New Phase, New Era: The Ships Chandler Opens 170 Covered Boat & RV Storage Spaces in Freeport
By Lori Leath Smith
A long-anticipated milestone has officially arrived at The Ships Chandler. Phase Two of the company’s Freeport expansion is now complete, and with it comes one of the most significant marine infrastructure additions in the area: 170 covered boat and RV storage spaces, now open and accepting reservations at 850-880-6259.
Known as Pete’s Boat and RV Storage, the new facility offers open and covered storage with dedicated power and water at each space, providing full-service convenience for boat and RV owners across Walton County and beyond. Located directly at The Ships Chandler’s Freeport marine and service center, the storage expansion answers a growing need in a community rapidly becoming a regional boating hub.
The storage facility, which opened in December and is now fully operational, represents the realization of a vision first shared with the community several years ago — and one that reflects Freeport’s steady growth as a centralized, accessible location for marine services without beach traffic congestion.
A Vision Years in the Making
The story of The Ships Chandler’s Freeport location began in early 2021, when the family-owned marine business broke ground on its second major operation outside of Destin. Situated on more than 14 acres at 17309 U.S. Highway 331, the Freeport marine and service center was designed to bring full-scale boat sales, service and customization closer to inland and North Walton County boaters.
“Freeport has always been a wonderful city filled with good hard-working people,” said owner Peter Wright Jr. in 2021. “We’re excited to become a part of the community and help it grow with the help of all the surrounding communities in Walton County.”
That first phase officially opened in 2022, bringing boat sales, outboard motor service, marine repairs and customization under one roof — with room to grow. From the beginning, plans included a second phase dedicated to expanded service capacity and covered storage, a feature increasingly critical as boat ownership continues to rise across the region.
Phase Two Becomes Reality
In spring 2023, The Ships Chandler broke ground on Phase Two, which included a 12,000-square-foot service building dedicated to engine repowers, electronics rigging, fiberglass and gelcoat work, painting and large-scale custom projects — along with the covered storage component that is now open. “We have always loved the customization and refit side of working on boats,” said Peter Wright. “The new building has given us a dedicated space to house and work on the more in-depth projects we do with boats, including fiberglass, painting and electronics.”
With the completion of this phase, the Freeport location is able to operate as a full-service marine hub, offering both long-term storage and advanced service capabilities on the same property — a rare combination in our region.
A Full-Service Marine Destination
Additionally, the Ships Chandler’s Freeport location supplies customers with new and pre-owned fishing boats and pontoons, including brands such as Maverick, Hewes, Pathfinder, Cobia, Avid, Pair and Chittum boats.
The service department supports Yamaha, Suzuki, Tohatsu and Mercury outboards, offering engine sales, warranty work, parts and routine maintenance. Additional services include marine repairs, detailing, gelcoat and fiberglass repair, electronics installation, boat restoration and custom refurbishing projects.
Despite its growth, the company remains rooted in its family-owned history, which dates back to 1980 in Destin. “We’ll always keep the same small-town, family-owned business feel,” Peter Wright Jr. has said. “When businesses get too big, they lose track of the customer service side of things quickly. We know how important that is to people.”
Built for Freeport — and the Future
The addition of covered boat and RV storage further cements Freeport’s role as a strategic marine center for Walton County and the greater Panhandle. Easy highway access, expansive acreage, and now secure, service-connected storage make The Ships Chandler a one-stop destination for both recreational and serious boaters.
From its beginnings as a Destin Harbor staple to its present-day Freeport expansion, The Ships Chandler’s growth has followed a consistent philosophy: invest in infrastructure, invest in people, and stay focused on service.
With Phase Two now complete and Pete’s Boat and RV Storage officially open, that philosophy has taken its most visible shape yet — offering Freeport residents and regional boaters a new level of convenience, capability and confidence heading into the year ahead.
The Ships Chandler’s Freeport marine and service center is located at 17309 Highway 331 in Freeport. For information, reservations or service inquiries, call (850) 880-6259, email info@theshipschandler.com, or visit theshipschandler.com. Freeport Hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon. Closed on Sundays.
