Marine Connection, an award-winning $35M boat retailer with dealerships in West Palm Beach, Miami and Vero Beach, FL, announces plans to open a new sales and full service facility at 17 W. State Road 84 in Fort Lauderdale this October, just in time for the opening of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
The dealership, ranked #16 in 2016 by Boating Industry magazine, will hang its shingle on a prime new 27,000 square foot property including a 2500-square foot building situated along Fort Lauderdale’s famous “Marina Mile,” directly across the street from the largest West Marine storefront in the country and within close proximity to Port Everglades and the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show. It is presently converting a former car retail establishment to encompass an indoor showroom and outdoor lot that will accommodate 40 new and premium pre-owned boats, sales offices, a fuel station, along with a large parts counter and multiple service bays.
“We are very excited about opening this beautiful new dealership in Fort Lauderdale, in one of the premier boating capitals of the world,” said owner Danny Goldenberg of Marine Connection who purchased the property in mid August along with partner John Kutuk. “We chose Fort Lauderdale for our latest expansion due to its strategic positioning between our Miami and West Palm Beach dealership locations, coupled with the popularity of boating in the marketplace. The Fort Lauderdale store will primarily serve boating enthusiasts residing in North Miami Dade and South Broward County.”
Marine Connection will initially sell Cobia, Sportsman and Hurricane brand boats from this location, and will exclusively offer Yamaha power. According to Kutuk, statistics gleaned from a leading marine industry research firm revealed that saltwater fishing boats sold in Broward County increased by 5.42% from June 2016 to June 2017.
“Fort Lauderdale is a major boating community with historically strong sales in our niches of focus. We expect to add $10 million to our top line revenue in our first year by providing boaters in the market with great value and outstanding product offerings, along with truly superior service,” said Kutuk. “Local boaters will appreciate our mobile service and turnkey boat and engine service, electronics/accessories installation, boat detailing and minor gelcoat repair, along with canvas and upholstery, not to mention our convenient access to local ramps and the intercoastal waterway.”
Kutuk also noted that final property renovations are presently underway, with plans for a mid October soft launch, followed by an early November grand opening. He added that the dealership is currently hiring for key management and staff positions in sales, reception, parts, service and general yard/wash support.
“We are looking forward to becoming an active contributor to the Broward County boating scene,” added Goldenberg. “We are all about going where the customers are located and providing an excellent boating experience and that includes convenient service. Our one-stop shop options from Vero Beach to Miami and now including Fort Lauderdale is a clear demonstration of our unwavering commitment to both our customers and to the boating business at large.”
