Reviews: Ess-Kay Yards Inc.

Reviewed by: Gary Miller on Oct 21, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 76'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

First class operation, been coming here 30 years, Kim and Ethan are great house, knew Kim's father, Great pump out good freshwater cheapest diesel in New York State. It may be the whole route great facility.

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Reviewed by: Gary Miller on Oct 2, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 76'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

One of my favorite marinas. Been going here for 35 to 40 years, knew Kim's father. Kim & Ethan are great hosts. Diesel is best price in state and maybe best on whole loop. Very nice place to hang your hat.

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Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel on Sep 28, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

The stories about Kim and Ethan are true. They are wonderful people, honest, hardworking, and caring. Because of medical issues, what started out to be just a week off loop for some bottom work became winter storage, bottom paint, new bimini canvas, and some mechanical work over a period of 15 months. Their Travel Lift managed our 30 ton trawler with ease. Everything was handled professionally and all work was to our satisfaction. Although this is definitely a working boatyard there is still a relaxed ambiance to the place. The docks are in good shape, the grass infield is well maintained, and the office/chandlery is well stocked. Necessary items can be ordered and usually delivered the following day. Private bath/showers are clean. There is no laundry. Although the facility is on the canal it is in a 5 mph No Wake Zone that is honored by most people so there is little issue with wakes. The docks are fixed and solid. Finally, the diesel price is one of the best in the Northeast.

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Reviewed by: Paul Hallman on Sep 15, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 51'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We left Canada late July and were fortunate to find Ess-Kay Marina on our route to the NYC area. It was early August and it so happened, that a storm from the hurricane coming north, was scheduled to pass the New York State area within days so they took precautions to drain a portion of the Erie Canal to prevent flooding along the canal area, so we were slipped at Ess-Kay for a few days. The facilities were great...... dock was excellent and the price of fuel very attractive so we filled up and stayed for a bit. The owners loaned us their car so we could go into town to shop at a Walmart and liquor/beer store. We got caught up with our laundry and stocked up on a number of items from their marine store, which is very well stocked. After a few days we moved onwards through the Erie Canal towards NYC.

On our return to Canada we encountered an engine problem as bearings on the circulation pump on one of our Diesel engines gave way and the fan belt blew. After identifying the parts we needed, I called Kim at Ess-Kay and asked her if she could order the parts and install them when we arrive in a few days. We limped up the rest of the Hudson River and across the Erie Canal to Brewerton to the Ess-Kay Marina where we filled up with fuel again, slipped for one-night and were fortunate that their mechanic was able to install the new pump. They saved us a great deal of time and the cost was not a surprise. What was excellent was their hospitality, friendly attitudes, and family style marina. It felt like we were home.
Thanks to the entire staff and especially to Kim for her commitment to customer satisfaction and down to earth pricing. It's also a great family story on the marina history and "The girls" should be proud to have preserved this business over the past 50+ years. Well done!

Also, if you get there on a Friday the dirt track racing in the town is awesome entertainment.

Again, THANKS !!!!!

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Reviewed by: P Claytor , 45 North, on Jul 22, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 58'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

We arrived (late) the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend with a severe engine vibration. Ess-Kay (Kim and Ethan) made room for us, loaned us cars and even included us in their Memorial Day BBQ. Despite the holiday weekend they started calling and texting Cummins service companies and even arranged a diver for 1st thing Tuesday morning (who ruled out any running gear damage.
The "boat yard" is more like a park setting where you are made to feel like family, After a week we had our problem sorted out and at that point, almost hated to leave. We won't be passing through Brewerton without stopping next year.
And - the lowest diesel fuel prices between Norfolk VA and the Great Lakes ...

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Reviewed by: Michael Hansen on Jul 13, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

There are no words for the amazing experience we had at Ess Kay Yards. We came in last minute on the 4th of July holiday with engine issues. Kim made sure that we were diagnosed and parts order sled before the weekend. Jack is the best ! He not only found our engine issues and found a potential disaster before it turned into one but worked side-by-side with us to fix these issues. He dealt with us, built our confidence and solved our issues. Such a rare gem!!

While we're were out of commission Kim made sure we were comfortable, had what we needed, and she opened up her garage and grounds to groups of us to connect and share stories.

We are so fortunate to have stumbled upon this amazing place!

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Reviewed by: Kevin Williams , m/v Blue Tortuga, on Jul 11, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Ess-Kay is pretty much a legend in this region and for good reason. The transient docks are rock solid, the facility has a cozy marina feel like you just came home. Good for service work. Incredibly capable and friendly staff- the level of ownership is amazing and they truly want you to have a good experience. The facilities may not be the fanciest, but they are more than acceptable, and it was a great stop. Only negative is no laundry, but they have a loaner car with a very nice laundromat in town. Would definitely return, as most do.

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Reviewed by: G. Jay Nelson , Pegasus, on Jul 4, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We cannot say enough good things about Ess-Kay Yards marina. Kim is amazingly friendly and accommodating. From the moment she met us on the dock to help us tie up was a very pleasant experience. The marina has an amazing ships store that rivals many West Marine stores we have seen, even having a Jabsco Marina toilet repair kit for our older model electric head. We took advantage of their loaner car to get provisions for the boat. It also has an extensive repair facility. When we decided to take a side trip, the marina was full for the following evening, but Kim called a friend at a marina further up the canal to find us a multi-day transit dock. This is a marina I would definitely come to again.

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Reviewed by: Keith Palmer , Odysea II, on Jun 26, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 31'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Service great all around from the good communication on arrival to help fueling and pumping out and then docking.
The bath and store facilities are also good and convenient to the dock.
The finger pier we were on was a little dated but fine.
Tammy greeted us at the fuel dock and took care of us until we were secure in our slip for the night.
Great stop, thank you.

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Reviewed by: Rebecca Osborne , Breath of Romance, on Jun 21, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

We were having issues with our alternator. We called Ess-Kay Yards and asked if they had a space for us. They moved some boats around and fit us in. The day we arrived they came and looked at our alternator and said we needed a new one. That afternoon they ordered one and the next day the manager drove over to pick it up from the shipping company. That afternoon they installed it in our boat. Management and technical staff were awesome. Cannot recommend them any higher.

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Reviewed by: David Mann , Now or Never, on Jun 19, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 4.7'

Rating: 5

Full service marina including well equipped ships store, service department, and transient slips. Very comfortable stop.

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Reviewed by: Richard Lewis , Sea-Quel, on Jun 9, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 56'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Great facility and staff. It's a functioning boatyard with a great reputation. Convenient and they have a courtesy car. Fuel prices were extremely reasonable and pump out was convenient. We were weathered in a few days and Kim was extremely easy to deal with. Their dock store would put most West Marine stores to shame. We will be back.

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Reviewed by: Lane DeVries on Jun 9, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.2'

Rating: 5

Fabulous stop for numerous reasons: great location just off Oneida Lake; amazing ship store with anything you might need, reasonably priced; Kim and her crew are there to catch lines, pump gas and help pump out; still only $1.25 per foot docking fee, with no extra charge for 30 or 50 amp electricity; free water, and water pump out $12; 10% AGLCA discount for members (everything but gas it appears); decent toilets and showers; AND a courtesy car available to use! Kim is very knowledgeable and friendly! There is not an on-site laundry facility, but you may use the courtesy car to access a laundromat. We really enjoyed our stay and would come back again!

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Reviewed by: Gary Miller on Sep 23, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 76'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

One of my favorite stops on the whole loop, been coming here for years, Kim is the best for everything, knew her dad. 10 amp power plus 50 & 30 amp power available. Great location & good people.

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Reviewed by: Paul Steindorf , Ohana, on Jul 21, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Kim is certainly concerned about customer service. The yard has a pretty well stocked parts and accessories inventory. Fuel and pumpout ($10). Travel lift. Service techs good communicators. Loaner car. No pool and the bath rooms could use updating, but hey, it's a Yard, not a resort marina.

