CASE STUDY
Naples Boat Club Marina Infrastructure Restoration
Client: Naples Boat Club, Olde Naples, FL
Contractor: Seawall Savers™
Completion
Date: March 30, 2024
About the Client: A Premier Destination in Olde Naples
Located in the heart of Olde Naples, Naples Boat Club is one of Southwest Florida’s most prestigious marina communities. It offers a rare blend of upscale residential units, premium waterfront amenities, and world-class boating facilities. The club serves as a gateway to the Gulf, providing luxury yacht storage, marine services, and coastal living at its finest.
However, even the most exclusive properties aren’t immune to Florida’s coastal forces. After years of use, the club’s boat launch pad and seawall experienced structural failures—jeopardizing both the infrastructure and the safety of guests and vessels.
Project Challenge: Structural Failure of Launch Pad and Seawall
The existing concrete structure had degraded over time due to:
- Design Limitations: The original structure was not designed to support modern vessel sizes and lift equipment.
- Cracking and Collapse: A significant horizontal crack led to full failure of the seawall.
- Pilings Failure: The 14-inch concrete pilings were driven only to the top of the limestone layer, offering insufficient load capacity.
- Deck Complications: The 24-inch-thick concrete deck required precision cutting and high-load support redesign.
These issues culminated in a major failure of the boat launch area, making restoration not just necessary—but urgent.
Project Scope: Advanced Structural Rehabilitation
The Naples Boat Club retained Seawall Savers™ and their sister firm, Coastal Foundation Solutions, to completely reconstruct the failing system. The scope included:
- Helical Tieback Anchors – For lateral resistance and wall stabilization
- Steel Pipe Pilings – To support the new 24-inch-thick reinforced concrete deck
- Micro Piles – Installed to penetrate the subsurface rock and add lateral + tension capacity
Together, these systems restored the seawall’s structural integrity and dramatically extended the life of the marina’s foundation.
Helical Tieback Anchors: Strength in Tension
One of the standout innovations in this project was the use of square shaft helical anchors, known for their high performance in lateral and tensile resistance applications.
How They Work:
- Segmented Shafts – Feature multiple helices welded to a central shaft.
- Independent Load Plates – Spaced along the shaft to allow individual load-bearing function.
- Soil Engagement – Torque is transferred to the soil via the helices, ensuring high holding capacity even in sandy or layered soils.
Installation:
A 14,000-lb excavator fitted with a 14K hydraulic drive head was used to rotate the anchors into position. Installation was closely monitored using digital torque indicators to meet precise load requirements.
Benefits:
- Rapid, low-disruption installation
- No need for massive excavation or driven piles
- Long-lasting corrosion-resistant materials
Steel Pipe Pilings & Micro Piles: Reinventing the Load Path
Due to the substantial weight of vessels and deck materials, the support system was enhanced with:
- 14-Inch Steel Pipe Pilings – Installed to grade, forming the primary vertical support system.
- Micro Piles – Drilled through 5 inches of limestone, nested inside the pipe pilings to add critical lateral and tensile strength.
This hybrid system was ideal for marine settings where rock and tide dynamics pose additional engineering constraints.
Execution Excellence: Zero Margin for Error
Our families experience in marine construction allows us to tackle difficult marine repair projects in Naples, Fort Myers and Marco Island.
Given the high-traffic environment and luxury profile of the property, Seawall Savers™:
- Maintained strict site control to avoid service disruptions
- Preserved aesthetics using non-invasive tools
- Coordinated with engineers, property management, and marina staff for seamless execution
The project was completed on time and within budget, restoring full functionality to the launch pad and seawall with greatly improved structural integrity.
Project Outcomes
The Naples Boat Club now boasts a future-ready marina, reinforced using the industry’s most advanced geotechnical systems. As a result:
- Structural capacity has been doubled to support larger vessels
- Environmental disruption was minimal
- Foundation durability has increased by 35+ years
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Poor piling depth, aging concrete, and heavier loads than anticipated led to collapse.
They offer high load capacity with low environmental impact and don’t require extensive excavation or vibration.
Yes—properly installed, these systems are designed to last 20–30 years with minimal maintenance.
Typical installations take 1–3 weeks, depending on site conditions and scope.
Contact Seawall Savers™ for Expert Marine Foundation Solutions
Protect your waterfront investment with the trusted experts in seawall repair and marina stabilization.
Phone: (239) 9849890
Website: www.seawallsavers.com
About the Author
Charlie Garcia
Florida-Certified Building Contractor | Marine Construction Specialist
Charlie Garcia brings 28+ years of experience in marine structural repair and foundation systems. He holds dual contractor licenses (#CBC1252534, #CBC1263386) and is certified in:
- Helical Piling Inspection
- Deep Foundation Systems
- Foam Injection Grouting
Charlie leads Seawall Savers™ with a mission to combine advanced marine engineering with long-term environmental sustainability.