What became of Broward Hull #557 ?? It first appeared in the {Show Boats international} 2003 Global Order Book as a 157’ Cruising Yacht, with an expected launch date of September 2004. And yet, did not appear in the 2004 or subsequent issues of the Global Order Book. Tim Colton, at Shipbuilding History, lists the vessel as “Spec 557” - 160ft. - Completed and for sale in 2006 - but without name or registration. SuperYacht Intelligence post a listing of “Spec 557” a 2007 Broward 48m. No photo, No details. On June 22, 2005 - here at http://www.yachtforums.com/index.php?threads/the-new-browards.3218/ A Broward 160 rendering was posted. Forward to December 30, 2008 Google Earth, offers an archive photo of the Broward Shipyard. Said photo below, shows a 160’(+/-) aluminum hull in-build. Is this “557” we see in the 2008 photo? If so, what became of the yacht? And, where is she now? If this is not a photo of “557” - Can anyone identify this hull? And, where is she now? Thanks
A follow-up, and answer to my own question... I subsequently learned that 557 as shown in the photos above - was scrapped.
Scrapped? That's a lot of hull, time, money and yard use to get cut back up. There has to be a story in there some where. At least make up a good spooky campfire tale..
I wish I had a story. Hulls, 603 & 604 remain stored in the main building, shown in the photo above. Both keels were set in 2008. (see photo, below) Today there are about 67 dormant hulls (>30m) lying around the globe, these are but two. Sooner or later you need to make the decision to cut your loss or continue to pay storage.
Time and dust have done a better job of fairing than Broward could hire. Thank you for the continuing education!
I think Carl has nailed it. These hulls were laid-out as production units under the Lewis tenure, just before they realized (or would admit) the company was dead. I would venture to attest further that TL retains "title" to these two structures... as well as the storage bills.
With the price increase in Aluminum between 2007 and now, they might be able to scrap them and get all of their cost back. LOLOL
That may be true in that part of the world but my scrap guy told me last week that if the aluminum market continues to drop, he will not pay you for it. He will take it but, no cash. Guess I'll switch back to bottled beer.
I heard someone bought the 2 unfinished Broward hulls and is moving them somewhere to be finished and the Broward yard was sold to a developer. Anyone have any news on this?
I was across the canal at Harbour Towne a couple weeks ago. The unfinished enclosed flybridge sportfisher is still there.
