Reviews from Phil Barbalace (5)

Marina Review for Dowry Creek Marina

Reviewed by: Phil Barbalace , Seascape, on Sep 5, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.7'

Rating: 5

There are good marinas, great marinas and perfect marinas. Dowry's is a perfect marina. Good approach markers, great staff and a wonderful family-run operation. Like a mini-resort, great swimming pool, lounge, free laundry, super clean restrooms and showers and a Mercedes loaner car with AC and power windows that actually work! Second time there, will return again sometime.

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Marina Review for Wilmington Marine Center

Reviewed by: Phil Barbalace , Seascape, on Feb 7, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

This is as much a boat yard where work is done as a marina but I totally agree with the previous reviewer. A small hurricane hole of a place with nothing nearby. A great and safe place to leave your boat. The staff is fantastic and the dock master Mike Loch is the best there is.

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Marina Review for Mackinaw City Municipal Marina

Reviewed by: Phil Barbalace on Aug 4, 2016
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

We kept our 40 ft. trawler here for a few weeks while taking a break from the loop to go home and do some real world stuff. Terrific staff, good facilities and a great location in a town with restaurants, shops and a good marine store. Michigan marinas do not offer good monthly rates. They do a daily rate x the number of days so a bit pricey. But this marina is still half the cost of the one next door. Overall, a great place to stay for a few days but a bit pricey long-term.

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Marina Review for Top Rack Marina

Reviewed by: Phil Barbalace on Jul 27, 2016
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 4

Not much ambience here but the docks are great and overnight dockage is FREE if you have dinner in their restaurant, which is outstanding. Restrooms/showers are excellent. A very new marina in a strange location with the bonus of also having some of the best fuel prices (diesel and gas) on the entire ICW! A great overnight stop and a great deal overall.

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Marina Review for Regent Point Marina and Boatyard

Reviewed by: Phil Barbalace on Jun 1, 2016
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.0'

We found Regent Point Marina and Boatyard for an overnight stop after the Tides Inn (small marina) was booked and others in the area didn't answer the phone or ch 16.
Jim Wagner, the owner, was courteous, helpful and a pleasure to talk to. He even owns a trawler and has done about 2/3 of the Great Loop. Great facilities, restrooms, new electrical hookups and a pleasant, laid-back park-like setting. For $1.75/ft. we even got t-shirts!

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