Top Harbor Master Shares Insights on What Makes a Great Private Marina in Florida

Located at the southernmost tip of Hutchinson Island on Florida’s east coast, Sailfish Point is home to one of the top private marinas in the country. Sailfish Point Harbor Master, Captain Ray Reganato, has been captaining boats and managing marinas since 1989 and is a renowned industry expert. Although he often shares his technical tips and boating industry secrets with Members at Sailfish Point, he is now sharing his unique perspective with us on what makes a great private marina.

Protection While Docked

When selecting a marina, it’s important to take note of how your vessel will be protected when not in use. Top private marinas take on-site security seriously, with gated premises, round-the-clock personnel, and video cameras providing an added layer of security. Even more critical is the protection of the harbor in case of a storm. This isn’t just a consideration in the event of hurricanes but everyday weather events. The design of the marina should minimize wave action and incorporate piling designs that ensure the ability to secure the vessel to combat the rise and fall of the water level.

“Choosing the right marina is a lot like buying a house,” said Reganato. “You not only have to be sure the slip is right for your particular boat, but also have to check out the neighborhood and explore the marina’s security measures. When purchasing a slip, take a few moments to study the accessibility of the docks–the direction of the prevailing winds, strength of the current, and overall depth of the water.”

On-Site Amenities and Conveniences

Getting out on the water quickly and returning home with ease have a real impact on the quality time spent enjoying your marina lifestyle. Ensuring that the facility’s amenities are plentiful and meet expectations should also be pivotal in the decision-making process. Create a list of facilities that are most important for your family’s needs and take note of where they are located in comparison to your slip. Certain amenities are a must-have, including electrical hookups and fuel and pump-out services. More luxury marinas may also include on-site dining and shopping options, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and more. Having a Ship’s Store to shop for essentials like drinking water and food as well as live bait and tackle is also highly desirable.

“At Sailfish Point, Members have full access to all the services they need whenever they need them,” said Reganato. “The Yacht Club serves complimentary coffee each morning. The Chandlery, our ship’s store, is filled with kayak and paddleboard rentals, fishing and snorkeling gear, live bait and tackle, boating safety equipment, and anything else Members would need to enjoy a day out on the water.”

Marina Staff Ready to Assist

A sign of a great marina is often its team of trusted and well-trained staff. From helping tie up and launch a vessel to guiding on the area’s fishing hot spots, these experts are always willing to lend an extra hand and offer valuable advice. Additionally, when a boat needs routine maintenance, take note of the nearest service station. If the marina staff have the qualifications and training to repair and maintain boats on-site, boaters can avoid time-consuming and costly transfers to a better-equipped harbor.

“The marina team should be just as active and engaged with the boating world as its patrons,” said Reganato. “They should be prepared to not only assist with maintenance and technical needs, but also provide a wealth of information about the local hotspots for boating.”

Find Your Second Family

Perhaps the most important, consideration is the comradery amongst boaters at the marina itself. Many in the boating community are social and friendly, and marinas can bring these groups of individuals with shared passions together. Choose a facility that organizes regular gatherings like boat shows, fishing tournaments, or group day trips. Many private marinas also have dedicated social clubs with meetings for specific types of boating and watersport enthusiasts.

“A marina is your home away from home,” said Reganato. “It should be more than just a place to tie up your boat. Many make long-term friends through their marinas and build a lively community. Plus, it’s nice to be able to help each other with docking from time to time.”

The Largest Private Marina in Florida

At Sailfish Point, residents enjoy a full-service marina that is truly in a league of its own. The protected harbor is one of Florida’s largest privately owned, deep-water marinas, with 84 water slips that can accommodate vessels up to 125 feet in length, along with an additional 45 dry slips. The marina’s waterfront accessibility is one of the main draws to the community, with the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Indian River to the west, and St. Lucie Inlet to the south. Whether Members are looking to cast a line or cruise down to one of the many spoil islands nearby, they love the waterfront lifestyle that’s found along Florida’s Treasure Coast. A full team of professional staff is on-hand to arrange charters, private cruises, day trips, fishing tournaments, and more.

Florida’s Premier Waterfront Club Community

From an active and involved membership to its luxurious setting on the tip of Hutchinson Island, Sailfish Point is truly a one-of-a-kind community. With a wide range of amenities including a par-72 Nicklaus Signature golf course and tennis facilities featuring 8 HydroGrid^® courts, residents have everything they need without leaving the comfort of their homes. As the epicenter of activity, the Oceanfront Club includes dining venues, a pool, and a spa. Sailfish Point also benefits from a private helipad, along with Stuart’s Witham Field and the Palm Beach International Airport to the south for seamless transportation in and out of the area.

520 distinctive homes provide an astounding array of living possibilities, including spacious beachfront properties, oceanfront condos, link-side villas, and townhomes with private boat docks. To learn more about the luxurious lifestyle offered at Sailfish Point and the wide variety of residential real estate available, visit SailfishPoint.com or contact the Sailfish Point Realty team at 772-225-6200.