We love boats! We love boat owners, too. Berkeley Marine Center is the premier small boatyard on the San Francisco Bay. Whether you need a full refit, painting, fiberglass repair, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, metal fabrication or welding, wood working, rigging, custom part fabrication-CNC machining, or a custom boat built.
You know how much your job will cost as soon as we do and provide options to work within your budget. We work hard to get your boat completed on time so you can get out on the water and enjoy it. We adhere to industry standards, and use quality components in all our projects, including yours. Located right at the entrance of Berkeley Marina, access to our boatyard is simple.
You know how much your job will cost as soon as we do and provide options to work within your budget. We work hard to get your boat completed on time so you can get out on the water and enjoy it. We adhere to industry standards, and use quality components in all our projects, including yours. Located right at the entrance of Berkeley Marina, access to our boatyard is simple.
Services
That's, right, Berkeley Marine Center has served the San Francisco Bay boating community since 1978. Now Cree, Julie, and the entire staff welcome you to our premier small boatyard on the Bay. We are a family-owned and operated, service-minded company, valuing a job well done and a happy customer. We can perform almost any job needed for maintaining or improving your boat, or build you a new boat.
Berkeley Marine Center, Inc., provides services on a "Time and Materials" basis. We are happy to provide a written estimate for planned work. Please email us if you have any questions about our yard rates, payment terms, or to request an estimate. Lay days apply even if you add BMC yard labor to your work order, unless we work more than 4 hours on your boat in a day.
These prices apply if the bottom is in maintained condition requiring standard preparation. If the condition of the bottom is in poor condition and requires extra sanding or repair, that is billed on a time and materials basis. All materials, including the bottom paint, required for prepping and painting the bottom, (tape, sand paper, sanders, paint trays, rollers, covers, protective gear, etc.).
It's important to prepare your boat to come to the boatyard. Using the checklists below will promote maintenance of your boat and even save you money. When it comes to boats, we all want to save money! If you have any questions about getting your boat ready, please give us a call at 510-843-8195. We'd love to speak with you.
Berkeley Marine Center is located just inside the Berkeley Marina. Head for the Berkeley Marina, then enter the marina through the south breakwater entrance. The fuel dock is to your left (port). Turn into the fairway at the end of the fuel dock. There is a long side-tie dock, Z dock, on your right (starboard) where you can dock your boat.
Reviews (28)
Greg U.
Sep 24, 2021
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Overall I guess we were fairly happy with the work done on my dear friend Kat's 1947 Kettenburg Antigua.
With that said there was definitely a lack of communication from the yard manager Ruben. I informed the yard from the get go that we were on a very limited budget (we had a fund raiser to help Kat with the haul out and bottom paint). I was to be notified if there was to be any additional work & costs above the $5200 we paid for the bottom paint package. We were surprised to get a bill for an additional $850 for rudder repairs that a BMC subcontractor did without my authorization
With that said there was definitely a lack of communication from the yard manager Ruben. I informed the yard from the get go that we were on a very limited budget (we had a fund raiser to help Kat with the haul out and bottom paint). I was to be notified if there was to be any additional work & costs above the $5200 we paid for the bottom paint package. We were surprised to get a bill for an additional $850 for rudder repairs that a BMC subcontractor did without my authorization
Heller G.
Jul 19, 2021
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This was my first haul out, besides the survey when I bought my boat almost 5 years ago. Honestly, I had not heard great things about Berkeley but all I really needed was a bottom paint and a few other things from my original survey (acid wash prop, possibly a new seacock for galley sink). It's also the closest to Emeryville marina & I was coming in solo.
Obviously it's new management, Ruben was great! I ended up getting a coating for the prop, a wax and other minor repairs that made my boat look brand new! I was very pleased all the way around.
Obviously it's new management, Ruben was great! I ended up getting a coating for the prop, a wax and other minor repairs that made my boat look brand new! I was very pleased all the way around.
Alisha P.
Jun 07, 2021
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Berkeley Marine Center came highly recommended and I had a very positive experience there with my recent haul out of my Pearson 26.
Ruben and the team there are knowledgeable and do quality work. It helps that the team is passionate about boats and sailing, and I totally trusted their assessment, they weren't trying to up-sell me with services that weren't needed and talked through what I can do myself etc.
