Marina Review for Point South Port St. Joe Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Dec 2, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Sturdy and wide new fixed docks. Great help with docking. Nice town with interesting shops and lots of restaurant choices. Good supermarket very close by. Only one shower for the marina but it is clean and the restrooms are spotless. Free laundry facility. No security but there are cameras overlooking the marina. Some noise from the next door dry stack boatyard, and it starts early. We would highly recommend this as a great stop on the Panhandle.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Emerald Harbor Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Nov 30, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Reasonably protected location near the top of Watson Bayou. Newly rebuilt marina with good fixed docks, clean showers and restrooms and free laundry. Nearby Gene's Oyster Bar is a character place that should not be missed. No other restaurants, shops, or grocery other than Dollar General in easy reach. The marina is not complete, so the end tie has only a short stretch of dock, the rest is plank and pilings, difficult and unsafe for walking on or tying up. We had great help with docking from the dockmaster who lives on-site. Some wakes from local boaters who use the extensive launch ramp facility next to the marina. Winds from the west can give some chop. In slip pump out no charge with dockage is very convenient.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Sandestin's Baytowne Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Nov 29, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Well marked slips and wide fixed docks. Great help with docking and untying. Pricey compared to other marinas and no refunds if you have to leave early. Golf carts available to rent to explore the area and shopping and restaurants. The marina has no protection from north winds. Restaurant on site. Bathrooms and showers are in the restaurant so practically unusable on weekends.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Big Briar Creek

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Nov 29, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Quiet anchorage away from traffic. Not enough current to stay in line, but plenty of room to swing. Small tidal change so expect to swing 180 degrees if the wind is light. Anchor came up with some mud. Some small boat traffic in the river. In the morning there were fishing nets set in the river so take care.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Lower Pritchard Long Point

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Nov 23, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Excellent holding. Excellent cellphone reception. Quiet, but no protection from wakes. Wind protection is only from the north.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Palafox Pier Yacht Harbor

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Nov 22, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Wide, solid floating docks with good rubber protection. Restrooms and showers are clean but did not use as they are quite a hike from the transient docks. Easy in and out for fuel and pump out. Top notch pump out machine. The breakwater has flow through channels so there is some surge from the bay inside the harbor. No assistance with docking. Popular restaurant on-site. Good security gates. Fantastic downtown access for great restaurants and shops, farmer's market on the weekends.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Orange Beach Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Nov 22, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Very protected docks, most are under cover. Tricky route to the entrance channel, take care to follow markers. A long way from the regular route,better for a long term stay than just an overnight stop. No help with docking. Good, solid docks. Very clean restrooms and showers, laundry no charge. No good walking or bike access to shops and restaurants, Uber required. Good bike access to the network of Gulf Shore Park trails. Good store on-site. No security gates. On-site restaurant permanently closed.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Salt Creek

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Nov 7, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Great anchorage in a wide stretch of the river between two sharp bends. We had no wind and the current slowed to nothing during the night so we swung 180 degrees, but were still well off the shore and the sailing line. Passing tows didn't move us at all. Anchor came up clean. Consistent water depth of under 10 feet meant we could put out less than 100 feet of chain and had lots of room to swing 360 degrees if necessary.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Midway Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Oct 31, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Good help with docking. They answer both phone and VHF promptly. Good docks in the process of being renovated. Did not use showers or restrooms so cannot comment. No wifi in evidence but good cell coverage. Nice parklike setting up the hill for walking dogs. Great on-site restaurant, we would stop there again just for the restaurant.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Safe Harbor Aqua Yacht

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Oct 29, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Super transient docks, including covered slips. Easy in and out for pump out and fuel. We did not use the loaner cars but they are good to have because there are no nearby amenities. Great boatyard does excellent work. 4 stars only because it's let down by the showers and washroom facilities and frequent closure of the restaurant. Recently upgraded wifi works well and there is also good cell coverage.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Lotterdale Cove

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Oct 21, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Easy entry. Calm in windy conditions. Good long sloping shelf, we anchored in 10 feet. A quiet night, but there is some road noise from the minor road adjacent. Anchor came up easily but loaded with sticky red mud.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Riverwalk Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Oct 20, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 2

