Wilson’s Pier in Dewey Beach in 1954

Just last week, we learned that the McKinney family has sold Pier Point Marina in Dewey Beach to an Ocean City, Md.-based group called Blue Water Development. The transaction is reportedly $5.75 million. The McKinneys have owned the valuable Dewey property since 1966, but it’s been operated as a marina since at least 1949, when it was known as Wilson’s Pier. This historic photograph was made in 1954, presumably during its run as Wilson’s Pier. From 1958 until the McKinney’s acquisition in 1966, it went by the name of Simpson’s Marina.  

The property now boasts 135 boat slips, a boat ramp and boat hoist, and six personal watercraft docks. Over the years, the marina offered pontoon and deck boat rentals, and it held a flounder tournament from 2008-18. All slips are now seasonal. Hurricane Sandy hit the marina hard in 2012, destroying the dock, which the family rebuilt in 2013.

A Blue Water spokesperson said by email Jan. 12 the marina will operate as is for now, and major marina upgrades and property enhancements are being planned.