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Reviewed by: John Newman on Jul 17, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 50'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Ess-Kay

Fuel and pump out
Courtesy car is nice.
Marina staff is great! The ship's store is stocked well and Kim really knows the inventory and recommends solutions to any problem you have. Ethan is knowledgeable and is also willing to help. Bathrooms consist of men and women in the front with 1 shower and small stalls. The 2 newer ones are in the back and are large with a single shower and toilet.

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Reviewed by: Graeme Walker , Confirmed Aquaholic, on Jul 10, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 54'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Great ships store, helpful and friendly staff, courtesy car, cheap diesel.

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Reviewed by: Douglas Morrow on Jul 5, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 14.0'

Rating: 5

This is a great stop! There are courtesy cars to borrow to get into town. For a nominal fee they make airport runs too! The ship store has lots of parts as well as gifts and T shirts. The outdoor area with picnic tables is wonderful. The restrooms need a little TLC. Kim and her sisters who own the marina are great!

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Reviewed by: James Cowher on Jun 10, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 37'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Best stop on the canal. If you need it, they got it, if it's broken, they can fix it . Very impressive facilities. Nice staff and good prices.

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Reviewed by: Gary Miller on Jun 6, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 76'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

First class operation, been staying here twice a year for 30 years. Family owned, 100 amp power, excellent pump out, great fuel price, good water depth at dock, great staff. Kim is outstanding and can procure anything you need.

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Reviewed by: Mark Dawes on Jan 26, 2023
LOA: 42'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Other reviews cover the facility and mention how wonderful Kim, Evan and their staff is. This is an above-and-beyond-the-call-of-duty marina. Evan was dogged at not only winterizing the boat but calling and suggesting an upgrade that would simplify the process. Jack, while young, is a seasoned repair and maintenance man and does much the same, ie, look for the simple improvement that can make life on your boat easier and more enjoyable.

Folks, happiness in this endeavor is important. The staff at Ess-Kay are on that vibe with you. My advice take advantage of that whenever you can ... and give a little back.

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Reviewed by: Gary Miller on Oct 8, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 76'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

One of my favorite stops, can do almost all repairs, great setting, Kim can get any part you need, staff is great, best diesel price in New York state.

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Reviewed by: Gary Miller on Jun 21, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 76'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

First class operation, they will do anything you need. Good electric, good WIFI, good people, 75 ton lift, great ships store. Stayed here each direction for 35 years.

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Reviewed by: Gary Miller on Sep 19, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 76'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

What a great Marina, facility is first class, gorgeous and Kim is terrific. She will serve all of your needs. Great grassy area & picnic benches, 100 amp power, great water pressure, the WIFI works well and the docks are super. I am in the well next to the fuel dock and I am showing 10-11' of water. Every store and restaurant you need is within a couple mile distance.

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Reviewed by: Wade A. on Jul 4, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Pro: Excellent fixed docks, with good water and power. Good fuel price. VERY helpful dock and boatyard staff. Grounds well maintained. Excellent marine store. Courtesy cars.

Con: No laundry. Limited bath/shower facilities. $12 per tank for a pumpout (even after a $900+ fuel purchase,. Sheesh)

Conclusion: Definitely worth a stop, especially if you need fuel or parts and repair assistance.

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Reviewed by: Tom Anderson on Jul 2, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

I am writing this after a one night reservation turned into a six night stay. To say that Kim and her staff were helpful and accommodating would be a gross injustice. These folks are fantastic and caring. We raced into the marina and then to a veterinarian for emergency surgery on a pet. Staying here removed all of our "boat stress." The marina is easy in / easy out with large finger docks right off the river for about a dozen transients. This is a working full service marina. That said, the grounds are a well maintained peaceful setting. There is a very well stocked marine store on premises and a courtesy vehicle to access just about anything you need a few miles away. There are several restaurants a short walk or dinghy ride away. What makes this marina so special is Kim who puts her kind words into action.

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Reviewed by: Rob Dare , Liberty Call , on Jun 20, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 46'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Great boat yard. Quickly accomplished a few maintenance issues. Kim and Ethan are super friendly and run a great operation. Docks are wide and in great shape. The ship’s store is very well stocked. Lots of grass to walk a dog.