I did the bottom package and through-holes, plus mounting new outboard and various repairs that were found. My hull was also oxidized and
it made such a difference to buff and
Ruben and the team there are knowledgeable and do quality work. It helps that the team is passionate about boats and sailing, and I totally trusted their assessment, they weren't trying to up-sell me with services that weren't needed and talked through what I can do myself etc.
I did the bottom package and through-holes, plus mounting new outboard and various repairs that were found. My hull was also oxidized and
it made such a difference to buff and
Richard Stulen
May 03, 2021
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Cindi Gillette
Apr 23, 2021
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Evan Nornhold
Mar 28, 2021
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Dustin Dovala
Mar 27, 2021
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Got a new bottom paint job and our engine serviced. Cassandra and Rubin were fantastic to work with! Boat looks great and the engine runs much smoother.
The price was super reasonable and the turnaround time was great. I highly recommend these guys! This is the second time we've used this boatyard (the first time for more substantial repairs on a new-to-us 1982 Catalina 25) and we'll continue to use them in the future.
The price was super reasonable and the turnaround time was great. I highly recommend these guys! This is the second time we've used this boatyard (the first time for more substantial repairs on a new-to-us 1982 Catalina 25) and we'll continue to use them in the future.
Mike B.
Mar 22, 2021
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We choose Berkeley Marine Center as the delivery point for our boat delivery because it was a convenient location. The initial contacts and arrangements were pretty good. They got the boat and spars unloaded with no difficulty although the driver didn't much care for the condition of the road coming in which is not their fault. Next was stepping the mast. While they did allow me to rig my mast and prepare the boat, within a day or so the boat was filthy. So many boats, including one right next to me were sanding their bottoms without any dust pick up it was really pretty terrible. I had to
Chuck Hooper
Mar 17, 2021
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What a great outfit. I have been dong yearly haul and paint here for the at least the past 10 years. The staff is cordial and I feel good about turning the job over to them now that I'm older. During covid I have had the boats out on three occasions. One emergency ( inappropriate amount of water ingress due to old shaft packing) and then regular maintenance of a 40 foot trawler, and my Contessa 33.
Cree is always ready to take me on a tour of the fantastic projects underway in the yard, and feed my fantasies of making an old boat go faster. Several times he has calmed me down when I was getting
Cree is always ready to take me on a tour of the fantastic projects underway in the yard, and feed my fantasies of making an old boat go faster. Several times he has calmed me down when I was getting
Matthew S.
Mar 16, 2021
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BEST EXPERIENCE IN A BOATYARD TO DATE
I had fantastic experience getting an urgent repair completed on my Islander 30'
I brought Baidin in as my engine intake thru hull was older than I am. I accidently snapped it off as I was snaking some speaker work through the lazarette. I had a baby geyser in the boat until I had plugged the hole with my gin bottle cork. Needless to say, I was anxious to get the work fixed. I called Berkeley Marine Center to see if they could do a lunch time hang and replace the thru hull. Cassandra immediately understood the urgency of the requested and put me in
I had fantastic experience getting an urgent repair completed on my Islander 30'
I brought Baidin in as my engine intake thru hull was older than I am. I accidently snapped it off as I was snaking some speaker work through the lazarette. I had a baby geyser in the boat until I had plugged the hole with my gin bottle cork. Needless to say, I was anxious to get the work fixed. I called Berkeley Marine Center to see if they could do a lunch time hang and replace the thru hull. Cassandra immediately understood the urgency of the requested and put me in
Mark M.
Feb 02, 2021
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The yard was great, Quality work , friendly service, fair prices. I brought in my 47 Vagabond and Had my hull painted and bow thruster installed , bottom job, generator replaced as well as several other jobs. The only downside was the delay in work getting started as they had a lot of boats ahead of me and they seemed a little short on workers however it was in the middle of a pandemic and I heard other yards in the bay had completely shut down for weeks at a time but once they started they got through it quickly and did quality work. I would recommend this yard as a great place to bring your
Carl Martin
Aug 19, 2020
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I completed today an 8 day layup at Berkeley Marine Center and could not be more pleased. Donna, Quincy, Sonya and Rubin are awesome to work with and helped me keep on track and get back in the water on schedule. I had them replace three through-hull valves and their labor / pricing were fair and reasonable. If you're willing to do some or most of the work yourself, it's definitely the best way to go. All yards have expensive labor. Welcome to the Bay Area - but the satisfaction you get from doing the work yourself, yet having them to help where needed it the perfect combination. I have nothing
Courtney Robinson
Jul 21, 2020
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Andrew Stock
Jun 24, 2019
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Jay Thorpe
Dec 04, 2018
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I recently had my boat hauled at Berkeley Marine Center. I had the opportunity to meet Jen, Cree, Julio, and Rubin. All were very friendly, helpful and hospitable. I am happy I decided to go there and do the work myself. It was a great environment to work in and I felt comfortable every minute. Thanks Cree for your help and advice. I am certainly glad to see you haven't fallen in line with the other "so called" marinas in the bay area. You run a great place and can expect my business again soon.
