Demolition, dredging, 10,500 sq. ft. facility part of multimillion-dollar plans
SOMERS POINT — South Jersey Yacht Sales is moving forward in a big way on improvements to the showroom and service area at 680 Bay Ave.
Demolition of the building is set to commence Feb. 16 to make way for the South Jersey Yacht Sales Showroom and Corporate Headquarters.
George C. Robinson III, president and owner, said the improvements are a continuation of his commitment to upgrade the facility after acquiring it in late 2020. In addition to the facilities in Somers Point, the holdings include a 10-acre site in Egg Harbor Township, where there is storage room for about 350 boats as well as service and repair shops.
Originally from Ambler, Pa., the family has been spending summers at their home on 17th Street in Ocean City since 1966.
“Our vision when we purchased the showroom and marina two years ago was to upgrade the property and transform it into a state-of-the-art sales office and best-in-industry service center,” Robinson stated in a news release.
Following demolition next week, plans call for a 10,500-square-foot showroom with enough room to display center-console boats up to 60 feet. Completion is anticipated in mid-November.
The building will feature the latest in energy-efficient mechanical, lighting, insulation, roofing and climate-control systems, the release states.
It will include 12 offices for administrative and sales professional staff members. Office space will also be provided for Dynamic Stabilizer Co., a state-authorized SeaKeeper sales and installation leader.
In addition to the showroom, other major capital improvements are planned for the service center and marina, the release states.
Among work planned this winter is dredging the entire 42-slip marina to accommodate larger vessels.
Robinson said new composite bulkheading and a new marina outer breakwater are also being installed.
In addition, the rebuild of a 24-foot by 75-foot liftwell has been completed to better accommodate a 70-metric-ton Travelift.
A new concrete forklift launch/haul pad has been completed and a total remodeling of the service center office building includes the addition of a kitchen and a customer waiting lounge, according to the release.
Other improvements either already completed or scheduled include the addition of a boat lift self-propelled remote operated trailer and installation of new security cameras and lighting around the facility.
“These improvements to our facility in Somers Point will help us continue to be the leader in sportfishing yacht sales and service in the region for many years to come,” Robinson said.
He called Somers Point a “strategic location.”
“That whole region from Atlantic City to Avalon is very strategic in terms of the number of boaters in the area,” he said, noting a dramatic increase in sales nationwide since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Robinson said he has worked closely with city officials and professionals. The Planning Board granted its approval to the project in 2021.
“I have found Somers Point City Council to be very helpful and supportive,” he said. “The permitting process was very easy and they did a fine job of getting the contractor the permits.”
He noted Council President Janice Johnston’s love of boating means she “understands the needs of the boating community.”
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff