Reviews: Grand Manor Marina NC

Reviewed by: Gary & Karen Cervak , My Brown Eyed Girls, on Jul 27, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Great stop! Staff very responsive over phone and in person. Fixed docks in good condition. Well lit at night. Fuel and pump out available in the slip. Private, climate controlled bath/showers cleaned daily with towels and soap/shampoo provided. Fleet of electric golf carts at your disposal- day and night. Bikes, pickleball, dog park, picnic pavilions on site. All well maintained. Bistro 1904, onsite, was very good. Would highly recommend if you are in town when they are open.

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Reviewed by: Len Polistina , Here and Now, on Jul 17, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Southern charm and hospitality! Not only is the marina and grounds beautiful. It's like visiting family they provide towels and toiletries in the bathroom. Everything is cleaned and maintained. Kids had fun on putting green and pickleball. Complimentary golf carts are perfect for a trip to town or sightseeing. They have thought of everything to make a long travel a little easier. Easy to get in and out of marina. This is a must stop!

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Reviewed by: Gina Holbro , Miss Gina, on Jul 16, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 0.0'

Rating: 5

Wonderful hidden gem in Belhaven,NC. The new owners have brought new life to this lovely town and marina formerly River Forest Marina. Amazing restaurant and food truck on site, cleanest bathrooms on the ICW, new dog park, pickleball and putting green are a bonus. Loved the complimentary golf carts for touring this cute town and previsions. Grand Manor Marina is a must stop - staff is so welcoming!

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Reviewed by: Amy St. Germain on Jun 3, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 49'
Draft: 0.0'

Rating: 5

We were here a year ago when the new owners bought it. In a year it's amazing what they have done and are continuing to do! In one year, there is a new pavilion, fire pit, pickle ball court, amazing restaurant, dog park, work done on the docks, activities and music planned. The owners are amazingly friendly and accommodating. They are sponsors of the AGLCA, have competitive fuel prices and I believe with most slips on main dock can fuel and pumpout at your boat. So much care has been taken to make this a top notch marina. Mike, the dock master is very knowledgeable and friendly. The golf carts make exploring the sweet town of Belhaven easy. Oh did I say, free laundry and clean large bathrooms/showers? Easy in and back out to the ICW! Love this place! They are doing it right!

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Reviewed by: Ken Beyer , Hull of a life, on May 8, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 50'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

A nice find! Under new ownership and it shows; lots of improvements including a fireplace, pavilion, immaculate laundry room with free machines, decent fuel prices with the pumps interspaced along the dock makes it very easy to fuel, same with pump out stations, which by the way work. Staff is friendly and very helpful. Close to the town and they have free use of golf carts to boot! ALGCA discounts too!

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Reviewed by: Matthew Drake on Mar 28, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

What a great place to stay. Clean facilities, great bar/restaurant complimentary golf carts, great view. Owners personable. Great place to stop. Great location to the town. Discounts to AGLCA, First Responders, Veterans. Dock Master is very helpful, and personable wish we had come here sooner

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Reviewed by: Kemp Harr , Bad-Lad, on Oct 1, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 73'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

Fixed dock but otherwise very nice. New owners are focused on pleasing guests. Transient rate is very fair. Facilities are well maintained. Don't miss this little town and spoon river restaurant

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Reviewed by: Kevin Leonard , Serene, on Jul 29, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 52'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

Outstanding stop. Water 8 ft entrance & at dock. Friendly & very helpful staff, spotless bathrooms, golf carts for getting around town…. We throughly enjoyed our stay, the marina & Belhaven. Be aware that every evening the chop picks up and does bounce you at the dock. If over 15 knots it might be uncomfortable.

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Reviewed by: David Mann , Now or Never, on Jun 15, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 4.7'

Rating: 4

Solid non floating docks with water, electricity, and at dock pumpouts available. Beautiful grounds surround the marina. Courtesy golf carts are available for your use which make the downtown and grocery shopping easy. Very clean restrooms and showers are near the free laundry facility. But what really sets this place off is the people. We were greeted by Diana who is a representative of the town to welcome us and to provide a bag of information. During our conversation she mentioned to just call her if we needed anything because as a former sailer herself she enjoys helping boaters. (Trip to grocery or the hardware store in her cart and other similar things) The marina staff repeatedly mentioned to us to call them should we need anything at all. The owner is on site and is improving the property daily. Great place to stop and relax for a day or two.

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Reviewed by: Gary Miller on May 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 76'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Update, as of 5-11-23, new owners, no Boat US discount, Mike is dockmaster, 252-944-5556.

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Reviewed by: Gary Miller on May 8, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 76'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Old fixed docks but very nice people, everything you need is in this town, great hardware and good food. Current dockmaster is Mike, very helpful. Golf carts available to get to town.