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Reviewed by: Brian Chapin , Tug Life, on Jun 17, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 25'
Draft: 2.0'

Rating: 5

Great parts store, best diesel price and excellent customer service. We stopped in for fuel and pump out and they arranged for some needed service on the spot. They even lent us the courtesy car for a quick run into town while we waited. We also got the AGLCA discount for store purchases.

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Reviewed by: Michael Debettencourt on Jun 13, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 25'
Draft: 2.0'

Rating: 5

Put my small boat in the back for 2 nights. Very cozy and well protected. Plus Kim is a delight to work with. Used the courtesy car to go into town and do my laundry. Pretty well stocked chandlery, too.

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Reviewed by: Capt Dave , Knot Fast, on Jun 9, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 37'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Nice people, good prices, courtesy car!
Best diesel price in NY? $2.999

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Reviewed by: Gary Miller on May 30, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 76'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

First class family operation. Been staying here each direction for 30 years. Kim and Ethan are great folks and will take care of all of your boating needs, great marine store with every item imaginable. Fuel is best price since Carolinas. 100 amp power and great facilities.

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Reviewed by: Dave Lyga on Sep 17, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Best marina on the Erie Canal. Kim and Ethan are great hosts and make sure all their guest are comfortable and with fully stocked ship store you can find just about anything you need. Highly recommend this marina!

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Reviewed by: Peter Buckley , Puffin, on Jul 17, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Kim and Ethan provide the best, and friendliest service you will find anywhere. Stayed 5 days while Ethan helped us replace our windless.

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Reviewed by: Pete Stott , Salsa, on Sep 19, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Where else can you get such service! We called ahead to request dockage and an oil change...within 45 minutes of landing Ethan was in the engine room changing the oil...not a drop spilled! During the course of conversation we mentioned that we were out of our favorite Trader Joe's coffee...later that day 2 containers of TJ's coffee showed up! Can't beat this place for customer satisfaction...and great fuel prices! Keep up the great work!

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Reviewed by: Docford on May 30, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.4'

Rating: 5

We are sitting on the boat enjoying the quiet surroundings. The dock surfaces are all new or recent, the grounds green, and the staff most hospitable. We always enjoy our stays at Ess-Kay. This marina is a long-time family enterprise with attention to treating every customer like family. Best stocked ships store along the Erie with a wide assortment of charts and guides. Tell Kim where you are headed and she will give you the best options. And, it always helps that they seem to have the best prices on fuel anywhere. If you have a mechanical issue, this is the best place to find help. Do yourself a favor and plan a couple of days to stay at Ess-Kay.

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Reviewed by: Sally Miller , One Oliver II, on Jun 20, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

This is a wonderful full service marina in a great location! They have, or will get, everything you might need. We stopped here several times and we were 100% pleased with every visit! We shared meals with Kim and Ethan, enjoyed lying in the hammock watching the boats go by, and appreciated the courtesy car for shopping. Kim's Dad was a great man and Kim and Ethan have continued to operate the marina in his high standards.

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Reviewed by: Laura Borchert , Bayou Gypsy, on Jun 19, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 52'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We love Ess-Kay! They were our oasis, our shelter from the storm! They patched up our boat beautifully, and fixed all the things that had been destroyed when it had been stored indoors at that other place across the canal. The Ess-Kay staff is SO professional and SO friendly. After boating 8,044 miles along the Great Loop, I can say that Ess-Kay is one of the absolute best marina / repair facilities you’ll ever find!

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Reviewed by: Ronald , Kara Mia 2, on Jun 15, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Just leaving Ess Kay Yard this morning (6/15/18) having one of my best marina experiences. Kim and Tammy were very helpful, responsive, and friendly. While the facilities are not the newest, everything was well cared for. The shop and store were stocked with items you don't find everywhere. The fuel prices were the best ($2.99 diesel). And the loaner car was invaluable when weather extended our stay. Great setting on the river.

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