Reviews from Jim Ward (20)

Anchorage Review for Big Bayou Canot South

Reviewed by: Jim Ward, CLASSEA , on Oct 17, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.5'

Stopped here to put us within +/- 45 nm of Homeport, Marina . . . Nice quite anchorage, a few small fishing boats and a pontoon boat (fixed R/R Bridge limits boat sizes and traffic through there) passed by . . . Well off the Mobile River from Tow Traffic (and wakes) . . . Some shore access with dinghy, railroad noise every 2 hours or so, the closer o the bridge the louder . . . No stern anchor used, protected from East/West winds, not so much from North/ South although we did fine with

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Anchorage Review for Tensaw River

Reviewed by: Jim Ward, CLASSEA , on Oct 10, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.5'

This was a planned stop based on previous reviews and a recommendation from MV UNWINDING (a regular river TB waterway cruiser) . . . Worked out great, came up the river almost a mile, anchored in 12' of water, close to the center . . . Anchor held quickly, came up clean, beautiful surroundings, a few fishing boats came by . . . Had a smaller boat raft up with us for the night, no problems . . . 2 bars on Verizon (and T-Mobile) . . . Limited area to take pets ashore, but available . . . . Exposed to East and West winds . . .

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Marina Review for West Basin Marina

Reviewed by: Jim Ward , CLASSEA , on Aug 28, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Another example of a well placed, well constructed and operated municipal marina . . . Fuel (diesel & gas), Free Laundry (1washer/1 dryer), including detergent . . . Nice bathrooms/showers . . . Captain's Lounge . . . Loaner bicycles . . . Plenty of "green space" for pets . . . Walk to town (+/-1 mile), restaurants there, Uber limited (available weekends) . . . SJRYC, adjacent to the marina, does accept "reciprocity" benefits if a member of another YCA affiliate . . . Dockmaster was very helpful upon arrival and during our stay . . .

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Marina Review for Ludington Municipal Marina/Harbor View Marina

Reviewed by: Jim Ward , CLASSEA , on Aug 24, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

From the moment we arrived it was obvious that the management (Tony) had a well trained, young, helpful crew to manage the lines, secure the boat, handle the fuel dock (conveniently located at end of Dock A) and welcome you to the marina and address any needs you may have . . . The marina itself is conveniently located to the harbor as it's the first one you come to on your port side, almost hidden from your approach . . . Transient docks are separated from the Charter Fishing Boats, who were active during our stay but very respectful of other boaters . . . The facilities include, updated bathrooms and showers . . . Laundry (washers/driers) was $1.00 a load for both . . . Plenty of green space for walking your pet . . . Convenient to downtown restaurants . . . Great viewing area for the SS BADGER! Tony and Crew were GREAT, making our stay enjoyable!

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Marina Review for St. Clair Boat Harbor

Reviewed by: Jim Ward , CLASSEA , on Aug 4, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

St Clair Harbor has to be one of my favorites, from the attentiveness of the dock hands, the location, the facilities, curtesy shuttle (and pick up to the laundromat, grocery store, etc.), Tuesday's $0.25/off a gallon of fuel, picnic tables, pavilion, clean restrooms and showers . . . The Harbor is well protected, very little current if any, there was a storm that blew through with high winds, rain and all boats were secure . . . Good Facility, Great Team and Location, what more would you want . . .

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Marina Review for Safe Harbor Detroit River

Reviewed by: Jim Ward , CLASSEA , on Aug 2, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Safe Harbor is conveniently located off the Detroit River good fairways, grassy (early August) bottom, older but nice marina . . . Showers, Bathrooms newly remodeled, pool, fuel (run by 3rd party) and good protection (provided boaters follow NWZ), many pedestals are 30'amp so be prepared with a splitter for 50 amp needs . . . Why 4 stars, no laundry, marina office closed on Sunday (no dock Hand's that day) . . . Safe Harbor has taken over this marina and are doing things to improve it . . . Better days ahead!

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Marina Review for Oasis Marinas at Port Lorain

Reviewed by: Jim Ward , CLASSEA , on Jul 30, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Another well run property of Oasis Marinas . . . Extremely large property conveniently located to the channel coming into Lorain Harbor . . . Met by 2 Dock Hand's and got tied up, powered up (used 30amp splitter to get 50amp at this particular slip location), provided a bag of swag and local information (nice touch), key fob for entry (dock gate, Captains Lounge, Restrooms, etc.) . . . On Site Resturant (Erie Steak & Seafood), ate there twice, good food and beverages . . . No onsite Laundry, went to Spin-Wash ($12 Uber ride) . . . Drew & Sam (Dock Hand's) very helpful . . . Also, I had a delayed Amazon Order that arrived at Oasis Marinas North Port Cleveland and Tony (Assistant Manager) assisted and arranging transfer to the Lorain Location . . . BOO AMAZON YEAH (and thank you) TONY! 5 stars if onsite Laundry.

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Marina Review for Oasis Marinas at North Coast Harbor

Reviewed by: Jim Ward , CLASSEA , on Jul 28, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Oasis Marina's North Coast Harbor puts you "in Downtown Cleveland"! Well protected, concrete tile floating docks, that sit in the shadows of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Browns Stadium, BiCentennial Park and within blocks of restaurants . . . Secure (fob entry), well kept restrooms and showers, pet friendly with nearby park to walk you dog . . . Limited 50 amp outlets (splitters maybe needed to connect 2-30 amp), would have rated 5 stars if Dock Carts and Laundry were available on site . . . Beautiful Location, Tony (Dock Master) takes care of your needs and provides a Welcome Bag of Marina Swag, local information on Cleveland to help make your stay more enjoyable . . . A really nice touch, don't miss this stop!

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Marina Review for Tonawanda Gateway Harbor Park

Reviewed by: Jim Ward , CLASSEA , on Jul 14, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Good location at the Wall at Tonawanda . . . Wall height could be a problem for smaller boats, the canal was extremely active with kayakers, water bikes, cruising boats . . . Power supply was 30 amps (make 50 amps with a splitter . . . Bike trail was active with both bikers and walkers . . . Nice to see the trails being used . . . Downside was leaves from trees and landscaper blew into the boat, train noise could be annoying . . . Price was $40/ 41' boat . . . Not to bad . . . The North side would be more convenient possibly with lower docks (wooden) along the concrete wall . . .

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Free Dock Review for Lyons Dock on the Erie Canal

Reviewed by: Jim Ward, CLASSEA , on Jul 2, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Stayed 2 nights at Lyons Dock, 5 Looper boats and a sail boat, the first night . . . Plenty of depth, 30 & 50 amp power, only one power panel on wall closet to the Lock (30 & 50 amp), convenient to town, restaurants. . . On the high wall closest to the Lock, used ballard, a ring and a stake (one I have onboard, if you don't have one nice to have) to tie up to . . . Bob Storey (on the welcome committee) came to welcome us and provide information not only on Lyons, but other stops West bound and share the history of the canal, very interesting info and helpful . . . Home of Peppermint . . . Adjacent Fire Department has sign-in book and showers . . . Video surveillance . . . Nicely landscaped!

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Free Dock Review for Village of Baldwinsville Docks

Reviewed by: Jim Ward, CLASSEA , on Jun 29, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Great location, easy access immediately following West passage through Lock 24 . . . $5 30 amp $10 50 amp service, many restaurants within short walk into town . . . Summer Concert across the canal, a bit loud but festive, rings for tie-up, concrete wall and floating docks . . .

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Marina Review for Cortlandt Yacht Club

Reviewed by: Jim Ward , CLASSEA , on Jun 14, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Was able to book a slip here for 2 days on our northern passage up the Hudson . . . Great location, wonderful people, plenty of water in the channel approach and inside the marina (Yacht Club) z. . . Each dock has it's own tented gathering area w/grills, brand new pool, cafe/snack bar (open daily once school is out, weekends other times), basketball court, kids playground . . . This is a "Ownership/Yacht Club" and is on available space, but friendly/helpful/happy people that love boating and sharing insights on the river ahead and the towns around . . . New docks, well kept, showers and bathrooms and hopefully soon a washer and dryer . . . That is the only reason this 5 star location got 4 stars . . .

