Free Dock Review for Oriental Town Dock #2 - Free Dock

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Sep 30, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

What a jewel of a spot to spend a night. Great little coffee house in sight of this slip or directly across the street from the other city dock.
If you want to spend more time in Oriental the anchorage is very comfortable but small.

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Marina Review for Dowry Creek Marina

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Sep 14, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

I stopped her near two years ago on my powerboat during a trip from Corpus Christi TX to Cape Charles Virginia. Loved everything about the experience. Told myself that if I decided to stop cruising for awhile, I would want to stay here.
Recently I brought my sailboat around the same previous trip and berthed both boats here.
This is now home and we love everything about this place.
Anyone passing by here should stop and experience the hospitality of Dowry Creek Marina

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Marina Review for Leland Oil Company

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Jul 13, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Great place. Very friendly and helpful. Best fuel prices you'll find.
Nice shrimp restaurant and although we didn't spend the night, I'm sure it would have been a very pleasant stay

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Anchorage Review for Bull Creek - Daufuskie Island

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Jul 8, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Stopped here a year ago and found it to be very comfortable.
This year I went farther up Bull Creek and waited out Elsa. Next morning I moved back here to rest and let the weather settle.

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Anchorage Review for Matanzas River R18

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Jul 6, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

This place is packed full of junk boats. A real problem for Florida.
I couldn't find room to get in here. We moved on to The Bridge of Lions

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Bridge comment on Bridge of Lions (SR A1A)

Comment by: Len Barton on Jul 6, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'

Yes the current can be strong here. The bridge tender is very helpful and will sometimes squeeze you thru a few minutes early if street traffic allows. This is a very busy bridge for automobile traffic. Especially on weekends.

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Anchorage Review for Bethune Park

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Jul 3, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

If your draft is more than four feet, do not proceed very far off the main channel. Turn west northwest at the Red 44 and proceed far enough to stay out of the main channel and anchor in about nine feet. My Navionics chart says you can carry 14 feet in. But that is incorrect. My chart said I was in 13 feet of water, but I was hard aground. It is good holding and protected from westerly winds.
We did not attempt going ashore.

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Marina Review for Eau Gallie Yacht Basin

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Jul 3, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Truly one of the best stops along the ICW.
Spent a week in this very well protected, friendly and laid back marina.

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Marina Review for Nettles Island Marina

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Jun 19, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Great little hideaway and friendly community.
Thomas, the harbormaster was such a wonderful host.
Will definitely stop here again.

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Bridge comment on Indiantown (SR 706) Bridge

Comment by: Len Barton on Jun 15, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'

Called for fifteen minutes. No answer. Got to the bridge one minute after the hour. Lady said she saw us coming but didn't hear me. Made me wait thirty minutes.

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Bridge comment on East Las Olas Boulevard Bridge

Comment by: Len Barton on Jun 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'

Anchored in the little bite on the southwest side of the channel. Good holding. A little tight for more than three boats. Nice little park to take the dog.

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Anchorage Review for Biscayne Bay, Julia Tuttle Causeway

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Jun 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Good holding. Nice rest stop for one night. Fair amount of highway noise and some boat wakes.

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Anchorage Review for Belle Isle

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Jun 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

This is apparently a mooring field now. Although a couple boats were anchored it was very crowded.
So we anchored up the channel near the red 28. Good holding but a lot of boat wakes

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Anchorage Review for Marine Stadium

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Jun 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Arrived on a Sunday. What a zoo.
Not much sleep since the party went on till 5AM

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Anchorage Review for Tarpon Basin R48A

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Jun 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

We anchored on the other side of the cut near marker 54 in strong east winds.
Fairly comfortable but we did drag anchor in the night. So did the boat traveling with us.

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Anchorage Review for Fort Jefferson South Beach

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Jun 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Spent a week here and that wasn't long enough.
Holding is good. Wind Protection from east is excellent. The water is clear and we had a four foot plus Grouper take up residence under the boat. He swam with us and demanded we pet him.
The Fort is a must see. Just a great place to visit.

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Anchorage Review for Marquesas Keys - West Side

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Jun 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Anchored here for one night with east winds. Was not very comfortable and with my draft it was impossible to get close enough to explore.

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Anchorage Review for Rachel Key

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Jun 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

We didn't actually anchor in this location. I chose the 10 foot depth at Fanny Keys.
It was very comfortable with east winds. But boat wakes were bothersome at times

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Anchorage Review for Boot Key Outside - Marathon

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Jun 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Spent two nights here rather than enter the crowded harbor.
I needed to see a doctor regarding a possible fractured clavicle.
Advance Urgent Care was a bit of a ride by Uber. But the care was excellent.

