Reviews: New Buffalo City Transient Marina

Reviewed by: Lance Williamson on Aug 31, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.8'

Rating: 5

It is helpful to look at the USACE sounding on Aquamap before entering the harbor. There is shoaling on the starboard side as you near and enter the breakwater. The transient marina is straight ahead. The fixed docks are nice, as are the restrooms and showers. The self-service pumpout is by the office ($5). There is only one person working at a time because this is a transient marina- not a full service marina. The staff were nice and helpful. There is a fabulous city beach 0.25 mile away (an easy walk). The marina is right on the main street of town with ice cream, shops, and restaurants. The 24 hour laundromat is about 6 block saway with a large selection of sizes of machines.

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Reviewed by: Douglas Morrow , Ripple, on Aug 5, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Very cute Marina in a park. Good dock help. Restrooms were ok, no laundry. New Buffalo is an adorable town with colorful buildings. Lots of choices of restaurants and bars. Great meal at Stray Dog. We ate at the bar and had great service. (There was an hour wait for a table.) The beach is walking distance from the marina. Busy place on weekends!

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Reviewed by: Mark Mclochlin on May 18, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 35'
Draft: 3.6'

Rating: 5

Nicely maintained public marina. Plenty of room to turn boats around. When you enter the the channel continue forward and you will run directly into the marina.

Important- when you enter the channel and you pass the breakwall DO NOT move to your Southwest (right) as there is a large area but it is only 2 feet deep out of the center dredge.

Little tidbit. On Sundays you can stop at the marina for a lunch stop over fee for a few hour ($7.00 as I recall) Lots of restaurants in walking distance along with Starbucks.

Good marine store (Sweetwater) within walking distance straight up Whittaker St. (Always well stocked with boat needs.)

Grocery store (Barneys) within walking distance up Whittaker St.

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Reviewed by: Bill Mcmahon on Sep 12, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

There is plenty of turning room in the channel approaching the fixed metal finger piers. They have both posts and cleats. The Michigan DNR website says the maximum beam for this marina is 13', but we called and were told they can accommodate up to a 16' beam. Our 14' foot beam boat fit just fine.

Nice park-like grounds with picnic tables and charcoal grills.

Good grocery store, Barney's, about ½ mile away that has beer, wine, and liquor too.
True Value hardware store less than a mile and a beach about ? of a mile away. Very close to an Amtrak station

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Reviewed by: David Vandenburgh on Jul 8, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Very friendly and helpful staff. Minimal services in a very small marina. Limited electrical service, very few 50 amp pedestals. Not much to do in town.

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