Seven Isles Vs Nurmi Isles: Which Fits Your Yacht?

Is your yacht the right match for Seven Isles or Nurmi Isles? If you are weighing canal width, bridge clearance, or how quickly you can reach open water, you are asking the right questions. Choosing between these two Las Olas isles is about more than curb appeal. It is about safe navigation, dock fit, and the lifestyle you want at home. This guide walks you through what to verify, how to compare, and practical steps to confirm your yacht will fit before you write an offer. Let’s dive in.

Neighborhood snapshot

Seven Isles and Nurmi Isles sit within Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas isles network. Both offer waterfront living close to beaches, dining, and marinas. The difference often comes down to canal feel, lot patterns, and boating traffic.

• Seven Isles: Often positioned as luxury single-family estates with varied water frontage and quick access to Las Olas Boulevard amenities. Expect a lively boating scene on weekends and strong lifestyle appeal.
• Nurmi Isles: A smaller cluster with an intimate residential vibe in many pockets. Canal geometries and lot sizes can vary more block by block. Many buyers appreciate the added privacy and quieter feel.

Treat these as tendencies rather than rules. Always verify the specific parcel and canal you are considering.

Water access and navigation

Canal geometry and ICW route

Your vessel’s safe operation depends on canal width, usable channel width, and dredged depth at mean low water. Confirm the straight-line distance to the Intracoastal Waterway, plus any tight turns between the dock and the main channel.

• What to check: water surface width between seawalls, obstructions from neighboring docks or moored vessels, and charted depths.
• Where to confirm: NOAA nautical charts and electronic charts for Fort Lauderdale, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers notices on dredging, and City or Broward County waterways maps. Local marina offices and harbor masters can provide practical updates on shoaling.

Charted depths change with dredging cycles and seasonal conditions. Verify recent conditions before closing.

Bridges and vertical clearance

Some routes rely on drawbridges while others are bridge free. A tall air draft or fixed structures along the route can limit transit.

• What to check: fixed bridge vertical clearances, drawbridge schedules, and any overhead utility lines.
• Where to confirm: Florida DOT and U.S. Coast Guard bridge information, along with City of Fort Lauderdale operating rules.

Never assume a bridge-free run. Match your vessel’s air draft to the verified route.

Turning basins and maneuvering room

Large yachts often need a turning basin or open water pocket to approach and berth safely.

• What to check: presence and dimensions of a nearby turning basin, marina access for turning, and the number of tight turns en route.
• Where to confirm: NOAA charts for public basins, marina diagrams, and aerial imagery. Permit files and seller surveys can reveal private basins.

Required turning room depends on length overall, propulsion, and whether you use thrusters. Have a local captain assess maneuverability before you proceed.

Dock and lot infrastructure

Measure frontage and usable dock length

Do not assume listed “waterfront” equals usable dock. You need exact measurements.

• What to check: lot width, water frontage, bulkhead position, property lines, and setbacks that limit dock configuration.
• Where to confirm: Broward County Property Appraiser records, recorded plats, the seller’s survey, and City of Fort Lauderdale marine permits.

Usable dock length is what matters for fit. Side clearances to neighboring docks also affect safe berthing.

Bulkheads, power and lifts

Dock structure and utilities influence daily use and insurance.

• Bulkhead: note age, height, and structural condition. Ask for repair records and permits.
• Utilities: confirm shore power amperage, water, and lighting match your yacht’s needs.
• Lifts and davits: if present, make sure rated capacity aligns with your boat’s weight and beam.

A licensed marine contractor can provide a condition report and cost estimates for upgrades.

HOA rules and riparian rights

Some blocks or associations may limit dock size, shape, or renting. Review recorded documents and City permit history. Clarify riparian rights and any easements that affect how you can berth or adjust the dock.

Permits, flood and insurance

Permits and dredging responsibilities

Dock, lift, or bulkhead work typically needs Broward County permits and may require state environmental approvals. Certain projects can also trigger U.S. Army Corps review. Dredging duties vary. Municipalities may maintain public channels while owners may be responsible for private access canals or basins. Confirm with the City of Fort Lauderdale or Broward County public works.

Flood zones and storm policies

Use FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps to determine flood zone. Flood and wind exposure affect premiums, and insurers will look at bulkhead condition and how you secure the yacht during storms. Marina or moorage insurance requirements differ from residential policies. Clarify obligations for storm preparation and liability.

