World’s largest mobile boat hoist arrives at Derecktor Ft. Pierce

After a long wait due to the effect of the coronavirus pandemic, the first components of Derecktor Ft. Pierce’s mammoth mobile boat hoist have begun arriving on site.

Measuring more than 2.5 metres (8 feet) tall and weighing more than 10,000 pounds each, the 32 wheels give an inkling of the enormity of the machine they carry.

Once assembled, the lift will be the world’s largest, with a capacity of 1,500 tons – the equivalent of nearly 8 Boeing 747 airplanes. It will also be the heart of the shipyard’s first phase of operation. With the ability to haul vessels up to 76 metres (250 feet) in length from the water for service work quickly, safely and efficiently, Derecktor Shipyards will offer the growing global fleet of larger mega yachts benefits unmatched by any U.S. shipyard.

While the lift is assembled, work on the haul-out basin to accommodate the historic machine continues. This 67-metre (220-foot) long by 15-metre (50-foot) wide slipway, with a water depth of 6.5 metres (21 feet), will allow the machine to hoist all but the very largest yachts quickly, safely and efficiently, and then precisely position them on the 12-acre site.

“This gives us the ability to save time and money for our customers who before this have had to rely on dry docks for haul-outs,” said Justin Beard, marketing and sales development for Derecktor. “Before this, large sailing yachts have generally not looked to U.S. yards for service due to the lack of suitable haul-out facilities. It opens an exciting new market to us and the industry in Florida.”

Derecktor Ft. Pierce anticipates hauling operations to commence in May and is now scheduling haul-outs and service work.

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