Reviews: Green Turtle Bay Resort (Boat Works)

Reviewed by: G. Jay Nelson , Pegasus, on Nov 4, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

The Green Turtle Bay Resort is another very nice marina on the Loop. It is located just south of the Barkley Dam and Locks on the Cumberland River. Pay close attention to the well-marked entrance channel that is south of the marina. The transient docks are just past the fuel dock and conveniently close to the marina amenities. The docks are well-maintained with wide slips, long finger piers, and very accessible power/water pedestals. The marina's restrooms/showers and laundry room were very clean. It has a well-stocked ships store, spa, swimming pool, gift store, Tiki Turtle bar and grill, and the Pier 32 restaurant are all onsite. The marina also has a full-service maintenance facility onsite that can manage just about any repairs. We stayed here at the end of the season, so the pool, gift shop, and Pier 32 restaurant were closed. The marina has a courtesy car, and golf carts are available for rent, which can be driven into Grand River to visit the small, but well-stocked grocery store, liquor store, post office and interesting shops. We dined at Patti's and had a wonderful meal. The grounds around Patti's have many interesting shops

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Reviewed by: Brian Mccabe on Nov 1, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 52'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 5

Hi All,

I want to give a shout out to Green Turtle Bay Marina. Our boat has been here since 8/3/24 to have the bottom painted and some other repairs. We have been here off and on since the end of September waiting for some additional work we added to be completed. I can't say enough about the service we received while here. The communications back and forth have been excellent and although our repairs were not without issues everything was addressed and we are leaving here happy.

During our time here we have watched hundreds of Loopers come through. Some needing repairs some just for a fuel stop or to spend a few nights. Shane, the dock master, does an awesome job trying to fit in as many unexpected loopers looking for dockage as possible. I have moved up and down the long dock several times to make room for "one more boat".

The boat works crew does a great job with the limited crew they have. Like a lot of business today they can't find employees so are running shorthanded. More than once when I was supposed to have workers on my boat they were pulled off for a more pressing issue with another boat. A boat broke down and floating on the Ohio, (they are the local Tow Boat Us) boat taking on water, people trying to make it to the Fall rendezvous, (we weren't going so let them push us back in the que).

Christina that manages the Boat Works and Ships Store is beyond awesome. Together with her side kick Violet they work hard to keep boats moving through the system and customers happy. Christina started working in the yard alongside her father when she was 12. She is very knowledgeable in all aspects of boat repair. I really mean ALL! At one point she climbed behind my engine to answer some questions on an impeller replacement. While inspecting the water pump housing, she found a broken off pencil zinc in the intake grate that I had totally missed. I don't think there is much on a boat she hasn't seen or worked on.

Sorry this got a little long winded but I wanted future loopers to know that GTB is an awesome stop. GTB really caters to Loopers while at the same time keeping a marina full of annual slip holders happy.

Cheers,
….b

Brian McCabe
Partner Ship

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Reviewed by: Conrad Sternot , SOLITUDE, on Oct 28, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Had to make an unscheduled stop here due to hitting something with my stbd prop. Called in the evening, and they said come in at 9am and they would have the lift ready. It was ready as stated and pulled right in, got lifted, props pulled and other damage assessments completed. Back in the water and towed to a slip all by 11:30am. We decided to add a cutlass bearing change to the work list since they were due, and props were pulled. There was a delay in parts delivery, but that wasn't the marina's issue. They too great care of us, kept us updated, scheduled next haulout immediately the following day after parts arrived and props were back. Can't say enough good about Christina who scheduled the work, parts, props, and kept up informed along the way. Service guys were excellent as well, great job!

