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The Ships Chandler expanding to Freeport with new ‘State-of-the-Art Marine and Service Center’

Destin’s The Ships Chandler will break ground on their second marine and service center, located at 17309 US Hwy 331 in Freeport, on Thursday, February 18.  According to a press […]

Destin’s The Ships Chandler will break ground on their second marine and service center, located at 17309 US Hwy 331 in Freeport, on Thursday, February 18. 

According to a press release, the new building will create 10 full-time jobs in Walton County. With over 14 acres of space, the company’s new marine and service center will be ready to supply the area with fishing and pontoon boats, outboard motors, and more.

“Freeport has always been a wonderful city filled with good hard-working people,” said owner, Peter Wright Jr. “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.”  

The new location will offer state-of-the-art service including a new boat dealership featuring brands such as Maverick, Hewes, Pathfinder, and Cobia boats. The new center will also be for:

  • Brokerage boat sales
  • Engine sales for Yamaha and Mercury Outboards
  • Engine service and warranty for Yamaha and Mercury Outboards
  • Engine parts and accessories
  • Boat/marine repair and maintenance services
  • Boat/marine parts and accessories
  • Gelcoat repair
  • Boat detail service
  • Custom marine work, including electronics, boat restoration, and a refurbish shop.

“Freeport is quickly becoming the hub of everything Walton County has to offer,” Wright said. “Our goal is to provide customers with exceptional sales and service in the marine industry by bringing our 40 plus years of knowledge in the business and customer first reputation to the area.”

The Ships Chandler will also be constructing Phase Two of the project in the coming months which will include 170 covered spaces for boat and RV storage.

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Community Comments

“Use part of the $5million to remove the docks that are in an already overcrowded harbor.”
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“Fire hydrants are color coded for the rate of water flow measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Seems like painting the hydrants in artistic color designs would mess up this...”
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“Isn't that going to make that area of waterway too crowded during tourist season ? As is already is!”
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Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: April 1, 2026
“1 min 36 sec”
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“Who authorized the building of the docks?”
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“Hopefully they didn't get their child back. They're lucky the Kiddo survived.”
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“The county needs to walk away gracefully and let Destin handle it.”
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“Jim Bagby, take the pledge to always support & fight for the citizens & tourists proven historic right to free and unobstructed access to and use of the beaches in...”
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Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: March 30, 2026
“1 min 23 sec”
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