Reviews from Destination Adrift (4)

Anchorage Review for Cotton Key

Reviewed by: Destination Adrift, SV Konstantina, on Dec 25, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 3.5'

We chose this area for protection from NW/N winds which to start with...it did very well. When the wind gusts hit 30+ At 3am, all three boats anchored here started dragging. When we lifted the anchors, they were all muddy. Seems to be a very soft/muddy/grassy bottom even thought charts say rocky. It had good protection from the wakes coming from wind, but not from the little boats that would rip through the shallow channel in the Wildlife Management Area to the NE. Nice protection from 10-20kts from NW/N but would not stay here again with winds over that.

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  Note that the anchorage listing states grass and mud for the bottom.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina

Reviewed by: Destination Adrift , SV Konstantina, on Dec 20, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

We were desperate to find a marina with diesel, water, pump out AND ice. Tried to get into Mangrove Marina and it could not accommodate our draft so we called Plantation and they said they could take us. We have a 21’ beam so for us, it felt a little tight but we still had room on both sides between a nice mangrove breaker and the docked yachts. Pulled into a very nicely protected dock with large rubber fenders on the dock pilings. We didn’t even need our fenders out. We pulled straight in and the dock master was there waiting for us and helped us with lines. The slip was more than accommodating with 8+ feet between us and the next boat. We were able to get diesel ($3/gal), water ($5), pump out ($5), and ice ($2/bag). They also allowed us to take our dog for a walk in their dog park which she was very thankful for, and offered the use of the head they had on land. We really appreciated all the help and the friendly advice about possibly getting a slip there sometime. We will be back to either fuel up, or stay! Thank you!

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort & Marina - CLOSED

Reviewed by: Destination Adrift , SV Konstantina, on Dec 19, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Valerie was more than accommodating as we tried to figure out our first ever docking at a marina. We had no issues booking a spot a few weeks in advance (in October). We were docked in one of the only catamaran slips (#43). It was on the “inside” of the south dock and was a little bit more protected from the south winds/waves. Wakes from the ICW can sometimes be annoying when the bigger boats take off past the “slow, no wake” zone. Upon arrival, check in was a bit chaotic. We were not given any sort of “welcome packet” but slowly pieced together the items we needed to have fun at the Marriott itself. Be sure to get the wristbands, and a card for entrance to the ocean pool/gym. Facilities are awesome. We felt really spoiled here as full-time cruisers. Nice pool/bar near the marina. Played golf, used the gym, and they even had tennis equipment we could rent. The free hotel shuttle will take you all over the Marriott property and to the private beachfront pool/bar. You’ll also need a parking pass if you have a car. We were not told this until about a week before we left (after a 2 1/2 month stay). This marina is in walking/biking distance to a gas station, SUP rental/fishing store, Publix, liquor store, Elliott Museum (a must see! Had a free classic car show every Tuesday night.) A 1.2mil walk/ride over the bridge and you have more options for restaurants. The marina has a few dock carts to use which is nice, it’s quite a long haul from the parking lot if you have a lot of groceries. They also sell ice at the marina office. Marriott office has bikes for rent. Pretty dog friendly with some grass nearby at the entrance to the dock. Marina bathroom/shower facilities are ok, they are located by the hotel and at least in the women’s, only one shower worked. Could be cleaner, but nice for a hot shower. Mail/packages can be delivered to the Marriott, they arrive at the front desk of the hotel and usually the marina staff picks them up to deliver them. Was some confusion on when they would do that and sometimes we had to grab them which was fine but we never knew how/where to get our mail from. Would prefer just grabbing it from the front desk to avoid more confusion. Gate code changed a few times and we never saw an email to notify us of the new code. Laundry facilities were also ok, there was always one dryer that didn’t work and they never fixed the change machine while we were there but you can get change from the front desk. HUGE bonus was right as we left, high speed WiFi was installed. A very nice amenity for a work-from-boat/boatschooling family! Staff are all friendly and helpful, even delivered ice to the boat for us! Would stay here again.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for St. Augustine Marine Center

Reviewed by: Destination Adrift , SV Konstantina, on Dec 3, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

We purchased our catamaran sight unseen back in Colorado and the boat was in storage here. We didn’t get a choice of where to put the boat, BUT we were happy enough that it was here. Right away, we were helped with the transfer of the boat to us and were treated with respect as the new owners. They helped us schedule a bottom job while in storage and it was completed way ahead of our splash schedule so we appreciated that. Many things have to be done by either the boat yard or through contractors that they already work with. One of our only complaints is that...we’d like to be able to do more work on our own, or be able to have anyone we want work on the boat. But we understand and respect their rules on this. The estimate for the bottom job was less than we were expecting so that was nice. Our boat was in storage there for about 6 months and while we were working on it, it was a pleasant enough stay. They have ok showers, and a small laundromat plus air conditioned “captain’s lounge” with WiFi. We were able to get mail and packages as well, and right across the street is a YMCA pool so that was a great break from the summer heat. Besides that, it’s your basic boat yard/marine center. I think we’d only be back if we needed a place to store the boat. Overall great service and friendly people.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer