Welcoming Marine Tech & Celebrating a Successful Storm Haul-Out

Thank you to staff and members for a well-coordinated storm assurance haul-out of 19 boats ahead of Tropical Storm Isaias. It was truly a community effort with, boat owners and Marina Committee members helping one another and assisting staff for a smooth haul-out event. We are grateful that the storm stayed off the coast and passed us by; many communities to the north were not as lucky.

The Dataw Island Marina staff is now employed by our management partner, Marine Tech Services. Much like the management of the Community Center (for which we partner with Carolina Sportscare), we are in the process of transferring Marina operations to the professional team at Marine Tech.

Based in Hilton Head for 18 years now, Marine Tech Services is a family owned boat repair and maintenance outfit that is considered one of the best in the region. They are continuing operations in Hilton Head concurrent to Dataw Island now while planning a full transfer of all service yard operations towards the end of the year, when their lease and current obligations in Hilton Head are satisfied. In making the Dataw Island Marina their home base, Marine Tech will be bringing with them a loyal following of boaters and will provide expertise in both marina and boatyard operations.

Upon first acquiring the Dataw Island Marina, the DIOA managed the much-needed renovations and repairs to the property, drawing on existing resources and talent to keep expenses at a minimum. General Manager Ted Bartlett explains that now that we have a fully functioning marina, the time was right to seek management and operations partners.

“I am thrilled to officially announce and welcome Marine Tech Services,” Bartlett says. “They are an excellent fit for our operation, and the energy and expertise that they have already displayed has been impressive. I look forward to them being here full time and for the plans both organizations have for expanding their involvement.”

In addition to operating the boatyard, Marine Tech Services will be managing the full Dataw Island Marina operation. The arrangement between the two entities, DIOA and Marine Tech, is negotiated to benefit both parties and includes a profit share on services such as new dry stack and slip holders.

“All of us here on the Marine Tech team are very enthusiastic about the new opportunities that our partnership with Dataw Island brings,” said John Torrens, President of Marine Tech. “We are very excited to be offering services from our Dataw Island location as it is more convenient to all of our Northern Beaufort County customers. We expect the full service marina/boatyard amenity to play a significant role in making Dataw Island a major boating destination.”

Marine Tech Services is certified by many major brands, including Yanmar, Volvo, Kohler, Westerbeke, Dometic, Vacuflush, and more. Marine Tech is well-known in the boating world and services many boats doing the “Great Loop,” and also has a number of customers right here in the Beaufort and Hilton Head area.

“Basically, we do everything except canvas and upholstery, and we work with well qualified contractors to provide that service for you!” said Marine Tech General Manager Kristy Carr. “We are currently the on-site service yard provider at Skull Creek Marina in Hilton Head, and we are also a mobile operation, traveling as far as Charleston several times a year. We have worked on boats here on Dataw, at the Beaufort City Marina, Port Royal Landing Marina, Lady’s Island Marina as well as have many regular customers with private docks… ”

And, Dataw member/Marine Tech client Skip Hoyt agrees. “It is so nice to hear ‘yes we can do that’ from the team at Marine Tech. And Chad Langford, Harbormaster, is always willing to lend a helping hand. We have a great team in place at the Dataw Island Marina!”

Mike McMahon, also a Dataw member and Marine Tech client noted, “I am impressed with your company and the customer service you provide – something that is getting to be difficult to find today. Gary Carr did an excellent job in repairing my stern thruster – his people and mechanical skills are outstanding. And Carol has been very helpful in scheduling future work on my vessel, following up on my requests. I will continue to use your services recommending them highly.”

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Isaias gave the Dataw Island Marina team a great heat test last week. Still operating their yard in Hilton Head, Marine Tech oversaw haul-outs for a boats at both ends of the county for Isaias: The Dataw-based staff (now Marine Tech employees) showed great dedication and excellence in executing the operation locally, while the Hilton Head based Marine Tech team successfully fulfilled their previously made commitments South of the Broad.

Carr noted that they were impressed with the Dataw operation, saying “When we asked if the Dataw team needed us to send up extra help, Ted (Bartlett) said, ‘Yes, please on Sunday,’ but by the time Sunday rolled around, they were already just about done! This is testament to their abilities as well to the support they received from the community.”

“I have heard from a number of folks who have taken day trips to the Dataw Island Marina from Hilton Head, and everyone just loves the location” said Carr. “They love how quiet it is and are impressed with the Morgan River Grill. In fact, we’ve had several boat owners who have indicated their interest in moving their boats if there was space.”

When it is safe to once again to hold gatherings, we look forward to hosting a meet & greet with Marine Tech!

Following are some photos of the recent storm haul-out that we thought you may like to see. Thank you again for your cooperation in refraining from entering the boatyard without first checking into the Harbormaster’s Office for permission, as the yard will remain quite busy while we are relaunching the boats.