Reviews from Steve Harris (3)
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Marina Review for Beaufort Docks Marina
Reviewed by:
Steve Harris
, Oh You,
on Dec 19, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'Rating: 5
This is our fourth visit to Beaufort. We love this town! This is quintessential southern coastal style. An easy run down Adams Creek ICW cut from the Pamlico with immediate access to blue water, well-protected by the barrier islands!
Beaufort Docks crew gets us secured in our slip within 5 minutes of arrival, and fueled in 15. We are literally right across the street from great local shopping and a variety of very good restaurants -- with nary a national logo in sight! Steak, fresh local seafood, Italian, Mexican and local southern favorites. Bars with covered deck and rooftop seating to sip the sunsets over the Rachel Carson Estuarine Sanctuary island directly across Taylor Creek.
We saw dolphins cavorting in the creek last evening under a spectacular lingering sunset of pinks and oranges and turquoise. Occasionally you can see wild ponies grazing along the shore across the creek.
Tapas last night at Aqua, one of our favorites just a block off the water, where we met some tourists and some locals. Trish (bartender at Aqua) is just masterful. Susan (owns local shop Harbor Specialities) has lived here since 2005. She's a long-time cruiser, and engaged with the local tourism authorities, so she was keenly interested in our impressions of the marina -- what they did right, what they could improve (very short list).
In summertime, the white sandy island beach is an easy dinghy run around the bend in the channel.
Be advised, creek tidal current can be a factor when docking. It's not a big deal, but take note. Also, we were told that marina staffing will be limited over the next couple of months (beginning after Xmas), so be sure to call ahead to discuss your arrival plans with Mike who will staff the marina during the winter hiatus.
I should mention they offer a loaner car if needed for quick run to nearby West Marine, Food Lion or Piggly Wiggly. World-class Jarrett Bay Boatyard is only about 5 nm away. Kendra at Jarrett Bay can handle all of your arrangements for service/repairs. Dustin at Western Branch Diesel located in the boatyard handles all of our Volvo Penta service requirements. They can service your boat in her slip here at Beaufort Docks, or it's a very manageable trip/tow up to Jarrett Bay for haul-out, if needed.View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer
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Marina Review for Belhaven Marina
Reviewed by:
Steve Harris
, Oh You,
on Dec 19, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'Rating: 5
Belhaven Marina has just about everything you could ask for; In-slip fueling; easy walking distance to a good old-fashioned hardware store with everything you might need, or just up the street for incredible southern farm-to-table cuisine; friendly people; towing and near-by repair services readily available. Most importantly -- Dockmaster Greg is there to make everyone from guests to crew welcome with prompt personal service. He'll even make your dinner reservations! It's a small local marina, but they could set the standard for many larger operations! Be sure to call ahead.
Another great stay. Thanks again, Greg.View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer
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Marina Review for Mackeys Marina
Reviewed by:
Steve Harris
, Oh You,
on Oct 7, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'Rating: 4
Pleasant rural NC surprise on the Albemarle Sound. Very enjoyable lunch stop last weekend. New owners. 4-Stars for their effort! Somewhat tired, hard-working local marina is full, but there is usually a spot on their bulkhead. Water is very deep there -- 17'. Well-marked approach, but pay attention. You'll think you're just driving into the trees ashore. Lunch makes it worth the trip! Fuel. Repairs. Ships Store. Fishing.
Kayaking. Supporting members of the Albemarle Loop.View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer
