Reviews: Hales Bar Marina and Resort

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Oct 16, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 2

Clearly the new owners are trying but there is a long way to go. It would be easy to mistake the instructions and try to tie up on a long dock that has no power or rubber and has protruding iron bars. Entry and exit are tricky and shallow with no markers. We never saw less than 5 ft under our 3.5 ft draft. The end tie dock we were on has room for 2 trawlers. The downstream end had 3 good cleats, the upstream end had only 1. There are no fenders or rubber on the docks or roof posts. The docks that are in use are clean, old but in good shape and spiders seem to be under control. There is a small convenience shop. Wind chimes on some slip holder's boats could be annoying to some. It was unclear whether the restrooms are part of the marina or the distillery. There don't seem to be any showers. Minimal mobile signal but good marina wifi. We would be unlikely to return.

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Reviewed by: William Mcnutt , Excellent Seas, on Jun 17, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 2

Hale Lock and Bar Marina
#marinareview
First of all, the "Bar" in the name refers to the name of the old Lock that used to be here, and that was named for a geographic feature in the river, a "bar." So don't expect there to be a bar at the marina. #disappointment. When you first approach Hale from downstream, it doesn't make a good first impression. The very first thing you see is the condemned transient dock. They have what looks like about 15 – 20 slips where the docks have deteriorated to the point that they are too dangerous, even for mariners. And once you get to the fuel dock you will discover that they only carry gasoline, not diesel. However, their regular slips are not at capacity at this time, and they will tuck transients in wherever there is space. I got a very nice outside berth with power, clean water, sturdy cleats, and all of the mayflies I cared to shoo off my deck. The staff was also kind enough to open back up when I realized that they had forgotten to tell me the pass-code to get back through the gate. Some people might have been grumpy about my persistence, but these guys were great. I should say a word about the approach. There's a long spit of shallower water that runs parallel to the shore. I would guess that that's the "bar" referred to in the name "Hale Bar." You have to either go inside of it, or try to pass over it. The charts say both are possible. I went with the inside passage in both directions, and occasionally saw somewhat less than six feet of water, but I never found the river bottom. I did have a close encounter with an unmarked wreck almost in the middle of the channel. It was mostly submerged, only a little bit of the bow was showing. I'm glad I did not attempt this in the dark. You shouldn't either. Speaking of bars, though, the Dam Whiskey Company is just across the small gravel lot. They have converted the 1913 operations and power house into a distillery. There is a sign that says "BEER" and another one that says "FOOD." I did not partake because it was Saturday night and the live music was causing the dock to tremble, and I'm old. But it sounded like the young people were having a very nice time.

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Reviewed by: Nate Harrison on May 30, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Super friendly marina. Call for directions into the marina. You need to come in down river from the marina, to avoid a shallow berm that runs down that side of the river. The marina is older, and the docks are not clean and new, but the folks at the marina and small store make up for that. It is a good stop to shorten the trip between Scottsboro and Chattanooga. Restaurant was closed, and the walk to a place for lunch was about 1.5 miles. We were offered a ride by a couple of people heading there but elected to walk, since it was a nice day. There is a pizza place up the hill from the marina, which is closer.

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Reviewed by: Pete Washburn , Spring Fling, on Oct 28, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Basic marina. Old wood floating docks. 30amp and 50amp power. No water at transient locations. Does have free WiFi now. No diesel. Friendly staff. 1 bar of AT&T signal. None T-Mobile. Didn't check them out, but says they have baths and laundry. Be very careful getting in.

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Reviewed by: Capt. Jeff Gephart on Aug 5, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 85'
Draft: 4.6'

Rating: 2

This marina is very hard to get into because of the old railroad beds between it and the main channel. Their transient rate is the highest I have seen on the Tenn River at $1.50/foot. Most other marinas are $1 to $1.25/foot. They have fuel and basic supplies, and the people are friendly.

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Reviewed by: Maggie Tate , Currently , on Nov 20, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 33'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 3

Friendly staff, area is a little tricky to navigate, so follow nav lines. Gas/Diesel available. No water. Basic supplies at store. You may be able to call Lookout Winery for a pizza delivery to the marina if you can get cell service! They'll deliver if not too busy.

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Reviewed by: David Mann , Now or Never, on Sep 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 4.7'

Rating: 4

Historic site with basic needs. Must get into proper channel about a mile downriver of marina. Call the office if unsure. Friendly staff. Voltage drop experienced when using ac. Needs a little tlc and updating but a good stop for transient boats.

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