Shelter Island Boat Launch Repairs Began January 27, 2025

The Port of San Diego commenced repairs on the west side of the Shelter Island Boat Launch Ramp on Monday, January 27, 2025, with the project scheduled for completion in April. During this time, the east side floating dock remained open and accessible, and the Port anticipated it would stay operational throughout the repair project.
The repair work included pumping approximately 200 cubic yards of sand underneath the damaged floating docks and depositing it onto the adjacent upland beach along the existing concrete boardwalk to address erosion issues. Crews also installed neoprene sleeves and stainless-steel wedge anchors along the existing seawall to prevent future sand migration. Damaged floating docks were removed and replaced with a newly installed floating dock.
Construction activities required rerouting pedestrian and vehicular traffic around the work zones. Noise disruptions from machinery and construction operations were experienced during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
In June 2023, significant damage to the west floating dock was identified due to sand accumulation, which caused the dock to bottom out at low tide. For public safety, the Port closed the dock while keeping the east side floating docks accessible to boaters. Following the closure, the Port’s engineering department and consultants conducted an extensive investigation into the cause and extent of the damage. They discovered that gaps in the western wall of the facility, designed for wave attenuation, had widened beyond expectations, and filter fabric meant to prevent sand migration had deteriorated. These issues were further compounded by frequent and intense winter storms, which were unforeseen during the facility’s design and construction.
To prevent future sand migration and restore the dock, the Port and its consultants developed solutions to cover the wall gaps and replace the damaged floating dock. This complex project faced challenges due to in-water work, the need for multiple permits, and the custom design of the floating dock. The Port obtained required permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), as well as approvals under the Coastal and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Special conditions were implemented to minimize disturbance to eelgrass in the launch basin, prohibiting sand removal equipment within the basin.
With design and contingency costs included, the total anticipated cost of repairs reached nearly $717,000. In October 2024, the Board of Port Commissioners approved a $386,775 construction contract with Harbour Constructors Co. to carry out the repair work. Additionally, the Port negotiated directly with Bellingham Marine to manufacture the custom-designed replacement dock for $266,114.
The Port of San Diego expressed confidence that these measures would restore the west floating dock to full functionality while preventing future damage, ensuring the continued safety and usability of the Shelter Island Boat Launch Ramp for boaters.