Marina Mile Location – Now Part of Lauderdale Marine Center – 88-Ton Travel Lift
Important Update: River Bend Marine Center at 1515 SW 20th Street, Fort Lauderdale, was acquired by Lauderdale Marine Center (LMC) in July 2015 as part of Carlyle Group’s purchase, adding 15 additional acres to LMC’s facility. The River Bend property is now integrated into Lauderdale Marine Center’s operations, one of the largest recreational service and repair facilities in the United States with 60+ acres and hauling capacity up to 485 tons.
Historical River Bend Marine Center Overview
Original Facility (Pre-2015 Acquisition)
Former Address: 1515 SW 20th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
Former Phone: (954) 523-1832 / (954) 524-5710
Website: https://www.simplymarinas.com/marina-sold/river-bend-marine-center/
Current Status: Integrated into Lauderdale Marine Center operations
Type: Full-service boatyard for mid-range yachts
Location: Marina Mile entrance, State Road 84, Fort Lauderdale
Travel Lift: 88-ton Marine Travelift capacity
Maximum Vessel: 18-75 feet
Philosophy: DIY-friendly with professional contractor support
Hours (Historical): Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
River Bend Marine Center – Fort Lauderdale
River Bend Marine Center occupied prime Marina Mile real estate at the entrance to Fort Lauderdale’s famous marine services corridor, immediately adjacent to what would become Lauderdale Marine Center’s expanded facility.
Table of Contents
2015 Acquisition by Lauderdale Marine Center
Expansion of South Florida’s Premier Yacht Facility
Carlyle Group Investment
In July 2015, the Carlyle Group acquired Lauderdale Marine Center plus the 15 additional acres to the facility’s east known as River Bend Marine Center. Since the acquisition, Carlyle has invested over $35 million into the combined facility, transforming it into the leading recreational service and repair facility in the United States.
What This Means for Boaters
River Bend’s former property is now part of Lauderdale Marine Center (LMC), which spans 60+ acres and offers:
- 200 in-water and out-of-water berths
- Hauling capacity up to 485 tons (five travel lifts: 75-ton, 100-ton, 145-ton, 220-ton, 485-ton)
- Vessels from 30-50 meters (approximately 100-165 feet) with capability up to 64 meters (210 feet)
- 20+ on-site tenant companies representing all major shipyard trades
- 300+ authorized local contractors
- Unique marketplace model with no hidden fees or contractor markups
- Marine Foreign Trade Zone designation
- Full-time Health, Safety and Environmental staff
- 24/7/365 security
- YOT Bar & Kitchen waterfront restaurant
- 1,500 square foot gym
- Mobile app for customer service requests
Historical River Bend Services (Pre-2015)
What River Bend Offered
88-Ton Travel Lift Capability
Travel Lift Specifications:
- 88-ton Marine Travelift capacity
- Vessels 18-75 feet in length
- Professional lift operators
- Pressure washing below waterline prior to blocking included
- Safe positioning and block storage
- Haul-outs for sail and powerboats
DIY-Friendly Philosophy
River Bend pioneered a self-service approach for budget-conscious boat owners:
DIY Services Available:
- Large workspaces for boat repair efficiency
- Room to pull car or truck next to boat for tool and supply access
- Vacuum sanders available for rental to prepare hull without mess
- Owner-operated work with labor cost savings
- Professional guidance available when needed
- Flexible scheduling on owner’s timeline
Professional Contractor Services:
- Contractor directory of active professionals
- Qualified contractors for hull and bottom painting
- Full-service options for those preferring professional work
- Access to Marina Mile’s extensive marine services network
On-Site Marine Supply Store
