Our Story

Pirates Cove Marina is truly a labor of love and has been the centerpiece in the lives of Captain Paul White and his wife Patti for many years. Paul has been working at Pirates Cove since he was 13 years old and became the owner in 1977. He is well-regarded up and down the Erie Canal for his expertise and experience as a master marine mechanic and licensed USCG Master Captain. Paul has successfully restored antique boats for competition, judged competitions for marine engine repair, and trained many excellent mechanics. Patti is a force of nature in her own right, creating and orchestrating the highly popular Christmas Light Boat Parade for over a decade. She designs our brochures, the apparel available in our ship’s store, and works tirelessly to ensure that you enjoy a welcoming and comfortable experience. And no, they didn’t write this themselves!

Fun Facts about Pirates Cove

  • Pirates Cove Marina has the unique distinction of always having been run by one-eyed mariners.  Now on its third unique ownership since the Cove was dug in the 1960’s, each of the marina’s “Captains” have been “optically challenged”!
  • Our unique docks ‘sing’ when the wind blows! Our singular pilings function like organ pipes resulting in a melody that echoes the legendary Siren’s Song of the sea.
  • Pirates Cove is the only marina we are aware of that has a Customer Loyalty Program in place… dock and store for 15 years and your rates are permanently frozen to ensure peace of mind during your retirement years! We are proud to say that Pirates Cove has hosted generations of families.
  • Paul’s grandfather was an operating engineer on the New York State Canal until his retirement. Now that Paul is a grandpa too, that constitutes five generations on this New York Canal. Thus far…
  • The official Pirates Cove Marina logo (the pirate with a spyglass) is Paul’s silhouette when he was younger… complete with moustache. Patti is the artist and created the logo.
  • When Old Glory flies in the spring, it’s an indication the first boat has splashed!  She’ll stay proudly waving until the last boat is pulled in the autumn, when the flags are taken down and retired for winter.