Brewer Stratford Marina sits nestled along the Housatonic River in Stratford, Connecticut, where shipbuilding traditions date back to the 1700s. Today, this historic location serves as a welcoming home port for recreational boaters seeking both convenience and natural beauty. Located just 1.5 miles up the river, the marina offers a protected harbor with easy access to Long Island Sound’s popular cruising destinations.
Visitors to Brewer Stratford Marina (now known as Safe Harbor Stratford) enjoy upscale amenities alongside stunning views and frequent wildlife sightings in the surrounding salt marshes. When you arrive at this premium full-service boating haven, you’ll find everything from waterfront dining to expert marine services. The marina’s 200 slips, including spaces reserved for transient boaters, can accommodate vessels up to 100 feet in length, making it an ideal stop whether you’re planning a quick visit or a longer stay.
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Safe Harbor Stratford
Safe Harbor Stratford offers an upscale marina experience with stunning views of Long Island Sound. You’ll find a full-service boating haven complete with wet slips, transient slips, and various storage options for your vessel.
The marina features excellent amenities including shore power hookups, fresh water, complimentary Wi-Fi, and pump-out services. Their comprehensive marine service team can handle everything from routine maintenance to major repairs with meticulous attention to detail.
When you’re ready to relax, head to Outriggers – the waterfront restaurant right at the marina. It serves fresh seafood and hosts popular happy hours. The outdoor deck offers 180-degree scenic views where you might even spot wildlife, including bald eagles!
For boating enthusiasts, the location provides easy access to celebrated cruising destinations. After a day on the water, you can explore nearby attractions like Charles Island (a Natural Area Preserve), Port Jefferson, or grab a beer at the award-winning Two Roads Brewery just over a mile away.
Rating: 4 (29 reviews)
Location: 605 Broad St, Stratford, CT 06615
Contact: (203) 377-4477
Website: Visit Website
The History of Brewer Stratford Marina
Brewer Stratford Marina sits on a historic site where shipyards have operated since the 1700s, making it one of the oldest continuously active boating sites in Connecticut.
Founding and Development
Jack Brewer started his marina business in the 1960s and found great success. His company expanded significantly after purchasing Pilots Point Marina in Westbrook, Connecticut in 1969. The Brewer marina group grew beyond its Connecticut roots to include locations throughout New England, with facilities in New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Maine.
Brewer Stratford Marina became an important part of this growing network of premium yacht yards. Located on the western shore of the Housatonic River, about 1.5 miles upstream, the marina has developed into a fully-sheltered haven for boaters.
The facility expanded over the years to include 200 slips, with 10 reserved for visitors. They can accommodate vessels up to 100 feet in length.
Role in Stratford’s Nautical Scene
Brewer Stratford Marina has maintained the shipbuilding tradition that has defined this stretch of the Housatonic River for over 300 years. You’ll find it’s completely protected from rough weather, making it a popular homeport for recreational yachts of all types.
The marina has become a hub for boat maintenance and repair. Companies like Cooley Marine Management have established operations at the facility, expanding from an initial 2,500-square-foot bay to twice that size to meet demand.
Recently, the marina became part of the Safe Harbor network, though it maintains its historic significance in Stratford’s maritime community. When you visit, you’ll be walking on grounds that have seen generations of Connecticut’s boating history.
Facilities and Services
Brewer Stratford Marina offers comprehensive facilities that serve both seasonal boaters and transient visitors. The marina combines modern amenities with professional services in a historic setting that dates back to the 1700s.
Docking and Storage
The marina provides numerous slips that can accommodate vessels of various sizes. You’ll find well-maintained docks with easy access to your boat whenever you need it. The facility’s location about a mile and a half up the Housatonic River gives your vessel excellent protection during rough weather.
Year-round storage options are available to meet your needs. Winter storage is particularly popular, keeping your boat safe during the off-season months. The full-service boatyard continues the site’s shipbuilding legacy that began centuries ago.
The channel is well-marked and maintained, making navigation straightforward even for newcomers. The marina can handle boats up to 50 feet in length, making it suitable for a wide range of recreational vessels.
Amenities for Boaters
When you visit Brewer Stratford Marina, you’ll appreciate the thoughtful amenities designed to make your boating experience more enjoyable. Clean restroom facilities and shower areas let you freshen up after a day on the water.
The marina’s surroundings offer beautiful views of salt marsh grasses where you can often spot local wildlife. These natural areas provide a peaceful backdrop for your boating adventures.
The location gives you easy access to Long Island Sound while still enjoying the shelter of the river. Professional staff are on hand to assist with your boating needs, from maintenance questions to local navigation advice.
On-site maintenance services help keep your vessel in top condition throughout the boating season. The marina’s boat yard facilities continue a tradition of maritime service that spans centuries.
Navigating the Housatonic River
The Housatonic River offers boaters a scenic journey with its clean waters and rich history. This mile-and-a-half waterway leading to Brewer Stratford Marina provides both beauty and practical advantages for sailors.
Route and Safety Tips
When approaching the Housatonic River inlet from Long Island Sound, keep your charts handy and watch for channel markers. The river mouth is well-marked but pay attention to tides, as currents can be strong during certain times.
The channel depth is generally good for most recreational vessels, but larger boats should check current conditions. You’ll find the marina about 1.5 miles upriver, completely sheltered from rough weather that might affect the Sound.
Local boaters recommend traveling during daylight hours when first navigating this waterway. The river has several marinas and yacht clubs along its banks, giving you options if you need to stop.
Radio ahead to Brewer Stratford Marina for any special instructions or docking assistance.
Local Wildlife and Scenery
Your journey up the Housatonic treats you to one of Connecticut’s most unspoiled waterways. The clean river waters support an abundance of wildlife that you’ll likely spot along your cruise.
Watch for ospreys diving for fish or bald eagles perched in tall trees along the shoreline. Herons wade in the shallows, while various waterfowl paddle nearby. Depending on the season, you might see migratory birds adding to the river’s natural display.
The riverbanks showcase a mix of natural areas and historic shipbuilding sites dating back to the 1700s. Take in views of Stratford’s 14 miles of waterfront as you cruise.
The combination of natural beauty and maritime history makes this river passage more than just a route to the marina – it’s part of your Connecticut boating adventure.
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