Plenty of transient space with good docks with large cleats and rubber protection. The basin is well off the river. The restaurant is closed for refurbishment. No way to bike or walk to town across the very busy highway bridge, but Uber or delivery are possible. No showers or restrooms. One side of the power pedestal did not work, the other side was fine. The phone is not answered on the weekend, leave a message. No staff on site. No security. no wifi but good cell signal.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Ditto Landing Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Oct 20, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

The transient docks are ok, with good cleats. We stopped here twice, had help tying up the first time, not the second. Facilities are very convenient for the transient docks. One unisex shower, but it was very clean. No courtesy car or access to town by bike, Uber or delivery possible. Wifi was ok. Good cell signal. Quiet location well off the river. No security.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Goose Pond Colony Resort Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Oct 18, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Friendly, helpful staff. Phones and VHF answered promptly. Lots of knowledgeable help with docking. Lots of transient space. Very well defined entrance channel. The grass cutter was out in the channel and basin every day we were there. Bath house spotless, good showers. Better than average marina restaurant on site. Probably the best marina we have stopped at on this trip on the Tennessee River.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for 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.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Erwin Marine Riverfront

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Oct 15, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

No staff at any of the docks and the phone is only answered Tuesday to Saturday. Book through Dockwa and you will receive your dock assignment and gate codes. There is no assignment of specific places on the docks. Everything is kept clean and in good working order. The fuel and pump out dock is entirely self-service, but it has the best pump out machine we have seen in 2 years, and it's free. Bluff dock has 2 access points to the city, very useful if the downstream access is under water as we experienced from post hurricane flooding. No wifi but there is free city wifi. Chattanooga has an excellent free trolley service that runs late 6 days a week and until 8pm Sunday. The trolleys will take you to within an easy walk of many good restaurants and shops. All of the Erwin docks are close to the Aquarium. There are no showers or toilet facilities or we would give them 5 stars. Fender well, there are wakes from river traffic.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Blue Water Resort (Lake Chickamauga Marina)

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Oct 13, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Easy in with good water depth and well marked channel. Friendly, helpful staff. Spotless showers and restrooms. Useful, well stocked convenience store. Great firepit and covered patios with lots of seating to congregate. Dog park for Fido. Good wifi and also good cell signal. Adequate cleats and good fenders on roof support poles. Limited transient dockage available, so call ahead.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Caney Creek Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Oct 12, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Must be able to pass under 22 ft fixed bridge. We followed the old creek bed but there appears to be plenty of depth in the inlet. We were asked to tie up first at the fuel dock, but since we knew our t-head assignment we went straight there and walked over to pay. Poor mobile signal in the area but good marina wifi. Rest rooms and showers very clean, 5 stars. Friendly staff and friendly dock residents. Good floating docks with adequate cleats and good fenders on the roof support posts. Some road noise but not excessive.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Tellico Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Oct 10, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 2

We would have liked to have stayed here but there was no response to emails and phone messages left several times. We did drive into the marina but as the water became shallow on approach to the fuel dock we turned around and left. The marina finally called back later but by then we were on our way to anchor elsewhere.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Battery Hill

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Oct 10, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Holding good once the anchor dug in. Urban area so good cell service. Plenty of depth and swinging room. Current holds you in place. Well protected from the river. We did have a lot of hydrilla on the bridle and anchor chain in the morning, but this could have been due to high waters and releases from upstream dams after the hurricane.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Fort Loudon Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Oct 10, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Good wooden floating docks. The transient dock is close to the facilities, unlike many marinas that put them in the back of beyond. Marina is well protected from winds and waves. Secure, with keyed gate. Showers and toilets were good. The phone was not answered on our arrival so we had to tie up first at the fuel dock. The staff member was friendly and helpful and offered assistance with tying up in our slip. Had we known how difficult it was with the relatively short finger pier and small cleats we would have accepted. Restaurant on site, a fairly short walk across the parking lots.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Blue Springs Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Oct 10, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

We had deep water all the way to the dock, although the entrance to the cove can be difficult to see without charts. The docks are in good shape but the cleats are very small, making it difficult to tie up without help. We were asked to arrive before 5pm so they could help tie up but nobody came down. We were fine but if help is needed be sure to ask for it when you approach. Showers and toilets were rustic but clean.  The restaurant closed for the season before our stay. The marina is totally protected from weather. Plenty of power pedestals but few water spigots on the transient docks. Useful boat store and convenience shop.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Old Widow Creek Lock

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Sep 29, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

