Reviews from nils&frances (11)

Marina Review for Half Moon Bay Marina

Reviewed by: nils&frances , Pivot, on Jun 29, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Friendly and quiet marina that is well cared for and looks after its clients. We had a warm welcome from other boaters and found the dockmaster Steve most helpful.
Half Moon Bay Marina was the perfect stop after a 5 hour run up from NYC while traveling north on the Hudson. We had a peaceful sleep on our boat with occasional gentle rocking.
Local amenities are within walking distance, especially a nice Italian deli in town and a craft beer hall not far from the Metro North Station.
Overall, a great marina for anyone doing the Great Loop. ?

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Anchorage Review for Minim Creek (East Side)

Reviewed by: nils&frances, Pivot, on Apr 12, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.5'

Quiet with a good hold. The small trees help with wind. View of low country grassy areas. Popular with Great Loopers.

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Marina Review for Charleston Maritime Center

Reviewed by: nils&frances , Pivot, on Apr 12, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Best option for downtown Charleston dock. We stayed here four nights, one of which was incredibly stormy and windy, but our boat fared just fine on the south end of the docks and although rocky during the heaviest winds, it was otherwise quiet. The is construction (April 2024) on the ground floor of the offices, so laundry service was not available. We had friendly service from everyone at the office. It was an easy walk to Kroger, and immediately next to the International African Amerixan Museum, and a city park that is great for people watching or walking your pet. 10 minute walk to historic city center.

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Marina Review for Leland Oil Company

Reviewed by: nils&frances , Pivot, on Apr 12, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Filled up with diesel for 80 cents cheaper than Charleston prices. Lacy was incredibly helpful and friendly. It was the first time we had filled our new boat and she kept the pressure on low on the hose so we could learn our fueling system. The bathroom was tidy and the service was excellent.

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Anchorage Review for Zinder Point

Reviewed by: nils&frances, Pivot, on Mar 18, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.5'

Anchored in a muddy bottom with a firm hold. Near by, there is a quiet private marina about 100 feet away, and a quiet nearby dirt road leading to a residence on the north side. Neither were used during my overnight stay, however did distract me from remote beauty of the anchorage.

Lots of nature in the surrounding trees, including blue herons, and wading birds in the lily pads.

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Marina Review for Downtown Sanford Marina

Reviewed by: nils&frances , Pivot, on Mar 18, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

The friendly staff person Debra alerted me to an open slip upon my request. I stayed three nights. Mostly quiet, lots of foot traffic on the docks diring the day. The live aboards at the marina are kind and welcoming. I was delighted to witness a rocket launch taking off from Cape Canaveral while on my boat at the dock. Town highlights: pharmacy and grocery 6 minute walk downtown with lots of shops and restaurants is 5 minutes walk. My pick is the pub/eattery duo: Celery City Brewery for beers and Sushi and Seoul for Korean chicken wings.

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Anchorage Review for Snake Creek Oxbow

Reviewed by: nils&frances, Pivot, on Mar 17, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.5'

Great protection wind and current, nearly no swing on the anchor overnight. Great to be out of the way of most boaters passing on the main river. There is a tour boat that comes through as do kayaks. Wildlife abounds, lots of gators, turtles, herons, egrets, cormorants, and cranes. Beautiful nature sounds of fish jumping and frogs croaking.

Muddy bottom holds well, stay to the north side of the waterway for deepest water.

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Marina Review for Hontoon Island State Park

Reviewed by: nils&frances , Pivot, on Mar 17, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Wonderful place for the afternoon. Currently (March 2024) overnight stays are not available as there is no overnight ranger on duty since the park suffered hurricane damage. 50 and 30 amp power hook up, water, bathrooms and showers are open and free while the park recuperates from the hurricane (otherwise charges apply). Also, the camp store is closed at the moment, however, park staff there are very helpful and friendly.

By foot and e-bike, I spent about 3 hours exporing the trails, wild turkeys were the highlight of the wildlife I spied. A midden (hill made of mollusk shells) from prehistoric people is a real archelogical treasure on the "wet trail" hike.

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Anchorage Review for Oxbow R30

Reviewed by: nils&frances, Pivot, on Mar 13, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.5'

Beautiful and quiet spot to spend an afternoon or overnight. The narrow passage makes a good place to animal and bird watch (gators, turtles, ibis, egrets, hawks). A few bass boats trawl through, very little chance of being disturbed by any wake. Muddy bottom but no movement on the anchor.

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Marina Review for Boathouse Marina

Reviewed by: nils&frances , Pivot, on Mar 11, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

I booked to stay 4 nights and happily stayed 10 weeks. Exceptional staff and thoughtfully managed, clean where it counts. No frills were perfect as I refitted my trawler for the Great Loop. lots of excellent advice from Skip Lagasse, the dock master. He is superiorly knowlegable about boat systems, and the riverway. I was overwhelmed by the friendly support and community from the long term slip renters. It felt like home after my many weeks there. I always felt I was safe and secure.
The nearby free city docks host bass tournaments nearly every weekend. Lots of weekend festivals in the area. Garden Ravine State Park is a must from Jan to March to catch the blooming azelas. Beautiful historic homes near the river front. Great place to walk.
Area
Eating and drinking: many restaurants in walking distance, my top picks are Valchoff's Corner and Magnolia. Uncork and Unwind is a cozy bar nearby, Azela Brewery is excellent on Oak St.
Hardware stores: Ace 1.5 miles, Home Depot and Lowes 2.5 miles
Retail: Walmart and Marshall's < 3.5 miles
Grocery: Publix, Winn Dixie, ABC < 3 miles

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Free Dock Review for Welaka City Dock - Bryants Landing

Reviewed by: nils&frances, Pivot, on Mar 11, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 4

Free, no reservations, empty except a few people fishing on the facedock, all very friendly. The river channel runs near, so passing boats throw wake without meaning to, but not too rough. The finger docks are rather short, maybe 15 or 20 feet.

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