I have never seen a better run or well-kempt Marina in over 20 years of boating. I don't have a slip there now, but I did in the past and highly recommend Emery Cove under the management of Diane Isley. read more

Ask around in the boating community about the harbormaster here, and you will get a VERY wide range of responses...a hint that we may, in my opinion, be dealing with a bi-polar or sociopathic personality. On one hand, you will get raised eyebrows, shaking heads and warnings like: "she can be sweet and nice, always with a slightly bitter saccharin aftertaste, but pity the fool that gets on her bad side. Others will say she is wonderful, with no complaints. IOWs, in my opinion, she seems to have two faces, one for slip owners, and another for the renters who she tends to view as second hand citizens. Rather than viewing customer SERVICE as the staff's paramount responsibility, customer POLICING is the focus, and the very long list of stringent rules are SELECTIVELY enforced, seemingly with the focus being renters Diane does not like. For example: Look at the aerial view of the marina on Google Maps. I count 36 boats that extend 1-3 feet beyond the ends of the slip fingers, which is not allowed in the rules. But, if you're on her s-list, Diane will come out and measure your boat, reprimand you for the violation, and demand corrective actions, including moving to a longer, more expensive slip. The same violations all around the marina are ignored. Diane also finds it impossible to admit when she is wrong. She simply will not say it, and it has been my experience that she will bend and stretch the truth mercilessly in order avoid having to admit she's not right about something. AND, even worse, if you do dare to disagree with her on even the most minor topic, and prove her wrong, you will never escape being on her bad side, and will be subjected to condescending passive aggressive communication as long as you are there under her very large thumb. For example, if you disagree with her or complain about something, she will tell you that if you don't like it there, you can leave, as if every boat owner doesn't already know that. I have at least 10 emails from her ending with that passive aggressive, threatening comment. Hardly a message the owners of the many vacant, unrented slips, or owners trying to sell their slips, would want current renters in good standing, potential renters or buyers to hear. And, if she doesn't like you, and you disagree with her more times than she can tolerate, she will EVICT you without cause, no reason given, a pure act of spite by a person who seems "mad with power". Not everyone can handle a position of power with consistent grace and kindness. read more

Well behaved women rarely make history... If you are a young man, or individual of standing, Harbornaster Diane may respect most of you, even if you make a mistake or ask too many favors. But, if you're an older widow like me who asks too many questions, it might just turn out the complete opposite. Her cohort Mike Brennan has even gone so far as to call my crew names like "Stupid", probably because he didn't like they way they were dressed, mostly. Richard Kulka, for whom she is an "agent" uses the Yacht Club and this Diane as the gatekeeper to keep out those they might consider undesirable. It's like the Old South Right here in the East Bay. This organization and their beard, The Emeryville Yacht Club, have no place in today's world. And, besides, look at the place. Who would want to put their boat there? read more

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Been living in the Cove for 6 years now and could not be happier that we found this place. The marina itself is well maintained (currently undergoing renovations for brand new docks and electrical system) with easy access requiring only a quick motor out the channel to fantastic sailing in the bay. The harbormaster Diane and assistant harbormaster Mike are extremely hard working and meticulous in their care of this place, same goes for their staff Abe and Caitie. The liveaboard community is strong like a family with everyone always looking out for one another. And the wildlife is amazing with tons of cormorants, pelicans, egrets, herons, bat rays and seals. Never a dull moment! I've been to a few marinas in the bay now and I think by far Emery Cove is the best one. Bonus, the sunsets are always spectacular. read more

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Very nice rennovation of the docks and bathrooms. They are upscale and extremely clean. (Like a 5 star hotel). The gated system keeps the property very safe. read more

Great place to keep a boat! The view of the city is beautiful in the morning. My husband and I almost always comment on the peacefulness of mornings at the marina. Runners run by the marina all the time. Bathrooms and showers are kept extremely clean. The harbor staff even provide disposable bath mats for tenants to use! read more

