Sailfish Marina of Stuart is a public, full-service marina and boatyard situated on the protected waters of the Manatee Pocket in Stuart, Florida. Owned and meticulously maintained by the Bayley family for over 40 years, it is widely recognized as the closest public marina to the St. Lucie Inlet, providing nearly immediate access to the Gulf Stream and some of the best offshore fishing in the world. The facility serves as a vital stopover for cruisers heading to the Bahamas, traveling the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), or exploring the St. Lucie River and Okeechobee Waterway.
Location and Contact Information
The marina’s location in the Manatee Pocket offers a “No Wake Zone” environment that is naturally protected from heavy wind and waves.
- Address: 3565 & 3585 SE St. Lucie Blvd, Stuart, FL 34997.
- Official Website: https://sailfishmarinastuart.com
- Phone: +1 (772) 283-1122 (Office)
- VHF Radio: Monitors Channel 16.
- Coordinates: N 27° 09.656’ / W 080° 11.709’.
- Inlet Proximity: Only 0.8 miles west of ICW Mile Marker 987.8.
The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, while the fuel docks and storage operations have extended hours seven days a week.
Sailfish Marina of Stuart
Table of Contents
Public Status and Availability
Sailfish Marina of Stuart is a privately held commercial public facility. It is not a gated membership club, and it explicitly welcomes transient boaters from across the world.
- Public Slip Access: At least 90% of the marina’s slips are reserved for the general public on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Family Ownership: Managed with pride by the Bayley family, ensuring a “marina family” atmosphere that has persisted for decades.
- Transient Policy: The marina is a popular layover for those crossing to the Bahamas; however, wet slip availability is limited, and early booking is highly recommended.
- No Liveaboards: While transient and long-term dockage is available, the marina does not permit permanent liveaboard residents.
Dockhands and attendants are available seven days a week to assist with arrivals and line handling.
Slips and Storage Capacity
The facility provides both in-water berthing and a high-tech “high & dry” storage system.
- Wet Slips: 55 slips accommodating vessels up to 90 feet in length.
- Bulkhead Space: 180 feet of bulkhead docking available.
- Dry Storage: Two large storage barns capable of housing 200 power boats up to 29 feet in length.
- Forklift Service: Utilizes two heavy-duty forklifts for unlimited launches and retrievals for dry storage customers.
- Hurricane Protection: The Manatee Pocket location is highly regarded for its shelter; however, all docked boats must have a recorded Hurricane Plan.
Vessels larger than 90 feet can often be accommodated on the fuel docks for single-night transient stays.
Dockage and Service Rates
Sailfish Marina offers competitive market rates for the Stuart area, with special discounts for select boaters.
- Transient Daily: $3.50 per foot (LOA) per day.
- BoatUS Discount: Members typically receive a 50 cent per foot discount on nightly transient dockage.
- Dry Storage: Monthly and annual rates are quoted upon inquiry based on vessel height and beam.
- Sales Tax: All rates are subject to the 7% Florida sales tax.
Fuel Prices (Current Estimates)
- Diesel: ~$3.68 per gallon.
- Premium Gas (Ethanol-Free): ~$4.50 per gallon.
- Fuel High-Speed: High-speed diesel pumps are available at both the North and South fuel docks.
Maintenance and Boatyard Services
The on-site Sailfish Marina Boat Yard is a full-service facility managed by an experienced sideyard manager.
- Travel Lift: Features a 50-ton travel lift for haul-outs and inspections.
- Service Specialization: Certified Yamaha service and Edwards Marine Air Conditioning are located on property.
- Detailing: “Squeaky Clean” boat detailing services are available for both wet and dry storage customers.
- Washing: Dry storage customers receive a hull rinse, waterline cleaning, and engine flush after every use.
The combination of professional mechanics and a capable haul-out facility makes it a preferred yard for routine bottom painting and mechanical refits.
On-Site Amenities and Dining
The marina functions as a community village, offering several essential shore-side services.
Fish Heads Bait & Tackle
A massive tackle shop on the property that serves as a destination for local offshore fishermen.
- Offers an extensive selection of offshore lures, rods, and reels.
- Stocks high-quality live and frozen bait.
- Provides local fishing reports and expert advice for crossing the Gulf Stream.
Ellie’s Dockside Deli
A popular local eatery located directly on the marina property.
- Serves breakfast and lunch daily.
- Known for its “boater-friendly” atmosphere and fresh dockside fare.
