Reviews: Schaefers Canal House & Marina

Review for Schaefers Canal House & Marina

Reviewed by: A Snag-A-Slip User on Oct 27, 2024
LOA: 48'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Tom the Dockmaster and his crew was very accommodating. There is a bulkhead, fixed docks and a floating dock. We opted for the floating dock which has no power but was not an issue as we have a generator. Current can be strong so docking at slack was a bit easier. Restaurant was very nice and great food. Would definitely dock here again for an overnight stay.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Schaefers Canal House & Marina

Reviewed by: A Snag-A-Slip User on Oct 16, 2024
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Excellent stopover place on C&D canal. Great dockhands and restaurant was terrific.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Schaefers Canal House & Marina

Reviewed by: A Snag-A-Slip User on Aug 28, 2024
LOA: 44'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Great staff! The wakes were rough but that’s not their fault. We have stayed here twice and will stay again.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Schaefers Canal House & Marina

Reviewed by: A Snag-A-Slip User on Aug 4, 2024
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Great people & a great place to stop over on the way through the canal. They called early to find out when we would be arriving. We hit rough weather, and we were able to call them to work out details for arriving late.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Review for Schaefers Canal House & Marina

Reviewed by: A Snag-A-Slip User on Jul 25, 2024
LOA: 52'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 2

Very good food and friendly staff. Poor dockage facility as extreme high and low tides make access to boat very hard as docks are not floating. We were told fuel dock opens at 9:00AM, but nobody arrived to open as of 9:30AM. We left low on fuel...

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Ann Roess , C-Quest, on Jul 11, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 55'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

Steve, Tom and their entire crew are fantastic. We stayed two days going each way through the C&D. Both times we got fuel, then tied up in front of the restaurant. Due to the currents, landing can be challenging but all of the staff knows how to direct you and handle lines. Once tied up they will provide local knowledge and are helpful with anything you need. We needed some provisions and Steve offered to take us. We ate at the restaurant and that was good too. Highly recommend this place!

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Jeff B , Oban Skye, on Jul 10, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 50'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

After a grueling day in intense heat, Schaefer's was a most welcoming arrival. Steve, the dock master, provided tons of local knowledge, helped us tie our fenders, fueled us up with diesel (have both diesel and gas), offered us filtered water, and consulted on tides and departure times. We simply haven't had as great service in a long time. Depth over 20ft at gas dock and slips. Mild freighter wake occasionally. We will definitely return.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: William Stuart , Puffin, on Jun 19, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 29'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

The dockmasters are the amongst the BEST I have ever met! Their knowledge of the C&D and Delaware Bay is invaluable. Even in stiff currents they make docking a breeze. Easy access to fuel dock just before the bridge. Good restaurant. I was going to do an overnight here but decided on 3 days R&R (repairs and relaxation). The dockhands were expertly attentive to every boater, whether tying up for a bite at the restaurant, fueling, or staying for a while. A must stop, for me, before or after the C&D.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Scott on Jun 1, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 51'
Draft: 3.6'

Rating: 5

Tied up here on the face dock outside the restaurant. The dockhands were extremely helpful on arrival as the current was fairly strong. They knew exactly the best way to tie up for the tide and current. The restaurant onsite was great. Easy to depart the next morning for the transit of the C&D canal and preparation for the Delaware Bay.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Tom Taylor , Reliance, on Oct 17, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Free docks on opposite shore were silted in. Came here. One is exposed to canal but very little canal traffic. No wake issues. Tied-up just east of bridge but never noticed bridge noise above our heater-fans noise. Dock guy, Steve, carefully made sure we were tied with long spring lines to handle the tide. Great Restaurant.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Queen B on Jul 3, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 12.8'

Rating: 4

Excellent harbormaster Tom and dockhand Aubrey helped us tie up along bulkhead. Diesel is reasonably priced and EZ in-out at fuel dock.

Only downside is tidal change. Had to jump down from the dock onto the deck about 5' at low tide.

Tom and Audrey checked and adjusted everyines dock lines before they left in the evening. They are awesome!

