When I received the laudatory note below from Captain Arnold, I queried him about the reports we had received here on the Cruisers’ Net a couple of months ago, that the docks at Green Cove Springs Marina had been “condemned.” I know from my own visits to this facility, that their physical plant has never been what I would describe as “Bristol.” Be sure to read Arnold’s reply in the second note below.

The lowest cost marina for haul out and DIY yard I have found on the entire ICW is Green Cove Springs Marina some 20 miles south of Jacksonville, FL. So much so that they are currently expanding the yard to accommodate 100 more vessels. 25 ton capacity travel lift – and they also step masts and arrange special repairs.
This is a great marina of the old style. Lots of large bluewater sailboats here – mainly from north USA but also from Canada, Australia, Germany, Denmark, UK, Brazil. The owner types who sail the oceans as if going for a Sunday drive. Very international and friendly people. Even in the cold weather they’re playing bridge and chess on the heated patio. One sailor brought a huge case of fresh picked grapefruit – and another (limit one per person) a big box of yogourt. Not only every possible repair and renovation going on but also a bevy of salty sea stories. They have restrooms, laundry, and a ships store selling stuff at 10% over wholesale cost. Shops and stores are about a mile away – but always many people pleased to give you a ride.
I highly recommend this marina. Check them out at http://gcsm.net/
Captain Arnold
MV Pisces

Good morning Claiborne.
My understanding is that the dock issue is more of an insurance battle to raise premiums. It is also because the dock itself is the property of Reynolds Alluminum and getting them to do anything is both difficult and time consuming. There are many much larger ships at the other 11 docks and really the docks are very durable. Politics may also be involved.
Certainly all boats once tied to the docks have had to leave – but many still store and /or liveaboard either on the hard or on the many mooring balls in 9ft of fresh water. The emphasis of the marina these days is as an excellent vey friendly DIY yard and at prices well below any other marina I have found on the ICW. They have just finished an extra area for another 100 or so boats – with electrical supply and water supply. I would guess there are some 300 boats currenly here on the hard and another 50 at slips (but full).
It’s another Indiantown though they don’t sell fuel.
Captain Arnold
MV Pisces

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Green Cove Springs Marina