Fort Pierce Sports & Outdoors Tips by grandmaR

MM 965.1 Harbortown Marina

From their website - 10 reasons to go to Harbortown

1) Convenient Location:
In the deep water Port of Ft. Pierce, Florida. No bridges to inlet.

2) Uncongested and Modern:
Shore grounded electric - no stray currents eating your zincs. All conveniences at your slip.

3) Refueling & Repair Facilities:
Full Service Boatyard with a "Do Your Own" program available. Bulk fuel discounts.

4) Protected Fresh Water Harbor:
1400' rock jetty protects your boat.

5) All types of marine oriented businesses on premises:
You need it.... We'll get it for you.

6) Quick U.S. Customs:
Right at your slip.

7) Low Year Around Rates:
Also available for combination long term dry storage and wet slip dockage.

8) Restaurant and Deli on Premises:
Great food and friendly service!

9) Pool & Picnic Area under Pavilion:
Marina socials, cookouts, fishing tournaments, recreation and relaxation.

10) Family Owned and Operated:
A friendly atmosphere that comes from a family operated business.

11) The Real Reason?
We'll Spoil You. . . . . We Promise! :-)

Equipment: In 2001, Harbortown was 95 cents a foot with no extra charges except Florida tax. The marina is family run, and the workers are helpful and knowledgeable.

In 2003, it was $1.00/ft

Address: 1936 Harbortown Dr., Fort Pierce, FL 34946-1446

Phone: (772) 466-7300

Theme: Boating/Sailing

MM 966.1 Fort Pierce City Marina

This marina is on the south side of the inlet. There is a vicious current out at the transient docks.

We got in just as the marina was closing.
Hours of operation: 7am-8pm (Sun-Thur) 7am-10pm (Fri-Sat)

The marina cost is $1.00/foot plus $4.00 for 30 amp and taxes of $2.86

They give BOAT/U.S. discounts: $0.10 off per gallon on fuel, free pump out!

"Located in the heart of downtown Fort Pierce, Fort Pierce Marina is operated by the city and features two yacht basins. The outer basin accommodates vessels up to 175 feet and has 93 floating, concrete docks. A breakwater offers wave protection. New wiring, cable TV and telephone hook-ups are available at each slip. The dock master is on duty, and the fuel dock is open, 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., seven days a week. The attractive harbormaster's building houses modern tile showers, restrooms, a laundry and offices. In close proximity to the marina are car rentals, shopping and provisioning assistance, limo, and hotel referrals for guests who are unfamiliar with the area. Fax and copier services are also available. Gas and diesel are competitively priced. The grounds are beautifully landscaped. Additional 220-foot and 156-foot alongside tie-floating docks have been built to accommodate 100-foot mega yachts. New Deep Water Channel to be completed in 2003."

Equipment: 240 Floating and fixed docks!
Electricity: 30/125A, 50/220A, 100A Shore side services
Fresh water
Cable TV
Pump out
Laundry services
Local transportation available
Ice
Texaco marine fuel
Local ATM at Dockmaster's office
Gift shop
Credit cards: MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Texaco
Marine services: mechanical, canvas, fuel filtration, electronics, electrical, refrigeration, air conditioning, boat cleaning and detailing services, and yacht brokerage.

By Land: Take I95 or Turnpike to Fort Pierce exit. Take SR70 (Okeechobee Road) east to US 1, head north to Ave.A (approx. 2 miles), then turn right. This will take you directly to the marina.

Address: 1 Ave A, Fort Pierce, FL 34950-4411

Directions: W. side of the ICW, 2 mi from the Ft Pierce inlet. Entrance channel 1/2 mi S of Peter Cobb Bridge (MM 965) and 1/4 mi. S of ICW marker 188. Call on VHF channel 16 (working channel 9) for directions into the marina and information on the currents.

Other Contact: (800) 619-1780

Phone: (772) 464-1245

Theme: Boating/Sailing

Website: http://www.fortpiercecitymarina.com/

ICW Mile 965 Anchorage

We anchored south of the bridge and off Harbortown Marina. We now prefer to go to the marina (see Marina tips)

It was ***very** windy (not protected from the east where the wind is coming from), and the boat swings **wildly** in the current - completely out of synch with the other 3 boats here. Every time the bridge opens it is noisy (bridge horn etc.) but there are almost no openings at night.

The boat rocks as it swings. It took Bob 2 tries to get the anchor set, and that almost never happens. Also the chart shows 8 feet, and the area has lumps. Tried to turn just after going through the bridge and it is shoaled up by the bridge. The shoal goes south down almost to the red marker that shows the marina entrance. There are also other lumps.

Anchoring closer to shore may be less current. We seemed to swing more than the other boats, and the wind was the same for all of us so it's probably that we have a deeper, larger keel and the current affects us more.

Address: 27.28.164N 080.19.470W

Directions: Just south of the bascule bridge north of Ft. Pierce - outside Harbortown Marina

Theme: Boating/Sailing