We tried to get in here without success. The bollards on the flat part of the wall are too far apart to be usable. There is a big indent at the downstream end with metal protrusions, so using that part of the old wall was not possible for our length. We left and went further up to Battery Hill 1.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Cuba Landing Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Oct 6, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Depth in well marked entrance channel not less than 10 feet, parts of the marina were less, but never under 8 feet at winter pool. Floating wooden docks with good white plastic bumpers on roof supports. The pump out is on a boat. They were helpful when we unexpectedly needed it and came to our dock right away. One shower in each of the men's and women's restrooms. Rustic but clean, could do with updating. New fuel docks and store.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Swallow Bluff Island

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Oct 5, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

We anchored in 25 feet in the center of the channel. You will find less depth if you go farther up the chute. Approach and leave from downstream/north end only. Current will usually keep you aligned, on one occasion for us it didn't. Wakes from local boaters calm down after dark. No wakes from tows. Well sheltered from N/S wind direction. Anchor dug in well and held in sand, came up clean. Access to the island is not allowed but easy beach access to the shore or the small island at the end of the chute. Very pretty location.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Paris Landing State Park Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Oct 3, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Stopped here twice in 2023. Never saw less than 9 feet depth at winter pool. Dockhands answer vhf 16 and then switch to 68. Good help tying up. Adapters available for 30amp power as pedestals are all 50s. Floating concrete docks are clean and power pedestals are clear of spider webs. Security gates on the docks. Individual men's and women's toilets, only a single unisex shower, all were clean. No reservations, first come first serve, but there is lots of transient space. A long, uphill bike ride to the lodge, but marina staff will drive you there.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Lake Barkley Marina

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

Rating: 3

It took us an hour from leaving the main lake to arrive at our slip. The route is well marked, but convoluted, and you need to go slow. We did not see less than 10 feet at winter pool. On arrival at the marina, we were directed to a covered slip at the far end, pier 5. There was an incredible amount of debris, including huge logs, so passage was even slower. Showers etc over 1/4 mile walk from pier 5, so not practical to use. Slips at that end have barriers to put across the ends, so we conclude that the debris is normal,not a one off. Friendly local boaters helped tie up. No help available from staff. If you go, ask for a slip near the facilities and the restaurant. This would be 4 star if not for the debris.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Green Turtle Bay Resort (Boat Works)

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.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Rock Harbor Marine

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Sep 28, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Shallow, 6 feet at the entrance. 20 feet inside the marina except at the end of the piers. Favor the pier side, close to the moored houseboat. The marina is swept regularly for cobwebs. Free self serve pump out. Showers are very small and were not clean, so we didn't use them. Great on-site restaurant, close to transient dock. Good security.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Cedar Creek Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Sep 25, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

We were assigned a 17.5 foot wide slip when we are 19 feet. Arrived after hours, fortunately 2 local boaters were there to help and knew of a houseboat slip that was empty. Slip okay but 50amp power was not working so we had to use a single 30amp across the dock and use power management on board. Showers etc too far to walk from the slip. On-site restaurant with live music, but we did not go. There is water on the dock and good rubber on the roof supports. Friendly local boaters, very helpful.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Lock comment on Old Hickory Lock and Dam

Comment by: Dick Heusinkveld on Sep 25, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

There seems to be a current inside the lock. We had no wind but were pushed away from the land/port side when we entered to descend. Suggest port side for ascending and starboard for descending.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Nashville Municipal Dock

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Sep 25, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

We were here for 3 nights in September. Very good dockmaster, he is not expected to help with lines but he keeps the dock very clean, empties trash regularly and sprayed for ant problem on the dock. Power 30amp and 50amp but no water. Plenty of cleats on the wide floating concrete dock with good rubber all along. Security is padlock and chain, very difficult to use after dark. There are restrooms above but we did not use them. Only 3 stars due to lack of water and wakes from inconsiderate boaters and some tows.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Riverview Restaurant & Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Sep 20, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

21 feet depth at outside of wide floating dock. No rubber and metal edge on dock so fender well. Power pedestals had outlets screwed shut and water turned off. When we called to make reservations, we were told the dock is no longer there, but others had been there so we just showed up. No problem staying and no charge. We ate in the restaurant, known for its catfish. Large restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. We were able to bring our own bottle of wine for $7 corkage fee. Food was very good. Overnight there were minimal tow wakes as tows slow for the bridge.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Sun Life Marinas Clarksville, Clarksville Marina TN

