Reviews: Safe Harbor Zahnisers

Reviewed by: Paul Allen , Loretta, on Nov 9, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 61'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Jim waved us down to identify our slip as we pulled in. Very helpful with lines and plugging in shore power. Floating docks in good condition and the harbor in Solomons is protected. We ate at the on-site restaurant La Vela and for a marina restaurant, it was excellent. Easy walking distance to other restaurants. They have a dog run and seem to be very dog friendly. Enjoyed the Safe Harbor membership free stay.

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Reviewed by: Tiffany Sherman , Bobbin Along, on Feb 19, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 3.8'

Rating: 5

Dave, the dockmaster, was waving to us from the t-head that we would dock at. He was fantastic at helping us with our lines and plugging us into the 50 amp. He immediately let us know what all the codes were to get into the buildings. They've got a great, clean bathroom and shower facility as well as laundry. The captains lounge was very comfortable and the coffee was free. Dave and Jasmine gave us recommendations on places to eat and we took the marina's bikes down to the Lighthouse Restaurant. We will definitely be back as we want to check out AnnMarie Gardens, which is very close by. The marina offers shuttle service to the grocery store and other places you might want to go. Highly recommend staying if you're in the area!

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Reviewed by: Jill Bockenstette , Pelagia, on Oct 11, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 5

We spent three months at Safe Harbor Zahnisers marina in Solomons, MD from mid-July through mid-October 2023. We had planned for these three months of down time to make a couple trips away from the boat and to do some projects on the boat. We found SH Zahnisers earlier in the summer when we were cruising north toward Annapolis. On our first visit we tied off to one of their mooring balls and used their facilities for a week. We found the marina to be absolutely perfect on our first visit and we decided to get a slip for our three months of down time. The facilities at the marina are second to none based on our experience cruising from Mobile, AL down around the Florida Keys, over to the Bahamas and then up the east coast to Chesapeake Bay. They offer seven individual bathrooms in the Bath House, each with a newly renovated private shower, toilet, and sink, as well as a laundry room with 3 large washing machines, 3 large dryers and a nice folding table. They also offer a men's and women's communal bathrooms near the pool, each having several toilets and a shower. The bathrooms are always maintained in impeccable condition. The pool and pool bar are very nice and was a great meeting place in the afternoon with other cruisers and locals alike. There is also a very nice captain's lounge with a large screen TV and many books on the shelf for sharing with other boaters. They also have an on-site yard that can perform haul outs and other dockside work you may need done. They have a very good fleet of bicycles you can use to ride into town or up the road to West Marine, hardware stores and grocery stores. They also offer a shuttle van that will run you to any location in the local area and come back to pick you up when you are done (it runs three times daily, including weekends). The staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful. Jim, the general manager runs the marina exceptionally well and Dave the dockmaster is always ready to help handle lines with his staff when you come and go. Jasmine, the front desk customer relations rep is excellent, always in a happy mood and very helpful with anything you may need. The location also offers very good protection from any storms and historically tropical storms or hurricanes rarely hit the area with much force. Overall, this was the best marina we have stopped in on our journeys so far and while we plan to sail south this winter and into next summer we will certainly return to this marina one day.

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Reviewed by: Jessica Knapp , What Could Go Wrong, on Sep 11, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

This really is a premium marina. We paid $60 for a mooring ball which seemed a little high until we got to the marina and enjoyed everything it had to offer. The facilities were sparkling and Dave, the dockmaster, was beyond helpful. The ONLY complaint I have is there is no wifi on a mooring ball, but I could get wifi at the pool, so it gave me an excuse to soak up some sun, dip in the cool water and enjoy a docktail at the pool bar!

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Reviewed by: Karen Munson , Oasis, on Sep 4, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 46'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

The upgrade to floating docks and the new bath house with individual bathrooms was wonderful surprise. A+ facility. Pool was excellent on a hot day and the tiki bar was a nice place for a quick lunch. She kept the hydration coming as well for our group! Extensive grounds and a cute neighborhood make dog walking fun. Met a lot of nice people along the way. The new restaurant was excellent. My new #1 stop at Solomons.

