Marina Review for South River Marina Inc.

Reviewed by: Mike Bruno on Oct 24, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 35'
Draft: 3.3'

Rating: 5

In a world where boat maintenance is fraught with eye watering expense and lots of unknowns, I found Skip Bennett's Marine to be a welcome surprise. Currently on a reverse great Loop boat trip, I had some preventative maintenance issues I wanted addressed as I passed down the East Coast. I sent out a bit of a email blast to multiple maintenance providers in the Chesapeake Bay stipulating my "to-do" list. Being a bit obsessive about price, value, and quality....I did a lot of time consuming comparative shopping so you don't have to.

Here is what I found. At skip Bennett's the shop rate is quite competitive (and I say that as a boater based in the Mid-West USA where prices tend to be more modest in comparison to the East Coast). The contact person (Bill) answered my initial email inquiry in a timely fashion. Understandably confident in the quality of their work and the fairness of their pricing, Bill was completely transparent in expected expenses and unexpected costs. He was comfortable suggesting parts and supply cost containment strategies such as ordering parts and shipping to the shop. In the end I was confident in electing to have them order everything they needed to get the job done (which they did well) and I found the markup to be in line, actually slightly better, than other shops I have dealt with.

It is obvious they want to exceed customers' expectations. Bringing years of expertise to bear on my specific maintenance needs, they actually came up with suggestions to cost save. I very much appreciated that. Karl, their head maintenance professional, patiently walked me through a rational approach to solving the riddle of an out drive issue. I learned a lot actually, and I feel like I start with at least a rudimentary level of understanding and interest in such things.

They did the work on time, on budget, and without surprises. That puts them to the front of the pack already. But they also did not larder up the bill with extraneous shop fees, environmental fees, or inflation/energy surcharges adjustments which are sadly so common now a days. My list of items included antennae replacement/repair, oil change, prop seal replacement, outdrive servicing, bottom washing, oil leak diagnosis, and examination of antifreeze system. Despite the wide ranging issues, they handled them all without missing a beat. My propulsion system is Volvo Penta, but they have onsite experts for all major brands. They also appear expert in prop issues, gelcoat repair, and many other maintenance/winterization needs.

In sum, if your boat is in the Chesapeake region, or you are transiting down the East Coast, I recommend Skip Bennett's Marine maintenance without reservation. They are a one stop shop. They are accommodative, fair, and a great value. I wish they were located near my home port actually.

South River Marina, where they are located, also seems like a great marina, with well tended boats, cost efficient round trip haul out prices, and friendly professional staff. They are super adept at slinging boats in and out of the water both safely and efficiently. These two institutions make a strong combo for the boating consumer.

(NB: there is a bridge which must be negotiated to arrive at this location measuring 15 feet high and 22 feet wide. Though it might seem intimidating at first look as you approach, it is actually really quite easy to get through with soft wood sides and no current. Something to consider though if your height exceeds 15 feet and beam 22 feet).

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Free Dock Review for Village of Whitehall

Reviewed by: Mike Bruno on Sep 25, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 35'
Draft: 3.3'

Rating: 4

Hard to beat free electricity, H20, and dockage. Bathrooms and showers are available and clean 7AM to 4PM located in a nice Park Pavilion approximately 200 yards south of the dock.
The town itself was somewhat post apocalyptic with what were once beautiful mid 19th century buildings constructed during a time of canal prosperity. Now they have failing roofs, decaying foundations, and back yards packed with abandoned refuge. It evokes a maudlin sense of pathos and is undoubtably the result of years of heavy tax and regulatory burden robbing the economy of any last vestiges of vitality. Other than voting choices none of this is their fault, but we moved on quickly.

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Lock comment on Saint-Ours Canal Lock and Dam

Comment by: Mike Bruno on Sep 18, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 35'
Draft: 3.3'

One of our favorite overnights on the locks. So pretty, charming. Safe secure floating dock on either side of dock. Showers, but no power.

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Marina Review for Brockville Municipal Harbor

Reviewed by: Mike Bruno on Sep 14, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 35'
Draft: 3.3'

Rating: 3

Over-priced, lots of weeds. Bathrooms ok.
The good: Location and the staff was helpful and pleasant.

If I come again, I will check out the competition.

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