Fortman Marina

Fortman Marina is a great marina with an old school vibe. Lots of construction is changing the local area. I'm not sure how that will affect the marina of the tenants. We will see. I have had boats in several marinas around the bay and I like Fortman the best.

This is my second stint at Fortman. My first was back in 2009/10. It's still, by far, the least expensive marina in the area. Some of the docks are wood and a little wobbly but well worth it for the savings. I now have a trailer boat but was looking for a place to keep it in the water for several days at a time. Turns out, Fortman is, once again, the best deal in the bay for guest docking. Typically it's $1/foot but at Fortman it's set at $15/night for boats under 40 feet. Well worth it to me so I don't have to launch and retrieve my boat 3 days in a row to use it over a weekend. You will need proof of insurance, a copy of the title and current registration which is typical so be sure to have it on hand before arriving. Everyone that works there has been very friendly. They also accept credit cards.

Alameda Yacht Club is there and looks like a fun place to have a drink after your boating activities.

Tight quarters getting in or out. Watch out for traffic coming at you from 360 degrees. Also, a few of the slips that I saw were wood so, be careful, it can get a little wobbly while docking.
Overall its a nice marina.

Need a place to dock your dingy? To anchor your cruiser? To slip your sailboat? Check this place out.

Fortman Marina is located in the Alameda Estuary, which means that it's extremely protected from the potentially rough bay waters. You've got a nice, gentle cruise up the estuary, past Jack London Square to get to the bay, which gives you a nice chunk of time to get into the waterbound frame of mind. During the summer months, though, you may have to play dodgeball with swarms of sailboats as they practice their tacking in the estuary.

Rates are on the very-affordable side, although inching up by the year. You're not going to find any 100' slips here, but there's plenty in the 24' to 28' range, up to 60'. Electricity is ala carte for 36' and under.

The piers markers are a little obtuse, so make sure you get some visual landmarks as you're cruising out. Nothing worse than trying to double-back around the berths at dusk. Trust me; I know.

Another bonus is the close proximity to yards such as Svedsons and the Boatyard @ Grand Marina, so if you should need to have some serious work done, you won't have far to go. Lesser work is allowed in the slips, such as mast removal and installing an outboard.

Parking ranges from ample to somewhat crowded, but even at peak sailing season, I've never had to find parking on the street. Restrooms are clean and include showers, though I've never used them. There's also a restaurant for your post-sailing enjoyment, but again, I haven't used it.

And the staff has always been nice. I've gone into the office to pick up supplies, etc., and have never been hassled, even while borrowing keys to get onto the dock.

The only reason that I'm not giving a full five stars is that, as I understand it, the only live-in slips are grandfathered.

There is no restaurant. Previous poster probably saw the Alameda Yacht club which is probably the most friendly social yacht club on the bay. Fortman Marina is low key and a little funky. Many regular folks type boaters and lots of DIY types here. Location is sheltered so getting in an out is usually pretty easy. We draw seven feet and have had no problems with depth at low tide. Fuel, pumpouts, and haulouts are all available nearby

We are very happy with the place.

Love this marina and the people I've met. Great location for me, easy in and out. Most affordable on the "Alameda Riviera" that I could find. Power and water to each slip. Met the harbor master the other day. A good egg. I felt bad for him because of the bad yelps he's gotten. Surprised me, since every tenant I've spoken to likes the guy. Both of the bad yelps were from guys abusing the stay aboard policy. There is a reason for the policy and it is not financial. It is every harbor master's responsibility to ensure that it is followed. Anyway, if looking for a slip, this is the place to start.

We love Fortman Marina! Great location, beautiful view and wonderful neighbors. The facilities are clean and well maintained. The crew at Fortman are so accommodating and friendly, if we need something they are on it. The Harbor Master is great, very professional and friendly too. Every time we see him around the Marina he takes the time to make sure everything is fine with our slip and that we are happy.

Too bad. The facilities are rather run down, broken bits and tired docks that are barely usable (some are tilted at almost 45 degrees). Lots of empty slips. That tells the story, really. The management is surly and unaccommodating. They do have some nice covered slips, though. If you're the type that will leave your boat for months or years on end without using it, this may be the marina for you. Parking is dodgy, no laundry facilities, no place to get ice, security is minimal, no wifi. The whole place has a dingy, moribund atmosphere. Makes one wonder if they aren't in bankruptcy or something. Grand Marina, Marina Village, Alameda Marina are all better. It could be nice with a makeover. Some of the docks are high and dry at low tide.