Erwan I.
Mar 10, 2018
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A letter to Cree Partridge:"I want to let you know how good my last haul out has been. From the moment Françoise (recommended by your wife) pointed to the impending disaster with a through hull, to the splash back into the water, I have been very professionally and amicably treated by you and all your staff in one way or another (including personnel who were not directly involved such as Alberto coming over on his own to help me out when I was lowering my bike with a line to make room inside for the work to be done).
Special thank you go to Ruben, Julio, Dave and Eric for doing the actual
Special thank you go to Ruben, Julio, Dave and Eric for doing the actual
Ken W.
Dec 22, 2017
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My thanks to Cree, Julie and crew who recently finished hull cleaning, blister repair, barrier coat and bottom paint on my Montgomery 15. As always I was treated as if I had a 50 yacht instead of a 15' trailer sailor. The work was done professionally, on time and under budget. I wouldn't go anywhere else.
Nancy S.
Nov 17, 2016
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Cree, Julie and the crew have provided friendly great service at a fair price for several of our haulouts. They can also get paint and parts at port supply prices within a day if the shop doesn't have something in stock.
When we've needed help with odd projects like removing a large old generator, and installing a modern replacement, they managed to carefully shoehorn our 57' Chris Craft back into the hoist area, maneuver the heavy machinery up out of the engine room, through the saloon, up onto the bridge deck, and out to the stern to hoist off without marring any woodwork or scratching
When we've needed help with odd projects like removing a large old generator, and installing a modern replacement, they managed to carefully shoehorn our 57' Chris Craft back into the hoist area, maneuver the heavy machinery up out of the engine room, through the saloon, up onto the bridge deck, and out to the stern to hoist off without marring any woodwork or scratching
Thom H.
Jul 05, 2016
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PLEASE read these review carefully. The good ones are based on being hauled out for self service work. This is hard to mess up, so BMC can pull it off.
If, on the other hand, you need them to fix something, this place is a nightmare. I needed them to swap out a transmission on my boat, something I was told would take a day. I was promised the boat would be ready after a week. Then another week. Still nothing done.
When I finally called them on their lies about fixing the boat, Cree decided he just wouldn't do anything. So now I'm having the boat towed out - unfixed, to go to
If, on the other hand, you need them to fix something, this place is a nightmare. I needed them to swap out a transmission on my boat, something I was told would take a day. I was promised the boat would be ready after a week. Then another week. Still nothing done.
When I finally called them on their lies about fixing the boat, Cree decided he just wouldn't do anything. So now I'm having the boat towed out - unfixed, to go to
Frank H.
Oct 07, 2015
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Just completed a DIY bottom paint, thru hull transducer installation, and polish job at BMC. I was apprehensive about taking on my first haul out bottom paint and thru hull installation, but the yard staff were very helpful guiding me through the process without any attitude. It was a grueling and dirty job for a first timer's learning curve. Very friendly front office and staff. Definitely will be using BMC again in a few years for my Grady's bottom.
Bow A.
Aug 19, 2015
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NOTE: Please read Robert. V's review below as well, It seems he had an identical experience with this boat yard.
Due to the fact that Berkeley Marine Center (B.M.C) is really the only option to get major repairs done near the Berkeley / Emeryville marinas, Cree Partridge and his crew liberally use this to their advantage.
I brought my vessel in for some Insurance repairs to the rigging, toe-rail, and paint. Not only did they take an unbelievably long time to actually repair my vessel, and the exorbitant final repair price did not even closely match my original estimate. They also failed
Due to the fact that Berkeley Marine Center (B.M.C) is really the only option to get major repairs done near the Berkeley / Emeryville marinas, Cree Partridge and his crew liberally use this to their advantage.
I brought my vessel in for some Insurance repairs to the rigging, toe-rail, and paint. Not only did they take an unbelievably long time to actually repair my vessel, and the exorbitant final repair price did not even closely match my original estimate. They also failed
Hidegrl A.