Environmental and speed rules

Expect no-wake and speed zones in sensitive areas. Manatee protection and no-discharge rules can affect operations and compliance. Confirm local restrictions with the City or County so your routine runs are smooth and lawful.

Lifestyle and marine services

Proximity to yards and marinas

Many yacht owners value quick access to full-service yards and transient slips. Lauderdale Marine Center supports haul-outs and refits. Bahia Mar and nearby Las Olas marinas provide access to dining, events, and supplies. Being close reduces transit times for maintenance and guest pick-ups.

Traffic, wake and privacy

Seven Isles’ proximity to Las Olas Boulevard can mean more tour and recreational boat traffic, especially on weekends. It brings energy and convenience. Portions of Nurmi Isles may feel more residential with lower wake intrusion, depending on canal placement. Walk the block, ride the route by boat, and talk to nearby marina staff to gauge real-world conditions.

Day-to-day convenience

Both neighborhoods deliver a strong waterfront lifestyle with quick access to beaches and dining. Your choice comes down to the balance you prefer between vibrancy and privacy, as well as how the specific canal fits your yacht.

Buyer verification checklist

Use this step-by-step process before you submit an offer:

1. Define vessel specs: LOA, beam, draft, air draft, displacement, propulsion, and thrusters.
2. Collect property documents: seller’s survey, recorded plat, deed, and any dock or shoreline permits.
3. Confirm measurements: water frontage and usable dock length from the survey. Use City or County GIS and aerials for canal width. Order a hydrographic survey if needed.
4. Check depths and route: consult NOAA charts and U.S. Army Corps notices, then call a local harbor master or marina for recent shoaling reports.
5. Verify bridges: match your air draft to FDOT and USCG bridge data and City operating rules.
6. Inspect structure: have a licensed marine contractor assess bulkhead and dock condition and review permits for past work.
7. Hire specialists: engage a local marine surveyor and a captain familiar with Fort Lauderdale canals to evaluate maneuvering room and side clearances. In complex cases, consult a maritime attorney on riparian rights.
8. Review insurance and permits: discuss flood and wind coverage with your insurer and confirm what future dock changes will require.
9. Conduct an on-water test: perform a boat-in trial or piloted approach with the seller’s permission to confirm real-world turning and berthing.

Which fits your yacht

Choose Seven Isles if you want:

• A luxury estate setting with quick access to Las Olas dining and activity.
• Proximity to marinas and services that support frequent cruising and guests.
• A vibrant waterfront scene and you are comfortable navigating busier traffic patterns.

Choose Nurmi Isles if you prefer:

• A more intimate residential feel and the potential for added privacy.
• Canals that may have varied geometries block to block, which you will verify closely with surveys.
• A quieter boating experience in many pockets while staying connected to the Las Olas network.

In both cases, your best decision comes from measured data and an on-water trial. Confirm your yacht’s fit, then focus on the lifestyle that suits you.

Partner with a local expert

If you want a confidential, end-to-end process that prioritizes your vessel’s needs and your privacy, work with a team that lives waterfront details every day. From surveys and captain introductions to permit guidance and discreet showings, we will help you verify the fit and secure the right property on your timeline. Reach out to SoFloLife at ONE Sotheby’s International Realty to plan your next steps.

FAQs

How can I confirm my 60 to 70 foot yacht will fit?

• Start with the seller’s survey to verify usable dock length and side clearances, then have a local captain assess turning room and consult NOAA charts and a harbor master for depth at mean low water.

Are there fixed bridges between these isles and the ICW?

• It depends on the exact route from your property. Check FDOT and U.S. Coast Guard bridge data and match the verified vertical clearance to your vessel’s air draft.

Who handles dredging if the canal shoals near my dock?

• Responsibility varies by canal. Some public channels are municipally maintained while private access canals or basins can be owner maintained. Confirm with the City of Fort Lauderdale or Broward County public works.

Does lot width equal my usable dock length?

• Not always. Property lines, setbacks, bulkhead location, and neighboring docks can limit usable length. Rely on the recorded survey and permits for accuracy.

What permits are needed to upgrade a dock or lift?

• Dock, lift, and bulkhead work typically requires Broward County permits and may involve Florida DEP and U.S. Army Corps approvals. Confirm scope and timelines with the City before planning changes.