Though this may be one of the smallest states in the Union, Delaware happens to be one of the premier boating destinations in the land, with over 381 miles of shoreline split between broad rivers, scenic estuaries, languid backwaters and the windswept Atlantic coastline. With the 13th highest per capita ownership of boats in the nation, Delaware boasts around 53,000 registered motorized vessels – and many more sailing yachts and rowing boats. Delaware has a boat-building heritage that goes back centuries, and the largest manufacturer based in the state today is F&S Yachts. This family-owned and operated firm in Bear has been crafting high-end custom sportfishers since 1996, with their prized vessels known for being amongst the fastest in their class.
While the Diamond State is perfect for year-round boating, it is perhaps at its best in the summer months, when temperatures in the mid-80s combine with a cooling coastal breeze. Some of the busiest boating real estate in Delaware exists along the mighty Delaware River, a wide tidal waterway perfect for motorboats. Begin your journey at Wilmington, the urban hub to the north, and sail south past ancient Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island before taking out your binoculars to observe the second largest population of shorebirds on the continent, including sandpipers and oystercatchers, at marshy wildlife refuges like Bombay Hook and Augustine Beach. A vibrant and exciting watercourse to explore, you’ll likely share this space with boaters from neighbouring Pennsylvania and New Jersey, who flock to these parts each year.
More ambitious yachters can head out into the Atlantic itself for coastal exploration and offshore fishing, before heading back to dry land to hit up charming seaside destinations like Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island. If taking it easy is more your style, why not spend an afternoon on your bay boat, speedboat or pontoon craft exploring the wide-open spaces of Delaware’s back-bay system, such as Rehoboth Bay, Indian River Bay and Little Assawoman Bay.
The salubrious Lewes Yacht Club is the most historic of such institutions in the state, with a proud tradition stretching back to 1932, an enviable beach-front location and a rich culture dedicated to old-school sailing. Elsewhere in Delaware you will discover a wide array of full-service marinas, including the state’s largest at Indian River Marina near Cape Henlopen, where 294 slips and easy ocean access await. Also on offer are plenty of welcoming marinas situated on the Delaware backwaters, a host of private moorings and, a mere stone’s throw from the Atlantic, the 92-slip South Shore Marina.
Since 1964, SI Yachts has been helping our clients through the processes of buying and selling boats, many times it's their 10th or more boat sale with us. We take service very seriously and we are able to retain some of the best service talent in the industry giving us an incredible advantage when it comes making sure our customers enjoy their boating lifestyle. When you buy a yacht from us, our industry-leading mobile service team is just a phone call away. With a service facility located in Staten Island and mobile service throughout the Northeast and South Florida, SI Yachts has a true north-to-south connection for our seasonal cruising clients.
