 meters (60-164 feet) – Full superyacht spectrum
- Aluminum construction – Lightweight, high-performance vessels
- Steel construction – Heavy-duty durability for displacement yachts
- Custom design – Built to owner specifications and preferences
- Displacement hulls – Traditional efficient hull forms
- Semi-displacement hulls – Higher speed capabilities
- Professional builders – Experienced craftsmen with decades of expertise
- Quality standards – Industry-leading construction practices
- Timely delivery – Reliable project schedules and completion
Materials Evolution
Broward yachts were originally built of wood, but as aluminum became the material of choice in the 1970s, Broward’s designers and craftsmen began working the new metal technologies while maintaining traditional yacht lines and proportions.
Design Collaboration
Renowned Naval Architects
Broward works closely with world-class naval architects and designers:
- Evan K. Marshall – Contemporary styling and design; maintains close ongoing relationship with Broward Shipyard
- Vripack – Dutch design expertise and innovation
- D. Starkey – Specialized design solutions
In-House Design Bureau
- Professional design team – Original concepts and modifications
- Naval architecture – Complete engineering expertise
- 3D modeling – Advanced visualization and planning
- Full documentation – Complete specifications and technical drawings
- Flexible collaboration – Work with owner’s chosen architects or use in-house team
Unique Advantage
The ability to design and build boats entirely in-house allows Broward’s team to find effective solutions quickly, maintain flexibility, and react promptly to emerging challenges during construction.
Notable Broward Yachts
Prestigious Build History
“Coco Loco” (Now “Viva Mas”)
- Length: 38 meters (125 feet)
- Launch: 2007
- Exterior styling: Contemporary design by Evan K. Marshall
- Interior design: Evan K. Marshall
- Recognition: Award-winning design
- Current name: Viva Mas
- Significance: Demonstrates Broward’s modern superyacht capabilities
Historic Fleet Highlights
- “Stormy III” (1953): First custom motor yacht, 53 feet, wood construction, John Wells design
- “Jonathan III” (1958): 25-meter luxury yacht for Jim Beam owner Harry Blum
- NATO Minesweepers (1954-1958): 144-foot wooden and 173-foot AMS-class vessels
- 300+ total vessels: Comprehensive production history from 60 to 164 feet
Throughout its history, Broward Marine developed a reputation for building custom yachts that appealed to the most discerning yachtsmen, with designs respected for their efficient hulls and seaworthiness.
Full-Service Refit & Repair
Comprehensive Maintenance Services
Services Offered
- Major refit work – Complete yacht overhaul and modernization
- Hull repair – Structural and cosmetic aluminum/steel work
- Engine service – Mechanical expertise for all propulsion systems
- Propeller overhaul – Professional reconditioning and balancing
- Electrical systems – Marine electrical specialists and upgrades
- Plumbing systems – Fresh water and waste water systems
- Interior renovation – Cosmetic refinishing and upgrades
- Mechanical updates – System modernization and improvements
- Structural modifications – Hull extensions, bulkhead changes
- Equipment installation – Modern systems integration
- Survey support – Pre-purchase and insurance surveys
- Emergency repairs – Rapid response for urgent needs
Professional Approach
- Experienced technicians – Certified professionals with Broward heritage
- Quality workmanship – High standards maintained throughout
- Project management – Coordinated execution across all trades
- Transparent pricing – Clear communication and itemized estimates
- Timeline adherence – Reliable schedules and completion dates
- Owner collaboration – Regular updates and decision-making involvement
- Dedicated account management – Single point of contact for projects
Shipyard Infrastructure
Professional Facilities
Facility Capabilities
- Professional shipyard – Full-service operations in Dania Beach
- Covered work areas – Weather protection for extended projects
- Heavy-lift capability – Hauling equipment for superyachts
- On-shore storage – Secure work areas and yacht storage
- Professional crew – Experienced staff across all trades
- Quality assurance – Inspection protocols and standards compliance
- Modern equipment – Latest tools and technology
- Secure facility – Controlled access and surveillance
Strategic Location
Close to Port Everglades & Atlantic Ocean
Water Access
- Port Everglades inlet – 5 minutes south of facility
- Atlantic Ocean – 10 minutes cruising to open water
- Deep-water access – Professional navigation channels
- Protected waters – Safe operations and sea trials
- Intracoastal Waterway – Connected waterway system
Land Access
- Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) – 10 minutes, 3 miles
- Downtown Fort Lauderdale – 15 minutes via I-95
- Miami International Airport (MIA) – 35 minutes south
- Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) – 40 minutes north
- I-95 Interstate – Quick highway connection for parts and supplies
- Port Everglades – Adjacent cruise terminal and commercial port
Yachting Capital Location
Situated in Fort Lauderdale/Dania Beach – the “Yachting Capital of the World” – with complete marine industry infrastructure, 165 miles of canals, 300+ days of sunshine, and home to the world’s largest boat show.