River Bend featured a comprehensive marine supply store:
- Full line of antifouling paint
- Primers and zincs
- Stainless steel fasteners
- Painting supplies
- Marine equipment and parts
- One-stop shopping for project continuity
Marina Mile Strategic Location
Heart of Fort Lauderdale Marine Services
The former River Bend location (now part of LMC) remains strategically positioned:
Location Advantages:
- Marina Mile entrance – Gateway to Fort Lauderdale’s marine industry epicenter
- State Road 84 – Major marine services thoroughfare
- Adjacent to I-95 – Easy highway access (LMC is visible from I-95)
- New River – Direct waterway access 4 miles inland
- Fort Lauderdale – Yachting Capital of the World
- Port Everglades – 10 minutes to ocean inlet
- Bahamas and Caribbean – Ideal stop-off point for cruising yachts
Water Access:
- New River – Direct protected waterway
- Intracoastal Waterway – Connected regional system
- Port Everglades Inlet – Quick ocean access
- Atlantic Ocean – 15 minutes via inlet
- Protected inland location – Hurricane preparation advantage
Historical River Bend Philosophy
Budget-Conscious with Professional Support
River Bend’s original approach combined:
Self-Service Benefits:
- Owner control and decision-making
- Significant labor cost savings
- Professional guidance available when needed
- Facility access and workspace
- Tools and equipment available
- Flexible scheduling on your timeline
- Budget-friendly maintenance approach
Professional Backup:
- Expert contractors when needed
- Quality assurance options
- Safety support and emergency assistance
- Access to Marina Mile’s specialized technicians
- Marine supply store for parts continuity
This philosophy continues at LMC through their marketplace model with owner choice and no contractor markups.
Services That Were Available at River Bend
Complete Boatyard Capabilities (Historical)
Haul-Out & Storage
- 88-ton travel lift for vessels 18-75 feet
- Pressure washing included with haul-out
- Block storage for extended projects
- Hurricane preparation services
- Survey haul-outs for pre-purchase inspections
Hull & Bottom Work
- Bottom painting (DIY or professional)
- Hull pressure washing
- Fiberglass repair by specialists
- Gelcoat restoration
- Osmotic blister treatment
- Structural repairs
Mechanical Services
- Engine service and repair (all makes/models)
- Engine rebuilds and overhauls
- Transmission work
- Shaft and propeller service
- Fuel system service
- Hydraulic system maintenance
Systems & Equipment
- Electrical work and installations
- Plumbing (fresh and saltwater)
- HVAC climate control systems
- Rigging service for sailboats
- Canvas and upholstery custom fabrication
Current Lauderdale Marine Center Services
Expanded Capabilities Since Acquisition
LMC now offers significantly more extensive services than historical River Bend:
On-Site Tenant Companies (20+):
- All major shipyard trades represented
- Specialized superyacht service providers
- Builder aftersales centers (Cheoy Lee, Ferretti Group, Princess, others)
- Brokerage houses including Northrop & Johnson
Additional Amenities:
- YOT Bar & Kitchen – 5,000 sq ft floating dock restaurant/bar
- Fitness Center – 1,500 sq ft gym
- Upgraded WiFi – Throughout facility
- Mobile App – Reservation/service requests, facility map, contractor directory
- Certified Coatings Division – Professional antifouling application
- Marine Foreign Trade Zone – Benefits for foreign flagged vessels
Security & Safety:
- 24/7/365 dedicated security team
- Two full-time Health, Safety and Environmental staff
- Comprehensive safety protocols
Find Professional Boat Services
Need Services at Former River Bend Location?
YachtService.VIP connects you with certified professionals serving Lauderdale Marine Center (formerly River Bend) and Marina Mile.
