Reviews: Tolchester Marina
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Tolchester Marina
Chestertown, MD 21620
Chesapeake Bay 21
- Lat / Lon: N 39° 12.767' / W 076° 14.600'
- VHF Monitored: 16
- VHF Working: 68
- Phone: (410) 778-1400
- Fax: (410) 778-6570
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.tolchestermarina.com
4.14 out of 5 stars
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Review for Tolchester Marina
Reviewed by:
Doug T
, September Song,
on Sep 3, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.2'Rating: 5
Stayed here on Saturday night in July '21.
We draw 4'-3" and had no issues getting into the entrance and through the channel. Pay close attention to small vessels exiting, as they may suddenly appear from behind the breakwater.
When we arrived inside, the dockhand stationed on the fuel dock called out to us and gave us our slip assignment and brief directions. There was also a dockhand waiting for us at the slip to help get us secured. No problems getting into the brand new floating docks. Long floating finger piers made it dead simple to lock the boat in place with no need to be concerned about the tide. Power seems to be mostly 50 amp. If you need 30 amp, bring an adapter. They will rent you one but sometimes run out of them.
In the bright sun, be careful about stepping onto the floating docks barefoot. They can get really hot. This goes for pets as well.
For powerboaters, there is a section of covered slips in the center of the basin that will provide some relief from the heat.
Our slip was all the way around the basin from the bar and pool, however, there is a constant flow of staff driving golf carts and they are happy to give you a ride. They will accept tips if you are so inclined. They told me they run until after the bar closes.
The bar and pool were open on a Saturday afternoon, and there was counter service for food. No waitresses or table service. All food and drinks must be ordered and paid for at the bar or food counter. The live entertainment that was onsite throughout the day on Saturday was fantastic and the music type was varied, but mostly geared for the "over 40" crowd.
I confirmed with the bartender that the bar / restaurant is only open on weekends and shuts down on Sunday evening. If you stay here during the week, be sure to bring all the provisions you'll need, as there's no food or drink service between closing on Sunday and opening on Friday afternoon - and there is nothing within walking distance.
There is a restaurant in the back of the marina as well, which was not open for Saturday dinner due to staffing shortages, however, it looked like they were open on Sunday morning for breakfast. Didn't try it, as we had already prepared breakfast on board.
The marina does provide complimentary WiFi service, which is great because cell service was very poor (Verizon), however, the WiFi coverage had many gaps in it, and I was unable to get a satisfactory signal in my slip. Barely strong enough to get out a few text messages, could not make any calls via Wifi or Cell. I suspect the covered docks in the center of the basin with their large metal rooves block the signal in some directions. When we ventured about the marina, the signal was better in some places.View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer
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Review for Tolchester Marina
Reviewed by:
K Courshon
on Jun 8, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.0'Rating: 4
Tolchester Marina
This is our first time at the marina. As part of the reservation process via Dockwa the staff ensured that we knew there were no food amenities available after 5pm on Sunday (day of arrival) and until after our departure on Tuesday. This was good information and we planned accordingly.
Arrived on Sunday, June 6, 2021, at approximately 1pm and noticed that the entrance to the basin was very busy. Was unable to contact the marina via VHF but was able to receive a slip assignment via cell phone. A dockhand at the fuel dock was able to provide directions to the slip. While not all slips had easily identifiable numbers, a dockhand was able to point out the slip and provided assistance with initially securing the lines to the dock. During check-in, the dockhand provided our WiFi and bathhouse information. He also advised us to contact the office if we needed any assistance, including fuel Monday through Thursday.
Our slip was located within one of the covered sheds with fixed docks. The finger pier was full length and in good condition, even though we noticed several requiring attention. The floating docks are in very good condition.
It is evident that this is a destination marina for folks on the weekend looking for a nice beach and pool and many day boaters were departing shortly after the beach bar closed at 5pm.
The bathhouse, laundry and pool are available to transits. The bathhouse is clean and appears to have been remodeled recently. A downside in the men’s bathhouse is one shower stalled lacked a door (all three had curtains to minimize water on the floor outside of the shower) and one lacked water pressure and hot water (third shower was a charm).
Slips under the sheds provide nice protection from the sun. For nature views the floating docks (Santa Rosa) on the southern side of the basin provides potential views of eagles, osprey, ducks, buzzards, racoons and deer (all seen during our stay).
The free WiFi was good, but cellular connections can be spotty, even if booster is used. Recommend cell phones be configured by WiFi calling if offered by your carrier prior to arriving at the marina.
This is a good marina for transits heading up or down the bay. It is also a nice marina for folks wanting quiet during the week. Just remember, currently there is no one site food service Monday through Thursday, so pack accordingly.
Gave the marina four stars, but due to the men’s bathhouse would have been 3.5.View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer
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Review for Tolchester Marina
Reviewed by:
Graham Lindfield
on Sep 25, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'Rating: 2
Obviously, a fine facility at one time, but the $$$ appear to have dried up. Albeit we were slightly “off season” i.e. yesterday. We were very disappointed, having been lured by their slick website.
We were advised that the beach bar and restaurant were closed at the time of booking... no big deal.
First hint .. we seemed to be an encumbrance to purchase fuel and pump out. Second hint .. marina 90% vacant. Total ghost town after 7.00 p.m. despite their well publicized “best sunsets” … which actually was pretty good .
Ahh well, very good (new) floating, dock, very sheltered.
The kicker, the beautiful “heads” as they call them … actually more a locker room that could have been designed my Marco Polo himself, all for NOUGHT if there is no hot water …… grrrrr.
Efforts to complain via e-mail from their not so slick website … bounced .. hence this post.
$2.75 / ft … no facilities .. never again.
Currently at Herrington Bay $2.00 / ft .. fantastic .. THIS IS A MARINA.View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer
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Review for Tolchester Marina
Reviewed by:
Harry
, Absolut-ly,
on Aug 14, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 35'
Draft: 3.0'Rating: 5
"Everyone was very nice and the marina itself was neat and clean.
There was entertainment both Friday and Saturday.The view from the beach bar was phenomenal!
It is my favorite marina on the bay!View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer
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Review for Tolchester Marina
Reviewed by:
Paul
on Aug 14, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.0'Rating: 5
Tolchester Marina - Theresa DeHart at Snag-A-Slip and Samantha at Tolchester coordinated well. Effortless slip assignments and check in. Fun beach, bands, pool and picnic area. We surprised the restaurant with a last minute reservation for 25 people and they did a great job keeping us happy and well fed. New floating docks were beautiful.
View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer
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Review for Tolchester Marina
Reviewed by:
Boater
, Wonderful Life,
on Aug 4, 2017
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 29'
Draft: 4.0'Rating: 4
This marina is clearly investing in its facilities. Facilities are already nice, but the improvement in their beach area tiki bar and on-beach burger and hotdog grill are nice. Marina office staff is knowledgeable, friendly and very helpful. Folks that run the golf cart shuttles are great. Docks are being upgraded over next few years - Nantucket section has new power and water and grilling area. Very nice. For boats over 35' most docks are covered so be sure to let them know your overall height requirements.
View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer
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Review for Tolchester Marina
Reviewed by:
Boater
on Aug 4, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 37'
Draft: 3.0'Rating: 4
How many stars would you give the marina you visited? Good
Pool is very small. Docks under sheds need to be cleanedView location on the Waterway Guide Explorer
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