World’s largest marine forklift transfers go-fast boats in Miami

Need a lift? Your performance power boat can get a ride on Atlas, the world’s largest marine forklift, at Haulover Marine Center located at Bill Bird Marina in North Miami Beach, Fla.

Atlas, a Wiggins Marina Bull forklift, has a 70,000 pound lifting capacity and is the cornerstone of the Haulover Marina’s recent $25 million renovation. Operated by Westrec Marinas, the unique five-tier dry stack features an innovative elevator lift system for retrieving and launching vessels in a fully enclosed facility rated to withstand a category 5 hurricane. Prime materials, including concrete and galvanized steel were used throughout.

As the largest dry boat storage in Miami, the dry stack houses 508 multi-engine, performance powerboats up to 50-feet. Race boats are designed with a long, narrow platform and a planing hull enabling high speeds up to 150mph. With Baker’s Haulover Cut less than one mile from the marina, the propulsion of five, 400HP engines is not required to make it to the Atlantic Ocean from Haulover Point in less than five minutes.  It’s just an adrenaline rush making smoke on the water.

In addition to megayachts and go-fast boats, the marina is home to South Florida's largest charter/drift fishing fleet. With a mile-and-a-half stretch of pristine white sand shores, dunes and open ocean surf, Haulover Beach is one of South Florida’s most beautiful beaches and includes a clothing optional beach and a beach for dogs, in different locations.

Photos courtesy Haulover Marine Center