Reviews: Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek Marina

Review for Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek Marina

Reviewed by: Captain Gene on Apr 2, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

4 2 2024 Pump out seems to be functioning on this visit. Shallow when the tide is low and current can be interesting here. Been visiting here many times since 2015 and have found the pump out has been not been in working order many times. The docks here are basically for the fishing boats from the launch ramp so it can be shallow at low tide. The furthest south Dock usually has water deep enough for a trawler to dock for a few hours without permit. This is not the Sister's Creek Free dock which is just a tad north of these docks. Overnight is not encouraged here as it is by the free dock. You are subject to getting some wakes here by the boats that do not understand what no wake zone means.

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Review for Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek Marina

Reviewed by: Capt Maria Langer, Do It Now, on Dec 2, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 4

To be clear, this dock is marked No Overnight Dockage without written permission of the dockmaster. We called the number on the sign and got a voicemail system. I left a message with no identifying info but did not call any of the suggested phone numbers on the voicemail system. (Ask for forgiveness, not for permission?) The other dock in the creek that does allow overnight dockage was completely full to the point where one boat was sticking out off the end of the dock, so there was no where else to dock nearby. Two boats were anchored on the other side of the ICW. We saw the free pumpout and went in to use that, then repositioned to the longer dock beside it. By that time, a sailboat had landed there; we parked ahead of it abeam the walkway. A trawler joined us before nightfall and that filled the dock. (I want to note here that a dinghy from an anchored boat was LOCKED in the MIDDLE of this long dock for several hours before the owners returned. PLEASE, folks, do not block boat anchorage with your dinghy when you can easily park at one end or another at a dock.) No one bothered us on that weekday night in late November and the dock remained quiet other than bridge noise. I'm not recommending this as a place to dock overnight, but I am suggesting that if the other dock is full and it's a weeknight with not much else going on, it might be an option. That said, there's easy access to land and plenty of grassy areas to walk dogs or even do a brisk walk for exercise. And a free pumpout? Definitely worth a stop if you've got half full tanks. Just be advised that the water is pretty shallow at low tide and the current can be swift.

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Review for Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek Marina

Reviewed by: John Hambrick on Oct 11, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 31'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

We saw 7.5 beneath the keel at low tide. As others stated, no amentities but still free for 72 hours. We had a NE wind of 10-12 kts and outgoing tide with 1.5 kt flow. Tied up on east end. Saw roseatte spoonbills, osprey, little blue heron and a bald eagle.

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Review for Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek Marina

Reviewed by: John Hambrick on Oct 11, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 31'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

We saw 7.5 beneath the keel at low tide. As others stated, no amentities but still free for 72 hours. We had a NE wind of 10-12 kts and outgoing tide with 1.5 kt flow. Tied up on east end. Saw roseatte duckbills, osprey, little blue heron and a bald eagle.

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Review for Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek Marina

Reviewed by: Melanie Cahill, Sabot, on Mar 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 1

We spoke with Capt. Suber and the dock immediately after the bridge, adjacent to the boat ramp is no overnight docking. Believe the signs. The dock further up Sister Creek is a 72 hour limit. The inside of the Sister Creek is shallow at low tide and there's a sunken vessel on 3/16/22.

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  Capt. Jim Suber is the dockmaster for the City of Jacksonville.

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Review for Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek Marina

Reviewed by: Brian, La Neige, on Jan 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

Great discovery after a passage from Charleston to St Marys, then down the ICW. Dock nearest to the ramp is deeper. We draw 6ft and had to relocate after first attempt away from the pedestrian ramp. End of dock is 2 ft shallower

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Review for Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek Marina

Reviewed by: Heath Phillips, Philyria , on Nov 23, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 35'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

Great spot. Docks are really nice. Found 6' at dead low tide.

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Review for Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek Marina

Reviewed by: Stacey Guth, Stinkpot, on Feb 15, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 38'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

We have docked here twice. We didn't find significant current either time. Great free spot! We helped a sailboat in who was going to avoid it because they saw on this site a water depth range of 5 to 35 feet, and feared it was five. That must be at the kayak launch all of the way down. We have seen a good nineteen feet of depth at the floating concrete docks in Sister's Creek.

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Review for Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek Marina

Reviewed by: Capt. John on Oct 9, 2018
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

This used to be a marina, but it is vacant now and owned by the city. Current can be a bit strong but dock is floating concrete. Treat this as you would an anchorage with no facilities. Nothing within walking distance, but a great place to tie up and walk the dog.

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Review for Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek Marina

Reviewed by: Yinzerbob, YINZER, on Jul 10, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 0.0'

Rating: 4

There are three floating cement docks here, two on Sisters Creek and a third one just north on a side creek I stayed on the side creek. Had 17' under my keel at mid tide..Current is significant and recommend using this dock only at slack tide...

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Review for Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek Marina

Reviewed by: STEVEN SCHAPIRO, Kaixo, on Jun 16, 2018
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 27'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Good dock. Bridge has a very good bike lane. Watch out for strong currents.

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Review for Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek Marina

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Kelch on May 2, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

This used to be a commercial marina, then the city bought it and its free now. Floating concrete dock, big enough for the 6 boats we had there. Sign says 72 hrs free. Read more about it on my blog elizabethkelch.com
Bathrooms seemed uncleaned in some time.
No restaurants or anything within walking distance. Great place to tie up for the night along the way and ya can't beat the price.

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