Common Services Available
- DIY project support – Expert guidance from LMC contractors
- Professional engine work – All makes and models
- Bottom painting – DIY with equipment rental or professional application
- Hull repair – Fiberglass specialists on-site
- Rigging services – Professional sailboat work
- Canvas and upholstery – Custom fabrication
- Electrical work – Marine specialists among LMC tenants
- Propeller service – Professional reconditioning
- Survey haul-outs – Multiple travel lift options
- Hurricane preparation – Secure storage and haul-out
Comparison: Historical River Bend vs. Current LMC
| Feature | River Bend (Pre-2015) | Lauderdale Marine Center (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Acreage | ~15 acres | 60+ acres (includes former River Bend) |
| Maximum Capacity | 88 tons, 75 feet | 485 tons, 210 feet (64 meters) |
| Travel Lifts | One 88-ton lift | Five lifts (75/100/145/220/485 tons) |
| Berths | Limited | 200 in-water and out-of-water berths |
| Target Vessels | 18-75 feet mid-range | 100-210 feet superyachts (30-64 meters) |
| DIY Philosophy | Yes, self-service | Yes, marketplace model with owner choice |
| Contractor Model | Directory available | 20+ on-site tenants, 300+ authorized contractors |
| Marine Store | On-site | Multiple suppliers and chandleries nearby |
| Investment | Original facility | $35+ million since 2015 acquisition |
| Restaurant/Bar | None listed | YOT Bar & Kitchen on 5,000 sq ft floating dock |
| Gym | None listed | 1,500 sq ft fitness center |
| App | None | Custom LMC mobile app |
| Security | Standard | 24/7/365 dedicated team |
Why Choose Lauderdale Marine Center (Former River Bend Location)?
“A Yard Above” Marina Mile Excellence
- Expanded Capacity: From 88-ton to 485-ton capability with five travel lifts
- 60+ Acres: One of the largest recreational service facilities in the United States
- Marketplace Model: Choose your contractors with no hidden fees or markups
- DIY-Friendly: Owner project management still supported
- Professional Options: 20+ on-site tenant companies for turnkey service
- Marina Mile Location: Heart of Fort Lauderdale’s marine services epicenter
- $35+ Million Investment: Modern facilities and infrastructure since 2015
- Builder Partnerships: 13+ international builders’ “Yard of Choice”
- Marine Foreign Trade Zone: Benefits for foreign vessels
- 24/7/365 Security: Dedicated professional team
- YOT Bar & Kitchen: Waterfront dining and relaxation
- Mobile App: Convenient service requests and facility information
Weather & Boating Conditions
- Year-Round Boating: Excellent South Florida climate 12 months
- Water Temperature: 72-86°F
- Air Temperature: 68-90°F
- Best Months: November – April (peak season, drier weather)
- Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30 (secure inland location with haul-out capability)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is River Bend Marine Center still operating independently?
No, River Bend was acquired by Lauderdale Marine Center in July 2015 and is now integrated into LMC’s operations as part of their 60+ acre facility.
Can I still do DIY work like I could at River Bend?
Yes, Lauderdale Marine Center maintains a marketplace model where owners can manage their own projects and choose contractors without markup, preserving River Bend’s DIY-friendly philosophy.
What happened to the 88-ton travel lift?
LMC now operates five travel lifts with capacities from 75 to 485 tons, providing significantly more capability than River Bend’s original 88-ton lift.
Is there still a marine supply store?
LMC has multiple on-site tenants and nearby chandleries providing comprehensive marine supplies. The original River Bend store model has been replaced by expanded options.
Can I still haul smaller boats (18-75 feet)?
Yes, LMC’s 75-ton and 100-ton lifts can handle vessels in the range River Bend originally served, though LMC focuses primarily on 100-210 foot superyachts.
What’s the advantage of the Marina Mile location?
Unmatched access to Fort Lauderdale’s marine services epicenter with 20+ on-site companies, 300+ authorized contractors, and proximity to specialized suppliers and technicians.
Connect with YachtService.VIP
Find certified professionals for boat services at Lauderdale Marine Center (former River Bend location).
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River Bend Marine Center – Now Part of Lauderdale Marine Center – Marina Mile Excellence with Expanded Capabilities and Continued DIY-Friendly Philosophy Since 2015 Acquisition