Out of every marina in the SF Bay that I have visited, and I've been to 5 total, Emery Cove beat out the others in every way. When I first checked out the marina, I was immediately struck by the cozy atmosphere of the offices and the friendly staff. The docks were well-kept and the overall feeling for me was a sense of tranquility. It is amazing to have water on both sides of the little peninsula - everywhere you look there is the bay and cityscape. The move-in process was quick and painless. I wanted to try live-aboard, so I applied (Fortunately, the list wasn't too long at the time). Once I was living there, I felt the real experience of Emery Cove. My neighbors were extremely friendly and fairly outgoing, which was definitely a plus. There was almost no surge, although it did get pretty windy every now and then. The facilities (Showers, laundry, restrooms, lounge) are top notch, clean, and never crowded. One of the unique things about Emery Cove is the internet service... Accessible from my boat! After paying a meager flat price for the equipment (just a small wireless adapter for my laptop), I could tap into the giant antenna on the top of the harbormaster office. Don't expect reliable cable or even DSL speeds, but I did manage to get pretty fast internet speeds during low-times. At least I didn't have to pay a monthly fee for internet usage. Safety is also an important issue, and the staff at Emery Cove have taken great pains to ensure this. For example, when my boat was using too much electricity, which is hazardous to the water around my boat (could cause electric shock which could lead to drowning), Diane, the harbormaster, notified me early. I was referred to Earl, the awesome local electrician, who fixed up my boat quickly for a very competitive price. In addition, the docks are very secure, and they have a guard roaming the parking lot fairly often. In the end, what really counts is the friendliness of the staff. Diane and her staff are absolutely amazing. Out of all the other marinas I have visited, Diane has been the most considerate and amiable harbormaster. Kudos to Mike and Andrea as well for their wonderful personality and helpfulness. I had never felt more at home in a marina. After I purchase my next boat I will definitely be back! read more

I currently have my boat I'm Emery Cove after some time in Marina Bay. I am so pleasantly surprised that I feel like a review is warranted. I like this Marina. The people here are great, like a family Marina should be. Diane, the Harbormaster actually wants us to enjoy boating and is such a sweet person if I had to base the review alone on her it would be 10 stars. She has tact and a direct kindness that disarms even the grumpiest boater. You get the feeling people, including her staff, do what she asks out of loyalty and admiration and THAT is the way to properly run things. Now for the cons: The one thing I don't like about EC is the fact the docks are literally falling apart. I go on the end of my finger and it nearly flips 90 degrees it's so loose. I am currently nursing several nasty splinters after working on a project directly on the dock. I learned my lesson. Boards are coming up and nearly every screw head is sticking out, making walking barefood in EC a definite no-no. This is hard considering i am a beach baby and live in bare feet. Despite a brand new wireless system the internet speed is truly abysmal. 3-4mbps WITH AN ANTENNA is about all you're going to get and yes you will need to compete for that data stream. Sadly they simply spent too little on their system. Although Marina bay lacked in many ways (see harbormaster) their internet service is leagues above EC. Either way I love it and I am here to stay, at least until my boat is ready to cruise. Thanks guys for the hard work. read more

Whenever I visit my friend's yacht at Emery Cove Marina, I'm always stunned by the gorgeous view and all the amenities that come with having your yacht here. One time, the security guy was going around to all the cars parked in the lot and warning them about previous break-ins so he said to lock all valuables in the trunk. Yes this is a liability for the Marina but it was also kind of him to keep the surroundings safe. The staff members are generally nice. The location is also super convenient in case you need to do a grocery run or take care of other errands close by on Powell Street. This is hands-down my favorite part of Emeryville! read more

Second time bringing the Sailboat here for a couple of months during the summer and fall. The location is great, staff are friendly and helpful and the facilities are nice. Having Trader Vic's next door makes this place that much better! read more

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Ever so often, friends of mine throw a boat party. Times that by Alcohol, times that by food, times that times my rogued partying ways... Equals = A hazely night, of me throwing up by sea-side, and getting sea-sick, i seriously don't remember anything, except how beautiful the cove is. (Shoulder shrugs) read more

