South Forty Dock sits at the southern edge of Sausalito's floating home corridor, in a part of Richardson Bay that feels perceptibly quieter than the more central dock communities. The name is a nod to ranch country — the kind of wide-open, expansive feeling that the dock's position at the end of the waterfront actually delivers. If you want floating home life at its most tranquil, South Forty is worth serious consideration.
Character and Setting
The Bay views from South Forty are wide and open. The dock's southern position means less wake from marina traffic and more exposure to the sweeping vistas of Richardson Bay, with Angel Island to the east and the Richmond hills in the distance. Wildlife is particularly abundant in this quieter section of the waterfront — egrets, great blue herons, and harbor seals are regulars, and the lower traffic levels mean they're less skittish than at more central locations.
The community is smaller and quieter than many of the larger docks. Residents tend to be long-tenured — people who found South Forty because they wanted exactly what it offers and have stayed because they found it. Turnover is lower than at more central docks, which means that when a home does become available, it tends to be noticed by buyers who have had South Forty on their list for a while.
The dock itself is well-maintained, with an active association that keeps the shared infrastructure in good order. Slip amenities are comparable to other Sausalito docks, and the association management reflects the care that longtime residents have invested in the physical community they've built here over the decades.
Pricing and Who It Suits
South Forty's more remote position within the Sausalito floating home corridor — farther from downtown and the ferry terminal than more central docks — means that pricing can be somewhat more accessible than comparable homes at Yellow Ferry Harbor or Liberty Dock. Buyers who prioritize serenity over convenience, and who are comfortable with a short drive to downtown Sausalito, often find that South Forty offers the best value per dollar of the quality dock communities.
The community suits buyers who are genuinely drawn to the quieter end of dock life — retirees, remote workers, artists, and anyone who finds the idea of neighbors who know you and wildlife at your doorstep more appealing than maximum walkability to Sausalito's restaurants. Call Paul and Roman at (415) 332-7539 to discuss South Forty availability.