Reviews: Captain Bill's Landing

Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel on Oct 12, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

We have yet to meet anyone who is enthusiastic about the options at Manasquan Inlet. It is a tight space with lots of current, lots of commercial trawlers and head boats, fixed docks, a tide that reaches five feet with lots passing wakes, and a total disregard for transient boaters. With this as the background, after five visits, we love Captain Bill's. First of all, Bill is about as professional as you could imagine. His people also reflect this; they have been wonderful every time we have stopped. His prices for docking and fuel are reasonable, his slips are well constructed, and he is the first stop in the inlet for those who are just in for an overnight. This time we were at the end of the season and the summer celebrations were a thing of the past. The fishing boats were also leaving at 7 instead of 6am so we managed to get an extra hour of sleep. We had a slip in front of Red's Lobsters that was out of the primary current flow so docking was easy, despite the outgoing tide. There was no water or electricity and we had to deploy fender boards and watch our lines even though we only had a three foot tide. It was not uncomfortable which, given the location, is all that you should expect. It would be nice, however, if the staff could find the water to rinse of the seagull poop from the docks. If this review sounds negative, it is not. We will be back on our next trip along the New Jersey shore. Captain Bill's is a good stop.

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Reviewed by: Ken Beyer , Hull of a life, on Jun 11, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 50'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Very friendly and helpful staff, we were notified in advance that there was no power or water so that was not an issue for us. The fuel was the cheapest around as was the slip fee. No bathroom or shower which was fine for us. The only negative was the wakes from the passing fishing boats particularly at 4:30 in the morning.

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Reviewed by: Troy Hersom , MELODY, on May 24, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 2

The Good: Staff is GREAT, docks are new, 10% discount at the Marina restaurant, fuel price is best around, $0.50 off dockage if you buy fuel.

The Bad: no water, electricity, laundry … (bare bones Marina). The harbor is busy early with commercial vessels leaving and waking. Solid docks with pretty big tides (You get the picture)

The Ugly: Called two pump out boats that are supposed to service the marine and never even got a call back. (Not the marina's fault)

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Reviewed by: Gary Harkins , Nauti-Dog, on May 20, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 35'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 2

I was never told no electric available. Help on dock not very knowledgable about securing lines. No one at gas dock so we knew where to pull in for fuel. Water at the fuel dock only. Bolts on the new dock sticking out 2-2.5"

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Reviewed by: david kanzler , Hygge, on May 13, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 29'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 4

No power. No water. Not floating docks. That said, $2 per foot with fuel, great location to the boardwalk; cheapest fuel prices on the shore. Mostly Capt Bill is a great guy. Sat with us and spent time advising us on the trip to NYC.

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Reviewed by: Matthew Drake on May 6, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Went there after Capt Bills added a few slips. Great staging location for a crossing to New York. Plenty of businesses close by for supplies, food, etc. Since the marina just added slips there are a few kinks that needed to be worked out. Capt Bill was present when we arrived and was very informative about the area. Bill asked for opinions for upgrades, and was very open to suggestions. The price was below other local marinas, and they gave discounts for BoatUS.

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Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel on May 27, 2023
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Captain Bill's Landing is the first marina you will encounter as you enter Manasquan inlet from the ocean so all traffic passes by on its way in and out of the inlet. Some of the traffic is across the channel but half of it comes by very close and sometimes at "Just a Little Wake" speed in the no wake zone. It all calms down after the sun goes down and the restaurants are quiet after 10pm. Boat traffic (and wakes) starts before first light.

Manasquan River has current, narrow channels, a funky railroad bridge, and an unbelievable number of water oriented businesses. There is a lot going on with a hodge-podge of boats from kayaks and center consoles to 100' head and charter boats to a large commercial fishing fleet. Tranquility is not on the menu anywhere in the inlet.