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Sep 19, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Depths 11 feet at transient dock, but as low as below 7 feet coming through the entrance at winter pool. Help with docking, security gate. Wide floating docks with good cleats. Transient dock has a pump out at each slip, it's slow but works. Water is inconveniently located across the transient dock. Showers excellent and very clean. Several restaurants nearby, and the marina is located in a very nice, extensive park.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Paducah Transient Boat Dock

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Sep 19, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Our 4th visit. Outstanding town dock with power, water, fuel, and pump out. It is not a marina, so no showers or restrooms. Pump out was working on all our visits. Water was fine. The attendant arrived 15 minutes before opening time, in response to a message left the night before to pump diesel and give us a pump out. Diesel price on out September 2023 visit was better than GTB even with their discounts, so it was worth checking the price at the other fuel locations and not making assumptions.
We always enjoy the town, excellent restaurants and museums. Kroger a long bike ride but doable.
Wakes are bad from passing tows and service boats, fender well.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Bumpus Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Sep 19, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

Rustic marina in a quiet location in a cove off the channel. Markers must be followed to enter as it is very shallow, but the route is confusing due to the number of markers in the bay. Depths between markers were never less than 9 feet, and we had 11 feet at the dock in winter pool. Friendly and helpful dockhand. Space is tight for larger boats, but we managed to fit alongside and tied up to the store pilings. Only 1 30amp connection available but we had no problem running both AC units. Excellent wifi, no cell signal. We would certainly return.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Little Hurricane Boat Ramp and Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Sep 13, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

We stopped here in July 2023. Sturdy, wide wooden docks, no rubber. The marina is a long way from town, too far to walk, doable by bike. Busy boat ramp and considerable wakes from inconsiderate boaters running up the chute. Depths okay at the dock but take care on approach due to sand bar below the island. Power okay on the pedestals but water was not connected, so had to run a long hose. Very friendly local boaters and good help with docking.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Cave in Rock Island

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Sep 13, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

We anchored here in September. Anchor came up clean. Very pretty location and you could dinghy across to explore the town and park. More wind protection if you go farther up the chute. Cell service is AT&T, so we were throttled with our T-Mobile service and it was only usable for email and phone calls, no internet or streaming.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Anderson Bar

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Sep 13, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

We anchored here in September. Good holding and anchor came up clean. Local boaters gather at the end of the island, so there were some wakes when they arrived and left, but almost nothing from passing tows. Anchor further up the chute for more protection from winds. We stayed well below, so swung more from wind but were not disturbed by noise from partying boaters on the island. This will be very quiet on weekdays.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Nu Plaza Yacht Club

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Sep 13, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

We stopped here at the beginning of July and again in September. Depth 18 feet outside the long dock. Some rubber, but not present everywhere. Wide floating docks. Help with docking. Good cell signal. Clean showers and restrooms. Friendly local boaters. Occasional wakes from pleasure boaters but less than most places on the Ohio. It is a long way from town, not suitable for biking. We rented a car for our longer stay in July.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Rivercrest Lighthouse Marina Restaurant and Lounge

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Sep 10, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

We stopped here in July 2023. We had a reservation but no slip assignment. Good cleats but it's a steel dock with no rubber so have fenders ready. No docking assistance. Friendly bar and restaurant on the dock. It is right at the foot of downtown, so excellent access to the historic center. Our main reason for not returning was the charge of $3 a foot. Well above standard for the Ohio and with few amenities. No protection from wakes from passing tows and other boaters.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Buffington Island

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Sep 10, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

We anchored here twice, in July and September 2023. Well protected anchorage behind the island, with depths at least 20 feet to within a few yards of shore. The island is a wildlife reserve, no access. There is a small dock on the land side but it is private. We were well protected from a big storm when we were there in September. Minimal current but plenty of room to swing if the wind blows up the channel.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Blue River Island

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Sep 10, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

We anchored here in September in 20 feet to have enough room to swing. Anchor skipped a bit before it held. There was not much current, so we were moved a lot by the wind. No wake protection. It was a good spot, well off the sailing line, in an area with few options. One bar T-Mobile intermittent only.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Rivercrest Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Sep 7, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