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Reviewed by: MARK GLOVER , Cool Change, on Oct 12, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 4

Very nice marina! Spent a week here.
The good:
the local area has plenty to do. We were able to use the courtesy van to provision in Benton. Rented a golf cart for a couple of days. Used the beach and had a couple of bonfires with fellow loopers. We were in a nice covered slip. Clean bathrooms and laundry on site. Great ships store ( not the marina store) Also the Tiki bar is open Thursday through Sunday.
The not so good:
Where we were docked… 3 slips from end of pier 5…. You have a very long walk to get to the bathrooms, laundry, ships store etc…
Tried to rent a golf cart on Thursday for the 2 day special, was told they were rented out for the weekend starting on Friday, could get it for the day but no discount since it was for 1 day. Went by there Friday afternoon and there were more than a dozen carts there and checked again Saturday and saw the same… so???????
Overall a good stop but the hype is more than the actual.

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Reviewed by: Pipe Dream on Oct 11, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 2

We were very disappointed. We were assigned slip J -1 (Jetty). There was NO help and No communication. The restaurant was closed, and One of the three washers was broken, however, the laundry room was clean.
Upon arrival we asked Robin if someone would meet us on the dock to help - she said NO we have one person and he is helping the boaters on the transit dock.
We arrived at our assigned slip only to discover another boat in the slip. We called Robin back and were told - You will just have to wait - because that boat should have been moved earlier in the day. 20 minutes later four guys appeared to remove the boat, without an offer to help us with docking. The cover of the electric box fell off when lifted to attach to the power. The J dock walkway has been neglected and needs repair.
Walking from the Jetty docks is indeed a half mile and you must go through the boat maintenance yard.
I asked if there was any dock space closer and was hit with an attitude from Robin that she could place me even further and we would have to dinghy in.... The one service perk we did use was the courtesy car. We were told to drop the key in the mailbox when we returned because it would be after hours. Inside the van, we found a driver's license, feeling uncomfortable leaving someone's license in an open box I met Robin at 7:55 am to hand her the key and license. She snarled - we are not open yet - I just hope she made an effort to return the driver's license we found. We paid for a resort, but we felt cheated. If you receive confirmation that you are on the J dock, I suggest you cancel your reservation and go elsewhere.

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Reviewed by: Kevin Williams , m/v Blue Tortuga, on Oct 9, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Agree with most recent reviews, with these additional items: When existing Barkley Lock, a large number of boats can converge on the marina at once. They could do a better job managing this traffic similar to how Heritage Harbor does so by directing boats in individually. Do not be tempted to cut the corner coming into the marina- go to the South side of the marina and follow the marked channel in. Patti's restaurant is a must do. If you plan on having work done during a busy time you should schedule 2-3 weeks in advance. There are other techs that work in the marina, just ask the office for their contacts. Overall a great marina and there's a reason it's a Looper staple.

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Reviewed by: Lance Williamson on Oct 7, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.8'

Rating: 5

How do you rate a marina that is stretched to the max to accommodate the large number of Loopers traveling down the rivers at this time? There are 40+ loop boats there night after night. Yes, the transient slips are near the office and showers/laundry. No, they do not have (nore does any marina) enough designated "transient" slips for this large number of Loop boats. I have been told that they have not turned away any transient boats this year! We were on dock 4 (not a transient dock) but we were fairly close to the marina office. Other boats (read a different review) were much further away. The bathrooms were clean and fairly updated. The laundry machines were fairly new and took large loads (we have paid less and more) for laundry. The marina could do a better job of answering the phone and radio, and the slip numbers could be more visible. Remember, we were there past their normal busy season and summer workers are mainly gone, at this time of year. We would definitely stay there again!

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Reviewed by: Robert Jeff LaPlaca , Oyster, on Oct 3, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Very disappointing experience. The slip we were assigned to for two nights was roughly a half mile away from the main office and laundry. There was absolutely no advance communication as to how to negotiate around and we were ultimately forced to walk that distance in order to rent a golf cart to the tune of an extra $90 (the second day was free but there was no availability at the marina for a third night). We were able to use the cart to go into town for provisions and lunch, only to learn from our waitress at Patti's (great food and service!), that Patti's will shuttle you back and forth from the marina for free. None of this information was imparted by the office. We actually had to get  maps of the marina and town from the Green Turtle Condo office.
While I am sure boats closer to the facilities had a better experience, this "resort" should include readily available, free transportation for boaters at distant docks, an advance informational packet via email, and less expensive laundry (1.75 for all machines) - not to mention as the ridiculously steep price of golf cart rentals.

