Marina Watch: Son Rise Marina

SON RISE MARINA 1535 1st St.

Sandusky, OH 419-624-8557

HOTYMARINE.COM/ MARINAS/SON-RISE-MARINA

AMENITIES Transient slips: Nearby Pump-out: Y Gas: Nearby Diesel: Nearby Lifts: Y Launch ramp: Nearby Engine repair: Y Hull repair: Y Marine store: Nearby Restaurant: Nearby Showers: Y Laundry Facility: Y

Son Rise Marina A cozy marina across the bay from Cedar Point.

From the top of Cedar Point’s Valravn — the tallest, fastest and longest dive coaster in the U.S. — is a beautiful view of Sandusky Bay. Look closely enough and you’ll spot Son Rise Marina on 1st Street, right across the bay from the amusement park.

Built in 2000, the marina has 220 floating docks that can accommodate boats up to 60 feet. The entire facility is extremely secure as it’s fully fenced and access requires a key fob.

Laundry and restrooms are another perk, with free lockers available if you want to take advantage of the marina’s close proximity to downtown Sandusky or if you want to travel the 2.1 miles to the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World.”

But Cedar Point isn’t the only attraction nearby. The marina is close to Catawba Island, Kelleys Island, Put-in-Bay, Middle Bass and Pelee Island (when the U.S./Canada border reopens). Depart for a day trip and return for a dinner picnic along the water or a late-night swim in Son Rise’s heated pool.

“We’re close to the islands and downtown Sandusky has really thrived,” says Heated Storage Manager Frank Remmick. “We built the marina for the bigger boats... everything’s supplied: Cable TV, Wi-Fi, security.”

Speaking of storage, Son Rise has plenty. Three facilities amount to 133,000 square feet of indoor heated storage, and a new building is being constructed to add 60,000 square feet to that total.

Be sure to come by in August. Although the pandemic forced other events throughout the summer to be canceled, Remmick says the huge customer party and barbecue is still on as of late June.

Whether it’s a visit to seek roller coaster thrills or adventure around Lake Erie’s islands, Son Rise Marina is a perfect place to dock. ★