Industry Leadership
Setting Standards for Superyacht Excellence
What Sets Broward Apart
- 77-year legacy – Proven expertise spanning nearly eight decades
- 300+ vessels built – Unmatched track record in American superyacht construction
- Design excellence – Collaboration with world’s top naval architects
- Professional team – Expert craftsmen with generational knowledge
- Quality focus – High standards maintained since 1948
- Innovation – Modern techniques combined with traditional craftsmanship
- Reliability – Trusted by yacht owners worldwide for decades
- American heritage – One of the pioneering American superyacht builders
- Flexibility – In-house capabilities allow rapid response to challenges
Commitment to Excellence
Broward Marine has played a crucial role in the development of the superyacht industry in the Americas. The ability to design and build boats entirely in-house allows the team to find effective solutions, be flexible, and react quickly to emerging challenges – a competitive advantage maintained throughout the company’s 77-year history.
Find Professional Yacht Services
Need Custom Construction or Refit at Broward Shipyard?
YachtService.VIP connects you with certified professionals serving Broward Marine Shipyard and the superyacht community.
Common Services Available
- Custom yacht construction – 18-50 meters aluminum and steel
- Major refit work – Complete overhaul and modernization
- Engine specialists – Professional propulsion system service
- Hull repair – Structural aluminum and steel fabrication
- Interior renovation – Cosmetic refinishing and upgrades
- Electrical systems – Marine electrical specialists
- Mechanical systems – All boat systems service and repair
- Propeller service – Professional overhaul and balancing
- Project management – Coordinated multi-phase execution
- Design collaboration – Naval architecture and styling
- Survey coordination – Pre-purchase and insurance surveys
- Emergency repairs – Rapid response capabilities
How It Works
- Submit requirements via AI platform with vessel specifications
- Intelligent matching analyzes needs and Broward’s capabilities
- Receive consultation from Broward Shipyard specialists
- Develop project plan with timeline and budget
- Collaborate on design with chosen architect
- Execute construction or refit with professional oversight
- Quality guaranteed – 77 years of proven excellence
Shipyard Features & Heritage
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1948 by Frank & Gertrude Denison on honeymoon in Fort Lauderdale |
| Current Owners | Bruce & Chris Moore (since 2009) |
| Location | 750 NE 7th Ave, Dania Beach, FL 33004; South of Port Everglades |
| Production History | 300+ yachts built; 18-50 meters (60-164 ft); Aluminum and steel construction |
| Materials | Originally wood (1948-1970s); Aluminum primary (1970s-present); Steel displacement yachts |
| Design Partners | Evan K. Marshall, Vripack, D. Starkey; In-house design bureau |
| Notable Yachts | Stormy III (1953), Jonathan III (1958), Coco Loco/Viva Mas (2007, 38m) |
| Military History | Korean War: 144-ft wooden minesweepers + 173-ft AMS-class for U.S./Dutch Navy |
| Services | Custom construction; Major refits; Hull repair; Engine/mechanical; Electrical/plumbing; Interior renovation |
| Facility | Professional shipyard; Covered work areas; Heavy-lift capability; Secure storage |
| Access | Port Everglades 5 min; Ocean 10 min; FLL Airport 10 min; I-95 adjacent |
| Industry Role | Pioneering American superyacht builder; Crucial to Americas superyacht development |
Why Choose Broward Marine Shipyard?
77-Year Superyacht Legacy
- 300+ Yachts Built: Proven track record since 1948
- 18-50 Meter Range: Full superyacht construction capability
- Aluminum & Steel: Multiple construction material options
- Design Bureau: In-house design team with full capabilities
- Renowned Architects: Evan K. Marshall, Vripack, D. Starkey partnerships
- Full-Service Refit: Comprehensive maintenance and modernization
- Professional Team: Experienced craftsmen with generational expertise
- Industry Leadership: Superyacht excellence and innovation
- Modern Shipyard: Professional facilities in Dania Beach
- Port Everglades Proximity: Quick ocean access for sea trials
- Historic Legacy: 77 years of continuous operation and expertise
- American Heritage: Pioneering U.S. superyacht builder
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Broward Marine been building yachts?
Since 1948 – 77 years of continuous operation, making it one of America’s oldest and most respected superyacht builders.
How many yachts has Broward built?
Over 300 custom luxury yachts ranging from 18 to 50 meters (60-164 feet).
What materials does Broward use for construction?
Originally wood (1948-1970s), then transitioned to aluminum as primary material, with steel construction available for displacement yachts.
Who owns Broward Shipyard now?
Bruce & Chris Moore have owned and operated Broward Shipyard since 2009.
Can Broward build a custom yacht to my specifications?
Yes, Broward specializes in custom yacht construction from 18-50 meters with in-house design bureau or collaboration with renowned naval architects.
Does Broward offer refit and repair services?
Yes, comprehensive refit, repair, and maintenance services are available for all superyachts, not just Broward-built vessels.
What was Broward’s most famous yacht?
Recent notable yachts include the 38-meter “Coco Loco” (now “Viva Mas”) launched in 2007 with design by Evan K. Marshall.
Where is Broward Shipyard located?
750 NE 7th Avenue, Dania Beach, FL 33004 – just south of Port Everglades inlet and minutes from Fort Lauderdale Airport.
Contact Information
Broward Marine Shipyard
750 NE 7th Avenue
Dania Beach, FL 33004
Website: www.browardshipyard.com
Owners: Bruce & Chris Moore
Founded: 1948
Hours: Professional operations
Emergency: 911 or Coast Guard Channel 16
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Broward Marine Shipyard – Where 77 years of superyacht excellence continues since 1948