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Anchorage Review for Bahia Honda Key

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Jun 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

This is a nice fair weather Anchorage. We stayed one night but wished we could have stayed longer. Had a little trouble setting the hook the first time. But all went well after that.

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Anchorage Review for Garrison Bight Mooring Field

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Jun 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

The only thing I might add to other reviews is that it's a long dinghy ride to shore.
Some squalls and heavy wind came in from the west. But passed through quickly.

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Bridge comment on Boca Grande Swing Bridge

Comment by: Len Barton on Apr 5, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'

Bridge tender is a j""". Got to the bridge one minute past half hour. Made me wait thirty minutes for next opening

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Anchorage Review for Manasota Key - Peterson Island

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Mar 29, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Looks like this would be an excellent anchorage with a few exceptions. I ran aground seven times trying to find more than five feet of water and never got through. A small boat sounded the entire entrance and found barely five feet anywhere. This was at high tide.
This is a very popular spot on weekends. Hoards of Hot Boat folks come and setup on the beach. If your draft is less than five I think this would be a very special anchorage.

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Marina Review for Loggerhead Marina - Palm Harbour Marina

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Mar 29, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

A little tight turning around but excellent marina. Mitch is great. He makes sure everyone is happy. Restaurant is pretty good. Only draw back is cell service is non-existent due to all the tall buildings. But wifi was good.

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Anchorage Review for New Pass Cove G9

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Mar 22, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Attempted to get to this Anchorage but the bridge was unable to open due to repairs underway. Bridge tender said he needed six hours notice and even then he might not be able to open. We thought about anchoring in the small night on the south side of the channel just before the bridge. But decided to go on to another place instead.

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Anchorage Review for Manasota Key - Englewood Beach

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Mar 22, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Didn't proceed up to the spot indicated on the Waterway Guide chart. Anchored in the 8' spot instead. Very quiet and pleasant. No bugs this far out.

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Marina Review for Marina Jack Yacht Basin

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Mar 22, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 3

Stayed on a mooring one night. Wind out of the south made it uncomfortable and impossible to dinghy into the marina.

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Anchorage Review for Otter Key - Lido Key

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Mar 22, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Stopped for one night and stayed three. Excellent Anchorage with large homes on one side and mangroves opposite. Ospreys were nesting, dolphins and Manatee. We didn't fish but plenty of small boats doing well along the mangroves and around the wreck.

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Marina Review for Safe Harbor Regatta Pointe

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Mar 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 3

I need to update my previous review. We went back here a second time and wanted to buy fuel. The fellow at the dock was nasty with us. So rude that I refuse to buy anything here. Some bystanders commented on his behavior toward us.
No one could figure out why he acted this way.
Over the last month here on the Manatee river we have anchored in a number of places, but always returned here to meet family and friends to have lunch and dinners at the two restaurants in the marina and purchase small items at the marina store. ?????

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Anchorage Review for Palmetto East of R18

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Feb 27, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

This is an excellent anchorage for convenience to groceries, Ace Hardware, Walmart, auto parts store and restaurants at Regatta Point Marina.
However, boat wakes are terrible. Especially on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Regatta Point Marina also has the Freedom Boat Club and apparently membership does not come with training in safety or regards to wakes.
That combined with a launch ramp next door and your in wake central.

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Marina Review for Safe Harbor Regatta Pointe

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Feb 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Spent two nights here and really enjoyed it.
Staff was wonderful. The entire marina is top notch. Two restaurants onsite. Both are very good.
The new Safe Harbor marina group seems to want they're marinas to be upscale. Apparently they have 140 marinas in their network.
Note: This year we have had trouble making reservations at all the marinas. Most say they don't have a transient slip available or they won't return your call.
Another captain told us to use Dockwa. We did and have had no issues since. Long story as to why its gone this way. But buy using Dockwa the harbormaster's see you as a legitimate and reputable boat owner rather than someone trying to sneak some derelict boat in.

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  COVID has had a great impact on marinas being able to take reservations.

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Anchorage Review for Desoto Point (Holy Hole)

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Feb 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Spent four nights here two of which were Saturday and Sunday.
Nice place as mentioned in other reviews. During daylight wakes are pretty common all day. Weekends are far worse.
We're 30k lbs. displacement. So it takes a pretty strong wake to bother us. There were a few that did. But this is a very nice anchorage.

