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South Shore Marina launches new boat entrance

Slips now available for purchase in dockominium community
April 11, 2024

Story Location:
45 Marina View Court
Bethany Beach, DE 19930
United States

Boasting a new deep-water entrance, South Shore Marina on the southerly side of the Indian River Inlet bridge has just eight boat slips left available for purchase.

Permitting took three years for the marina entrance to be moved to the west jetty, said Marina Manager Laura Leslie; the $800,000 construction project was necessary to allow for safe entrance.  

Previously, sand deposits had often blocked boat traffic at the mouth of the channel, or caused bent props or grounding. The area was dredged annually, Leslie said, but shoaling continued with each storm event and blowout tide, presenting hazards for boaters and preventing access to the marina.

The marina has been around for 60 years, Leslie said, and has 92 boat slips. In late 2020, Joel Sens purchased the property and converted it to a dockominium, with common areas shared by owners.

“We started selling in the spring of 2021,” Leslie said. “Since the first sales, the slips have doubled in value.”

The marina rests within a gated community and offers quick access to the Atlantic Ocean, and Rehoboth and Indian River bays. Water depth averages 14 feet at the new entrance, and slips range from 25 feet to 60 feet, with most at floating docks. 

Once purchased, slips belong to owners to use, lease and sell. Owners are responsible for paying county taxes and utilities, she said.

“You get a deed,” Leslie said. “You buy the ground under the water. Some people buy them as investments.”

Boat ownerships continue to grow, and boat slips are scarce, as no new marinas are being built, Sens said. He noted the new entrance provides safe navigation and immediate access to great fishing.

Amenities are limited because the dockominium has a small operating budget and wants to keep costs low, Leslie said. The bathhouse is currently undergoing renovations.

South Shore Marina is located on the south side of the Indian River Inlet bridge at 45 Marina View Court, Bethany Beach. A gate code is needed to enter. 

For more information, go to southshoremarina-ir.com or facebook.com/southshoremarinaDE. To inquire about slips, contact Leslie at 443-614-2442 or southshoremarinade@gmail.com.

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