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Reviewed by: Bev Hewitt , Blue Odyssey, on Jul 14, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

We stayed on mooring ball F July 2023. Bathrooms are great - clean, AC, and bright. Pool was refreshing and bar looked nice tho we didn't use. Museum is super close by dinghy and worth a stop for history of the area! Dog walking was easy with neighborhood and town nearby. Only complaint is no garbage cans near the dinghy dock/parking area.

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Reviewed by: John Singleton on May 18, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 28'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

The renovations are nearly complete. We loved the individual bathrooms- perfectly updated and kept clean. There are lots of places to walk a dog and a dedicated dog area (not fenced). The bikes were in good condition and there were loads of places to cycle to. Restaurants, ice cream stores and West Marine were close by. Every staff member we met were friendly and informative. They were able to take us to the grocery store, help us with packages and were flexible when we wanted to move from a mooring ball to a slip. The laundry facilities are excellent too.

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Reviewed by: Xiaolun Sun , Anodyne , on Nov 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

The mooring balls are convenient but have become very expensive after the steep price increase. No complaints otherwise. The facilities are clean and comfortable.

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Reviewed by: Sheila G on Oct 10, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

Stayed 1 night on mooring ball. Pendant on mooring C was frayed and we questioned its security. Ran our lines through the buoy eye instead. In addition, the wifi in the mooring field is very weak. Don't mind paying $1.50/ ft for a mooring ball if the services are good but very disappointed. The restaurant was excellent but not required for a marina stay.

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Reviewed by: David Rowe on Sep 5, 2022
LOA: 38'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

We love Solomons and always stop on our way by. Usually we are gunkholers and keep moving, but with the lengthy periods of hot weather we've endured this summer and the exorbitant cost of fuel, we decided to find places we wanted to spend time and buy months at a time in marinas to enjoy air conditioning while saving at the pump, and Safe Harbor Zahnisers won the toss when we decided to go to Solomons.

Facilities are A+ and improving. They are in the process of swapping out the fixed docks, which really weren't that bad, for floating docks. My biggest gripe was with the power on the dock. With everybody running A/C and us being at the end of the pier, we dealt with voltage drop and insufficient power to keep everything running the way one would like when enjoying marina life. We'd often have to shut down an air conditioner to run the water heater or microwave. I'm sure they will be upgrading electric delivery as part of the floating dock installation, but it was a bit tedious while we were there.

We did love the saltwater swimming pool and really enjoyed being walking distance to Solomons Island and all the bars and restaurants in the area. With the soon-to-be-upgraded docks, this great facility is only improving!

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Reviewed by: Christopher Pope on Jul 18, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 3.4'

Rating: 5

Really nice and quiet (calm) marina. The staff was very friendly and very attentive to our needs. I would definitely stay here again.

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Reviewed by: Peter Baumann , Stella Maris, on May 9, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 2

Family owned Zahnisers was acquired by Safe Harbor Marinas, a subsidiary of the Sun Communities REIT, sometime early 2020. I docked my boat there for the month of October 2019 on my sailboat cruise south, had my broken forestay replaced, and was satisfied with the work that was done in a timely fashion. Back from the Bahamas in 2021, I docked there again from June 1 - August 31 intending to have a list of maintenance items done. During these three months all they got done was the low hanging fruit: painting the bottom. My complaints to Sun Communities management resulted in them offering me dry storage until Spring 2021 at no cost and the promise to have the work done by then. Having lost confidence in Sun Communities management to cope with supply chain, hiring and training new workforce, I decided to take my boat elsewhere.

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Reviewed by: Michael Palotta , Buona Fortuna, on Dec 14, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We arrived on a Sunday off season. They were closed but told us tie up on T dock which was very easy and had a smooth night. Best surprise was the La Vela Italian restaurant on site which was fantastic.