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Marina Review for St. Petersburg Municipal Marina

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Feb 1, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

This is a nice marina within short walking distance of restaurants and museums. The park is beautiful. There is a free trolly service that can take you just about anywhere you need to go. The mooring field is gone and there is construction work going on in that area. Transient section of the marina is full of mostly liveaboards, as we are finding everywhere this year, so make a reservation through Dockwa well in advance. Excellent facilities and staff.

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  Waterway Guide has checked with the marina and the mooring field is closed during the pier construction. Check with the marina on the expected reopening date.

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Anchorage Review for Maximo Point West

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Feb 1, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Spent three nights here before going to St. Petersburg Municipal Marina. Police boat visited us but actually enjoyed their company. Nice guys. We came back here to do some boat projects before going south. Wind blew hard out of NW for a couple days. Still reasonably comfortable. Shopping is difficult except for Publix Super market which is just under a mile up 31st street. Uber is available. Maximo Park is very nice and convenient. Left the dinghy at the wooden dock next to the launch ramp. Perfect location to cross Tampa Bay.

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Anchorage Review for Treasure Island Northwest of G17

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Feb 1, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Spent one night here. Very peaceful and quiet with good holding. Residential area, so no shore access.

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Marina Review for Port Tarpon Marina

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Jan 9, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Spent one night at the fuel dock.
Interesting that it's $1.00 per foot unless you want electricity. If you do, it's $2.00 per foot. We're 41 feet so that means $41 per night for electricity!
Restaurant is very good and marina staff were fantastic.

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Marina Review for City of Tarpon Springs Municipal Marina

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Jan 9, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Been near two years since we were here last.
The entire place has been remodeled. Great bathrooms/showers.
Mick is still running the place and as helpful as ever.
Only one downside, that being the new floating docks are very short and a bit wobbly to walk on. This makes it difficult to board your vessel.

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Anchorage Review for Grand Lagoon

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Jan 9, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Spent one night here before crossing to Tarpon Springs. It's an OK Anchorage but nothing to really make it stand out. A lot of boat wakes.

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Anchorage Review for Anclote Key

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Jan 9, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

We had a different experience here. The holding is not that great in certain spots.
During the night the wind shifted and increased to around 15-20 and we started dragging. After letting out more scope we slowed down but eventually had to move and reset the hook.

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Anchorage Review for Massalina Bayou

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Dec 29, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Spent five days here but anchored closer to the bridge right off the restaurant. Bottom is cluttered with hurricane debris and fouled anchor a couple times. Bayou Joe's restaurant is ok. Dinghy landing in the far corner of the marina. Not the best but you can get Uber to about anything you need. Didn't go farther than a few hundred yards past the bridge because of all the sunken boats.

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Anchorage Review for Smack Bayou

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Dec 29, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Very nice secluded spot for a couple boats. Nice beach to run the dog on. Quiet and scenics

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Anchorage Review for Dauphin Island (West)

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Dec 12, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Stayed here one night. Wind was from the West about 5 to 10 knots but died at sunset. Great place to get some rest as long as the wind isn’t blowing into the anchorage

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Anchorage Review for Ship Island-Old Fort

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Dec 9, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Spent one night just east of the pier in 18 feet of water.
Wind East from the West at about 8 knots but that was enough to make things a little uncomfortable.
Looks like it would be a fun place with nice beaches in warmer weather.
Didn’t go ashore. Looks like everything is shut down so we couldn’t see the old fort. I’m guessing things are closed because of COVID.

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Anchorage Review for Catfish Pt. (Rabbit Island)

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Dec 4, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Was here two years ago in the powerboat and it was ok. This time I’m in the sailboat with a five foot draft. At low tide I’m sitting on the bottom. Couldn’t find anything deeper in this anchorage. Maybe shoaled from all the storms. But now about the only place to anchor is at the entrance to this place, just outside the GICW channel.

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Anchorage Review for Bonne Isle

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Dec 1, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Anchored in about 9 feet. Holding good. Airboat tour company nearby but operators were courteous and slowed down when passing us.

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Anchorage Review for Shell Island

Reviewed by: Len Barton on Nov 5, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

The last time I was here I anchored in the spot just south of here. This is an excellent Anchorage. There are a few fast boat wakes but for the most part it’s crab fishermen that frequent this place. Spent two nights. Very nice

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Bridge comment on Ellender (SR 27) Bridge

Comment by: Len Barton on Nov 5, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'

I hadn’t done my homework and didn’t realize there was a four hour wait. I anchored near shore in 9 feet on the west side of the bridge and called them to schedule a morning appointment for the next day. Actually enjoyed a very peaceful night. Lots of barges here but the passing tugs rarely caused any disturbance.