Very helpful dockmaster. He warned us when we made the reservation that it was especially shallow because of slightly low water due to the drought. The entrance was OK about 7 feet, but progressively more shallow inside the marina, ultimately less than 4 feet. Covered slips with good rubber on the docks and the roof support posts. Power pedestals at the end of the long slips may require extension cord, helpfully loaned by the dockmaster. We didn't use any of the facilities, so cannot comment. Half mile walk to the nearest restaurant. Excellent pizza at Red Pepperoni. One mile walk from the marina to the center of the historic town.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for South Side Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Sep 6, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

Large marina with floating docks. Manager lives in the marina. Self serve pump out. Transient dock is subject to a lot of wakes from tows and other boaters. Severe problem with geese and ducks, mess all over the docks every day. Deterrent measures are not working. Otherwise this would be a good place to stay while visiting Pittsburgh. Restaurants and shops of South Side are within walking distance. Great restrooms and showers are very clean.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Free Dock Review for Rising Sun Riverfront Park Dock

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Sep 6, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Great floating dock, clean and well maintained with good cleats and rubber. Depth at outside of dock was 14 feet. Easy walk to downtown. Very clean town with a lot of civic pride.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Free Dock Review for Maysville Courtesy Dock

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Sep 5, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

We tied up on the downstream floating dock. Plenty of depth and good cleats. No power or water. Railroad runs alongside the park and highway bridge across the river, but it wasn't too noisy. Tunnel under the track gives access to the town. Walk of .8 mile to Caproni's, Italian American restaurant.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Ripley Boat Club

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Aug 30, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Good dock with large cleats. Restaurant on the dock. We had help with docking. Power and water on the dock. Subject to wakes from tows, less from boaters thanks to no wake buoys. You can hear the trains across the river but it didn't bother us. Easy walk to downtown. We let them know we were coming, there was plenty of room but they don't seem to designate spots. Dock has rubber tires with tarps over them.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Free Dock Review for Ironton Free Dock

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Aug 28, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

One of the best, floating dock with wood edges and excellent large cleats. Some wakes from tows and passing boaters. Close to downtown shops and restaurants.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Free Dock Review for City of Gallipolis Courtesy Dock

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Aug 27, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Floating wooden docks with good rubber. Ditto the 2021 review. While the town is convenient, it is very bike unfriendly, no useful bike paths and busy streets with parked cars. A lot of activity in the adjacent parking lot in the evening on Friday night.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Free Dock Review for Harris Riverfront Park

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Aug 27, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

Our second stop a month later. Upstream wall is not dredged and is very shallow. Our draft is 3.5 feet. Pool dropped 6 inches overnight per lock report and we were aground by the morning. Larger boats should tie up on the downstream wall despite the inconvenient bollards.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Free Dock Review for New Martinsville Public Dock

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Aug 21, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Spotless wide dock with good cleats. 10 feet of depth at the outside. Sheltered picnic area and tidy park with trash bins above the dock. Close to town including coffee shop, bar, and good supermarket. You are asked to advise the police if staying overnight but this seemed to be more about tracking usage than concerns about safety. Very pleasant stop, only slightly marred by wakes from passing pleasure boaters. No water or power, as is normal for a free dock.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for The Prima Marina/Coffland Marine

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Aug 20, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

This is a good facility for visiting the on-site restaurant. Very good food with an extensive and varied menu. No water on the dock, only 15 Amp power available. Live entertainment some nights,but it does not go very late. Docks subject to wakes from tows and other boats. Easy walk to supermarket. No showers and restrooms only in the restaurant. Friendly staff and we had help with docking.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Weirton Marina - PRIVATE

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Aug 20, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

Friendly boat club. A little difficult to get hold of, but we called out to a member on the docks and were made very welcome. Power and water on the dock. Steel hoops instead of cleats so help with docking was welcome. Steep metal stairs to clubhouse with basic but clean showers and restrooms. Secure site.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Fox Chapel Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Aug 20, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Good docks although slips are short for large boats. Facedocks subject to wakes from passing boats. Outstanding ships store. Travel lift and workshop on site. Fuel dock has gasoline only, self serve pump out. Did not use showers or restrooms, as they are a long way from the docks. Swimming pool no longer available for use by transients. Helpful staff and friendly fellow boaters. Easy walk to local shops and restaurants. Also a restaurant on site that we did not visit.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Beach Club Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 31, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