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Reviewed by: Mo Mo on Nov 5, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 52'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Nice, clean and deck hands were great! Convenient to town.

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Reviewed by: Bret Butler , Lucy 2, on Nov 3, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

We were pleasantly surprised by this marina and town. The courtesy bikes were so nice to use to explore and get some exercise. The bathrooms and showers were clean and well maintained. Definitely will come back.

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Reviewed by: David Heinsohn , Mollie, on Sep 28, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 50'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 4

Solid Marina. Water motion very quiet compared to our last two marinas, one in Oxford and one in Annapolis. This is our second visit to Zahnisers the professionalism of the staff did not disappoint.

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Reviewed by: Stacey Edington on Sep 23, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 35'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Zahniser's is hands down our favourite place on the Bay. Everyone we interacted with was helpful and professional. We returned here several times over our 3 months cruising the Chesapeake this summer. The salt-water pool was a lifesaver for those really hot days. The bathhouse is clean and air conditioned and has 3 separate rooms with toilets, sink, shower for women and 3 for men. Laundry room is located in the bathhouse and has 3 washers and dryers. There is a lounge with TV and complimentary coffee. And you can book a spot on the free shuttle to grocery store at 10, 1 or 3. We also had some servicing done on our boat and can't say enough about the professionalism of the service department headed by Philippe. Perry, our technician, was thorough, very knowledgeable and pleasantly answered all of our questions. We highly recommend a stop at Zahniser's in Solomons.

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

Rating: 5

Very nice marina. Clean showers and laundry. Several restaurants nearby!

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Reviewed by: Ross Wiltse on Jun 8, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 2.9'

Rating: 5

We used the mooring field. It gave us access to the facilities and offered a good dinghy dock. The pool was nice considering it was very hot. The people we met were friendly and really enjoyed our one night stay. We had to go ashore to use Wifi, we could see it at the mooring field, but it was just weak enough to really be of use.

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Reviewed by: Jeffrey Skoda on Jun 4, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 65'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

Excellent facilities with a well trained staff. Very professional and courteous

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Reviewed by: Jayne Durden on Apr 26, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 34'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Great dockmaster - she stayed and was there ready to catch docklines. Facilities are a little dated but clean. Easy walk to restaurants. My only issue was slip was very tight - barely big enough for me.

Our beam is 11 feet 4 inches. I went stern in to the allocated slip because of a very short finger pier but barely fit. And because it was tight I couldn’t fit fenders in easily. Would request a different slip next time.

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Reviewed by: Geoff McClure on Sep 18, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

We were first time users of the Service Department this season and we were thoroughly impressed. It was clear everyone cared about us and our boat. All of the work was professionally done and the pricing, although not "cheap", was very fair given the quality of the labor and materials used. We would not hesitate to use them again or to recommend them to others. Thanks Zahnizers!

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Reviewed by: Paul Smyers , S/V Nova, on Sep 3, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Docks are in good shape. Staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. Facilities are in good shape. Plenty of parking. There is a lot to do nearby.

The marina seems deceptively quiet. The surrounding town can get quite busy and noisy, especially on the weekend. Even with our restricted socializing these days.

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Reviewed by: Pete ScubaPete , A Pretty Penny, on Jul 10, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

We enjoyed our fourth stay here. I can’t comment on the service side of their operation, but as transient boaters we love it. Great pool, easy bike ride into town, clean facilities.