Other Comforts
- Showers and Laundry: Very clean bathhouses and pay-per-use laundry facilities.
- WiFi: Free “OnSpot” premium WiFi for all marina customers.
- Ship Store: Sells ice, snacks, apparel, and basic marine hardware.
- Dog Friendly: The marina is pet-friendly, though leashes are required at all times.
Navigation and Tides
Approaching Sailfish Marina is simple for most vessels, as it is located on a deep-water route into the Manatee Pocket.
- Approach Depth: 12.0 feet at mean low water.
- Dockside Depth: 10.0 feet.
- Tide Range: Approximately 2.0 feet.
- Fixed Docks: The marina utilizes fixed wooden docks; boaters should prepare for tide changes with adequate fenders.
Due to its proximity to the St. Lucie Inlet (less than 2 miles), boaters should be aware of tidal currents when entering the Manatee Pocket, although the pocket itself is a calm No Wake Zone.
Yacht Brokerage and Sales
The marina is also a significant center for vessel sales and brokerage on Florida’s East Coast.
- Manatee Pocket Yacht Sales: Located on-site, specializing in sportfishing boats and cruising yachts.
- Brokerage Docks: Dedicated space for displaying vessels currently listed for sale.
- Showroom: High visibility for those looking to list their boats in a high-traffic maritime area.
The proximity to the ocean makes it an ideal location for sea trials and professional surveys during the sales process.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Public Status | Public Family-Owned (90% Public Slips) |
| Wet Slips | 55 Slips (up to 90 feet) |
| Dry Storage | 200 Spaces (up to 29 feet) |
| Haul-out | 50-Ton Travel Lift |
| Transient Rate | $3.50/ft/day ($2.50/ft with BoatUS disc.) |
| Fuel | Diesel and Ethanol-Free Gas (2 Docks) |
| Approach Depth | 12.0 Feet |
| Amenities | Ellie’s Deli, Tackle Store, Showers, Laundry, WiFi |
| Liveaboard | No |
| Contact | +1 (772) 283-1122 / sailfishmarinastuart.com |
Why Choose Sailfish Marina of Stuart?
Sailfish Marina is the premier destination for offshore anglers and Bahamas-bound cruisers.
- Inlet Access: Being the closest public marina to the St. Lucie Inlet saves critical time and fuel for those heading offshore for sailfish or swordfish.
- Complete Fishing Hub: Having Fish Heads Tackle and professional fuel docks on-site ensures your boat is ready for the “morning bite” without leaving the property.
- Family Values: The 40+ year legacy of the Bayley family means guests receive personalized service and attention to detail often missing at corporate marinas.
- Dual Storage: The option for both a wet slip and a dry rack provides flexibility for owners with multiple boats or those transitioning between boat types.
- Full Maintenance: With a 50-ton lift and certified Yamaha mechanics, your boat can be serviced while you enjoy a meal at Ellie’s Deli.
For boaters seeking a secure, historic, and incredibly convenient home port in Stuart, Sailfish Marina of Stuart remains an unrivaled choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the transient dockage rate?
The standard daily rate is $3.50 per foot, but BoatUS members can receive a discount of 50 cents per foot.
How close is it to the St. Lucie Inlet?
It is the closest public marina to the inlet, located less than 2 miles away on the protected waters of the Manatee Pocket.
Does the marina have dry storage?
Yes. There are two high-and-dry barns that can accommodate 200 boats up to 29 feet in length.
Is there a boat lift on-site?
Yes. The marina features a 50-ton travel lift for haul-outs and major repairs.
Can I live on my boat at the marina?
No. Sailfish Marina of Stuart has a strict no liveaboard policy.
Does the marina have fuel?
Yes. There are two fuel docks (North and South) offering marine diesel and ethanol-free gasoline.
Is there food available on the property?
Yes. Ellie’s Dockside Deli is located on-site and serves breakfast and lunch.
Is Sailfish Marina of Stuart a private club?
No. It is a public commercial marina where at least 90% of the slips are available to the general public.
Contact Information
Sailfish Marina of Stuart
3565 SE St. Lucie Blvd
Stuart, FL 34997
Office: +1 (772) 283-1122
South Fuel Dock: +1 (772) 278-6794
North Fuel Dock: +1 (772) 278-6795
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://sailfishmarinastuart.com
VHF Radio: Channel 16
Fuel Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (South Dock Daily)