Reviews: Charleston Maritime Center

Reviewed by: Peter Searles , Schuyler, on May 6, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 31'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 4

This was a nice location with good facilities but it was very subject to wakes all day and much of the night. Staff was very helpful with docking and shifting over to pump out. Excellent shower and restroom facilities.

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Reviewed by: John Chant , Wild Goose, on Apr 28, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Staff were very helpful, floating docks in good shape, access to showers and restrooms in spite of building construction. Location is superior for touring Charleston, right on the free DASH bus route.

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Reviewed by: Bev Hewitt , Blue Odyssey, on Apr 18, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

Positives Had a gusty landing - staff was great and very helpful getting our stern in against the wind. Location is short walk (10-15 min) to waterfront park, grocery store and many restaurants - unfortunately right now there is a lot of construction in the area so not a great walk to get there but it is very possible.
Dogs are not allowed on the fields in middle but there is a nice park to walk around about a block away. Bathrooms were clean - we didn't use showers so not sure about them.
Negatives - we were on the facedock (open to the main channel) and got rocked pretty bad about 10 pm from a freighter going by. Dishes flew off counters etc. Fairly rough spot all night actually. We noticed other boats that were protected by outer docks not moving quite as much.
Laundry is not available right now due to construction - not sure when it will be complete.
Our electric pedestal wasn't working quite right...only one 30amp worked.
This was our second 1 night stay here.

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Reviewed by: nils&frances , Pivot, on Apr 12, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Best option for downtown Charleston dock. We stayed here four nights, one of which was incredibly stormy and windy, but our boat fared just fine on the south end of the docks and although rocky during the heaviest winds, it was otherwise quiet. The is construction (April 2024) on the ground floor of the offices, so laundry service was not available. We had friendly service from everyone at the office. It was an easy walk to Kroger, and immediately next to the International African Amerixan Museum, and a city park that is great for people watching or walking your pet. 10 minute walk to historic city center.

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Reviewed by: Joseph Dewitt , Escapade, on Dec 30, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.1'

Rating: 4

Stayed a day short of four weeks—we got lucky and booked when they had availability for a catamaran as we didn't want to stay on the hook during a cold spell and wanted the shore power.

Marina is small, with limited slips, and the current can be pretty strong, so we came and left near slack tide. The staff was excellent for everything we needed. They were very good at helping dock our boat and helping move boats so we could get out, and were very attentive checking boats and fenders before a storm passed through. Like others noted, with NE winds or just the routine cargo traffic, waves and wakes come right in hard and rock the boat pretty good. I got more stress on my ropes here than anywhere I've stayed and I made sure the fenders were in the right place and wouldn't ride up and out as the concrete floating dock doesn't move anywhere near as much as the boat. We stayed a while, so it wasn't a problem for us, but it's a fact of tying up here. The north side slips seemed to have less of an issue than us—we were on the long dock staring right up the river when wakes/waves came in. Depth in the marina was never lower than 8.5 ft.

The Marina restrooms and single shower were always clean and in working order. One shower isn't an issue given the small marina size. There's also free laundry during the day. The staff was great about receiving and occasionally delivering packages.

But, great location for exploring Charleston. Within a mile walk you can get to the prime shopping streets or the city market place. That also means lots of restaurant and pub/tavern choices. Within a 1.5 mile radius, you can see most of the old town. There's a free bus service that stops nearby if you do not want to walk. There's also a Harris Teeter about four blocks away for provisioning. A small sushi bar across from Teeters, 167 Raw, is well worth a stop. Aquarium, African American Museum and Fort Sumpter tours are right next door. There's a park a block east for dog exercise.

We enjoyed our stay.

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Reviewed by: Capt Maria Langer , Do It Now, on Nov 25, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 4

Well, I know I said in my last review of this place that I wouldn't stay here again, but it's all about location, location, location. Where else can you stay walking distance to downtown Charleston without paying an arm and a leg?

Be sure to request a slip on the north side of the marina. There will be a lot less wake there.

Good shower and laundry facility. Harris Teeter is less than a mile away; an easy walk with a cart. We also walked to King Street on this visit. African American Museum and Aquarium are very close by. Also a water taxi across the Charleston River.

Ignore anything you read about BoatUS discounts. They no longer offer discounts to anyone.

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Reviewed by: Francis Gravel on Nov 19, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 36'
Draft: 6.7'

Rating: 4

Dinghy dock and shower for 10$. You have a playground for kids on the other side of the road. Dock your dinghy starboard of the last pier.

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Reviewed by: Bev Hewitt , Blue Odyssey, on Nov 14, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Small but close to city. Friendly helpful staff helps you dock but one guy didn't know exactly what to do...was a little stressful. There is lots of cross current and wind...got tied up fine. Some wake action all night but not terrible and we only stayed the one night. Bathrooms are upstairs and fine...we didn't use the shower at all. Free laundry during office hours.