Wide wooden docks kept in good repair. No rubber on the facedock so have fenders down. 30 Amp and 50 Amp pedestals but not on the same one. Water on the dock from separate lines with very few takeoffs not connected to pedestals. No fuel or pump out. Busy restaurant on site. Showers and restrooms are a long way from the docks and not very clean. Cash preferred, credit card seems to be problematic. No wake zone mostly ignored so a lot of wakes from passing pleasure boats.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Lock comment on Braddock Locks & Dam

Comment by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 30, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

You need your own 70-100 ft line for the locks on the Monongahela. Lockmaster catches your line with a hook and put it on a hook or bollard. Fenders starboard side if upbound.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Lock comment on Montgomery Locks and Dam

Comment by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 30, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

No floating bollards in the small chamber. Boater supplies a line 70-100 ft and the lockmaster uses a hook to catch the line and put it on a hook or bollard. Fenders port side if upbound.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Lock comment on Dashields Locks and Dam

Comment by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 30, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

No floating bollards in the small chamber. Boater supplies a line 70-100 ft, lockmaster catches the line with a hook and puts it onto a hook or bollard. Fenders port side if upbound.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Lock comment on Emsworth Lock

Comment by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 30, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

No floating bollards in the small chamber. Boater supplies a line 70-100 ft long, lockmaster uses a hook to catch your line and put it on a hook. Port side fenders if upbound.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Holiday Yacht Club

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 29, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Washrooms and showers clean and spacious. Finger piers are short and somewhat wobbly but we were on the wall, much better. 30 amp power on the slips, 50 amp on the wall. Easy to get hold of the manager. Grocery store a short walk outside the gates. Gates and showers locked with key fob access at night.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Free Dock Review for Wheeling Heritage Port

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 28, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Depth 14 feet at upstream end of long concrete docks. Plenty of cleats. No services, easy walk to downtown.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Free Dock Review for Monroe County Park and Marina (Old Lock and Dam 15)

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 27, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Concrete wall with 20 feet water depth. Bollards 50 feet apart at the downstream end but closer together upstream, about 30 feet. No services but washrooms open. Rough concrete wall so fender well. Some wakes from tows but not too bad. Very peaceful spot for a quiet night.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Marietta Harbor

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 26, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

Decent docks with good cleats. Depth at outside dock 7 feet, not enough depth inside. 30 Amp power, water, and gas, no diesel. Open only 5 days a week, closed Monday and Tuesday. Very short walk to town with a small market, pharmacy and lots of restaurants. Great walking paths along both rivers. Pump out not in service and inaccessible even if it had the hose.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Free Dock Review for Point Pleasant Dock

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 24, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

The floating dock was too low for us, but good cleats and heavy duty rubber protection on the concrete wall. Short walk to town. Supermarket and hardware store in easy walking distance. 10 feet of water at the dock. Clean restrooms.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Riverpark Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 23, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 2

Should be 5 stars but the marina is completely neglected by the developer. Excellent docks and good security gates with easy access to Louisville extensive network of bike paths. Half the marina is unusable due to silting up. Pump out, showers, toilets out of service. No staff. No numbering on slips or piers.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Frankfort Boat Club

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 23, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

Friendly boat club with helpful members who made a point of meeting us and helping us tie up. Very basic docks but plenty of water depth. Power, water, no other services. Gated docks with security code. Easy walk to town and nearby free trolley.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Turtle Creek Harbor

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 23, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Clean, quiet marina off the river. Recently dredged, but depths a concern. Fully staffed, gas, diesel and pump out. Basic but clean showers and restrooms. Very pretty setting but nothing in the town. Nearby casino, with possible courtesy pickup, we stayed on board. Very friendly, helpful staff. No security but a safe location.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Four Seasons Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 23, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Full facility marina with gas and diesel, pump out, 2 restaurants on site. Quiet location off the river. Excellent wide docks with good cleats. Gated with access to the restridted docks. Fully staffed during the day. Excellent shower and restrooms. Direct access to Cincinnati extensive cycle path system.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Shawnee Boat Club (Private)

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 23, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

Friendly boat club. Gas dock, no diesel. Electricity, water, restrooms but no showers. Easy walk to town, Kroger supermarket within walking distance. Very difficult to tie up without help because of steel cables running through eyebolts instead of cleats. Phone only answered after 4pm. No response to radio, but on arrival we were seen and the attendant came to help. A lot of wakes from local boaters.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Free Dock Review for Harris Riverfront Park

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 23, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

