Floating Docks in Florida: Custom Aluminum Systems at Safe Harbor Old Port Cove Marina

May 09, 2023

Aluminum floating docks at Safe Harbor Old Port Cove Marina in North Palm Beach, Florida, showcasing durable marina infrastructure by MAADI Group.

Engineering High-Performance Aluminum Floating Docks and Wave Attenuators for Florida’s Coastal Marinas

Florida’s coastal lifestyle relies on durable, forward-thinking marine infrastructure. As demand grows for sustainable and low-maintenance waterfront solutions, floating docks and breakwaters in Florida are becoming the preferred choice for marinas, developers, and waterfront property owners. MAADI Group leads this shift by delivering advanced aluminum floating wave attenuators engineered to protect marina dock systems—specifically designed to withstand Florida’s challenging coastal conditions. A 2007 project at Old Port Cove Marina in North Palm Beach—now integrated into the Safe Harbor Marinas network following its acquisition by Blackstone Infrastructure—remains in excellent condition and stands as a testament to MAADI Group’s engineering expertise and leadership in aluminum floating dock and wave attenuator solutions.

Why Aluminum Floating Docks Are Ideal for Florida

Aluminum floating docks offer numerous advantages over traditional wood or steel alternatives—especially in Florida’s saltwater environments. Lightweight yet incredibly strong, marine-grade aluminum is naturally corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for humid, high-salinity locations like the Florida coast. It withstands UV exposure, salt spray, and daily tidal shifts without warping, rotting, or requiring constant maintenance.

MAADI Group’s floating docks are engineered with these conditions in mind. Our systems are designed to handle heavy foot traffic, accommodate wave movement, and offer long-term reliability in hurricane-prone areas. They also provide a sleek, modern appearance that complements Florida’s upscale marina settings.

Showcase Project: Safe Harbor Old Port Cove Marina, North Palm Beach

Aerial view of Safe Harbor Old Port Cove Marina in North Palm Beach, Florida, showcasing aluminum floating docks and numerous luxurious yachts moored.
An aerial perspective of Safe Harbor Old Port Cove Marina in North Palm Beach, Florida, highlighting the extensive aluminum floating dock system and a variety of luxurious yachts docked in this vibrant coastal marina.

One of MAADI Group’s most notable contributions to marina infrastructure dates back to 2007, with the complete engineering design of the aluminum floating wave attenuator at Old Port Cove Marina—now known as Safe Harbor Old Port Cove in North Palm Beach. Located in North Palm Beach, this full-service marina caters to vessels ranging from 45 to over 200 feet in length, and it required a high-performance floating dock system to match its premier status.

This project highlights MAADI Group’s deep expertise in aluminum marine engineering, delivering innovative solutions tailored for coastal environments where durability and wave protection are essential. The floating wave attenuator, designed entirely by MAADI Group, was created to provide effective wave energy dissipation and long-term structural performance—especially in hurricane-prone regions where marina infrastructure faces constant environmental stress. Leveraging the properties of marine-grade aluminum—such as corrosion resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio, and a low modulus of elasticity—MAADI Group’s design incorporates custom hollow extrusions with integrated accessory tracks for T-bolt fasteners. These tracks enhance both structural rigidity and adaptability, allowing for seamless attachment of cleats, bollards, ladders, and other marina components. The result is a modular, durable floating system that ensures stability and flexibility under dynamic wave conditions.

The wave attenuator was purposefully engineered to withstand high wind and wave pressures, with flexible joints between sections to absorb movement and reduce stress. In shallow water settings, pile-guided support systems provide directional stability while allowing vertical motion through free-heave. Designed to handle wave heights up to 3 feet and winds of 74 mph, the system offers proven protection during severe coastal storms. Unlike traditional concrete or rock breakwaters, MAADI Group’s aluminum floating wave attenuator offers a sustainable and environmentally sensitive alternative. Its modular design minimizes ecological disruption, preserving water flow and marine biodiversity. This project demonstrates MAADI Group’s commitment to engineering solutions that combine environmental responsibility with long-lasting performance—delivering superior shoreline protection and vessel safety for modern marinas. MAADI Group engineered this floating wave attenuator and also specializes in designing and manufacturing modular aluminum docks for marinas—delivering long-term durability, structural strength, and modern aesthetics across projects in the U.S. Gulf Coast and Great Lakes regions.