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Reviewed by: Graeme Walker , Confirmed Aquaholic, on May 3, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 54'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

This is a small city marina with only ~10 slips, all the interior ones are too shallow, i.e. 3' or less. They are waiting on dredging but caught up in environmental approvals. Close to Aquarium and also the International African American Museum which is closed until at least June 2023. Easy walk to free DASH bus to Information Center and then free bus to downtown. Harris Tweeter within walking/biking. There is significant wake however, they even attempt to put wake attenuation across the entrance at night, doesn't do much. No water on the south dock as there is a leak in the pipes, they will provide a hose if you ask. Free laundry which is always nice. The tour boat lineups overlook your boat if you're on the south docks. We like it.

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Reviewed by: Rich Inman on May 1, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 50'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Stayed here in Feb23 (southbound) and are back now May23 (northbound). Yes it rocks, especially on the center dock exposed directly to the channel (our Feb23 stay) the slips aren't as bad. They just installed new power/water pedestals (in Feb they were falling over and water was off). Employees are friendly and helpful. Single shower room ( but fits two ;-), toilets separate, free laundry. Much better dining/provisioning location than the west side Gucci marina, but you should time your entry with slack tide.

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Reviewed by: Daniel Warthan on Apr 18, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Staff very helpful. You are in the very best location for exploring Charleston. The marina is only for transients with 10 days or less a stay. If there is any NE winds or maybe east winds you will have alot of movement. Showers good; Laundry is free but only available during office hours.

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Reviewed by: Capt Maria Langer , Do It Now, on Mar 17, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 3

Firs of all, do not ignore the complaints about rocking boats. This is a REAL problem. I spent two nights here and the first 24 hours went from bad to worse. It was the first time I was ever wakened in the middle of the night by my boat rocking so violently that I was being tossed around in my bed. The condition persisted into the next day and didn't ease up until after noon. I was offered a more sheltered slip but the waves, current, and wind in the small boat basin made me concerned that I would not be able to move the boat across the marina safely. The wind died down and so did the wake; my second night was much calmer.

The staff was helpful but not very enthusiastic about providing service beyond what was necessary.

There is water taxi and tour boat traffic all day. The water taxi was not an issue but the tour boat had long lines of passengers. There is no security gate for the dock.

Restrooms and the single shower were adequate but on a very high second floor. I didn't see an elevator but have to assume there was one somewhere.

The only reason I see to go to this marina is its location and relatively low price. It is walking distance from not only the historic district of Charleston, but a Harris Teeter supermarket and numerous restaurants. The Aquarium is nearby. It was also considerably less expensive than larger marinas on the other side of the peninsula. Leaving the area to head north on the ICW was quick and easy.

Bottom line: I would neither recommend this place nor stay here again. However, if you don't mind potentially rough conditions and want to be close to what Charleston has to offer, it's worth consideration.

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Reviewed by: Teresa Scott on Oct 18, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 5

Stayed a couple of nights waiting for weather to pass. People were helpful and very nice. Didn't use the showers but the laundry is good. Restaurants and grocery within walking distance
Downside is the rocking from wakes.

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Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Jun 30, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Rating: 4

This is a well-run municipal marina with very competent dockhands. I visited in early June 2022. Showers and bathrooms were clean. The downside is the near constant rocking of your vessel from wakes and waves.

Charleston historic sites are within easy walking distance. A water taxi comes to the marina if you would like to go to the other side of the Cooper River to visit Patriot's Point and the museum ships there. Cost is $14 to ride all day. A ferry to Ft. Sumter is close by.

A Harris-Teeter grocery is a few blocks.

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Reviewed by: Gena Olson on May 24, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 50'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

We loved the location, east side of peninsula. Quiet, friendly staff. We did get rocked now and then. 3 blocks to a fantastic grocery store! Mile from Visitor Center. Equidistant from historic district and city market as from the larger marinas on west side of peninsula.

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Reviewed by: Gena Olson on May 24, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 50'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

We loved the location, east side of peninsula. Quiet, friendly staff. We did get rocked now and then. 3 blocks to a fantastic grocery store! Mile from Visitor Center. Equidistant from historic district and city market as from the larger marinas on west side of peninsula.

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Reviewed by: Ray Sirois , Shellerina, on Mar 24, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Well no ice here. Bring cart to grocery store walking distance????. Laundry is Free 2 washers 2 dryers. Big washer that can fit blankets in??. Great crew always lending a helping hand. Currant here but doesn't bother

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Reviewed by: Tony-donna Lagera on Mar 22, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 3.8'

Rating: 3

This marina is in a great location near downtown Charleston. The have a great and super helpful staff and the marina is in very good shape with floating docks. There are plenty of places to walk the dog adjacent to the marina. We were here for a week and our only complaint is that our boat was constantly rolling and being hit by wakes, sometimes from some very large boats including a cruise ship that gunned it right outside the marina. I think for a couple of days while visiting Charleston this would be the perfect spot.

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Reviewed by: Robert Sherer on Jan 11, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

This is our favorite marina in Charleston. It's within walking distance to downtown and only three blocks from Harris Teeter, a huge supermarket. We always provision here. On the downside, the marina is exposed to wakes from passing traffic, it doesn't bother us but does bother some people. If you arrive at anything other than slack tide, be sure to pay close attention to maneuvering in your slip, the current can catch you if you're not careful. On a positive note, the dockhands are experienced in docking boats and they've been excellent. The WiFi is average, usable. They have ice, showers, and a Captain's lounge. Be sure to explore the dozens of restaurants within walking distance in Charleston, a delight! There's also a large Apple store for those wishing to explore that option.

