Reviews: Duncan L. Clinch Marina

Reviewed by: G. Jay Nelson , Pegasus, on Sep 22, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

The Duncan Clinch Marina is another Michigan Department of Natural Resources run marina where reservations are made online. When we arrived the dock hands were immediately available to help with the docking lines. The marina is well-maintained with very stable floating docks. The lounge is nicely appointed with very clean restrooms/showers. There are gas barbeques and tables and chairs available. There are very large open park areas next to the marina that are very pet friendly, including a dog-friendly beach. Laundry room is very comfortable. The marina lounge/common area is a popular gathering area and is very well illuminated at night until after midnight, which might make going to bed early a bit of a problem if your slip is close to the building. The marina is located in the middle of Traverse City, and shops and restaurants are abundant within a 10-15 making distance. A Walmart Supercenter and a Home Depot is an $20 Uber drive away.

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Reviewed by: Paul Steindorf , Ohana, on Jul 21, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Super good downtown location, convenient to shopping and restaurants, less so for groceries. Awesome bike trails in Traverse City. Marina had helpful dockhands, typical baths for a MI DNR Marina.

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Reviewed by: Graeme Walker , Confirmed Aquaholic, on Oct 21, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 54'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We stayed for a week having some electrical and engine work done. Traverse city has lots of shopping and restaurants/bars. We were on the 'wall' which wasn't a problem for use but it doesn't have a lot of security. Laundry rooms were great. Our only problem wasn't with the marina but with the city, no Uber/Lyft, no decent bus services out of downtown, paid $30 taxi each way to get to airport, paid $25 taxi to get new keys cut (3mile trip), wish we'd had ebikes.

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Reviewed by: Green Turtle Bay Marina- Ford - Buena on Aug 30, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Clinch Marina. Facilities were in great condition. Staff was helpful and the assistant Dockmaster was terrific!!! Location couldn't be more perfect! The town of Travese City has to be one of our favorites in our 5000+ miles. Intended on staying 2 nights and ended up staying a week. There is a beach right at the marina, a 26 mile bike path, Shops, restaurants and breweries all within easy walking distance. There is also a small grocery (Burritts). We ended up renting a car at the airport for 3 days and making a larger provision run. Also drove to Sleeping Bear Dunes (35 min), explored the Old Mission Pennisula (lighthouse and several beaches). Highly recommend touring the many wineries in the area as well! Great Experience and loved the marina!! The only downside we experienced... There are three "first come" TRANSIENT walls. The wall we had to park on (west wall) had an awkward safety railing along the entire wall with no walkway. Although there were a few gaps in the railing to get thru, you had to tie ropes just right to hit those spots to prevent having to climb over the railing and if several boats are there, it might not even be possible due to spacing. There were two other walls that did not have this railing and/or had walkways, but unfortunately they were full. The issue was that several of the boats docked there were not occupied during our entire stay (just parked) and there appears to be no time limit, despite being transient spaces. I would encourage management to consider including those two much more convenient walls in transient slip booking process. Hopefully they will build a walkway along the west wall, but in the meantime I would recommend securing a slip to guarantee a much easier on/off.

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Reviewed by: DeeDee H on Aug 28, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Great marina with nice facilities including 7 individual showers, several toilet stalls, laundry room (2 washers, 2 dryers), captain's lounge and shaded patio with tables and chairs. Easy walk to numerous shops and restaurants. Not far from several wineries. Parking pass available. Lovely location. Only negative was did not feel welcome by the marina staff answering the phone.

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Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 6, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

We stayed here for 5 nights in mid/late June, 2 more than planned due to weather, but it was no hardship. The marina has great facilities, there's lots to do in the surrounding park, and it's an easy walk to downtown shops and restaurants. There's also good bike access to more distant locations like West Marine and Meijer via residential streets and bike paths. We especially liked the large number of private unisex shower rooms and the weather-protected patio area with grills for group gatherings.

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Reviewed by: Tina Pickell on May 26, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 62'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Wonderful downtown location allows an easy walk to great restaurants and parks. Staff at the marina were competent with dock assistance in heavy winds on the day of our arrival. Shore facilities are top notch-- clean and nicely maintained. Security pleasantly surprised us when our guests arrived at 1am-- security guard was quickly at the boat making sure all was okay and these very early morning visitors were welcome. We were grateful for warning about strict enforcement in parking lots designated for seasonal boaters and day visitors.

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