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Bridge comment on Norfolk Southern #7 Railroad Bridge

Comment by: Len Barton, Short Dog II, on Mar 13, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'

If this bridge is down, good luck getting an opening. The phone doesn’t answer and the tender keeps telling you it’s going to open in a few minutes. Plan on waiting and waiting.

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Marina Review for Alligator River Marina

Reviewed by: Len Barton , Short Dog II, on Mar 11, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

It’s still being remodeled but is quiet, friendly and affordable. It’s also a gas station and convenience store. They serve meals too and the chicken dinner is fantastic. The 8 piece meal will serve two.

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Marina Review for Dowry Creek Marina

Reviewed by: Len Barton , Short Dog II, on Mar 11, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

This place is still being remodeled. It’s nearly finished and they are doing an incredible job. Friendly, helpful, courtesy car and much more. This is a must visit marina

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Marina Review for Indigo Plantation & Marina

Reviewed by: Len Barton , Short Dog II, on Mar 7, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 1

Call ahead for a transient slip but on arrival was told that the marina was closed due to storm damage. Turns out the person answering the phone was at Deep Point marina a mile up the Cape Fear River. Read my review of that marina

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  Marina is open. Waterway Guide spoke with the Marina Manager earlier this week. Both locations are managed by the same crew. Indigo Plantation is for boaters looking for a longer stay (a month or more) while Deep Point is for short term transients. Indigo Plantation is unmanned. Crew is sent there from Deep Point to assist with docking etc. when necessary. All calls for both locations go to Deep Point. There was poor communication between the boater and marina management when the boater was making a reservation.
  
  

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Marina Review for Deep Point Marina

Reviewed by: Len Barton , Short Dog II, on Mar 7, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 3

Don’t count on getting any rest here. This is a ferry terminal and they arrive on the hour, wake the marina and blast their horn.
On the other hand, the marina is nice and the staff very helpful and friendly.

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Marina Review for Harbourgate Marina

Reviewed by: Len Barton , Short Dog II, on Mar 7, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Great place. Susie’s father built the place back in 1964.

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Anchorage Review for Stono River R22

Reviewed by: Len Barton, Short Dog II, on Feb 24, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Stopped one night when northbound. Was a quiet night with no wind. Depth was more along 14 feet. No wakes.

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Anchorage Review for Crescent River R156

Reviewed by: Len Barton, Short Dog II, on Feb 21, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Spent one night here while a cold front moved through. Winds of 20-25, anchor held well and is was pretty quiet. Only boat here

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Marina Review for Halifax Harbor Marina

Reviewed by: Len Barton , Short Dog II, on Feb 15, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

I totally agree with the other reviews. One of the best places we’ve seen in many years. Can’t say enough about it.

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Marina Review for Sebastian Saltwater Marina Restaurant

Reviewed by: Len Barton , Short Dog II, on Feb 15, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 2

Had TowBoat US take me here when I had electrical problems. Was a decent place with good restaurant and bar. Shopping is close by. Don’t bring your pet. Owner is a bit grumpy regarding pets

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Lock comment on W.P. Franklin Lock

Comment by: Len Barton, Short Dog II, on Mar 4, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Very nice and helpful operator. Gave us some helpful advice for the bridges and locks.

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Marina Review for The Marina at Edison Ford

Reviewed by: Len Barton , Short Dog II, on Mar 4, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

One of the best places we have found. I can confirm the other reviews. Publix Grocery is a long two blocks but worth it. The restaurant is fantastic and reasonable. Be sure to spend a full day at The Edison Ford Winter Retreat that adjoins the marina. Larger sailboats and large single engine vessels may find it tight maneuvering the “U” turn type entrance.

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Marina Review for The Moorings of Carrabelle

Reviewed by: Len Barton , Short Dog II, on Feb 23, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 3

The previous reviews cover most of what to expect with a couple exceptions. After Hurricane Michael they lost the majority of available slips. Cable TV and most shore power are not available. At the existing slips getting on and off your boat can be difficult with the tide range. They do all they can to accommodate transients. We had a medical emergency while there. It was an hour and forty five minute ambulance ride to the nearest medical assistance which was in Tallahassee. It was a $100 Uber ride back.
There is no public transportation, rental car, taxi and no medical services. However; The Fisherman’s Wife Restaurant is excellent, The IGA Grocery and Ace Hardware are all right across the street.

