Reviews from Bill Kight (40)

Marina Review for Elmwood Township Marina

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Aug 9, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Rating: 5

Stayed 8-3 to 8-5-2024
This is an outstanding marina. The staff were all a pleasure. The docks, water and power all functioned normally. The bathhouse was a little dated but clean and functional. If you're a trailer boater, the boat ramp is outstanding with lots of parking.

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Marina Review for Hessel/Clark Twp. Marina

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Aug 9, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Rating: 4

Stayed 7-28-2024
This is a nice marina. The docks I stayed on did not have power except for a 20 amp extension cord. I had a pigtail onboard for that so I had power for what I needed.

I was single-handing and a dockhand was able to catch my lines. The bathrooms and showers were fine.

There is a culinary school restaurant across the street from the marina, but I did not have reservations and didn't feel like a tablecloth restaurant meal anyway.

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Marina Review for Mackinac Island State Harbor (Harbor of Refuge)

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Aug 9, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Rating: 5

Stayed 7-29-2024
I was able to get a reservation for a one-night stay day-of stay. Docks are were high for my Ranger Tug 27. All aspects of the marina were top-notch from docks and power to bathrooms and showers. Staff was well-trained, competent and friendly. They responded to phone and radio calls.

Many, many folks recommend staying at Mack City or St. Ignace and taking a ferry to the island. That is a mistake in my opinion. Yes, there are ferry wakes, but during my stay it wasn't a real problem. They exist, but part of the problem is the long fetch inside the breakwater during periods of southerly winds. It's wonderful to get on and off your boat during your stay and to walk around the downtown area, just steps away. In the evening after the ferry hordes have departed, it is especially nice. I take my bike with me on cruises and it was great riding around the island..

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Marina Review for Beaver Island Municipal Marina (North)

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Aug 9, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Rating: 4

Stayed 7-31-2024

A very functional marina. Docks, power, water all in good shape and worked well. Bath/shower nice and clean.

McDonough's Market across the street is well-stocked. There are several eateries within easy walking distance. A bike is nice to have to see the island.

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Marina Review for Leland Township Harbor

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Aug 9, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Rating: 5

Stayed one night 8-1-2024

This marina is everything a boater looks for in a municipal marina. The staff answers the phone and responds to radio calls. The docks, power, water were all in good shape and functioned normally. The dock hands were all well-trained, competent and a pleasure to be around. The bathrooms and showers were excellent and well-maintained.

The town of Leland is steps away from the marina. The smoked salmon at Carlson's in Fishtown is simply outstanding. The Mercantile grocery is well stocked.

In all, Leland is a great stop.

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Marina Review for DeTour State Harbor

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Aug 20, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Rating: 5

Well-run state marina. Helpful staff. Quickly answered phone and radio when I called. Fueling and pump out done efficiently. Docks, water, and electricity in good repair.

It's a short walk into town where there is a local grocery and adjacent Dollar General.

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Marina Review for Blind River Marine Park

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Aug 20, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Rating: 5

Well-managed marina with new docks. Fairways are fairly tight. Marina is protected from North Channel waves/wind.

I did not use fuel or pumpout facilities, but other boaters did without difficulty.
Shower/bathroom facilities are in excellent condition.

It is a 20 minute walk to town. I was glad I had my bike. A restaurant, grocery, and Tim Horton's are in town.

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Anchorage Review for Beardrop Harbour

Reviewed by: Bill Kight, Cookie, on Aug 20, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

This anchorage is exposed to west winds, but if your draft allows tucking in close to the small island at the west end, west winds will be completely mitigated. On the day I was there, boats anchored in the middle of the harbour only got small riffles in 15+ mph west winds.

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Marina Review for Wally's Dock Service

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Aug 17, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Rating: 5

Fueling and pumpout completed efficiently. They have area paper charts and some boat and fishing supplies.

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Marina Review for Spider Bay Marina

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Aug 17, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Rating: 5

Nice marina. Docks are new and in excellent condition. Bathroom and shower facilities were in good order. I did not use fuel or pumpout facilities. It is a twelve minute walk to town from marina office.

The boat ramp handled my 27' Ranger Tug on a 35' trailer just fine. $10CDN to launch and $5CDN per day to store tow rig while cruising.

