Nestled off Bodkin Creek, Pleasure Cove Marina has long been a staple of the local boating community. Originally known as Carbacks Marina, the site was transformed into Pleasure Cove in 1984 and has grown ever since. Now under the ownership of Suntex Marinas for the past decade, the marina continues to evolve while remaining deeply rooted in community and customer care.
At the helm is Ron Kane, a Pasadena native who began his maritime journey as a dockhand at just 15 years old. Nearly two years ago, he stepped into the role of general manager at Pleasure Cove Marina (PCM), bringing with him years of hands-on experience and a passion for boating – and for Pasadena. “I grew up in Riviera Beach, graduated from Northeast High in 2012, and now live in Lake Shore. Running a business in my hometown, surrounded by people I’ve known my whole life, is incredibly rewarding,” he shares.
Pleasure Cove Marina currently employs 22 team members who keep operations running smoothly, from dockhands and forklift operators to service technicians and property maintenance staff. Together, they support a range of services, including wet slips, fuel, full-service repairs, and seasonal and year-round storage options. Perhaps most notably, PCM boasts the largest indoor boat storage facility in Maryland, capable of storing vessels up to 90 feet in length. The marina’s powerful marine forklifts, including one with a 52,000-pound capacity, are a testament to its commitment to capability and convenience.
“We’re the only marina in Pasadena offering indoor high-and-dry storage,” Kane points out. “It’s one of many things that sets us apart. That, and our focus on personal service. We try to meet every customer face-to-face early in the process to walk them through what we offer – it’s all about making people feel comfortable and at home.”
That customer-first philosophy extends to improvement projects designed with boaters in mind. One of Kane’s favorite recent upgrades has been a full renovation of the front office over the winter, including a custom-built front desk shaped like the stern of a boat. “Seeing the customers’ reactions when they returned in the spring – it made all the hard work worth it.”
Today, PCM is home to approximately 150 boats during the peak season and more than doubles that in the winter months. Beyond daily operations, the marina is becoming an increasingly active player in the community. From sponsoring fishing tournaments like the White Marlin Open in Ocean City, Maryland to hosting career day presentations at local schools, PCM is expanding its outreach. On July 21, the marina will host a crab feast to benefit Folds of Honor, and a few other large-scale events—including a Rockfish tournament—are already being planned for 2026.
For those interested in storing their boat, getting service, or simply checking out the property, the marina encourages in-person visits. “Come down, meet the team, and let us show you what makes Pleasure Cove special,” Kane says. “Whether you’re new to boating or a seasoned captain, PCM has something to offer.”
To learn more, visit Pleasure Cove Marina’s website or stop by the marina in person at 1701 Poplar Ridge Road – you just might find your new favorite waterfront spot in Pasadena.
