Merrill-Stevens Set to Grow

Megayachts aren't the only things getting bigger these days: The service yards they head to are as well. Case in point, Merrill-Stevens, the Florida-based yard that got a green light for a $55-million expansion in late July.

Located on the Miami River, Merrill-Stevens wants to take over some land adjacent to its current spot to create a yacht-repair staging dock and training/apprentice facilities. While construction won't begin until 2009, when the project is complete, the yard should be able to service yachts to 250 feet.

But refit and repair aren't the only things that will be addressed. In an interesting move, Merrill-Stevens is also emphasizing the beautification of the waterway, so it plans to add two pedestrian paths along the river and dress up the general landscaping of the facility. It also is working with the Historical Museum of Southern Florida to create a historical exhibit space that will include everything from photos to tools used in the marine trades to showcase how the industry has evolved in the state.

West Bay's Back

Despite rumors to the contrary when the yard emerged from bankruptcy protection last July, West Bay SonShip is still in business.

Last August, for example, the British Columbia yard opened a division for refit and repair work. Called West Bay Marine Services, it includes a 4,500-square-foot covered floating service bay and 250-ton marine ways, all for boats 40 to 100 feet. And in new-construction news, West Bay is beginning work on a 54-foot raised-pilothouse motoryacht with twin 715-hp Volvo Pentas and two staterooms; completion is expected this summer. West Bay also has a five-stateroom 110 cockpit motoryacht under construction, for completion next year. Both yachts are for sale; further details are available on West Bay's Web site.

Strapped In

Your eyes aren't deceiving you; that's one heckuva yacht sitting in that TraveLift. To be specific, she's the 192-foot Ronin, and she and the TraveLift just made the record books. For not only is Ronin the largest private yacht ever hoisted by a TraveLift, but the 660-ton crane itself is the largest one at an American shipyard, Marine Group Boat Works in San Diego. And get this: The crane is just the second one made in the USA to be able to lift 500 or more tons, constructed in Wisconsin and shipped to Marine Group Boat Works in several pieces—carried on 19 18-wheelers.

Now that's what we call a heavy load.