We tied up on the downstream concrete wall. Large bollards about 50 feet apart, no cleats, making docking and tying up a challenge. Plenty of depth. No water or power. City park with good lighting and easy walk to shops and restaurants. Public restrooms in the park were closed. Some noise on Saturday evening from motorcycles and muscle cars that gathered in the park at dusk. Popular fishing spot with plenty of people around. Quiet night after the bikes left.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Birdsong Creek

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Oct 2, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

We were a bit concerned by the WG comment that the entrance had shoaled, making the anchorage potentially inaccessible at low pool. However, we found nothing of the sort. We never had less than 10' of water all the way in from the river to the 2nd set of markers, where we turned to port to anchor in the small bay. We can echo the comments from the 10/7/21 review. We streamed hi-def video on T-Mobile 5G with no problems. Don't know about the other carriers.

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  WG does not have a nav alert posted.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Two Rivers Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Sep 24, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Good marina, helpful staff and friendly slip holders. Clean washrooms. Restaurant and a good ship's store on site. Shoaling at the upstream entrance of the marina channel. Enter from downstream and favor the red side.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Mississippi Parkside Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Sep 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Nice location well protected from the river. Good, clean facilities. Nice walk into town. Good docks. No security but we did not feel concerned.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Watergate Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Sep 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Good marina in a great location for the extensive cycle path network. Friendly slip owners and helpful marina staff. Easy access to gas dock. Facilities are minimal, one only for men and for women, although they were kept clean. A long walk from the docks. Docks wood and fingers narrow. Tech staff responded immediately when we had a sudden need for fresh water pump replacement.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Bayport Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Sep 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Nice marina with excellent facilities. A long walk from transient slips, and quite a hike to get into town. Gas dock staff were friendly and helpful. No security, but location felt safe and there were lots of other boaters around. Very good docks. Easy in and out for fuel and pump out but well protected from winds and wakes. Long dinghy ride to Stillwater, but the closer marinas no longer accept transients.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for St. Croix Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Aug 10, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Excellent marina, friendly and helpful staff, good water depth. Secure with both pedestrian and vehicle gates with keycard access. Easy walking distance from downtown, adjacent to a waterfront park. Excellent showers/rest rooms. Useful ships store. Mechanical services and travel lift on-site.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Ole Miss Marina at Bay Point Park

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Aug 10, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Good marina except for showers/rest rooms. Just one for the whole marina and a long way to walk. Our information was ignored and we were assigned a 15 foot wide slip. We are a 19 foot wide catamaran. Instead we were put on the fuel dock for the 2 nights, which was okay except they double booked the slip and the other boater had to make do with the inside fuel dock slip. Adjacent to the waterfront park with a good walking/bike path to downtown. Useful dinghy dock at the foot of downtown if you don't want to walk that far.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Lake City Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Aug 10, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Good marina right downtown. Showers/rest rooms 5 stars. We were in the sailboat half of the marina for greater depths and on a t-head. Some motion on those docks due to the configuration of the breakwater. The town seems to be mostly a weekend place but there is a good supermarket nearby.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Alma Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Aug 4, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

A well run town marina. Located on an island about a mile from town. Easy to book transient space. The marina is well protected from wind and waves, so there is quite a bit of weed. The dockmaster was very responsive when we requested an alternate dock due to tricky access and a lot of weed. New showers, immaculate. Good wifi. Docks are wood but in good condition with plenty of rubber.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for American Marines Trempealeau Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Aug 2, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

Friendly and helpful staff. Unfortunately no rubber on the wooden dock that we were assigned, although the other end dock does have full protection. Facilities basic. Shallow entrance but enough water once into the marina. Phone calls are only answered during business hours Monday to Friday.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Dick's Marine Inc.

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Aug 2, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 1

Apparently they do not welcome transients. Multiple phone calls unanswered, messages not returned and emails ignored.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Pettibone Boat Club

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 31, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

A great stop for La Crosse, just a dinghy ride across the river. We were on a t-head, dock in good condition. A member helped us tie up but there are no staff except on the fuel dock. No diesel. Very popular restaurant on site. Showers are good, but just 2 for the whole marina and also used by restaurant staff. No security but feels quite safe with lots of people around. A much better choice than other options in La Crosse.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Nauti Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 31, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 2