Aug 05, 2015
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Jim H.
Jul 29, 2015
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Family atmosphere, exceptional service, always willing to help and advise. Their main goal is to make sure that all contractors and sailors are happy. I have been using their services for years as a contractor working on boats and I cannot say enough positive about Berkeley Marine Center! Highly recommend.
Llewellyn T.
Aug 05, 2014
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This is one of the last yards in the Bay Area that allows full do it yourself work. Cree, the owner, loves boats, and it shows. He will sometimes stop by to see how your project is going and offer helpful advice. The office staff are friendly and the yard workers are competent. Pricing is on a par with other yards or a bit cheaper.
Pros: Friendly, busy place with excellent free advice from Cree. Karl the yard manager is friendly and responsive .Work force is competent .The store is convenient but pricey.
Cons: Crowded and messy with equipment and boat parts all over. Travelifts need maintenance
Pros: Friendly, busy place with excellent free advice from Cree. Karl the yard manager is friendly and responsive .Work force is competent .The store is convenient but pricey.
Cons: Crowded and messy with equipment and boat parts all over. Travelifts need maintenance
Babs O.
Dec 05, 2013
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I am an experience boat owner and skipper. I have been using BMC for about 10 years to haul 2 different sailboats. I have had them help with 2 restorations and have hauled boats out at BMC about 8 times. Cree, Carl, Steve and David, Howard, all have taken time out to help me solve problems when I was doing work myself and when they have done work that I can't do, the work was good, intelligently planned and at a fair cost. I use BMC after having poor treatment at 2 different boat yards in Alameda, and now come here from Alameda.
The only down side to doing such a good job is that it is now
The only down side to doing such a good job is that it is now
Kevin M.
Oct 30, 2013
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My friends and I had a fantastic experience taking our 1975 Catalina 27 to Berkeley Marine Center for a bottom job and and overhaul. I still can't believe how good the boat looks and sails!
Doing the job ourselves was a lot of work, but it was much easier and more successful because of the great advice and help we got from Karl and Jamie and the rest of the Yard staff. They coached us through every step of the project and even suggested fixes and upgrades we hadn't imagined. The end result is that our boat looks better than we thought possible and we have the confidence of having
Doing the job ourselves was a lot of work, but it was much easier and more successful because of the great advice and help we got from Karl and Jamie and the rest of the Yard staff. They coached us through every step of the project and even suggested fixes and upgrades we hadn't imagined. The end result is that our boat looks better than we thought possible and we have the confidence of having
Broach M.
Sep 14, 2013
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I just spent 8 months at Berkeley Marine Center and couldn't have had a better experience!
I hauled out in mid-December with the idea that I'd put-back-in in a couple of weeks. They were to do the bottom, and I was going to replace some seacocks on the thru-hulls.
Well, as any boat owner will likely tell you, it's never that easy.
I have an older fiberglass hull sloop (1962) with a wooden mast. The mast was starting to fail at the seams. It was Cree who pointed this out to me, and I can't thank him enough.
Steve Hutchinson, a wooden boat specialist, gave me great advice
I hauled out in mid-December with the idea that I'd put-back-in in a couple of weeks. They were to do the bottom, and I was going to replace some seacocks on the thru-hulls.
Well, as any boat owner will likely tell you, it's never that easy.
I have an older fiberglass hull sloop (1962) with a wooden mast. The mast was starting to fail at the seams. It was Cree who pointed this out to me, and I can't thank him enough.
Steve Hutchinson, a wooden boat specialist, gave me great advice
Dan B.
Apr 28, 2009
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The bad things you are reading and hearing about? They are all true about this place.
More damage is done to boats than is fixed.
Boats are dropped. Boats are left to ground. Masts are dropped and bashed around by a construction crane that is completely the wrong tool as well as being unsafe.
Look at their lift and the fluids leaking out of it.
A few months ago someone lost a finger.
Overspray on cars, boats, people....
They cause damage and expect the customer to pay twice for the 'work'.
The anger and negativity at this place is huge. They just don't seem to
More damage is done to boats than is fixed.
Boats are dropped. Boats are left to ground. Masts are dropped and bashed around by a construction crane that is completely the wrong tool as well as being unsafe.
Look at their lift and the fluids leaking out of it.
A few months ago someone lost a finger.
Overspray on cars, boats, people....
They cause damage and expect the customer to pay twice for the 'work'.
The anger and negativity at this place is huge. They just don't seem to
