Marina Prepared For Post-Sandy Influx of Boaters

BELMAR, NJ – While many marinas at the Jersey Shore struggle to undo challenges left by Superstorm Sandy in order to be ready for the fishing and boating seasons, the marinas here are operational and serving boaters.

Particularly in light of their location on the waterfront of hard-hit Belmar, it is astounding that both the Belmar Municipal Marina and the privately-owned Seaport Inlet Marina came through okay. This is no small news for a Jersey Shore town that relies on the tourism a thriving boating and fishing community can bring.  “Our two marinas are important to the diversity of activities and guests in Belmar,” commented Sal Marchese, President of the Belmar Business Partnership (BBP).

“Losing our ability to welcome boaters would have been a devastating blow,” said Tom Volker, who sits on the Board of Directors of the BBP and Belmar Harbor Commission. “With our boardwalk well on its way to being replaced and most of our oceanfront merchants ready to do business, we feel confident that Belmar will be prepared for another great summer.”

Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty said he is glad the storm did only minimal damage to the amenities added to the area in recent years, including picnic areas, a riverside beach, tennis, a double-wide boat ramp, new floating docks, and more. It means the boating business will proceed as usual.

Water-related business is especially important to Belmar. Surrounded by the Shark River, Shark River Inlet, and Atlantic Ocean, the town has long been a draw for boaters and fishermen. The town’s central location in the tri-state area – it is only about an hour from both New York City and Philadelphia, an easy drive from Pennsylvania, and has both train and bus access – have made it a destination for fisherman for over 100 years. It helps that its inlet provides access to some of the East Coast’s best fishing areas.

“You can be in the ocean catching fish in five minutes,” said Erika Gerzsenyi, co-owner of the Seaport Inlet Marina, “and we have access to some of the most robust wrecks and reefs on the Jersey Shore.”

That history with boating prompted the town to invest heavily in its municipal marina. Operated by the borough, the Belmar Marina features 70 slips, comfort stations, state-of-the-art concrete floating docks, security, and a bait & tackle shop. The marina enjoyed significant upgrades over the last several years, too, including the addition of a waterfront Tiki bar/restaurant, mini golf, and more.

According to Charlie Vanderlund, Marina Manager, while other marinas in the region suffered, the Belmar Marina dodged a bullet and did not sustain major damage.

“No boats were damaged by Superstorm Sandy. The main damage was to the electrical systems,” Vanderlund said, “which will be ready to go by the season opening.”

That bodes well for boating enthusiasts in the region, as well as those who travel to the Jersey Shore for boating, because it means that unlike many other marinas in the region, slips are open and available now. However, Vanderlund warns, “They will fill fast.”

The nearby Seaport Inlet Marina also came away with minimal damage, but its 100 slips are filled. The facility does offer boat repair services, and a marine supply and tackle store, according to Gerzsenyi, giving boat owners who need post-Sandy repairs somewhere to go that is close to the ocean. (The marina is the closest to the ocean on Shark River.)

“We expect the charter boats and boat rentals so vital to Belmar’s summer season will be functioning as normal,” Volker said.

The 9th Avenue Pier Restaurant and Patio Bar, opened at the marina last year, will also be reopened for the summer season, as well as the miniature golf course located on site.

All the shops, restaurants, inns, and other attractions important to the town’s tourism season are also fully functional, too. Most are within walking distance from the marina.

“We came through okay, so to celebrate we plan to make this a great summer,” Volker said. “It is tremendous that we can be among the Jersey Shore tourism-oriented communities fully ready to provide our guests and outstanding experience this summer.”

For more information on the Belmar Municipal Marina, visit www.belmar.com, call (732) 681-2266, or email the marina at marina@belmar.com.

For more information on the Seaport Inlet Marina, visit www.seaportinletmarina.com or call (732) 681-3303.

For the Belmar Tourism Commission, visit www.visitbelmarnj.com or call 732-681-3700, ext. 214.