Iconic Pink Shell Resort Marina reopens after Hurricane Ian

Pink Shell Resort Marina © Martin Flory Group

When Category 5 Hurricane Ian tore through Fort Myers, Florida, in September of 2022, it destroyed numerous marinas, including Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina. The first in the area to begin rebuilding, the resort's bayside docks are back in operation and better than ever, with a state-of-the-art Golden Marine Systems floating aluminum dock array.

Ian's 19' storm surge damaged the first and second floors of the Pink Shell hotel but didn't affect the building's overall structural integrity. Resort owner Boykin Management Co. quickly turned the facility into emergency housing for relief workers, contractors and displaced residents. Once hotel remediation was under way, the focus quickly turned to rebuilding the obliterated marina.

Certified by DQS Inc. to ISO 9001:2015 standards, Golden's Fort Myers production facility suffered damage but was able to quickly begin building the replacement docks. "Special thanks goes to Mike Shanley and the Golden production crew for their dedication, which facilitated the transformation of our space into a fully operational marina within 14 months, just in time for the season," said David O'Connor, Pink Shell Marina dock master. "Their commitment to our project was much appreciated."

Golden 850 Series Single Track System and Golden 100 Series Commercial Gangways are built of 6061-T6 aluminum for exceptional strength and longevity. Integrated E-Tracks now allow Pink Shell Marina to easily add and move cleats as needed for specific vessels. Flexi-Block connectors virtually eliminate noise as dock sections flex and roll from waves and wakes.

Only five of the 33 internal piles needed to be replaced, meaning new dock sections needed to be very precisely manufactured to fit the existing piles. A longtime Golden dealer, RJ Gorman Marine Construction, installed the main dock and 13 fingers. "Golden did an outstanding job of fabricating the new docks to fit around the undamaged piles," said co-owner Jared Gorman. "The installation went perfectly." Endeck composite decking, 12" Golden adjustable cleats, and new 30-, 50- and 100-amp power pedestals completed the rebuild.

Award-winning Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina is a full-service, 12-acre beachside destination resort. It offers studio, single- and two-bedroom accommodations, each with guaranteed beach views. The resort offers its guests a spa, fitness center, three pools and two restaurants. Its website is www.pinkshell.com.

For more information contact Golden Manufacturing, Tel: +1-239-337-4141. Email: and/or visit www.goldenboatlifts.com; www.goldenmarinesystems.com.