Old Port Cove Marina accommodates 143 berths starting at 45 feet, with robust aluminum framing and integrated utility channels to support power, water, and data connections. The floating dock structure is built to withstand wind, waves, and tidal fluctuations without compromising safety or comfort. The result is a clean, efficient, and future-ready marina that stands as a model for waterfront development in Florida and beyond.

Full-Service Expertise: Design, Engineering, Manufacturing, Installation

MAADI Group stands out in the marine infrastructure industry with over 20 years of specialized experience in aluminum marine structures—serving boat owners, marina operators, shipyards, and port authorities. Unlike many providers, MAADI does not rely on third-party manufacturers; we control every step of the process in-house, from design and engineering to fabrication and delivery. This integrated approach ensures seamless execution and consistent quality across all marina and floating dock projects. With deep expertise in both the U.S. Aluminum Design Manual and Canada’s CSA S157 aluminum design code, we custom-engineer every solution to meet site-specific conditions, performance requirements, and client goals. Our engineers perform load analysis, wave dynamics modeling, and environmental assessments to ensure optimal dock performance.

From CAD and 3D modeling to certified welding and marine-grade finishing, every step is handled in-house to guarantee quality and accountability. Our installation team coordinates with local authorities, navigates tight urban spaces, and delivers turnkey solutions with minimal disruption to waterfront operations.

Whether you’re building a new marina or upgrading an existing one, MAADI Group delivers precision-engineered aluminum floating docks that exceed expectations in Florida’s challenging coastal conditions.

Compatible with Technomarine™ Dock Systems – Aluminum Dock Hardware and Accessories for Maintenance and Repairs

In addition to custom-built floating docks, MAADI Group also supplies rare and hard-to-find parts that are fully compatible with legacy Technomarine™ marina systems. As Technomarine™ components become increasingly difficult to source, our inventory of compatible accessories offers a valuable resource for marina managers, yacht clubs, and waterfront developers across Florida.

Whether you’re repairing, renovating, or expanding an existing dock system, MAADI provides everything from aluminum cleats, ladders, bollards, and utility channels to complete gangways and structural components—all designed to integrate seamlessly with Technomarine™ specifications.

Learn more about our replacement parts and how they can extend the life and performance of your existing marina infrastructure: Technomarine-Compatible Dock Parts

Why Choose MAADI Group for Floating Docks in Florida?

MAADI Group brings over two decades of marine and structural engineering experience to every project. Our floating docks are trusted by public agencies, private developers, and marina operators across North America. We understand Florida’s environmental challenges and regulatory landscape, and we design with resilience, efficiency, and aesthetics in mind.

Key benefits of our aluminum floating docks include:

  • Corrosion resistance in saltwater environments
  • Long service life with minimal maintenance
  • A choice of decking materials, including premium hardwood for a refined, upscale finish
  • Customization for vessel sizes, traffic volume, and site geometry
  • Modular design for fast installation and future expansion
  • Full compatibility with Technomarine™ dock systems and accessories

Let’s Build Your Next Waterfront Project

Whether you need a complete marina overhaul, a floating dock extension, or replacement parts like new dock decking, Flexiblock rubber connectors, or cleats, MAADI Group has the experience and capacity to deliver. Our aluminum floating docks combine technical excellence with modern design, offering safe and attractive access for all types of watercraft.

Explore the Old Port Cove project or contact us directly to start planning your Florida waterfront upgrade today.

For more info on our floating docks