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Reviewed by: Paul Steindorf , Ohana, on Sep 30, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Everything you need is here, pool, pump out, fuels, repairs, Tow Boat US, courtesy cars, proximity to small town for provisions and dining. The transient docks are the unlabeled ones near the shower icon and condo office on their marina map.

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Reviewed by: Scott Gregory , My Happiness, on Sep 12, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

This was a planned extended stop after "rushing" down the rivers. We were here Oct. 17, 23. They had everything we needed. Restaurant on-site that was a short walk from the marina. Town was just a little farther walk. The resort had a loaner car so we could do some provisioning. We used the pool and clean laundry room to get us ready for our next run down the river. Bathrooms/showers were clean. The staff were great to work with and the area was beautiful.

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Reviewed by: Roger Taylor on Jun 7, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Loved the staff and amenities. Ride to and from Patti's Settlement, and complementary pool access. Desiel Fuel was 3.92 per gallon for AGLCA MEMBERS!

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Reviewed by: Scott Vanderstoep , Hope and Dreams, on Nov 4, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 30'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

This marina has everything. Great staff. Shane and the dock and the dock/fuel folks are amazing. There is a courtesy car, golf-cart shuttle, and so much more. Christina in the ship store and service coordinator is also outstanding. She is great at managing the crew of techs, who give prompt and informative service. We stayed five days because we love it so much. A must stay for loopers and anyone else on the Cumberland.

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Reviewed by: Tony Green on Oct 13, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

GTB definitely lived up to its stellar reputation. The transient docks are right in front of the office, bathrooms, showers, laundry, fuel and yacht club. Staff and locals were super friendly and helpful. We liked walking the 20 minutes to Grand Rivers, but used one of the two courtesy vans for provisioning at the Village Market. We enjoyed dinner at Patti's and a round of mini-golf. Check out Craig's Dairy for a burger and shake (cash/check only).

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Reviewed by: Michael Smith on Oct 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 33'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

We spent four nights here and the facility and staff was a pleasure. Two courtesy cars for customers which we utilized. Changed our oil there and they have a disposal tank. Nice full service yard and ships store. The restaurants were very good. And of course if you come here you must go to Patti's Restaurant for the pork chops.

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Reviewed by: Pete Washburn , Spring Fling, on Oct 2, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Another great stay at GTB. Used the courtesy van to make a provisioning run to a Walmart about 12 miles away. Agree with Dick's comments about the yacht club's service.

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Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Oct 2, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Visited 3 times in 2023. Never saw less than 11ft of water at the entrance, plenty of depth inside the marina. Friendly, helpful staff always ready to help with lines. Very clean, spacious restrooms/showers. Excellent food in the Yacht Club, although service can be a bit scattered. Easy bike ride to town, or you can rent a golf cart, or Patty's will pick you up and return you to the marina. Small but well stocked supermarket in town.

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Reviewed by: Captain Wes , Toscana, on May 17, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

$1.50/ft (cheaper than I remembered or expected) We happened to land on Customer Appreciation day, so enjoyed a nice lunch, sno-cones, and live music.

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Reviewed by: Robert , Slow Dancing, on May 11, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Second stay at Green Turtle Bay Marina - 5/2023. On the transient dock next to the marina office, fuel dock, showers and laundry.

Used the washers & dryers. Buy roll of quarters in the marina office.

Had dinner in town at Pattis 1880, which is nice. But, not gourmet. In some ways like an over the top Cracker Barrell.

Had one meal onsite, at the Thirsty Turtle Tavern, which is really a pub that offers some food. We had our car. Would been nearly a 1/2 mile walk to the Thirsty Turtle otherwise.