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Reviewed by: Gary Miller on May 23, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 76'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Fixed docks, exposed to wind, Henry Dockmaster and owner is very cordial. Golf carts available to go to town, prices very fair, just inside breakwall. I was here night of 5-13-22.

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Reviewed by: Brian Wicks on Apr 9, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.0'

Rating: 5

Recently renovated and we loved our stay here. First of all the deck crew was amazing and helped us dock with a storm brewing. They have pump out and fuel along the dock. Great clean facilities including shower. Able to borrow a golf cart to get dinner and provisions. Cute town and wonderful people! The docks are fixed and somewhat exposed to wind and waves.

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Reviewed by: Captain Bulldog on Feb 20, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Probably the two nicest things about this marina is Henry, the marina owner and Spoon River restaurant close by.

There is another Belhaven Marina further in town which can be treacherous to approach. River Forest is well marked and the crew is extremely able to secure your vessel even during a gale. Like Coinjock this facility gets filled very fast so always call ahead for a reservation.

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Reviewed by: No Name Provided , Clytie, on Feb 13, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 35'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Our first time here. Henry is fantastic and makes you feel at home right away. Bathroom facilities have been remodeled. Very nice clean and plenty of water pressure. He loaned us a golf cart for the evening to provision and have dinner. Beautiful location. I asked for a tour of the manor and it didn't disappoint! Highly recommend as a stop along your journey.

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Reviewed by: Anonymous on Oct 29, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Thisis our first time here and our stay matched all of the positive reviews. Great place and Henry is the best. We used the golf cart to stop at the post office and Food Lion. Facilities are great with free laundry a nice touch. The restrooms were clean and the service was outstanding. Make sure you have dinner at Spoon River - you won't be disappointed!

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Reviewed by: Barrington Ed on Jun 19, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 34'
Draft: 5.7'

Rating: 5

This was my second time stopping here aboard my 34' sailboat. Henry was helpful, and set us up with a guidebook to the area. I used a golf cart to reprovision at Food Lion. The restrooms were SPOTLESS, and the free laundry was very much appreciated. The food at Spoon River Marketplace was not as good as I remember, but the marina is GREAT.

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Reviewed by: Jeffrey Skoda on May 7, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 65'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

Great place to stop and enjoy all they have to offer. Henry is a great guy and makes you feel welcome. The golf carts are great and make getting around super easy. The town offers quite a few restaurants and there is a map of historic homes that are fun to see. We will be coming back to River Forest Manor and Marina whenever we are in the area.

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Reviewed by: SaltyMare on Apr 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 53'
Draft: 16.5'

Rating: 5

Excellent stay! Henry is a character and wonderfully accommodating. Can't decide between the loaner golf car so that one can zip into the cute town (really is very walkable but the golf cars are fun!) and free laundry facilities. Oh I know... the easy access with deep enough water (we draw 5.5 and had a problem two doors down). We'll come back and see the Manor.Thanks Henry!

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Reviewed by: Marc Macot , Cramina 2, on Mar 21, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 27'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We stayed 2 nights during Covid-19 crisis and the services were available. Staff very helpful, restrooms/showers very clean and laundry machines in excellent conditions. It is worth stopping there. It is important to support the marinas staying open during the crisis. Fuel/diesel available.

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Reviewed by: Alex Diffey on Mar 17, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 31'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

RFM has ValveTec diesel, which I prefer. Henry and Eddie are great. Showers meet my Admiral's tough inspection requirements - super clean. First came to RFM in the 70s, been more often in recent years. Downtown is an easy walk, but we sometimes use the golf carts. Great food in several places within walking distance. Staff called a nearby mechanic when I needed one late on a Saturday afternoon, great repair! Always delighted to be at RFM! It's in the best shape I've ever seen, great restoration! ICW at its best!

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Reviewed by: Michael Bloss on Dec 11, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 50'
Draft: 6.5'

Rating: 5

Most amazing marina since leaving home in New England. Very friendly and helpful staff. Immaculate and warm bathroom/showers and free laundry. Most highly recommended and will always stop here when coming through the area.

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Reviewed by: Sue on May 9, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Henry and dockhand, Eddie were terrific. The marina was recently updated and very clean. FREE laundry and the use of a golf cart to toddle around the small coastal town. The winds pick up in the afternoon, but settled during the night.

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Reviewed by: Russell Daniels on Apr 26, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Docks are in great condition, fuel and pump out at your tie up, clean and spacious bath/showers, free laundry (3 washers, 3 dryers), free golf carts to cruise town. Beautiful grounds. Henry and Eddie do a great job helping you get in and assuring your visit goes well. The Spoon River Artworks and Market is an amazing restaurant, and the 3 1/2 block walk will give you a chance to recover from the sensory overload. Discount for AGLCA and others.

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Reviewed by: Robin McVey on Apr 23, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Absolute MUST STOP! We docked Easter Sunday (4/21/2019) & stayed 2 nights! The SW wind created an interesting approach but the dock hand, fellow boater & fearless captain had everything under control. The marina appears to be 95% recovered from Hurricane Florence & still exudes Southern Hospitality at 110%! Complimentary laundry, golf carts, friendly folks on every corner...call your friends to meet you here! They can stay in the bungalows!! In addition to the retail & dining opportunities - take advantage of the Behaven walking trivia tour - info found in your Chamber of Commerce welcome packet! FUN!!

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Reviewed by: Terrance Godbold on May 3, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

I just gotta give this marina 5 stars. It is small yet all hands were very helpful. Dock Master had the weather for the sound. Courtesy golf carts for dinner. We stayed last year and are here again. Should we decide to go around a 3rd time this will be a good stop.

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Reviewed by: Eddy Johnsen , Spiritus, on Apr 26, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

This marina is "southern hospitality" at its finest! When we arrived, the friendly staff was standing by to assist in getting us settled into our slip. Their large elevated deck provides a great gathering place for docktails, sunsets, and even sunrises. If you're not up for a ten-minute stroll through a picturesque, tree-shaded, waterfront neighborhood, then just drive one of their golf carts into town. It may sound crazy, but whether you're a guy or a gal you must make a stop at Belhaven's fun and unique Ace Hardware Store. Treat yourself to a gourmet meal at Spoon River Café or The Tavern at Jack's Neck. The marina's showers/bathrooms are some of the roomiest we've come across during our years of cruising. The laundry facility is also spacious and clean, with three new washers & dryers that are FREE for boaters use. If you're lucky, the Dockmaster will even arrange a private tour of the fabulous old Manor House.

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Reviewed by: John Rockwell on Apr 24, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

These folks really try hard, and it shows. Free laundry. Showers clean. Free golf carts to g to town. Town has wide range of places to eat, and a hardware store. Food lion is too far to walk, but then you have that golf cart. Wifi signal was good enough for streaming. Dockside crew was very helpful in docking.

I will make this town a must stop.

Downside: Blowing like stink from the southwest makes this a tough spot to get into if you have a single screw. Coming in with the wind ripping SW made me chose the windward side of the dock as the leeward side felt a little too tight for the big circles I make when turning. Twin Screws would be no problem. I used 6 fenders on a windy 2 night stay and was ok once at the dock.

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Reviewed by: R Miller , Pilot House, on Jul 14, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Great little stopover, great people and super clean restrooms, good WiFi. The Town has some great eating places that are a short ride in the courtesy golf carts, Nice place with a different vibe than a standard marina; kind of like docking in a friends backyard. Will certainly be back.

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Reviewed by: EOD on Jul 4, 2017
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 1

Don't even bother with this place. We called on the phone, left 2 messages and the voicemail says "We will get right back with you". No such luck. As we were getting closer we called on CH16 & 68, no reply. So we docked and the owner chews me out for not making a reservation. We explained we tried to but as you did not call us back we could not. As for the marina again, don't bother. There are no cleats, only piles to tie up to with no fender system, only rub rail to protect the piles. It is very confined with a partially submerged rock breakwater so if your vessel is longer than 30" good luck.
This place needs to stick to conducting weddings instead of running a marina.

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Reviewed by: Bill Lawrenson on May 27, 2017
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Great venue. Loved the golf carts free to boaters. Great staff. We had a wonderful time in the neat lot the town of Bellhaven.

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Reviewed by: Captain Bulldog on Mar 29, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 35'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

This is always homecoming. Great fuel but you should come just to eat at Teresa's 5 star Spoon River. Unbelievable!!!!

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Reviewed by: Andrew Skelton on Nov 20, 2016
Draft: 0.0'

Rating: 4

Under new management. The cleanest shower/restoom combo we have ever seen! Brand new washers/dryers and FREE! Although slightly removed from town, the marina has FREE golf carts you can take to town and Food Lion. A playground for the kids is a 5 minute walk. Boat US discount on top of an already very reasonable price. Staff very friendly. The docks are okay and hopefully are slated for upgrades. We will definitely be back.

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Reviewed by: Harold Hutchins on Sep 13, 2016
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 5

Clean, nice people, courtesy golf cart for short ride to town. Free laundry. Wind could be tricky.

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Reviewed by: John Dejong on Jun 1, 2016
LOA: 36'

River Forest Manor and Marina: The dock master and helper were very friendly. The amenities were in new condition, and the pricing for fuel and services was very reasonable. We were happy with our stay.

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