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Marina Review for Gore Bay Marina

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Aug 17, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Rating: 5

A nice marina in a nice town. Docks were in good repair. Thirty amp electric worked as expected. Staff was responsive and answered radio and telephone calls. A well-positioned breakwall protected the marina in a strong northerly blow. Individual shower suites included a toilet and had plenty of hooks to hang towels and clothes. Town is an easy walk. There are restaurants nearby, but didn't try them. I had plenty of food on the boat.

To pass a weather-in day, I rode my bike 2.2 miles to the historic lighthouse on the west side of the bay in the morning. During the afternoon, I rode to an overlook on the east side of the bay. From there, it's a nice view of the southern end of the bay and town. A short walk from the marina is a boardwalk with bridges that crisscrosses a restored wetlands.

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Anchorage Review for Louisa Island

Reviewed by: Bill Kight, Cookie, on Aug 11, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

This is a good spot in west winds. It is totally exposed to east and southeast winds. Room for several boats. A small sand beach is at head of cove for landing a dinghy. The head of a short trail across the island is located at beach.

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Marina Review for The Moorings of Carrabelle

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Mar 8, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Rating: 4

Great staff. Provisions, hardware, restaurants adjacent to marina. Easy walk.

The marina has a nice protected boat ramp that is a little confined, but workable for my 35' boat trailer.

Power, water, fuel and pumpout functioned as expected.

Depending on where you are slipped, it can be a long walk to office, boater's lounge and showers

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Anchorage Review for Searcy Creek Oxbow

Reviewed by: Bill Kight, Cookie, on Mar 8, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Nice scenic spot right off the GIWW. Holding was excellent in 10' of water.

Weak Verizon cell signal.

Wakes from boats on the GIWW will make it into this anchorage if anchored near the mouth of the oxbow.

There is no shore access for pets

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Marina Review for Treasure Island Marina

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Mar 8, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Rating: 5

Great staff and facilities. Knowledgeable people answer the phone. Has everything a boater wants in a marina. Nighttime security guard right at the docks.

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Marina Review for Tartan’s Landing Marina - PRIVATE

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Mar 8, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Rating: 4

This is a condo-style marina with deeded slips owned by boat owners. There is no system set up to rent slips to transient boaters. There is nothing within 10 miles of the marina for provisioning.

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Marina Review for Dowry Creek Marina

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

Rating: 5

Great marina. Great dockhand. Great fuel price. Free laundry. What's nice about free laundry is not the money, but not having to keep up with all the dang quarters!

The office has a very complete selection of boat-friendly food.

I had a nice stay in late June 2022.

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Marina Review for Oriental Marina & Inn

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

Rating: 4

A well-managed marina that answers the phone and VHF radio. Their radio work is excellent and they gave very clear directions to my slip. The dock fingers were very short. Dockhands were competent. All utilities- power and water- functioned normally. The Wi-Fi was about worthless. Showers and bathrooms were one for each gender and in fair condition.

Oriental is a very walkable town, although I used my bike. There is a great hardware store a 15 minute walk away.

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Marina Review for Harbour Village Marina Inc.

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

Rating: 5

I came unplanned on one of their off days (Tuesday- Wednesday). Despite that, they made arrangements to accommodate me. Everyone I touched was well-trained and competent.

All facilities were top-notch and functional.

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Marina Review for St. James Marina

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

Rating: 5

This is a well-managed marina with competent dockhands. They respond to phone calls and VHF radio. It is well-protected from ICW wakes. Fuel prices were the best in the area.

All facilities functioned normally.

There is NOTHING nearby. Have your boat provisioned or have transportation.

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Marina Review for Bucksport Plantation Marina & RV Resort

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

Rating: 3

This is a unique marina with an adjacent RV campground. It worked out great because I met a friend who brought his restored 1973 GMC motor home and stayed a couple nights during my stop in mid-June 2022.

There is NOTHING nearby so come with your boat provisioned. Transients are put on a very high lay along dock. Small boats like my Ranger Tug may find it difficult getting on/off.

There are a couple boater/RVer only code access bathrooms. Showers are in trailer bathrooms that also serve the on-property bar. They were fair at best. I elected to shower on my boat.

The marina is located right on the ICW and most boats honored the "No Wake" zone.

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Marina Review for Wacca Wache Marina

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

Rating: 5

A well-managed marina. They return phone calls and respond to the VHF radio. Dock hands are first rate and experienced. When I saw the dockside pumpout receptacle, I asked a dockhand about having my holding tank pumped out. He said the dockside unit was inop, but then without hesitation, said he would have the pumpout boat come to my slip, which it did in short order. Great service.