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Vickie Peck on May 22, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 52'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Omg, I can't say enough wonderful things about this marina. Originally we had pulled in to the city dock across the canal to stay at the free dock. Since it was completely full we decided to anchor out. Upon learning that Steven across the canal at Schaefers marina was an expert on the canal, we dinghy'ed over to get the scoop! He was very knowledgeable and even told us to wait a day for the weather to pass so we could have an enjoyable "ride" downstream the Delaware Bay with the current. Needless to say, we pulled up anchor and cruised over the canal to stay at Schaefers for $2 a foot(weekday), which in our book was priceless for the local knowledge. The restaurant was amazing as well especially the hot crab dip! Steven even told us the best time to leave so we weren't fighting the current and tide. This was One of the best looper stops in our experience!

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Melissa Pingel on May 11, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 5

Fantastic service! We came through in the evening hours from the Chesapeake Bay. This was our first time through the C&D Canal and could not have been more pleased with the warm welcome from Steven Connell. Steve took extra care in helping us get tied up for the night and explained the C&D Tide & Currents. Thanks so much!!

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Jonathan Gearinger , Perserverance, on May 3, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 49'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

This place is awesome! The owner and his son were polite and the facility was a perfect stopover. Very good prices at the dock and restaurant.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Gregory Martin on May 2, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 30'
Draft: 11.0'

Rating: 5

Excellent service and facilities. Fuel was reasonably priced as were dinner and drinks! I have to give a shout out to Steve (DockMaster) who was incredibly kind, helpful and taught this Old Salt a few new sailing tricks. Great place, worth the stop & visit!

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Jim Harris on Jul 12, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 59'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Stopped by on our way to Cape May from Annapolis and spent the night. Steve met us at the dock and was meticulous tying us up to handle the ebb and flood currents which reach three knots. We had a very nice dinner at Schaefer's Canal House. When we returned to our boat Steve was there making some fine adjustments to our lines and fenders. He is clearly somebody who knows what he is doing and loves his job. We will definitely be back!

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Jim Servilla , Summer Salt, on Jun 28, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Steven the Dock Master was amazing. He's very knowledgeable and even washed the water marks and filled our fenders when we got fuel. Passed out leaflets with all kind of info. When we tied up on the fixed doc he was super helpful making sure we could set up our ramp to get our golden off the boat and took extra time setting up all the lines and fenders. And cracking jokes the whole time. we never encountered such a helpful friendly and funny dockside assistance Restaurant was very good along with the staff. And fun watching all the canal traffic. Definitely would come back.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Brian Reily on Jun 25, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 35'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 5

Very helpful Marina staff. Restaurant is good and convenient. Currents not a significant issue when taken bow first. Marina staff is very knowledgeable on currents and did a great job of securing the boat for an overnight stay. Will be using the Marina on my return trip.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Cristen , Zulu, on Jun 24, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 64'
Draft: 7.0'

Rating: 5

Good spot for waiting on the current and getting a great meal at the restaurant. Dock hands were great and very helpful. Also a great walking and bike path if you're looking for a place to stretch your legs.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Franz Schneider , Rhino, on Jun 21, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 75'
Draft: 7.5'

Rating: 5

A 2-3 knot current with an easy approach. Dock hands are very helpful. We overnighted on the face dock which are fixed-3 foot tide. Good basic marina with a really good restaurant. If you are picky the noise from vehicles on the bridge might bother you. I had a cold beer and thought of the sounds as a funky reggae beat. Great location midpoint on the C&D canal.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: FKoetter on Jun 9, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

This is a good location to stop in preparation to head down the C&D canal, and Delaware River. I believe this is the only marina in Chesapeake City that has fuel. As the price of diesel is steadily heading up theirs was $5.85 plus they give BOATUS and AGLCA discounts.
There is a current, but what areas around here don't don't have a current? Since the main dockage is along a fixed dock it's fairly easy to pull up and the dockmaster is very helpful and friendly.
I ate at the restaurant (nothing else around) the food is good. There aren't any showers, but I didn't find that to be an issue.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Bill Mcmahon on May 28, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

Fixed dock, strong current, 3.5' tide.
Fuel, but no showers or pump-out.
The restaurant is what makes this place worth stopping for.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Peter Baumann , Stella Maris, on May 7, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

05/04/2022. Pulled in because the spots at the City dock across the canal were taken. Docked at the inside West end floating dock for 1 $/ft/night, no shore power. Significant current - plan ahead, which side to tie up .