I come here during work breaks sometime to catch great views of the bay. There isn't much to do on the peninsula except for a meh dim sum place but there's a wonderful (but short) walking path that you can take. I'm not sure what the parking situation is but there sure isn't "street" parking. read more

Great harbor mistress.... Great setting... Close to every thing.... Wish the showers didn't run cold when toilets are flushed but happy with everything else. read more

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Emery Cove is the only Fee Simple "Dockominium" on the Bay, so it has the advantage that you can purchase and own a slip, similar to a Condo. We have been Tennants/owners here for about 6-Years, and we just love it. From a sailing perspective, when you clear the channel you are in the most scenic and open part of the bay. There is usually good 'breeze' there, if there is wind anywhere. Also, if you follow the "counterclockwise for comfort" sailing circle, you get a 'downhill' ride all the way home. The fairways are wide and easy to navigate. The facilities are top notch. Trader Vics is next door, and there is a pleasant hike down a wooden Board Walk to Chevy's. Also, in walking distance, there is Hong Kong East Ocean Seafood Restaurant, the Water Gate Market, and Roba's Pizza and Pasta. The best thing about Emery Cove Harbor is the staff. Diane Isley runs a very friendly and helpful crew, and just does an amazing job as Harbor Master. Andrea, Mike, and Chris, all make us feel like Emery Cove is truly our second home. We have visited some great harbors up and down the coast. We love to visit Monterey, and Santa Barbara. We have had great times in Santa Cruz, and Half Moon Bay. Still, we are always happy to get 'home', and never give a thought to moving our boat. Well, except for temporarily to Mexico, or the South Pacific:) If there were more than five stars I would vote them without hesitation. read more

This is an unwelcoming facility to visitors. Expect to have a nasty note attached to your car windshield if they don't recognize your car. I wrote them a letter about this as follows: To whom it may concern, After recently visiting a friend who leases a large slip for his Yacht stored at your facility, I returned to my vehicle and found your unwelcoming and insulting letter affixed to my windshield. It is the height of presumption and supreme arrogance to assume that any vehicle not affixed with a parking permit or other means of familiar identification is an "unauthorized vehicle". Your heavy handed and unwelcoming attitude to visitors and guests has certainly colored this person's impression of how your facility is operated and I will happily share this impression with any who ask. Being a boat owner myself, I understand the need for security and parking control. This however, is blind and unthinking stupidity to carpet bomb any unfamiliar vehicle with your "go away" letter regardless of whether or not the vehicle belongs to an unfamiliar, yet legitimate visitor to your facility. As you can see from the attached, several weeks have now passed from the occurrence of this incident and the passage of time has left the bile and vitriol from this encounter completely intact and undiminished. Indeed, I expect that no mea culpa you might offer can possibly negate the ill impression to which your sightless and blundering policy has given rise. The statement "To identify your vehicle please come to the harbor office or call 510-428-0505" is a backwards approach akin to "come prove your innocence" and at once serves to reaffirm the unwelcoming attitudes which I now have the impression are rife within your organization. read more

Having had boats at a couple of different marinas I can say hands down this is the nicest marina in the bay . Not only is it run perfectly by Diane and Chris its absolutely beautiful ..very little swell. ..unlike my other boat at pier 39 which is constantly neddeing new lines . The atmosphere here is lovely and it's clean and did I mention we'll run ..wish I could give it ten stars .i have been down here for a few years and it still feels like new . It's also right by the freeway to get me home and to work in a flash read more

From the clean docks, to the excellent location, to the amazing staff in the Harbor Masters office, I would highly recommend choosing Emery Cove as a great place to leave your boat. Emery Cove has wide fairways, modern clean bathrooms, on sight security, clean docks, friendly helpful staff, great access to restaurants, two working pump-outs, safe and secure and are an environmentally responsible marina. Hats off to all your hard work and financial investment - it shows! Thank you for giving my boat a great place to berth. read more

Emery Cove is a very nice Marina for sailboats and very friendly staff and docks are very well maintained. Very good security and good shower and bathroom facilities are kept clean. read more