Fishing Supplies & Bait

Live bait can be hard to come by, but there's shops in most parts of San Francisco Bay where you can get frozen bait and a wide selection of fishing tackle.

Chandleries

Nearly every waterfront area has at least one chandlery not far from the shore. The West Marine stores dominate the Bay Area's boating supply scene, but a few independent chandleries remain, especially at boat yards and marinas.

Mechanics

Marine mechanics are available in most parts of San Francisco Bay. Many will come to your boat, and some have work docks at their shops to make major repairs more efficient.

Maintenance

Your boat needs regular washing, waxing, and varnishing. If you don't have the time to do this yourself, maintenence services will take care of it all on a weekly, monthly, or on-demand basis.

Towing

When you're stranded on San Francisco Bay or thereabouts, commercial towing services will come to your aid. These services don't come cheaply, so consider signing up for towing insurance through Boat U.S. (If you're in immediate peril, and not just inconvenienced, the Coast Guard will come to your rescue.)

Emergency

The U.S. Coast Guard and the police services of the surrounding communities provide emergency rescue and law enforcement on the bay. All monitor Channel 16. If you need help on the water but are not in immediate peril, the government services will refer you to a commercial towing service.

Marine Electronics
and Electricians

When you need new electronics installed or something isn't working right, marine electricians are the people to call. Some specialize in power systems, including batteries and inverters, while others focus on installation of electronics such as radar and GPS equipment.

Woodwork

Skilled wood craftsmen can tackle any project, from a custom table to a complete new interior, in teak, cherry, mahogany, or the wood of your choice. Nautical woodwork doesn't come cheaply, but there is nothing like natural wood to lend warmth and style to a boat.

Divers

If your boat stays in San Francisco Bay, you'll want to have a diver visit periodically to keep the bottom clean. Divers can also change props and zincs without requiring you to haul the boat. And if you drop something valuable overboard in your slip, a diver may be able to help. Most divers also do more extensive underwater salvage work, should the worst happen and you find your boat sitting on the bottom.

Sailmakers

When it's time for new sails or repairs to your current ones, sailmakers are the place to head. They're located all around San Francisco Bay.

Canvas

Canvas shops can make anything from a winch cover to a full cockpit enclosure. Custom canvas work isn't inexpensive, but it can protect your varnish, enclose your flybridge, cover your dinghy, or do just about anything else you can imagine.

Rigging

Riggers can handle any service or installation need for your mast, stays, shrouds, and running rigging.

Propellers

A well-balanced and properly size propeller is essential to a smooth-running boat. Propeller shops can balance and repitch your props, and well as provide new ones when needed. If you're boat is in a boatyard, they can remove the props; if it is in the water, a diver can do the job without having to haul the boat.

Surveyors

Marine surveyors are experts in boat construction and maintenance. When you're considering purchase of a used boat, a surveyor can provide a detailed report on the boat's condition. Some insurance companies require a survey before insuring a used boat. The surveyors listed here generally will travel anywhere in the San Francisco Bay area.

Sailing Schools

If you want to learn to sail, you can take classes or private lessons from many different schools. Classes range from introductions for beginners to advanced racing and long-term cruising skills.