Captain Bill's has several slips but we have ended up on the fixed fuel dock twice, on a remote dock once, and in a real slip one time. Minimum depth is 6' MLW and there is a 3 foot tide. Tie your lines accordingly. We were glad that we had fender boards to deploy. If you are on the fuel dock you will have to vacate when it opens at 6am. Bill usually has had the lowest price on diesel in the area. He also has the lowest transient dock rate in the inlet as far as we can see. You will have access to fresh water and a clean bathroom is open during business hours. There is no laundry or shower. We didn't use power. If you are a fisherman, you will love the ship's store. There are several restaurants close at hand and the beach is about a half mile away. The best thing about the marina is the people. They are professional, personable, and really want to make sure that you are well treated. There is always someone on the dock to help you dock. In Manasquan you cannot ask for more. We will be back and will, as in this visit, be thankful for Captain Bill's.

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Reviewed by: Robbie Bessler on May 17, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 3.8'

Rating: 5

Must not be missed when traveling through New Jersey. Absolutely wonderful experience. Captain Bill greeted us when we arrived and did everything he could to make us feel welcome. Call or book online because there is limited space and you do not want to miss out. Diesel was super reasonable and was discounted with a BoatUS membership. Our overnight stay was also discounted with the purchase of diesel. Easy 10-15 minute walk to the boardwalk/carnival area and many restaurant choices nearby. The store at the marina also had everything you could want to go on an epic fishing adventure, as well as $8 bags of 50lb ice. This will definitely be our go to spot when traveling through New Jersey as this was the most reasonably priced for fuel, dockage and supplies, but also was such a pleasant experience from both Bill and Chris. The inlet to get into the marina was also super easy to navigate which we've come to find is not the case for a lot of spaces along the NJ coast.

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Reviewed by: James Holland , Harmony, on Jul 31, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 50'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Boat wakes into the evening. No power. No bathroom. Nice people. Nice restaurants nearby. Great price.

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Reviewed by: Barbara , Irene, on Jul 30, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Awesome stop. Stayed twice now; once headed north and once headed south. Nice and helpful people. Excellent restaurant. Sone wake, no power but super convenient and great fuel prices. Cute town and an easy walk to the beach.

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Reviewed by: Brad Jacobs on May 16, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Love this marina for a quick refuel and bite to eat! I have not docked here overnight, but might this next loop.

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Reviewed by: Capt. John on Jul 13, 2018
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Great place with helpful, friendly people - love this place and the nearby restaurants, Red's Lobster Pot and especially Shipwreck Point Steakhouse.

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Reviewed by: Eddy Johnsen , Spiritus, on Jun 10, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Just accept the fact that there is not a marina or anchorage in this entire area that is not adversely affected by the current or the boat wakes! Captain Bill and his crew did an excellent job making sure we were as secured and protected as possible. Convenient location for a walk to the oceanfront boardwalk. Lots of entertainment, people watching, restaurants, or just staring at the ocean if you havent had enough of it!
Even if you don't care for seafood, a fabulous meal at Red's Lobster Pot, next door to the marina, should be on your bucket list. Shop and compare, but it's hard to beat Captain Bill's fuel prices, dockage fees, and accomodating staff!

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Reviewed by: Melissa on Jun 6, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Highly recommend! Excellent customer service, easy access and great price on fuel. Owner went above and beyond to help us out when we needed a hand.

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Reviewed by: Capt d on Feb 8, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 0.0'

Rating: 5

This fuel dock is at the mouth of the inlet, easy in and out, even for large boats. They have ValveTech fuel for a great price. There bait is awesome and very well priced, with a nice tackle shop attached. Very handy.

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Reviewed by: Yuval Ohali , Con el Viento, on Aug 18, 2017
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 1

If you are sailing boat, don't choose this place. Slips have not more then 2 feet depth in low tide. My rudder was burried in the mud. Very choppy.

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Reviewed by: Captain Bob on Jul 10, 2017
Draft: 0.0'

Rating: 5

This is an extremely fast and friendly location with outstanding customer service, ValvTect fuel and low fuel prices. Very easy to access from the ocean, big turning basin and fast exit out of the Inlet!

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