The Commonwealth Yacht Club is nex to the transient dock, but only open Thurs though Sunday, so not open while I was there.

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Reviewed by: Robert , Slow Dancing, on Mar 5, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Spent one night in the marina in 3/2003.

Called them from the Barkley Lock and they met me at the fuel dock. Fueled up and filled the water tank.

Our slip was on the section next to the marina office and the showers & laundry. Finger piers on both sides. The slip was plenty wide for my power cat's 16 foot beam.

No problems with wonky power that trips a circuit somewhere or prevents you from running heat or AC on your boat.

I was there in early March, so they had not yet turned the water back on at the dock. but, they warned me about that when I called ahead.

Clean restroom/showers.

I used the washers and dryers - $1.75 for each machine. Quarters only. Sign said you could buy quarters & soap in the marina office.

Used the courtesy car, and went into town for dinner at Patti's which was quite good. From there went across the street to Village Market & Cafe. There is a small deli counter, but this is really a very small but very adequate grocery store. Able to find pretty much everything I needed to stock up my galley.

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Reviewed by: Graeme Walker , Confirmed Aquaholic, on Oct 24, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 54'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We were very close to the fuel dock so had facilities. Friendly staff, good access to things, however we heard people had an issue if you weren't close. Very good Chandlery. Had an excellent dinner with friends at Patti's, rented a 2for1 golf cart. We went to Walmart but the local grocery store had 99% of what we needed, should have used it first and shopped local.

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Reviewed by: Jeff French on Oct 24, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.8'

Rating: 5

Marina has everything you need, we arrived on last day of a heat wave so enjoyed the pool. Laundry and washrooms handy but wouldn't want to be on the far docks. They had to dingy over to do anything. We had meals at all three restaurant's and enjoyed them all. A lot of people complained about not being able to get some service work done but was a very busy looper year so somewhat understandable.

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Reviewed by: Janet Green on Oct 14, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 3

The marina is very nice for boaters located on the transient dock; however there are no facilities for those not on transient dock. We were on Pier 7, which is down from the Boatworks. There were port-a-potties at the dock. The nearest toilet was by the marina store, no showers or laundry on that side of the harbor. We were told we were going to be on Pier 7 when we reserved the slip, so I knew we were away from the main area. I was not expecting no facilities. Make sure to ask.

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Reviewed by: Brian Wicks on Oct 1, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.0'

Rating: 5

Great marina and amenities. Staff was friendly. Throughly enjoyed our stay and dinner at Pattis is a must! Three restaurants on site. Good shower and laundry facilities. Good protection from all wind directions.

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Reviewed by: Patricia And Steven Stanley , Calypso, on Sep 29, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Green Turtle Bay Marina is conveniently located just beyond the Barkley lock on the Cumberland River. It has fuel, floating wooden docks, a well stocked ships store, spa with swimming pool (though the pool is closed for the season) nice bathrooms, showers and laundry. They have a restaurant and a Yacht Club on site. You can rent golf carts or borrow their courtesy car to drive into town.

We stayed for 2 nights. We enjoyed dinner at the Yacht Club with friends on our last evening. Very nice!

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Reviewed by: Linda McCormick on Sep 9, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Handy to the Barkley Dam and Locks, this is a nice stop. One of the few marinas that reserve the dock right next to the individual showers, laundry and office for transients. A courtesy van is available for 2 hours. More than enough time to visit the closest grocery store in Grand River, liquor store, post office and poke your head into a few shops. Three restaurants on site, plus marine store. Fuel and pump-out available plus haul out and service if needed. Would give them a 5 if they were easier to reach by phone.

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Reviewed by: Jan Muckensturm , The Jan Marie, on Jun 14, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 38'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Very nice place. Great location. Nice showers and laundry facilities Shane and his staff were very friendly and helpful.

