For nearly two centuries, Mystic Shipyard has been part of the maritime landscape of southeastern Connecticut. Today, the historic facility on the Mystic River is a full-service marina and boatyard that combines modern amenities with a long connection to the region’s boatbuilding heritage.
Located on the west side of the Mystic River at 100 Essex Street, Mystic Shipyard is situated south of the river’s bridges, providing boaters with straightforward access to the river and Long Island Sound. The shipyard also operates Mystic Shipyard East, just across the river on Stafford Street, putting boaters within easy reach of downtown Mystic.
A Marina With a Long Maritime History
Mystic Shipyard traces its history to 1843, when the property was used for shipbuilding, including schooners and ironclad ships. One of the largest vessels ever built in Mystic, the 249-foot schooner Jennie R. DuBois, was constructed at the shipyard in 1902.
The yard’s history continued into the 20th century, when it built “sea sleds”—catamaran-style powerboats used for racing, recreation and as tenders for presidential yachts. Eventually, the property evolved into the recreational marina and full-service boatyard it is today.
That history remains an important part of the character of Mystic Shipyard. While today’s boaters arrive for modern services and amenities, they’re doing so at a property that has been part of Mystic’s working waterfront for almost 200 years.
A Full-Service Marina
Mystic Shipyard is more than a place to tie up for the night. Its service operation covers a broad range of marine trades, including mechanical work, electrical systems, rigging, carpentry, fiberglass and paint, varnishing, haul and launch, detailing and refits.
The marina is an authorized Mercury and Yamaha service provider, and its technicians receive ongoing factory training. The shipyard says its work follows American Boat and Yacht Council standards.
For boaters traveling through the region, that full-service capability can be particularly useful. A stop at Mystic Shipyard can be about much more than spending a night at the dock—it can also provide access to the services and expertise needed to keep a boat on the water.
Staying at Mystic Shipyard
Transient boaters are welcome at Mystic Shipyard, with dockage currently available for vessels up to 130 feet. The marina offers 120-volt service along with 30- and 50-amp electrical configurations, Wi-Fi, laundry, ice, grills and a riverside swimming pool. Seasonal slips and moorings are also available.
The pool is one of the marina’s more distinctive amenities. Located alongside the Mystic River, it gives visiting boaters a place to relax without leaving the property.
For boats in the regular slip area, Mystic Shipyard offers accommodations for vessels up to 60 feet, with water hookups, 30/50-amp shore power and Wi-Fi.
Explore Mystic by Boat
One of Mystic Shipyard’s biggest advantages is its location.
Downtown Mystic is a short walk or dinghy ride from the marina, giving visiting boaters easy access to the village’s shops, restaurants and waterfront. Mystic Seaport is also nearby, making the shipyard a convenient base for exploring one of Connecticut’s best-known maritime destinations.
And because the shipyard is south of the bridges, boaters don’t have to negotiate the bridges to get between the marina and Long Island Sound. That makes the location particularly convenient for cruisers using Mystic as a base for exploring the surrounding waters.
Two Sides of the River
Mystic Shipyard’s operation extends across the river.
Mystic Shipyard West is located at 100 Essex Street, while Mystic Shipyard East is at 18 Stafford Street in the heart of downtown Mystic. The two facilities operate as part of the same organization, sharing equipment, manpower and expertise when needed.
The East location puts boaters particularly close to downtown, while the West yard provides the larger full-service boatyard operation. Together, they give Mystic Shipyard a broader footprint and a range of capabilities unusual for a marina of this type.
Why Stop at Mystic Shipyard?
For visiting boaters, the appeal is relatively simple: Mystic Shipyard puts you close to one of New England’s best-known waterfront towns while offering the amenities and services of a substantial full-service marina.
You can arrive by boat, spend the afternoon exploring downtown Mystic, visit the area’s maritime attractions, return to the marina for a swim in the riverside pool, and have access to professional marine services if you need them.
And there’s something fitting about experiencing Mystic this way. The town’s identity has always been closely tied to the water, and Mystic Shipyard offers visitors a chance to become part of that maritime landscape—even if only for a night or a weekend.
Marina Spotlight: Mystic Shipyard
Location: 100 Essex Street, Mystic, Connecticut
Waterway: Mystic River
Transient dockage: Available
Boat size: Transient dockage for vessels up to 130 feet; regular slips accommodate boats up to 60 feet
Amenities: Riverside pool, Wi-Fi, laundry, shore power, water, grills, ice and restrooms
Services: Mechanical, electrical, rigging, carpentry, fiberglass, paint, varnish, detailing, haul/launch and other marine services
Nearby: Downtown Mystic and Mystic Seaport
Website: mysticshipyard.com