There are only two shower rooms for the entire marina, but I did not encounter a wait during my visit in early June 2022.

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Marina Review for Charleston Maritime Center

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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Marina Review for Lady's Island Marina

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

Rating: 5

A well-managed marina. Aaron was top-notch. Power and water functioned normally. Showers and bathrooms were clean. There is a large lounge. Publix is nearby, but is a longish walk, especially with lots of groceries. A courtesy vehicle was available for a couple hours and much appreciated in accomplishing this task. The on-site restaurant is excellent. Current can be strong so attempt a slack arrival.

Beaufort is a mile and a half walk so it's not as convenient as the downtown marina. It was an easy bike ride.

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Marina Review for Lamb's Marina

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

Rating: 5

It has been said, but I'll repeat it: This place is a hidden gem. Transients are most times put on a wall, but vacant slips are sometimes used. The entry channel is narrow, but well marked and deep enough for most cruising boats. There are three shower/toilet suites and they are very nice. Nearby them are a small lounge and coin operated laundry. During my visit in late June 2022, the restaurant was being readied for opening. All of the liveaboards were friendly and accommodating. Power and water functioned normally. There are not a lot of nearby services and it's a few miles to Elizabeth City. A Dollar General is in walking distance, about 1/4 mile.

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Free Dock Review for Oriental Town Dock #1 - Free Dock

Reviewed by: Bill Kight, Cookie, on Jun 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Rating: 5

All information from previous reviews applies except:
1) Docking limited to 48 hours
2) An earlier review states that extra room is available on the bulkhead. That is not the case. Large signs plainly say docking on the bulkhead is not allowed. In fact, docking on the bulkhead on the Oriental Marina side would potentially block a couple Oriental Marina slips. I am presently in one of them now.

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Marina Review for Downtown Sanford Marina

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Mar 7, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Rating: 3

The location cannot be beaten— right close to town with lots of nice restaurants. Two that we enjoyed were "Fuel" (BBQ) and Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe (genuine German).

The marina docks were in good condition and power and water functioned as expected. However, the bath and shower facilities were substandard, not well maintained and a long walk from docks. Marina personnel were pleasant.

We stayed the last week of February 2022 and the current operators were in the process of closing out their lease. The city is taking control in May 2022.

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Marina Review for PORT 32 Jacksonville

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Mar 7, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Rating: 5

We stayed two nights in late February 2022. We didn't want to leave. This marina is the best we have stayed in EVER. The attention to detail is a artifact of excellent, competent management. I can add nothing more to the accolades already expressed in other reviews.

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Marina Review for Oasis Marinas at Fernandina Harbor

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Mar 7, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Rating: 4

We stayed here the night of 2/20/2022.

Winds were moderate out of the north and we were placed on the outside dock. The waves during docking maneuvers were such that the bow thruster on my Ranger Tug 27 was momentarily out of the water. That has never happened before. We had planned all along to be off the boat during the day and that was fortunate because the boat rocked and rolled all day. Thankfully, the wind laid down that night and we had restful night.

The floating docks are new and of top-notch construction. The shore power and water functioned as expected. Dockhands were competent and experienced. Shower facilities are a bit of a walk, but are clean and well-done. There is zero security at the docks and the public can and does stroll right by your vessel.

The town is a short walk and is full of shops and restaurants. For supper, walk a few blocks farther from the main tourist area to "Ciao", an Italian restaurant that takes reservations. Food and service were excellent.

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Anchorage Review for Plum Orchard Plantation (Cumberland Island)

Reviewed by: Bill Kight, Cookie, on Mar 7, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

As best I am able to determine from reconciling the online Georgia DNR map with a current Aqua Maps chart, this anchorage is NOT in a shellfish restricted anchoring area. Just stay 150' from the Plum Orchard dock per another Georgia anchoring restriction. Our Rocna anchor held well during the overnight tidal swings and came up clean.

The Plum Orchard dock is for vessels 25' and less and overnight docking is not allowed. I did tie up my Ranger Tug 27 to the outside face dock for a few hours during an off-season visit. I was the only vessel in the anchorage. The inside dock space was taken up by two large vehicle ferry pontoons. I asked a National Park resident volunteer who resides in an apartment at the nearby Plum Orchard Mansion about my boat length and he responded, "I don't carry a tape measure."