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Reviewed by: Bill Mcmahon on Nov 9, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Big marina is very accommodating, with nice showers although there are only 4 shower/toilet rooms. Their transient docks were full when we tried to make our reservations, but they were able to get in on the far side of the marina. We had restrooms and showers there, but all other facilities, like laundry, were a quick dinghy ride across the bay (or 2-½ miles by road). (They were completely up front about this when we booked it.) Everything you need is here. Good ship store. Great service department. Three restaurants. Although I will say the restaurants were only mediocre, even the yacht club.

We left the boat and had some fiberglass work done, while we went home for a few weeks. They did a fine job at a fair price. Boat was ready to go when we returned.

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Reviewed by: Rob Dare , Liberty Call , on Oct 21, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 46'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Excellent marina with a great staff. Carefully follow the channel entering. Wide slips with long finger piers. A large resort with lots to do. Tons of places to take a dog for a really long walk. Well stocked ship store with an impressive selection. Patti's will pick you up and drop you back at your slip. Good courtesy car. Golf carts are available for rent. A very busy maintenance department that works to fit everyone in.

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Reviewed by: Vincent on Oct 13, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 4.6'

Rating: 5

Watch the channel markers or you'll be staying for a lot longer than you planned,

Once in the marina the fuel dock is straight ahead and they are there to help you tie up.

If you are staying for the night they direct you to your assignment, help you tie up and assist you with anything you need.

Make a point to use the free shuttle from Patti's to have enjoy shopping and an excellent dinner.

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Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel on Oct 2, 2021
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

We spent a pleasant week here getting some work done on the boat and just relaxing. GTB is a large resort marina with three restaurants, a spa, and several pools. Dockage gets you a temporary membership in the Yacht Club and gives you access to all the facilities and club restaurant.

Enter the marina by way of the marked channel only. The gas dock/office is visible towards the back of the marina when you move through the entrance. Transient dockage with a minimum of 7' depth winter pool is clustered around this dock and assistance is readily provided by competent dock hands. The floating infrastructure is all solid and well maintained. Separate Bath/Shower rooms and a full laundry are located near the office and are clean. Cellular service is very good and the marina Wi Fi is excellent with good connectivity and excellent speeds. Grand River is a mile away and the marina runs a shuttle to town. There is a surprisingly good supermarket there. Patti's 1880's Settlement restaurant is the main attraction and they will pick you up at the marina for dinner if you so choose. The marina also offers a courtesy car that will get you to Paducah (25 miles) for major shopping.

Green Turtle Bay also offers an AGLCA discount: Stay for a week and pay for five nights. It is definitely an excellent stop.

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Reviewed by: David Mann , Now or Never, on Jun 24, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 4.7'

Rating: 5

This was our 5th visit to GTB. But the first time on our cruiser. We enjoyed our three day visit and found that all of our needs were met. We were impressed how well they have adapted to the willing worker shortage. We witnessed the management and leadership leadership team joining in with all of the workers to make our visit memorable. Everyone there made us feel welcome. Good Internet, courtesy car, deep clean water and clean safe surroundings.

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Reviewed by: Terry Burns on May 20, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Very nice resort with everything a boater could want. Ships store is second to done. Don’t miss Patti’s or the Yacht Club.

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Reviewed by: Tina Pickell on Oct 20, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 62'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Green Turtle Bay is a beautiful resort setting with skilled mechanics and helpful dock staff. Facilities include several on site restaurants, service yard, and spa. Facilities are clean and well maintained. Part of our family stayed in the charming cottages one weekend-- tastefully decorated and comfortable.

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Reviewed by: Sue & Phil on Sep 28, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 2.0'

Rating: 5

After 60 miles cruising in torrential rain to have 4 dock hands guide us in and tie us up to dock; sO helpful and supportive. Great accommodations and service. Friendly. Lots of loopers. Definitely a place to return. Special thanks to Byron.

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Reviewed by: James on Aug 14, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 25'
Draft: 8.0'

Rating: 3

Ladies in the office at the gas dock were great! Marina needs to clean up the GOOSE Crap Though!

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