Taylor Haberl, dockmaster at Port City Marina, began his maritime career as a dockhand while pursuing a degree in biology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Fast-forward nearly a decade, and he’s now a central figure at the marina.
Haberl is the go-to person for all things dockside, welcoming guests, orchestrating operational logistics and responding during emergencies.
“I enjoy the outdoors, working on the water and meeting all kinds of new people,” Haberl said. “Working in the boating industry here in Wilmington, I figured out that I loved it and just stuck with it. No two days are alike. One day you may be working on a boat; the next day you’re in the office.”
The Port City Marina is a deep-water, full-service marina along the Cape Fear River in northern downtown Wilmington. It features more than 200 floating concrete wet slips and offers a range of amenities and services for all types of boats and boaters. The marina can accommodate vessels up to 400 feet in length, with deep draft slips.
In his role as dockmaster, Haberl said he aims to ensure that every day runs like a well-oiled machine. From directing boat docking to maintaining the bustling docks, he said he is dedicated to creating a safe and enjoyable experience for all. His responsibilities are as diverse as the vessels that fill the marina – he enforces marina rules, keeps everything spotless, manages reservations, coordinates staff and oversees fueling and maintenance.
“Taylor has been instrumental in shaping what Port City Marina is today,” said Kayla Boucek, Port City Marina project manager and marketing director. “As growth continues along the northern waterfront, his leadership and commitment to elevating the guest experience have ensured that the marina isn’t just keeping pace with Wilmington’s redevelopment – it’s helping set the tone for it. His vision has strengthened our role as a key connector between the riverfront, local businesses and the broader community.”
To keep up with boating trends and the growth and popularity of downtown, the marina is reconfiguring some slips to accommodate more transient boaters, which will necessitate hiring additional dockhands to manage day-to-day operations, Haberl said.
“The plan is to transition more long-term slips to short-term slips, just because our transient business has been so, so busy,” he said. “We’re going to try to take advantage of that and give people a better opportunity to come down here, especially next year.”
This change will enable more local and visiting boaters to enjoy the downtown riverwalk and surrounding areas, marina officials said.
“Our goal is to help elevate the entire waterfront experience for downtown Wilmington,” said Boucek. “With so many outstanding restaurants, local businesses and live music venues already anchoring downtown, Port City Marina is uniquely positioned to complement and enhance that momentum.”
Since its opening in 2013, the marina has evolved into more than a boat dock. It is part of a larger district of apartments, condos, shops and an outdoor entertainment venue for concerts along the river.
“We’re also helping spearhead the use of the name ‘Marina District’ for the northern riverfront. Creating this identity strengthens the cohesiveness among Wilmington’s districts and gives this area a clearer sense of place,” said Boucek. “At the core of that district is Port City Marina – serving as both a destination and a connector.”
The pet-friendly marina can accommodate boats up to 250 feet with deep-draft slips and offers a range of amenities, including rapid-fill, ethanol-free gasoline and high-speed diesel. Whether boaters are on a staffed superyacht or sailing solo, all kinds of vessels can use the community Wi-Fi and private and secure bathrooms and showers.
Security is a priority with video surveillance and gated dock entrances. The marina also offers outgoing mail drop-off and secure mail processing services, as well as parking for boat owners. Trash pickup and recycling services are available. Pump-out services are also available, including full-service blackwater collection, treatment and disposal. There is also an on-site marina store.
“The marina provides a prime opportunity to welcome visitors arriving not only by land but also from the region’s waterways, offering another gateway into the city’s cultural and commercial heart,” Boucek said. “By connecting boaters, locals and tourists directly to everything downtown has to offer, Port City Marina plays a central role in shaping a vibrant, accessible and unified waterfront for Wilmington.”
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