Resident National Park volunteers conduct hour-long tours of the Plum Orchard Mansion three times daily. I highly recommend taking the tour. Our volunteer guide was knowledgeable and gave a great tour with lots of background and history.

After the tour, we walked the 2 1/2 mile trail to the beach on the Atlantic side of the island. It is a well-marked, easy trail. An advantage of visiting this part of the island is that the tourist hordes disgorged from the ferries at the south end of the island rarely get this far north unless they have bikes. Even then, the trail is not bike friendly. We had a wide section of beach to ourselves. We saw only a few other people.

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Marina Review for Boathouse Marina

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Mar 5, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Rating: 3

This marina is functional, but old. It is full of very dirty and nearly derelict vessels. The 30 amp power worked. Dockmaster Skip met us at the dock and helped us get tied up. He was a most pleasant man.

The single bathroom and shower for each gender were 1970s Formica wall coverings, 1980s tile on floor and a 1990s shower stall in a 1960s era building.

This marina has a code locked gate unlike the nearby free city docks. We watched as the public walked right up to the boats tied up at the free docks while the owners were away for dinner. There is ZERO security.

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Marina Review for Hontoon Island State Park

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Mar 5, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Rating: 4

This a very nice state-run facility with very reasonable rates. Slip reservations can be made 11 months in advance. All park employees and volunteers were a pleasure. The facilities were well maintained and functional. The dock fingers are too short for a bow-in tie up. The bathrooms and showers were serviceable and clean. The atmosphere was quiet and not the restaurant/bar noise and vibe of some marinas. If you need that, go elsewhere. We hiked three miles on a out-and-back trail during our stay.

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Marina Review for Jekyll Harbor Marina

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Feb 19, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Rating: 5

A well-managed marina. Dock hands experienced and competent. Transients are placed on a long lay along dock on the outside of the slips. If you are at the south end, it's a hike to facilities. The marina is located right on the ICW so boats on the lay along get wakes by clueless or rude people. Winds out of the northwest will whip up a chop that will have your boat rocking. The showers and laundry are clean and first rate. The Wi-Fi,even way out on the south end of the dock, is outstanding. About the best marina wi-fi I have ever used. The on-site restaurant specializes in seafood, is excellent and is very reasonably priced for a tourist island.

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Marina Review for Bull River Marina

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Oct 16, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 3

Competent dockhands, docks in good condition. Current is strong, but runs parallel to docks. Try to arrive at slack. Showers are available, but one only for each gender and they’re in the one-person-at-time bathrooms that serve the entire marina operation, including charter and tour boats. Vehicle parking is limited and, from parking lot, marina is accessed via a 300’ long wooden walkway— a long walk on a hot day.

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Marina Review for Laishley Park Municipal Marina

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Nov 28, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 4

What a municipal marina should be— great physical plant with floating concrete docks, boater’s lounge with four shower suites and coin laundry, free pumpout. A great boat ramp rounds out the amenities. The staff is friendly and competent. Restaurants are an easy walk.

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Marina Review for Shipyard Island Marina

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Aug 6, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 4

We left a message inquiring about slip availability and staff returned call. They gave good directions on slip location and tie-up. Near our ETA, they texted with updated information. This is a nice small marina. Showers were very nice and clean. Pumpout and laundry were out of service during our visit. The on-site restaurant, Sailor’s Pub, is not really a pub, but a sit down tablecloth restaurant with prices to match.

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Marina Review for Alibi Dock

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Aug 6, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Great marina right in town. Easy access to lots of shops and restaurants. Fairways are tight. Staff well trained and friendly. Pumpouts are done in-slip. Nice showers.

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Marina Review for Sister Bay Marina

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Aug 6, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 4

Nice marina. Docks in good shape. There are no gates to slips and public can and does walk right up to your boat. The break water where we were slipped is a popular public fishing spot. They will also fish in your slip. Not a problem for us, but be aware of lack of security. Staff well trained and friendly. Pumpouts are done in-slip via portable cart. Showers are adequate.

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Marina Review for Quarterdeck Marina

Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Aug 6, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

A terrific marina. Facilities and docks are well maintained, grills, tables, trash cans placed just where they are needed. The shower suites are fabulous. Staff well trained and friendly.

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Marina Review for Barrett Marine

Reviewed by: Bill Kight on Mar 3, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Mom & Pop run place with great folks. Shop and property neat as a pin. Launched my Ranger Tug 27 for a week long canal cruise and stored truck/trailer on site. Gem of a place.

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