I kept my boat there one year and did not renew. A boat dealer retrieved it with a huge, deep scratch down the side (see pic). They claimed damages had been documented last August but their protocol was to not notify boat owners. They also said no pictures were taken but that they would forward the documentation, which was never sent. The scratch is new and was not there since last August. They are also attempting to overcharge me for not meeting the $500 spend limit with incomplete records. I would say buyer beware if you're considering housing your boat there. read more

UPDATE: We diverted to Beaufort after a series of system failures on a delivery between Portsmouth VA and Marsh Harbour, Abacos, Bahamas. After a very brief email exchange with Portside Marina we were assured that all would be well. I sent owner Denard Harris a text on our way in the Beaufort Inlet confirming our docking assignment and checking for things like bathroom codes and WiFi passwords. After all I had no expectation of any dockside support arriving midday Thanksgiving Day. Instead, there was Denard's smiling face standing on the dock as we came alongside. Denard had take the initiative to identify restaurants open and then gave our crew of five a ride, saving us the effort of cooking for ourselves at the end of a challenging hop around Hatteras. The support and aid were exemplary. Absolutely everyone at Portside Marina is friendly and helpful. Facilities are pleasant and in good repair. There is nowhere I would rather stay in Morehead City or Beaufort. ORIGINAL REVIEW: Snuggled at the end of a commercial pier there is plenty of water for access to Portside Marina. Owner Dr. Denard Harris, his wife Kay, and their team provide one of the nicest and most welcoming facilities I have encountered. Delivery skippers encounter a lot of facilities. *grin* There are not a lot of slips so call ahead. The outer dock was damaged in recent storms and as of 1 May 2016 estimates are for completion of repairs in about six weeks. Note that the gas dock is alongside the western side of the launch well and the diesel dock is on the eastern side. The nominal diesel dock is very short but you can dock on either side of the tee dock and still reach your boat with the fuel hose. The staff here seem to have only two answers to questions: "Sure, I can help with that" and "I don't know - Denard will know how to help you." In our case we arrived at 4.15am for fuel (priority) and some minor repairs before heading back offshore. We got fuel when the marina opened. Denard suggested we move to Morehead City Docks (which he is under contract to the City to manage) where day dockage is free and is right next door to Russell's Yacht Yard where we could borrow a bosun's chair. That worked out beautifully for us. Good advice from Denard. read more

Denard and his staff are always friendly and make you feel welcomed at his marina. Great facility that is very well-maintained easily accessible from the ICW. Highly recommended! read more

I own and operate a marine electronics company. I contracted with a boat owner to perform services at Portside. After a delay in the job progress, communication between my company and the boat owner was solid....so I thought. We called the next day to arrange the service and was verbally harrassed by the owner, Mr. Denard Harris. He demanded my partner call him "sir" on the phone and hung up. Upon showing up to the property on time and ready to work, we were again verbally harrased and told the owner would "cut our asses" if we didn't follow his rules, told we were a "scam" and that the situation was a "Croc of crap." He then told myself and my partner to "get the f***" off the property. On the way out, he grabbed my partners arm and shoved him. Made it very clear that that was not a road he wanted to go down! Boat owners and business owners BEWARE!!! Have heard several other encounters like this with the owners. read more

This is a great marina if you are looking to overpay for everything and have the hull of your boat scratched up. The staff stands looking pompously every minute and has little concern for the handling of vessels. The showers are expensive and the water smells dreadful of sulfur. The fuel prices are the highest of the area, so if you are desperate for a slip and have extra money to throw away stop on in to have your boat scratched on up, the scratches and gouges are free everything else is of course overpriced (ie: fuel, slip fees, showers, etc) read more