Reviews from Steven Lathrop (5)
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Marina Review for Doctors Lake Marina
Reviewed by:
Steven Lathrop
, Hello World,
on Jan 14, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 5.5'Rating: 4
Super friendly staff does a great job communicating about and coordinating your arrival. Free laundry is nice, and Tiki bar on site is terrific. There's even a free shuttle bus in the evening that will get you from the Tiki bar to any number of restaurants that pitch in to help fund the shuttle. Recommend checking out Talons Restaurant at the Eagle Harbor Golf Course and Hibernia Irish Pub. Within walking distance is a very good Italian Restaurant, Santioni's as well as a Mexican Place.
View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer
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Free Dock Review for Northbank Riverwalk
Reviewed by: Steven Lathrop, Hello World, on Jan 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 5.5'Rating: 2
Outside Face Reserved For 10 Minute Loading Only.
Pulled up to this new dock and sign said there's a fine for exceeding the 10 minute limit on the outer face dock.
Called Captain Jim at JaxParks. He explained that this dock is mostly for water taxis, but inside portion of dock may be used per the free 72 hour deal around the downtown free docks.
I'd say that the inner portion of the docks can accommodate two 25' boats.View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer
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Free Dock Review for Southbank Riverwalk
Reviewed by: Steven Lathrop, Hello World, on Jan 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 5.5'Rating: 4
Dock on the east segment away from water taxis and separated from them by gangways.
72 hours free every 30 days.
With our 5.5' draft the water at this dock was just deep enough to accommodate us, but only in the middle of the dock from east to west, or perhaps about 50' from the far east side of the dock (closest to "The Lone Sailor" statue). We measured significantly shallower depths further to the ends of the dock.
We stuck a long pole down into the bottom here, and it's definitely super soft "pluff mud" type of stuff that you can push through, often about 2' of that stuff on the bottom. But the middle of this dock has 5.5' to 7' of depth before you get into the "pluff". On the ends you are into "pluff" at 5'. High tide gives you another 6-12".
Overall very nice place to stop, with very nice restaurants and walking paths.View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer
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Marina Review for Chestertown Municipal Marina
Reviewed by:
Steven Lathrop
, Hello World,
on Sep 13, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 5.5'Rating: 5
Stayed for a week in late August and loved it. Beautiful, clean facilities and helpful, friendly staff. Be mindful of no wake zones on the Chester River and watch for some crab pots as you near the marina.
Chestertown is a beautiful, historic town with plenty to see and do, especially Wednesday to Sunday. For dining and drinks highly recommend The Imperial, The Retriever, Zelda's Speakeasy, and Cafe Sado (one of the few places open on Monday and Tuesday). It's an easy walk to Cafe Sado, just over a mile and well worth the effort if you like Japanese cuisine and reclaimed timber construction. But don't walk up High St. to get there. Use the Rail Trail that starts in Wilmer Park just south of the marina, and take the west branch along the creek and behind all the shops on High St. until you arrive behind Royal Farms. Careful crossing High St. there.
Zelda's Speakeasy can be a slight challenge to locate, but totally worth the effort.
The Imperial is pricey but worth it.View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer
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Marina Review for Schaefers Canal House & Marina
Reviewed by:
Steven Lathrop
, Hello World,
on Jul 22, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 6.0'Rating: 4
Dealing with the currents in the canal and the huge concrete Chesapeake City Bridge support in the middle of the dock can be quite a challenge. And many a loud speed boat takes advantage of the good fuel prices here. But the people are friendly and the area peaceful, with the restaurant offering decent food and beverage options. Overall a nice one night stop. Be prepared and time your canal transit and docking based on tides. Check AIS for commercial traffic before departing the dock. Note that the dock has no cleats to which you can tie, you'll need to throw a clove hitch or something around the pilings. The dock hands are quite good about helping with line handling.
View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer
