What started as a single dock and a handshake has grown into the Lowcountry's most trusted full-service marina.
Bill Hartley grew up fishing the Ashley and Cooper rivers. After a stint in the Navy, he came home to Charleston with a simple idea: build the marina he always wished existed. In 1962, he bought a stretch of waterfront south of the city, drove the first pilings himself, and opened Harbor Point with 24 slips and a hand-painted sign.
His son David expanded the operation through the 1980s, adding the dry stack facility, the full-service repair shop, and the ship's store. David had the same instinct his father did: if a boater needed it, Harbor Point should have it.
Today, Bill's granddaughter Claire Hartley runs the marina. She grew up on these docks, learned to drive a boat before she learned to drive a car, and has the same straightforward approach to the business that her grandfather had. Take care of the boats. Take care of the customers. The rest follows.
Our staff aren't just employees. Most of them are slipholders or avid boaters themselves. That matters when you need someone who understands your situation, not just your paperwork.
Claire has been walking these docks since she was six years old. She earned a degree in marine business management from the University of Charleston before coming back to take over from her father David. She handles slip assignments, vendor relationships, and every major decision at the marina. Ask her about the best fishing spots on the Wando and you'll be talking for a while.
Marcus has been turning wrenches on marine engines for over 25 years. He holds ABYC master technician certification and is factory-trained by both Mercury and Yamaha. There's almost nothing he hasn't seen come through the shop, and he has a reputation for diagnosing problems that other mechanics miss. He runs a crew of four certified technicians in the eight-bay shop.
Sandra manages daily dock operations, transient assignments, and the ship's store. She's been dockmaster at Harbor Point for fourteen years and knows every slipholder by name and boat. If you're arriving by water for the first time, Sandra is the one on the radio helping you in. She's also the person to talk to about courtesy loaner bikes, local restaurant recommendations, and the best spots to anchor for a swim.
We've invested steadily in the property over six decades. The result is a facility that works the way a working marina should.
Protected deep-water slips on floating concrete docks. Power (30A and 50A), potable water, and pump-out at every slip. Slips from 20 to 50 feet.
Indoor, climate-controlled rack storage for over 350 boats up to 30 feet. Forklift launch 7 days a week. Reduces hull fouling and keeps your boat off the elements.
Concrete ramp with 6-foot depth at low tide. Courtesy dock for loading and unloading. Paved trailer parking for 80 rigs.
Full-service repair facility with overhead lifts, engine test tanks, and hydraulic trailer. Handles everything from oil changes to complete engine rebuilds.
Unleaded gasoline and marine diesel. High-flow pumps on both sides of the dock. Open 7 days a week from 7am to 6pm. No appointment required.
Stocked with parts, deck hardware, safety equipment, bait and tackle, ice, cold drinks, snacks, and marine accessories. Open daily 7am to 5pm.
We hold the certifications that matter so you can leave your boat with people you can trust.
Harbor Point has sponsored the Charleston Offshore Fishing Tournament since 1978. We host the Wednesday night racing series for the Charleston Sailing Club every summer, and we provide courtesy fuel and dock access for the Coast Guard Auxiliary when they're on training exercises.
We also work closely with the Coastal Conservation Association and participate in annual reef-building projects in Charleston Harbor. Healthy water means healthy fishing, and that matters to everyone at this marina.
Every spring, we host a free dock day for local youth sailing programs. Kids from Shem Creek to James Island have had their first experience on the water right here at Harbor Point. That's something we're proud of.