On the positive side, very friendly and helpful staff but that's the best we could say. Now under new owners in second year but docks are in poor condition with no rubber. We were in the houseboat slips and there were lines and other trip hazards everywhere. Including a large weed rake left tines up in the middle of the dock. Facilities were locked. No security. Only one 30 am power point available. Huge amounts of debris left from a storm over 3 weeks previously, filling slips and up against one whole section. Logs in slips that were needed were dragged out into the river, thus creating hazards for boaters coming up. Much improvement is needed before we would stop there again.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Guttenberg Municipal Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 31, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Hands off marina, no staff on site but online booking works well and there was a quick response with slip assignment, wifi code and shower code. There was a follow-up phone call to make sure everything was clear. Excellent, spotless showers. No security. Docks in very good condition and plenty of depth in the protected harbor. Fairly small facility so could be tight if there are other transients.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Bluff Harbor Marina, Inc

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 31, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 2

Marina is old and tired, very shallow. Helpful staff. Pump out is self serve, which is useful. No security and facilities are not usable. Churned mud going in and touched bottom on exit.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Keokuk Yacht Club

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 31, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Friendly boat club with a restaurant. Some distance from town up a steep hill. Our width and shallow water kept us out of the main marina and no access to the fuel dock. Outside docks are first come first serve and power on only the one beside the clubhouse. Members may help make room as they did for a boat that arrived after us. Locked gates after restaurant closes provide security.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Quincy Boat Club (Private)

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 31, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

A dock rather than a marina, but in good condition and easy approach. Mostly out of the wakes. No security but we did not feel concerned. No facilities. Nice town and excellent clubhouse. Members made us very welcome.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Port Charles Harbor

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 31, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Great place to get work done. Tech was on the boat within a couple of hours and parts ordered immediately. Installed as soon as they arrived. The approach to the marina can be tricky, watch your chart. Isolated location, but the yacht club next door has a good restaurant and the marina courtesy car will get you to St Charles, 10 miles away. The historic downtown is well worth a visit.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for South Bay Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Aug 11, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

We'd booked a 4-day transient stay over a weekend, but ended up limping into South Bay Marina on one engine mid-afternoon of a recent Friday. Dave stayed late to diagnose the problem, and then Dan stayed late on Monday to replace the failed raw water pump. He then drove us into town for our dinner appointment. Given the dozens of jobs ahead of us in the boatyard's queue, we were very appreciative of the prompt attention. The marina facilities are also first-rate - boater's lounge, showers, a pool, and a small bar/restaurant with live music some nights.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Duncan L. Clinch Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jul 6, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

We stayed here for 5 nights in mid/late June, 2 more than planned due to weather, but it was no hardship. The marina has great facilities, there's lots to do in the surrounding park, and it's an easy walk to downtown shops and restaurants. There's also good bike access to more distant locations like West Marine and Meijer via residential streets and bike paths. We especially liked the large number of private unisex shower rooms and the weather-protected patio area with grills for group gatherings.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Harbor Springs Municipal Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jun 19, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Location, location, location! This marina couldn't be closer to the center of town and offers great weather and wave protection in a park setting. Mike and his staff are very friendly and accommodating. Good docks, showers/restrooms. The on-site restaurant is far better than the average marina establishment. Upscale Harbor Springs is well worth a multi-day stay, especially if biking or dinghying over to Petoskey for the day. True, they don't take reservations, but if you call the morning of intended arrival, Mike will do his best to hold an appropriate space for you. There's also a large mooring field just outside the dock area.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Beaver Island Municipal Marina (South)

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jun 19, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Weather forced us to leave a day earlier than planned, but loved this stop. Transient space is limited because the larger marina to the north is being reconstructed. The staff is the friendliest we've found anywhere, and the showers/restrooms very clean, as is the rest of the property. It's steps to the village main street for restaurants and a surprisingly good grocery. Stay a couple of days to explore the island by bike.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Straits State Harbor

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jun 19, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Great facility - good docks and very nice showers/rest rooms. Excellent location for a day trip to Mackinac Island as it's walking distance to both of the ferry lines. Two of the better restaurants are also within walking distance. Downtown is a bit further, but nothing special.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Cheboygan County Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Jun 19, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

1st stop after wintering on Drummond Island. Great facility - very well protected, good docks, clean restrooms/showers, easy in/out, in a park setting. It's a nice dinghy ride up the river into town and beyond. Restaurants and bars are otherwise a long walk or an easy bike ride, the only reason for down-grading the rating from 5 stars.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer