A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Harbortown Marina lies off the southern shores of the Canaveral Barge Canal between Sykes Creek and the Banana River. This fine facility has now expanded their ship’s store!
Harbortown Marina – Canaveral | Merritt Island Port Canaveral Boat Storage & Fuel
Full Service Marina with Fuel in Merritt Island – Port Canaveral, Florida
Harbortown Marina – Canaveral Continues with Expansion, Hires New General Manager!
Harbortown Marina – Canaveral has recently undergone several on-site expansion and construction projects, including the renovation completion of the on-site restaurant for new tenant, “The Island Dockside Grill at Harbortown”, which opened in April 2017. Other on-site projects include a complete office remodel, the addition of a larger marina store, offering a variety of everyday and boating specific items for sale, new landscaping, plus dock and resident-amenity improvements, including bathroom renovations. In addition to these updates, Harbortown Marina – Canaveral has also brought on board a new general manager for the property, Central Florida’s own, Bill Friedrich.
Bill Friedrich has a history in customer service, spending the majority of his professional career in the Orlando tourism industry. A board member for both the Central Florida Lodging and Hospitality Association, as well as the International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce, Friedrich is no stranger to Florida hospitality. In total, Bill will be bringing over 17 years of hospitality and tourism industry experience to the marina, which is expected to bring more welcome changes to the Harbortown Marina – Canaveral site soon.
“I am truly excited to be part of the Harbortown Team and appreciate the warm welcome to the community.” Bill says. “During my first month at the marina, I saw that we do a lot of things really well. However, continuous improvement in all aspects of our daily operation will be the key to our future success.
I have been delighted with the facility upgrades, which were one of the first steps to enhancing both the customer and the team member experience at Harbortown Marina – Canaveral. I can definitely say there will be more enhancements to come as we strive to be the Space Coast marina of choice.”
About Harbortown Marina – Canaveral:
Harbortown Marina – Canaveral is located in Merritt Island, FL and is a full-service marina offering covered rack storage, long term dry storage,wet slips, and outdoor cradle storage. Public amenities include on-site restaurant & bar, marina store, and ethanol-free fuel on-site. The property is a naturally protected harbor with minimal tidal changes, and provides access to both the Indian and Banana rivers, with deep water access to the ocean via the Canaveral Lock.
A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Harbortown Marina lies off the southern shores of the Canaveral Barge Canal between Sykes Creek and the Banana River. This fine facility has now expanded their ship’s store!
Upgrades, Updates, and More!
Here at Harbortown Marina – Canaveral, we are dedicated to providing a beautiful, comfortable marina for our residents and visitors to enjoy. Harbortown Marina – Canaveral has undergone several improvement projects, including new landscaping, bathroom renovations, a new marina store, and more! These changes, and the changes that are still to come, are all part of why Harbortown Marina – Canaveral is the place to be!
Introducing New Harbortown Marina – Canaveral General Manager: Bill Friedrich
“I am truly excited to be part of the Harbortown Team and appreciate the warm welcome to the community. During my first month at the marina, I saw that we do a lot of things really well. However, continuous improvement in all aspects of our daily operation will be the key to our future success.
I have been delighted with the facility upgrades, which were one of the first steps to enhancing both the customer and the team member experience at Harbortown Marina – Canaveral. I can definitely say there will be more enhancements to come as we strive to be the Space Coast marina of choice.”
A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Harbortown Marina lies off the southern shores of the Canaveral Barge Canal between Sykes Creek and the Banana River. This fine facility has now expanded their ship’s store!
Our Fully Stocked Marina Store is Now Open!
Harbortown Marina – Canaveral is happy to announce that our remodeled Marina Store is now open! Enjoy easy access to all of your boating needs, located right here on the Harbortown Marina – Canaveral property.
You Have the Boat. We Have the Parts!
The marina store carries a variety of parts, nuts, bolts, and fluids for your boat. Whether you are working on a D.I.Y boating project, or a repair, the Marina Store has what you need in-stock or available by special order.
Tell us why you love keeping your boat at Harbortown Marina – Canaveral. Or, if you do not currently keep your boat at Harbortown, tell us why you love boating!
Winner drawn at random. Winner to be announced on 6/28/2017.
You must comment on the original post on the Harbortown Marina – Canaveral Facebook page by 12:00 PM (noon) on 6/28/2017 to enter!
*This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
The Titusville Anchorage/Mooring Field lies south of the Titusville harbor entrance channel. Our thanks to Roger for this report. Titusville is home to SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Westland Marina.
Looks like most of the mooring are stored behind the dumpsters [onshore]. There are about 15 in the field, a long way from the tiny dinghy dock. Went in one day and a 14 ft sailing trihull was straddling the dinghy dock. Since I was going to be on land a few days, I asked about leaving my dinghy someplace out of the way. The guy said leave it where it was. Watch your depth near the dinghy dock ramp. Roger
A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Harbortown Marina lies off the southern shores of the Canaveral Barge Canal between Sykes Creek and the Banana River.
The Wait is Over The management at Harbortown Marina is pleased to announce that the marina restaurant will soon be re-opening as Island Dockside Grill at Harbortown Marina! The new restaurant will open after a period of renovation – Stay tuned for email updates on the exact opening date. With a popular location already open in Merritt Island, Island Waterfront Bar and Grill owners Sue Ponte and Phil Johnson will be bringing their passion for a first rate restaurant experience here to our marina. The new Island Dockside Grill at Harbortown Marina will provide a casual atmosphere, delightful menu, top-notch service, and of course, lovely views of the marina.
Our thanks to Captain Richard Holtz who was able to get out on the Waterway and submit this report.
Cruised this weekend 101616 from New Smyrna Beach to Daytona Beach and back.
Heavy damage noted to Docks from Ponce inlet south to South of the North Causeway on the East side of the ICW. While some of the newest ones survived, more than 80% are in shambles. The CG Station Roof had issues, however the docks seems fine. The condominium marina just to the south {of the CG Station] was wiped out.
Many commercial docks are total destroyed including Riverview Charlies and to the North of the inlet much of Inlet Harbor’s Fishing pier is gone. The floating gas dock at Inlet Harbor is OK however the restaurant took a significant hit. The floating docks at Down the Hatch seem fine, however the restaurant took a hit. The New Smyrna Marina-Outriggers Restaurant has no significant damage. In Daytona Beach Caribbean Jacks’ slips took a major hit.
Surprisingly the Halifax River has somewhat cleaned itself and has less debris than expected.
New shoaling South of Daymark Red “12” to Daymark Red “14” on the backside of Rockhouse Creek where Hunter Creek enters the ICW is significant. See /158393
The Green Daymark “11” at the CG station is gone. The North End Jetty Beacon Ponce Inlet is gone. Many floating markers appear off station. The area to West of inlet know as Disappearing Island has significant sand shifting occurring. With the very high tides it is hard to tell what will be once normalcy returns. Thanks! Captain Richard Holtz
Good to know these folks are okay, but note they are not taking reservations! Cocoa Village Marina occupies the mainland side of the Waterway, just north of the Cocoa bridge and only a few quick steps from the downtown Cocoa business district!
Just wanted to let you know how we did here: The staff at the Cocoa Village Marina worked days in advance, preparing for Hurricane Matthew. We are presently in the damage identification process. Restoration of power, water and internet is underway. Availability of slips will be limited until the completion of dock damage. We are presently not taking reservations for the fourth quarter of 2016. Thanks, Ken
10/17 9:45AM Just a quick heads up letting you know we are now able to take limited, daily rate transient business until further notice. Thanks, Ken Lunden 321-632-5445
Banana River Marina flanks the Banana River’s western banks near unlighted daybeacon #24 off the Waterway via Canaveral Barge Canal. Our thanks to Cap’n Parky for this detailed report and advice.
Banana River Marina, Florida. A Five Star Rating. Up and down the ICW and Chesapeake Bay there are nice smaller marinas at much lower costs than average. The Banana River Marina just south of Cape Canaveral is one of them. Only $7.50 per ft per mo plus metered power. No liveaboard fees or any other hidden charges. There are certain things to be aware of however – as always. 1) Any sailboat with a mast higher than 43 ft cannot get under the three Banana River bridges fixed at 43ft clearance. Currently the river is about 14 inches lower than normal but that also means trouble for any boat with a draft exceeding 4ft 6 ins. 2) Shallows are everywhere but markers very difficult to find. One moment you have 5ft of water and the next second you’re suddenly stuck on a 3ft shoal. Doesn’t matter if you come into the river from the south or the north, you face the same hazards. 3) I strongly recommend you come in from the north via the Cape Canaveral Barge Canal. Stop off briefly at the Harbourtown Marina and with a short bike ride go to the nearby WalMart and buy a fishing chart – which at least gives you some idea of both water depths and markers. 4) You can find the location of the Banana River Marina both on the chart and Google Earth. (Type in Banana River Marina). The approach channel to the marina is very narrow and around 5ft depth. But when you arrive at a small bridge, (which has to be opened by the Dockmaster (Tel (321) 453 7888), stay on the starboard side which is around 4ft 6ins at best. 5) Don’t want to give you the impression that this is too much risk. Just take it easy and keep a close eye on your depth finder and you’ll be fine.
Once safely docked, you will find this marina a very friendly laid back place indeed. With around 60 slips of differing widths, you will find at least 10 liveaboards here – many have been here for years. The toilets and showers are clean but not air conditioned. The laundry is good along with a fine exchange library. Soft drink machines are available but no marine store. There is an adjacent haul out crane and DIY yard with mechanics and other experts available for hire. There are picnic tables – but in the late afternoons the ‘no see ums’ will try to eat you alive. Inside the docks are around 6 huge manatees quietly grazing. Because of the enclosed nature of the marina, it is a fine local hurricane hole – bear this in mind should one be approaching as you too are approaching – you might find no room at the inn……
Within an easy bike ride is a Walmart, other stores and restaurants – though liveaboards with cars will often offer a ride. I’m told there is a free shuttle bus to and from Orlando but haven’t as yet tried it. This is a great spot to see any rocket launch from the Space Center – alas not as frequently as in the heady days of Apollo.
This is a nice peaceful old style inexpensive marina with always someone around to have a chat with or help you with some problem. My intent is to stay here at least for the winter but who knows – maybe I’ll stay around for years and feed the manatees. I could do a lot worse.
Low slip rates, friendly environment, hurricane hole – gets a Five Star Rating in my log. Cap’n Parky MV Pisces
Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy, shares his perspective on St. Augustine, FL, home to three SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS and on Titusville, FL. Our thanks to Jim Healy for sharing his observations!
St. Augustine, FL: The St. Augustine light house is open to the public; the Catholic Cathedral Basilica would be of architectural interest to all; the Fort itself (Castillo de San Marcos) is wonderful, and the docents that do the historical interpretation are excellent. There are many restaurants within walking distance of the St. Augustine City Marina. We like the a1a Ale House.
Titusville, FL: Not really remarkable as a destination in itself, but the Titusville City Marina is an excellent place for boaters to stay in order to visit NASA at Cape Canaveral; the public areas and displays at Canaveral are excellent. It’s also a great place to watch a launch, if one is scheduled.
Construction of Canaveral Lock began in June of 2015, see /149146. Local boaters will especially pleased that the work is now completed, see /156537 and /156009. Canaveral Barge Canal, with a single 600X90ft lock, crosses Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island and intersects the Waterway at statute mile 894. Our thanks to Officer Skolte for this update.
Canaveral Lock returns to normal operating hours 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. daily
Canaveral Lock guidewall construction is complete; Canaveral lock is back to normal operating hours, 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. daily. Thanks for your patience during the construction period. Please share this information on social media on the Jacksonville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleDistrict/ and retweet @JaxStrong.
Thanks as always for helping us to get the word out to the public! Erica Erica Skolte Public Affairs Specialist Corporate Communications Office U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District South Florida Restoration Office, West Palm Beach
Cocoa Village Marina occupies the mainland side of the Waterway, just north of the Cocoa bridge and only a few quick steps from the downtown Cocoa business district!
Great place, friendly, well designed and maintained. Staff are very helpful, and we found electrical repair services right away. Wi-fi is awesome. Rick Cass
If you are a boater or resident in the area and are familiar with the history of the Port Canaveral Lock system, maybe you could address Travis’ questions. I think we would all like to hear from you.
From the Atlantic, Canaveral Barge Canal, with a single 600X90ft lock, crosses Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island and intersects the Waterway at statute mile 894. The lock has been closed Monday – Friday from 7AM to 5PM since June of 2015. See /149146.
I would like to know how we could get the locks open to assist the lagoon as well, and what is the reasoning behind the lock system? Travis Zimmer
As I understand it, the purpose of the Port Canaveral lock is to isolate the port from the Lagoon to avoid strong tidal flow through the port and the attendant shoaling and difficulties for large ship maneuvering that come with strong currents. The lack of strong current on the ebb tide in the entrance channel does make the Port one of the safest entrances on the east coast in rough weather (no “stacking” of waves at the entrance).
Opening the locks to improve tidal flushing of the lagoon has been considered and has been modeled by coastal engineers, but would probably compromise the port operations and maintenance.
Located south-southeast of AICW marker #27, Titusville Municipal Marina is one of the best medium-sized municipal marinas on the Eastern Florida coastline. And now, as praised below by Robert Sherer, has a super WiFi system. It is also only a short driving distance from Dixie Cross Roads Seafood Restaurant, one of the best in the south!
This marina had WiFi professionally installed and I no longer need a WiFi amp. I can stream Netflix with no stuttering. Tested speed runs between 6 and 10 Mbps. This is the only marina I’ve been in along the ICW that I can stream Netfix in the evening. The staff is friendly and competent, the docks are super sturdy, laundry is only $1/load, there’s a nearby dog park and downtown is a short walk away. At $1.44/ft (fourth day free) or $10/month, it’s a great value. Robert Sherer
From the Atlantic, Canaveral Barge Canal, with a single 600X90ft lock, crosses Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island and intersects the Waterway at statute mile 894. The lock has been closed Monday – Friday from 7AM to 5PM since June of 2015. See /149146. Elizabeth King asks your political advice on changing these restrictions.
I am a Merritt Island resident. I’ve lived here since I was eleven years old. I would just like to know what we can do as a community to get the Port Canaveral locks opened on a consistent basis, the purpose of which would be to clean our rivers and breathe life back into our estuary. Thank you for any advice. Elizabeth King
Happily, Bo Taylor’s experience ended without injury or damage, but it will certainly add fuel to the rented mooring versus personal anchoring tackle, which has been an ongoing debate since municipal mooring fields began to be installed along the Waterway. See /?p=135395. The Titusville mooring field lies south of the Titusville harbor entrance channel leading to Titusville City Marina.
One hour ago, as we were returning to our boat, Sunburst, my daughter said “our boat’s moving”. I said no way, I can see the mooring ball beside it. In the distance, when I saw our boat move past another boat I almost fell out of the dinghy. We caught up and boarded. Five hundred feet adrift without damage to our boat or others that Sunburst had passed. Mooring ball had come loose. Beware! Bo Taylor s/v Sunburst
Located south-southeast of AICW marker #27, Titusville Municipal Marina is one of the best medium-sized, municipal marinas on the Eastern Florida coastline. It is also only a short driving distance from Dixie Cross Roads Seafood Restaurant, one of the best in the south! Our thanks to Captain Seeley for bringing these changes to our attention.
FYI, Titusville has been turned over to a private management company by the city, as of October 3. The city was dis-allowing live aboards’ over 6 months in a 12 month period. The new management is in the process of changing that. We will see how that develops. S and G management out of Milwaukee is the new manager. Courtesy van no longer offered, merchants did not support it. Captain Douglas Seeley dwsco32780@gmail.com www.titusvillekeelboatschool.com
You can help, especially if you do any anchoring or shore exploring between Canaveral and Miami.
MELBOURNE, Fla. – A zoo in Brevard County needs your help tracking the East Coast Diamondback terrapins, a unique subspecies that lives along Florida’s Atlantic coast.
The Brevard Zoo wants everyone from the Space Coast to Miami to report sightings to them.
The terrapins are usually found in brackish coastal waters like the Indian River Lagoon.
Located south-southeast of AICW marker #27, Titusville Municipal Marina is one of the best medium-sized, municipal marinas on the Eastern Florida coastline. It is also only a short driving distance from Dixie Cross Roads Seafood Restaurant, one of the best in the south! Our thanks to Skipper Parker for this report.
Stayed a few enjoyable days at the Titusville Marina. The staff is very courteous and accommodating. The boatside pump out is a plus. Susan Parker
The moral of these boaters’ experience is GET IT IN WRITING! Telemar Bay Marina guards the Banana River’s easterly banks, just north of the Eau Gallie fixed bridge and Dragon Point.
My husband and I rented a month to month slip for our boat at Telemar Bay Marina for 3 months during the period of November, December 2014 and January 2015. I had communicated with the manager Karen of Telemar Bay Marina many times by email and phone before we arrived indicating to her what we were looking for during our 3 month stay and she explained their rules and we were told that if we did not stay on the boat more than three days at a time we would not be considered live-aboards and would NOT be charged the additional fees. The Marina was very willing to rent us a slip for month to month and required a deposit.
We returned to the boat 3 or 4 times and never stayed over the 3 day limit. We always followed all the rules of the Marina even though the staff changed them verbally each time we came to check on our boat and stay overnight. We were never given written rules. We always checked in at the office each time we arrived to stay overnight. We were told that the owner was watching all activities at the marina by camera and from his condo across the street from the Marina. We were fully aware that we were being watched and had no issue with that as we were following all the rules that we were given.
We checked out with the Marina manager Karen on our departure and was told everything was good and they would mail us our deposit.
After we left in January 2015 we called numerous times inquiring about our deposit. We were told over and over it would be returned soon, or our deposit refund was in the mail.
After more than 3 months and many phone calls, we were told that they were keeping our deposit because we were LIVE-ABOARDS. The reason they determined we were live-aboards was because THEY gave us a bathroom key when we first arrived. This was not the case because when we left after setting up the boat at the marina and then we returned we checked in at the office and they took the bathroom keys back. When I contacted the marina before we arrived I was told we could use the bathroom during business hours. Later that changed and we were told we should use the head on our boat, and that the bathrooms were for live-aboards or transients only. I guess this is why we witnessed several people urinating off the docks. They seem to change the rules to suit their needs, and in this case a reason to keep our deposit. The Marina will no longer answer our phone calls (caller ID).
Since leaving I have read other bad reviews about Telemar Bay, so we are not the only people that the Marina treated this way. We will be headed South again next year and we will avoid Telemar Bay Marina. There are plenty of other marinas in the area. My advice is to avoid this dishonest business.
We did try resolving this issue with the Marina about not returning our $460 deposit in many different ways including the Better Business Bureau and the Marina would not respond. This is one of the reasons they have a D+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We are also working with Boat US regarding this matter and plan on taking this issue to small claims court. At this point it is on principle and protecting other boaters from being taken advantage of. We plan on continuing our warnings to others and in many different ways and until our deposit is returned. Thank you. Vivian
Thank you for this commit; as a delivery Captain I will certainly pass it on. Good luck in small claims court and good for you for not letting the issue drop
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