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Marina Review for Sea Hag Marina

Reviewed by: Len Barton , Short Dog II, on Feb 23, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Only able to accommodate two boats (40’ & 55’) when we stayed three days in early February 2019. On was the fuel dock. A very good restaurant and they will pick you up and take you back. Onsite store has gifts, fishing supplies and some marine supplies. Mostly for outboard powered boats. Very nice and helpful staff

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Marina Review for City of Tarpon Springs Municipal Marina

Reviewed by: Len Barton , Short Dog II, on Feb 23, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Very friendly and helpful staff. Spent eight days here. If you pay for six days the seventh is free. Located at the upper end of the old town waterfront it is very convenient to all attractions. You can ride the trolley for $5 per day and it covers a lot of towns in this area.
NOTE: The City is planning to rebuild all the Docks starting in March/April 2019. So call ahead for current information.

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Marina Review for John's Pass Marina

Reviewed by: Len Barton , Short Dog II, on Feb 23, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Fun place to stop. Reasonable rates. Great staff. Wonderful restaurant within walking distance and great live music. All the entertainment and food you could ask for just a short walk across the bridge. Only a couple of transient slips available so call ahead. One big drawback and one we are finding everywhere along this stretch is that you can only stay aboard your boat for three days. The boat can stay but you can’t! Florida is regulating the transient boater out of the state.

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Anchorage Review for Belleair

Reviewed by: Len Barton, Short Dog II, on Feb 21, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Good anchorage but you need to use bow and stern anchors to ride the wakes from launch ramp and ICW. Nights are very peaceful .
We anchored farther North of the spot indicated on Waterway Guide. Tide is about 3 feet. Skipper Bob gives excellent directions

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Marina Review for Fairhope Yacht Club–PRIVATE

Reviewed by: Len Barton , Short Dog II, on Jan 30, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 4

Went to Fairhope Docks for fuel. Then stayed at the yacht club for five nights.
Harbor is very nice. A couple of really nice restaurants within walking distance.
Only negative is if the wind comes from anywhere west through north everything turns to rocking and rolling.
When entering hug the red markers and near the last red is a shoal with less than three feet at low tide
Tide is about two feet. Fairhope is a great place to visit.

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Anchorage Review for Watson Bayou

Reviewed by: Len Barton, Short Dog II, on Jan 28, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

We anchored here three months after hurricane Michael. Anchorage is well protected and easy access. Can’t comment on services or convenience since there isn’t much left.

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Anchorage Review for Saul Creek

Reviewed by: Len Barton, Short Dog II, on Jan 28, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

We went to the fork, turned left and continued about a mile and a half up stream past another floating house tied to shore. Depths were ranging 30 to 45 feet. Too deep actually. Not wanting to use a stern hook, we let the current carry us back to the “Y”, sounding as we went. Just before the junction the depth went to twelve feet for some distance and suddenly increased to 40 feet as we passed the “Y”. Powered back upstream to about midway across the 12 foot range and dropped anchor in midstream (it’s pretty wide there). The 1 1/2 knot current kept us pointed upstream the entire night.
At this position we had no phone, GPS or TV. Also free of bugs at this time of year.
Next morning we headed for Apalachicola to get a transient slip and fuel before heading to Carrabelle. Fuel was available but no slip.
NOTE: this is three months after Hurricane Michael and many facilities have not fully recovered. Our trip from Panama City to this anchorage was some of the most devastated we have ever seen and we survived a direct hit from hurricane Harvey in Rockport Texas a year and a half ago. The ICW is clear for navigation though

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Anchorage Review for Little Sabine Bay

Reviewed by: Len Barton, Short Dog II, on Jan 22, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Anchored in the designated spot in W/G. Excellent holding. Ducked in here to rest after beating into 20 knots out of the east all morning. Wind gusts to 30 knots and we held very well. None of the marinas had transient slips available.

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Anchorage Review for Perdido Key G15

Reviewed by: Len Barton, Short Dog II, on Jan 22, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

This is a nice but open anchorage. Settled weather only. Nice white sand beach. Holding is very good.
Spent one night and about 2:00 AM wind came up from the east. Waited for daylight and left into a 15 knot east wind. Holding is good in ten feet of sand and mud.

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Anchorage Review for Catfish Pt. (Rabbit Island)

Reviewed by: Len Barton, Short Dog II, on Jan 5, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Three boats shared this anchorage without a problem. We found depths more in the 7-8 foot range at low tide. Good spot to start the route east

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Lock comment on Inner Harbor Navigation Canal (Industrial) Lock

Comment by: Len Barton, Short Dog II, on Jan 5, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Came through on a Saturday and not too much traffic. But, since we were a pleasure boat, we had to wait behind the bollards (nice dock) for nearly three hours while three tugs came through. Expect delays at this lock.

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Marina Review for Jean Lafitte Harbor

Reviewed by: Len Barton , Short Dog II, on Jan 1, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Arrived here a week before Christmas to stay for one night ($25). Was so pleased we stayed thru the New year on a very reasonable rate. The folks that own and operate this place made this one of our best experiences in many years. The store is like a scaled down Ace Harware or Home Depot. They have a bit of everything. Hardware, marine supplies, fishing supplies and much more. Again at very fair prices. Fuel was also reasonable. The store has basic groceries.
Only disadvantage is that the nearest major grocery store is about 5 miles away. But these folks arranged transportation for us.
Major shopping is about 20 plus miles. They offer engine repair and also have a variety of rental cabins. Some on pontoons.
I highly recommend this stop.

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Anchorage Review for Bayou Black

Reviewed by: Len Barton, Short Dog II, on Dec 7, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

We anchored across the channel from the spot shown in the Waterway Guide. Bow and stern with bow in 20 feet of water and stern in 8 feet. Tide range in one foot range. Very peaceful and quiet. A few barges but they didn’t bother us. Highly recommend this anchorage

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Lock comment on Leland Bowman Lock

Comment by: Len Barton, Short Dog II, on Dec 4, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

The lock was open when we came through east bound. We’re in a 44 foot sport fishing boat and had plenty of power to deal with the current. Don’t think I’d like it in my sailboat. Lock master was very friendly, as are most of them

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Anchorage Review for Lake Arthur

Reviewed by: Len Barton, Short Dog II, on Dec 3, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Came here to go to Walmart and buy a small refrigerator since ours died. Google shows a Walmart here in town. But it’s not here. Over lunch at the Regatta Restaurant I mentioned our situation to the owner. She had her husband drive me 15 miles to a Walmart. We tied up to the new city pier for free next to the restaurant. The food is to die for. Best we’ve had so far. The town is quaint and beautiful. People are friendly and helpful. The trip up the river was beautiful. Stay in mid channel at all times. It shoals quickly. If your going to the restaurant/city pier, stay in the channel until the restaurant (green roof) is directly abeam. Then proceed direct to the restaurant. When you get close the city pier is on your port side

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Anchorage Review for Mermentau G1A

Reviewed by: Len Barton, Short Dog II, on Dec 1, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

I agree with the previous reviews. I didn’t go quite to the spot indicated on Waterway Guide. But it was still a good anchorage. It does shoal fast. So be careful. We had no mosquitoes due to the cooler weather

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Lock comment on Calcasieu Lock

Comment by: Len Barton, Short Dog II, on Dec 1, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

At this time the lock is being repaired. On weekdays it’s closed 0700 to 1700. Open on weekends.
Be careful on west side of lock. Very shallow. Commercial traffic insane on weekends. We went thru in our sportfish boat. Wouldn’t want to do it in our 41 foot sailboat.

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Anchorage Review for Calcasieu River Oxbow

Reviewed by: Len Barton, Short Dog II, on Dec 1, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Anchored a little to the south west of indicated location on chart. Set hook in center of anchorage and had a peaceful night.

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Anchorage Review for Shell Island

Reviewed by: Len Barton, Short Dog II, on Nov 27, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

This is a very comfortable anchorage with room for a number of boats. Quiet, scenic and well protected. We spent Thanksgiving here and were the only vessel here.
We are on our 44 foot sportfish boat but we are also world cruisers on our sailboat. I wouldn’t hesitate to anchor here in our sailing vessel either.

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Marina Review for Olmsted Shipyard

Reviewed by: Len Barton , Short Dog II, on Nov 27, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

One of the best boatyard experiences I’ve had in forty years. We are traveling from Corpus Christi to Norfolk Virginia and hauled out here after hitting a submerged log. They hauled right on time, blocked the boat better than I’ve ever seen and had the props off in minutes. Referred me to Toups Propeller who was equally professional and friendly. Both of these businesses were started in 1938. Professional, cost competitive and SUPER FRIENDLY. Our entire experience in Lake Charles has been wonderful.

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