Reviews from Bill Craven (5)

Anchorage Review for Morrison Island

Reviewed by: Bill Craven on Nov 10, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.5'

We anchored here on our southbound cruise of the St. John's and several days later on our northbound leg. The weather was very mild so it was a peaceful and easy overnight. We did not experience boats "buzzing by" but fisherman did pass at reasonable speeds. We would anchor here again.

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Marina Review for Carolina Beach State Park

Reviewed by: Bill Craven on May 10, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

I advise caution for deeper draft vessels. We tried to stay here in late April 2022. We were assigned the T head at the end of A dock. The entrance is narrow and rocky, so if it is windy, it can be challenging to traverse. Once inside, it clams down and the convenient location of our dock was easy to secure. But our depth was only 6.5' one hour after high tide. The tide tables showed it would drop another 3'. We went to the office to confirm and the friendly lady that had taken our reservation (that included our length, beam and draft) said it would probably be "3' deep or so" at that location during low tide. We left rather unhappy that they would accept a reservation from us knowing our draft. It looked like a nice place to stay for very little money.

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Anchorage Review for Boca Ciega Bay-G31

Reviewed by: Bill Craven on Dec 15, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.5'

We anchored here in 9' of water December 9th, 2021. It is a large, open bay and we were 250+ yards from land in any direction. The evening had very light winds out of the west and the water was flat. Very little boat traffic from the ICW, since it was a workday. We had a long dinghy ride into the dock of Dolphin Landings Boat Charter. They did not seem to mind us tying up and climbing their dock. Lots of smiles and friendly greetings. Once on land the shopping is outstanding. There is a CVS, Publix, liquor store and several restaurants within a short walk. We were by ourselves in the bay and had a good night's sleep. The next morning the wind had clocked around, coming from the southeast at 8-10mph and we were exposed. No big deal but the boat was bumping around, plus about 11am alot of boats started coming out on a Friday morning and we rolled over some wakes. The mud bottom held our Rocna Vulcan well. We would definitely anchor here again Monday through Thursaday, especially if winds are out of the west or north.

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Marina Review for Twin Dolphin Marina

Reviewed by: Bill Craven on May 24, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

We visited Twin Dolphin as transients many times over the last five years in our former boats of 26' and 33'. When we bought our current 42' diesel cruiser, we signed a one year slip contract. We have been at TDM for six months and could not be happier. The facility, location and management is five star. We enjoy our new dock, the pool, outstanding bathroom/shower facility and nearby restaurants. We feel secure with the coded and locking gates on one end and large sea wall at the other end of the dock. The only minor inconvenience is that it is a drive to major grocery, hardware and department stores. An outstanding choice if you are a transient or looking for a longer term slip.

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Marina Review for St. Petersburg Municipal Marina

Reviewed by: Bill Craven on Mar 4, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

I know most people rate this marina five stars but the facility itself does not deserve it. St. Pete Muni Marina rates higher than five stars for its location on the water and land. It is easily accessible by water on the "safe" side of the peninsula and situated in beautiful downtown St. Petersburg. As many previous boaters have extolled, the downtown area and new St. Pete Pier are absolutely outstanding. Furthermore, I was very impressed with their check-in procedure and welcoming as a transient. But the fixed wood docks and short finger piers with dated pedestals and related equipment brings them down a full star. We are experienced cruisers but rarely have we had so much trouble getting on and off the boat as here. At the transient dock, the pilings are outside the dock so there is 12" to 18" of space even before the dock hand puts your fender between the piling and your boat adding another 12" of space. All you need to do is jump about 24"+ between the dock and your boat and 6" of height at low tide. The old wood docks and ugly old boats populate the majority of this facility really take away from what could be a world class marina.

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