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Reviewed by: Captain Gene on Nov 1, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

October 31,2021 happy to return here as our last visit was 2016. It is wise to come in at slack tide making it easier. Access to downtown is a reasonable walk and Harris Teeter is a couple of blocks for reprovisioning. WiFi worked well enough to update our charts. Staff helpful. Fort Sumter visitor center a short distance if you want to tour it. Light winds made our stay not too much rolling but if winds are up from SE ,or E, or NE rolling would make this uncomfortable. Some wakes do roll you here but not really an issue this time. Free laundry a plus. Only one shower for everyone.

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Reviewed by: Capt. Sterling on Jul 23, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 2

Dockmaster was not knowlegable, had us fender up on the wrong side for docking conditions, docks are terribly exposed to huge wakes. Will not dock here again.

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Reviewed by: Chris Osborne on Jun 24, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 33'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 1

I'm a local charter captain that buys $2000-$3000 in fuel per week. Charleston maritime center is hands down the worst fuel dock in Charleston. They always act like it is a huge imposition to fill you up. The marina is shallow with terrible cross current. The fuel is cheap but good luck getting them down there to fill you up. Every single time we go here it is a nightmare. Just pay the extra money and fill up at Charleston marina or literally anywhere else. It's not worth the headache. The manager won't call you back either.

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Reviewed by: DBrian on Apr 25, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 3

Compact little marina on the east side of Charleston.
Pros: Very convenient proximity to grocery and downtown
Cons: Rough waters, especially during an east wind, but then most places around Charleston are like this.

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Reviewed by: Allan and Lindsay , SV Scout, on Mar 11, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 6.1'

Rating: 3

Convenient location to the city and directly off channel. Floating docks. You can catch wakes all night from large ships passing by. Note- during Covid... bathrooms and showers are not open). Free laundry between 8-5.
Howie was a rockstar from the time of arrival... helping us get tied to the dock, fuel up, pump out, and with anything else we needed. He made the stay increasingly better with his kindness and helpfulness.

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Reviewed by: Andreas , AKKA, on Nov 26, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 6.2'

Rating: 4

Small but perfect place close to the city. Very friendly staff helps docking, as tide currents have to be observed when entering the slip with or against the waterflow. Excellent Harris Teeter Supermarket is only a short walk away. Free washing machines and dryers are another plus. Wifi was reasonable.
We would stay here again.

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Reviewed by: Robert Sherer on Nov 6, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

This is my favorite marina in Charleston. It’s within walking distance to downtown and all the shops as well as within two blocks of a Harris Teeter supermarket. The hardware store by Harris Teeter is no more, oh well. The laundry is free and there’s WiFi some of the time; it’s not great.

The marina can get rolly in an east wind, it’s not protected from that direction. Presently, it’s very noisy from pounding in a steel foundation for a new museum. I would not recommend the marina until the building is completed.

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Reviewed by: Jonathan Walsdorf , M/V Golfinho, on Jun 16, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Small excellent marina, staff was very cool, namely Logan, Christian and the manager Jeff. I look forward to returning to this place; it is convenient to lots of Charleston stuff.

My only negative comment are regarding Mother Nature as the tide flow makes entering, docking and departing a bit problematic, but the help from the staff on the docks mitigates this substantially.

My advice is to approach/depart during slack tide. This is a definite “come back” marina.

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Reviewed by: Robert Sherer on May 5, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

This is my favorite marina in Charleston. It’s within walking distance to downtown and all the shops as well as within two blocks of a Harris Teeter supermarket. There’s even a large hardware store by Harris Teeter. They have two new commercial grade washers and two dryers and, best of all, they are free! The docks are new since the old one were destroyed by hurricane Matthew. There is also an excellent nature center nearby as well as lots of attractions you can apply for in the kiosk by the laundry room.

On the downside, it can be rocky in a southeast wind and also from passing boats. We don’t mind but others may.

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Reviewed by: Mary on Nov 9, 2018
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 50'
Draft: 5.6'

Rating: 3

Nice location, but LOTS of current in the dockage. Also be aware of the tides when arriving, reported dockside depth of 20’ is not accurate for all docks. Some of the slips are far less - check with the marina before entering (we saw a 4’ shoal in their basin which is not marked.). The marina staff is very helpful, just verify depths before entering.

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Reviewed by: Robert Sherer on Jul 1, 2018
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 3

The location here is everything. It's a two block walk to a great supermarket, Harris Teeter, and downtown is only another two blocks with no worries about parking a car (since you're walking). They have two free washers and two free dryers. The only downside are wakes from passing boats or from a southeast wind. I don't mind but others may. The marina is currently closed due to hurricane damage but is due to reopen in the fall of 2018, we hope.

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Reviewed by: mark 10 on Jun 1, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 50'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 2

Decent but go to city marina for location.

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