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Gary Miller on Oct 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 76'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Great stop, terrific help and a great restaurant, lots of water at dock, good power and good fresh water. Many times at this Marina and continue because of service and restaurant. Current is fast and an issue, bow into the current seems to negate issue.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: John Tyrell on Sep 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.7'

Rating: 3

Nice stop between the Cheasapeake and Cape May. In the past, we have stopped at Delaware City but this is more convenient. Very good diesel prices. We were docked at a long fixed dock alongside the canal and the restaurant. Wakes from passing boats were not bad even on a weekend. A little noisier than most places due to the bridge traffic and the restaurant but not bad. Good and pleasant dock help (Olivia). Sturdy docks.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Steven Lathrop , Hello World, on Jul 22, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 4

Dealing with the currents in the canal and the huge concrete Chesapeake City Bridge support in the middle of the dock can be quite a challenge. And many a loud speed boat takes advantage of the good fuel prices here. But the people are friendly and the area peaceful, with the restaurant offering decent food and beverage options. Overall a nice one night stop. Be prepared and time your canal transit and docking based on tides. Check AIS for commercial traffic before departing the dock. Note that the dock has no cleats to which you can tie, you'll need to throw a clove hitch or something around the pilings. The dock hands are quite good about helping with line handling.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Jeffrey Skoda on Jun 19, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 65'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 4

Nice location and great staff. The restaurant was good and reasonably priced. Strong currents can be expected.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Vicky Vicky Carr on Jun 15, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 3.3'

Rating: 5

Great (and easy!) overnight stop along the C&D Canal! After being delayed at a previous marina waiting for a part, we were traveling down the C&D Canal on the way to Cape May and decided to stop last minute at Schaefer's Canal House for the night since the late afternoon weather looked a little threatening. What an unexpected pleasure! The super long side-tie fuel dock paralleling the canal, and the EXCELLENT dockmaster Steve and dockhand Lauren, made tying up for fuel (and then a slip) super easy...in what I thought might be challenging current. Come in against the current & do whatever these dockhands tell you - they know their stuff! The restaurant too was fabulous! Superb view & great food...and when a big ship came past, it went slow and sounded its horn, to the cheers of all the diners. We will be back!

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Richard Schecher on May 26, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 57'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

This is a must stop destination for out trips between NJ and FL. The staff is more than accommodating and extremely knowledgeable regarding the currents and always assist with the docking & tie up. The restaurant offers a variety of great food and Happy Hour offers $2 off most popular drinks.

The radio is being passed from father to son as Tom is getting ready to maybe retire and allow Steven to take over the new watch as Dockmaster. We have been stopping here for years and have never been disappointed

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: T. Pratt on May 26, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 62'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Great staff! Very helpful & professional, well versed in the challenges of their current. Excellent hours for transients if trying to stretch your day. Nice casual restaurant on site. Will definitely return.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: M/V Summer Breeze , Summer Breeze Cruise Boat, on May 20, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 48'
Draft: 2.0'

Rating: 5

We are docked from May1st to Oct31st on the transit floating docks. Our vessel is definately in good hands with Dockmaster Tom & Manager Steven Connell. They are able to run this top notch facility because of the knowledgable & friendly deckhands. (Olivia Marro, Leah Stubbs, Scott Seisler) Schaefer's is without question your #1 way point when transiting the C&D Canal.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Gary Miller on May 13, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 76'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Excellent staff, good power, good docks, and restaurant is good. Stayed here many years northbound and southbound.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: MV Lauryl Anne on May 11, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 53'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

After a long run up the Chesapeake with foul current all day, we arrived at sunset. Steve stayed late to handle our lines for us and could not have been more helpful. The long face dock makes for a convenient stop when transiting the canal. Good dinner at the restaurant.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Alex Diffey on Feb 22, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 31'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

After a strong stern wind and waves all the way from Cape May up the Delaware Bay, the calm waters of the Canal was such a relief - then the welcoming face docks of Schaffer's Canal House. A band was playing, dinner was being served along the docks, and after a quick shower on board, dinner on the dock was fantastic! Crab cakes were awesome! The band continued after we went back on board, and it added to our cocktails on the flybridge. Schaffer's is a desirable destination, not just a great marina and restaurant. Beautiful view of a competitor across the Canal, too.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Luke Carpenter on Oct 14, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 53'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Great staff. We arrived late but they stuck around to help us tie up and made suggestions for the best fendering arrangements. Although we were tied on the river face dock we had no wake issues all night. Great food at the restaurant.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: John Rapp on Sep 4, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 44'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

The on-site restaurant also comes highly rated.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: John Rapp on Sep 4, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 44'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

Very helpful, friendly & courteous staff!

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer