Marina Review for Anchorage Marina

Reviewed by: Lisa Mister , Lisa Anne, on Sep 24, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 5

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here for 2 nights. The staff is responsive, the docks are wide with full wrap around piers at each slip, so you can get off on either side of the boat. The transient dock has a huge pool area with chairs, and grills and bathrooms - perfect for watching the sun set over the harbor. On Saturday mornings there is a free continental breakfast in the lounge. The marina has 24/7 security with locked gates, and we never felt unsafe. The marina is right next to a wide brick walkway that takes you into Fells Point, and then all the way around the harbor, if you want to walk, run or bike to Federal Hill. Plenty of restaurants within walking distance. Dockmaster Wayne is very professional, inviting and completes the "good vibe" atmosphere that Anchorage Marina exudes.

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Anchorage Review for Gum Neck Boat Ramp

Reviewed by: Lisa Mister, Lisa Anne, on Jun 13, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.5'

There IS shore access here for a dog! We stayed here one night in an emergency when the Alligator bridge was broken, and we were desperate. If you look towards the shore where you see Gum Neck boat ramp on your map, you will even see red and green markers denoting the channel. There is nothing there but a ramp and some corn fields with a few houses, but if you need shore access, this is it. Be careful going in and out, as there are submerged stumps all over, and it is shallow, although the locals marked most obstructions with white poles. It is also a long dinghy ride from the deep water where you anchor, to the boat ramp.
Holding is great in thick mud, cell phone reception is nonexistent. Follow Aquamaps and you will have no trouble getting back here through the skinny areas with less than 5 feet on each side. Plenty of privacy if you want a quiet and dark night!

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Marina Review for 3 Knots Marine

Reviewed by: Lisa Mister , Lisa Anne, on Jun 13, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 5

We have been wanting to come to Smith Island for years, but have always worried about the depth and the docking situation. Talking to Patrick, the owner and Dockmaster, in the planning phase of the trip was a huge relief, and alleviated our concerns.

Navigation and marina: We arrived an hour after high tide, after setting up the night before in Crisfield, and entering via the Tangier sound. Watch your charts, as there is a 5ft nub that is before the entrance channel! Be prepared to weave around that and then set up to enter the channel in the middle. We never saw less than 7 ft of water the entire way, and most of the water was much deeper. The channel is very narrow and you will encounter passing traffic. Use caution and be prepared to pass closely and without the other boats slowing down. When arriving at 3 knots, call Patrick and he will help tie you up. The slips are fine for shallower draft vessels, but they can also accommodate deep draft vessels at the end of the dock used as a T head with your boat tied up perpendicular to the pier. Be prepared with extra long power cables. Exiting out to the bay is a breeze, just stay in the middle of the channel, there is plenty of depth and no really shallow areas. The marina is all new, has a modern bathhouse, boaters lounge, Wi-Fi and docks. The investment in this place was not lost on us.

The experience: you must visit this island even if it's just once, as it could be gone 50 years from now. The residents are truly trying to preserve it, and the effort shows in this unique community. It is truly another way of life. Rent a golf cart, see the museum, eat the cake! The sunsets are to die for, however, the bugs can be terrible… bring spray and long sleeves, maybe even a head net! Also don't look for fine dining, the food is basic, but fairly priced.
Talk to Patrick about private tours. He will go out of his way to make sure your stay is enjoyable. If you decide not to go there on your private vessel, he can arrange for a day trip for you as well. Highly recommend this place, and planning your visit in advance, to make sure you get the entire Smith Island experience.

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Anchorage Review for Duplin River

Reviewed by: Lisa Mister, Lisa Anne, on Mar 18, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.5'

This is a great stop if you have a dog and need shore access, but don't like to trudge through the Georgia mud banks at low tide to do it. It's also a great place to just get off the boat and stretch your legs. Great holding in mud, typical 1-1.5 it Georgia urgent flow. Protection from east and west winds with trees and marsh grasses. Ferry dock is new and you can dock your dinghy on the smaller dock closest to land. Gorgeous sunsets, easy access to Doboy inlet if you want to jump offshore, or come in from a long days run.

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Bridge comment on Palm Valley (SR 210) Bridge

Comment by: Lisa Mister, Lisa Anne, on Mar 5, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'

Passed under at high tide (4.9')and had 65' of clearance. Northbound tide board is missing.

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Marina Review for Jensen Beach Mooring Field

Reviewed by: Lisa Mister , Lisa Anne, on Feb 21, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 5

This is a new facility, less than a year old. Secure floating dockage for landing your dinghy, secure bathhouse with clean private bathrooms, and brand new laundry room with 4 washers and 4 dryers. Walk to Publix and several restaurants, about a mile away. Plenty of room in the causeway park to walk your dog. Mooring balls well spaced and maintained. Great protection in a North and West wind. Bumpy in a South or East wind.

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Bridge comment on Blue Heron (SR A1A) Bridge

Comment by: Lisa Mister, Lisa Anne, on Feb 19, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'

Cleared the bridge with a 63.6' mast 20 minutes after high tide. Had a few inches of clearance, but very close. More concerning for all bridges is to check for boat traffic that will disturb the water as you are passing underneath, the extra for or two that a wake will cause could be catastrophic for a sailboat, and the south Florida boaters are not always conscious of this fact.

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  Bridge clearance listed as 65 feet on NOAA chart.

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Anchorage Review for Marine Stadium

Reviewed by: Lisa Mister, Lisa Anne, on Feb 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.5'

This anchorage is not for everyone, but we like it. On the weekends it's a totally different scene than on the weekdays. Weekends are filled with loud music and jet skis, the weekdays are quiet and enjoyable. This is a very well protected anchorage from all sides, a stunning view of Miami, and beats the $5+ per foot rate in the surrounding marinas. Use beaches for shore access. Good holding in sand/ mud. No problems even in heavy wind. Bus stops at Marine Stadium for access to the city. Walk across Rickenbaker Causeway and spend the day at Virginia Key beach with a nice view, swimming in Biscayne Bay, which is a dog friendly beach (rare in FL), and food trucks for lunch.

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Anchorage Review for Delray Beach South

Reviewed by: Lisa Mister, Lisa Anne, on Feb 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.5'

This is a good little anchorage for a night or two, with excellent holding in thick mud. There are 3 "permanent" boats here but room for about 3 more to be safely outside of the channel. Depth no problem for 5.5' draft boat in about 8 feet of water. Good protection from winds in most directions, especially east. We had 20 knots with higher gusts and did not drag. Dinghy across the ICW to Knowles Park boat ramp for shore access/ pet relief. Publix, Walgreens etc within walking distance. Lots of entertainment watching the boats go by on the ICW.

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Marina Review for Shallowbag Bay Marina

Reviewed by: Lisa Mister , Lisa Anne, on Nov 13, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 5

We are headed south to FL and came to Manteo to get away from the doldrums of the ICW and avoid the lower Wilkerson bridge. We are so happy that we found Shallowbag Bay Marina. The Dockmaster is excellent and worked with us on changing arrival dates due to weather and electrical problems that we were having on the boat. Depths getting into the marina were not a problem as the channel was recently dredged …. We are a sailboat that draws 5.5 feet and had plenty of water. Additionally, the Dockmaster was very attentive and talked us through every move to make in order to dock in a stress free manner. The marina is within walking distance to grocery, and a nice boardwalk that takes you into downtown with shopping and restaurants. The marina also has a restaurant in site, and the bathrooms are clean and private. Manteo is a great little laid back town, and we will be back again!

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