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Marina Review for Top Rack Marina

Reviewed by: Jim Ward , CLASSEA , on May 3, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

It wasn't a PLANNED Overnight Stay . . . But wow, TOP RACK MARINA is just that TOPS, from the time we encountered troubles with the gear cables affecting the use of our Port Engine, getting fuel, staying overnight and everything in between I visualized people that have a passion to serve . . . Bryan and Yari catching lines and getting our boat (and the others coming in for fuel and to use their boat in storage) in and out in a welcoming and professional manner (they know how to properly cleat a line) . . . Katelyn who runs the Ship Store & Deli, Jake the Forklift driver getting boats in and out of the racks, Josh the maintenance manager insuring all boats get the Top Care to exceed the boaters expectations and Ashley the Marina Manager . . . This marina will take care of you as a boater, not known for a Loopers overnight stay (as it is a bit close to the Big Bridge Lock, but is worth the stop if you make a later afternoon passage through the lock north bound or backtracking headed southbound and want to wait till the next morning to move on into Portsmouth/Norfolk North or Coinjock South (call ahead they close at 5:00) . . . They have an excellent restaurant on site (closed Monday's so we couldn't try it out, but great reviews) . . . Our misfortunes with the Seized Gear Cables were muted with their Hospitality!

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Marina Review for Beaufort Yacht Basin

Reviewed by: Jim Ward , CLASSEA , on Apr 28, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Made a stop at Beaufort Yacht Basin at the suggestion of a fellow Looper . . . He was "Spot On"! . . . BYB Has All the Amenities, New Floating Docks, 1st Class Captains Lounge, FREE LAUNDRY, Courtsey Golf Cart, Protected Basin and Great Dock Service from Ron & Jerry . . . Best to access at high tide but if your arrival won't allow that, Jerry/Ron will talk you through your navigation approach . . .BYB is Tops!

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Marina Review for Ocean Isle Marina & Yacht Club

Reviewed by: Jim Ward , CLASSEA , on Apr 24, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Made a planned stop based off of previous reviews . . . Book a slip, but was pleased that they put us on a T (actually an L) wall. Alex and his bride were there to catch our lines and get us situated. Great facilities, super clean/nice restrooms, showers and great hospitality . . . Arrived at high tide, 41' DeFever, 14' beam, 4.5' draft . . . Left at dead low tide and kicked up a little mud . . . Would have given a 4 star because of idiot boaters not following "No Wake" rules, but Alex sounded an air horn to slow them down . . . Definitely would return!

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Marina Review for Marina Jack Yacht Basin

Reviewed by: Jim Ward , CLASSEA , on Feb 3, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Stayed one night at Marina Jack's based on a recommendation from a long time friend "you have to stay at least one night there, it's the best" . . . Well he was on point with his recommendation . . . Booking was handled quickly and with follow-up . . . Upon arrival met at the Transient Slip by Phil and Bill who handled the lines and once shore power was connected gave us a rundown on all the amenities, provided us with a temporary access code (until we picked up our access fobs) . . . Resturant was very good, with live music (not too loud) . . . Floating docks in hood shape, finger piers nice and long, safe, secure and many shops, restaurants and Whole Foods within walking distance . . . All pluses! Will return!

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Marina Review for Madeira Beach Municipal Marina

Reviewed by: Jim Ward , CLASSEA , on Jan 30, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Ducked into this Marina to weather out a cold front and the high winds associated with it . . . Was tied up on the west side of the floating fuel dock and it worked out great! The store is well stocked with everything from marine supplies, fishing supplies, soft drinks and adult beverages. Nice laundry room (2 Washers & dryers) and nice folks running it . . . This is a Municipal Marina so prices are better, not a lot of transit slips but a few, most docks are fixed.

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Anchorage Review for Cedar Key

Reviewed by: Jim Ward, CLASSEA , on Jan 22, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.0'

Arrived late, had another boater give me a heads up on the approach with its hairpin turn just prior to arriving to the anchorage and anchoring . . . Mud/Sand/Weed, held well but not at all protected from a wind blowing west . . .that combined with a full winter moon had the water moving through the area . . . Boat tossed and turned all night . . . Probably covered 10 miles of motion with the 110' of chain in 14' of water.

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Marina Review for Steinhatchee River Inn and Marina

Reviewed by: Jim Ward , CLASSEA , on Jan 22, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Stayed one night, arrived late and left early the next day . . . Staff was helpful, 30/50 AMP power, older marina but well maintained, was on a floating dock . . . River current flowed but not to strong . . . Did not use the facilities, ship/food store was well stocked.

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Anchorage Review for Dog Island - Shipping Cove

Reviewed by: Jim Ward, CLASSEA , on Jan 20, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.0'

Ducked in here at 9:00 one-night, easy anchorage, good holding mud/sand 15-17', good location for all wind conditions except a blow out of the north.

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