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Reviewed by: Francis J Macauley on May 9, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 1

I would never ever use service at Safe Harbor Zanheisers in Solomons MD. Zanheisers used to be a great facility run by a great family. Now bought by Safe Harbor, I was charged "windshield" time for an electrical mechanic 50 min to walk from the shop to my boat on the pier 1 minute away at 120. per hour. The clock started at 8:15 AM, he got on the boat at 9:05 AM. 1 hour and 20 min of work, left at 9:35, the charge was 3 hours. But it started the day before. We were on the hard the prior day painting a stripe and and man walked by and said he would be doing the electrical work tomorrow and asked a few questions about my diagnosis and problem. (Electrolysis). After 10 minutes he leaves. I was billed 20 min at 120. per hour for talking to him!!! We found out we needed a new cutlass bearing on one side so we asked them to replace both. They charged 9.30 for joy dishwashing soap! I asked if they bought it in Georgetown Bahamas. Everyone knows that only a tiny amount is needed. Our boat takes 4 gallons to paint the bottom. Safe Harbor claims they used 5 gallons. We have painted our boat three times, 4 gallons each time for two coats. This paint is 270. per gallon. A 3300. estimate became 4400. with their scams.

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Reviewed by: Steve Stich , Jus Dreaming, on Aug 26, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 3.6'

Rating: 5

We were taking on water from a shaft seal and we had a Cutlass bearing that was making noise on the starboard side of our catamaran,,, so they pulled us out fixed everything put us back in the water in one day. Fantastic service, highly recommend this company.

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Reviewed by: Ron Akke , Sol Mates, on Oct 27, 2018
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Stopped At Zahniser’s Marina to wait out a Nor’Easter. Not our first time here. Great marina, great staff and beautiful area. Marina has clean private shower rooms, laundry, shuttle to take you shopping at supermarket, West Marine, etc and loaner bicycles to use. Restaurant on location and very fast wifi.

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Reviewed by: Larry Goven on Jun 21, 2018
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Nearby marina refused to honor slip confirmation. Was able to stay here instead, and I would recommend it highly. Great facility and staff made this a wonderful stay.

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Reviewed by: Jani Parker on May 29, 2018
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 31'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Took a mooring with no regrets! Used the free bicycles to visit the nearby West Marine and explore the island. Had dinner at the on-site Dry Dock, which was remarkably good. All staff we encountered were very friendly and facilities were clean. Has a nice, park-like setting, even though it is obviously a working boatyard.

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Reviewed by: Terrance Godbold on May 17, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Although this is a very good marina with good services, I was very disappointed with the way they charged us. In the 15 months moving around the loop (this is our second time), this is the only marina that "measures" your boat from the bow pulpit to the stern overhang. This added another 8 feet to Magic and at a new Dockwa rate of $2.00/foot it added $16.00 to my bill. I wonder if they bill for bottom jobs the same way?? Aside from the above, this was a good marina.

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Review for Safe Harbor Zahnisers

Reviewed by: A Snag-A-Slip User on Aug 4, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 51'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Zanhisers Solomons. Marina staff was outstanding and friendly, really made our visit enjoyable. Sandwiches at pool bar were great. Onsite restaurant, Dry Dock is outstanding. Would rate this excellent except if you're traveling with a number of boats, you'll be spread out an various T heads as dock space is limited.

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Reviewed by: SJH on Nov 28, 2016
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Great place for visit, long term slip, service, and facilities (pool, restaurant, bathrooms and service). If you need something fixed, this is the place. Very reliable, friendly and helpful staff. Quantum sails on site.

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Reviewed by: Ed Tillett on Oct 19, 2016
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Once again, Zahniser's did not disappoint. We called the morning of our arrival and asked for a reservation. They accommodated our last minute request and assigned us a T head. Since we were arriving late, there were reservation signs on the pilings! Talk about customer service. The facilities at Zahniser's is a top notch marina. Clean, squared away and always willing to help. Thanks, again.

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Reviewed by: Ed Tillett on Jul 21, 2016
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Zahniser's is a favorite of ours. Have been going for years. We just took our 60' classic yacht there for an evening. Great facility and a superb restaurant. Docking is a breeze and there were plenty of hands to help us get tied up. Several of their staff dropped by to say hello (they worked on Adonia last winter.) One of the best on the bay for service, facilities and know-how. Thanks, again, for taking care of us.

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