Reviews from Doug T (4)

Marina Review for Tolchester Marina

Reviewed by: Doug T , September Song, on Sep 3, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.2'

Rating: 5

Stayed here on Saturday night in July '21.

We draw 4'-3" and had no issues getting into the entrance and through the channel. Pay close attention to small vessels exiting, as they may suddenly appear from behind the breakwater.

When we arrived inside, the dockhand stationed on the fuel dock called out to us and gave us our slip assignment and brief directions. There was also a dockhand waiting for us at the slip to help get us secured. No problems getting into the brand new floating docks. Long floating finger piers made it dead simple to lock the boat in place with no need to be concerned about the tide. Power seems to be mostly 50 amp. If you need 30 amp, bring an adapter. They will rent you one but sometimes run out of them.

In the bright sun, be careful about stepping onto the floating docks barefoot. They can get really hot. This goes for pets as well.

For powerboaters, there is a section of covered slips in the center of the basin that will provide some relief from the heat.

Our slip was all the way around the basin from the bar and pool, however, there is a constant flow of staff driving golf carts and they are happy to give you a ride. They will accept tips if you are so inclined. They told me they run until after the bar closes.

The bar and pool were open on a Saturday afternoon, and there was counter service for food. No waitresses or table service. All food and drinks must be ordered and paid for at the bar or food counter. The live entertainment that was onsite throughout the day on Saturday was fantastic and the music type was varied, but mostly geared for the "over 40" crowd.

I confirmed with the bartender that the bar / restaurant is only open on weekends and shuts down on Sunday evening. If you stay here during the week, be sure to bring all the provisions you'll need, as there's no food or drink service between closing on Sunday and opening on Friday afternoon - and there is nothing within walking distance.

There is a restaurant in the back of the marina as well, which was not open for Saturday dinner due to staffing shortages, however, it looked like they were open on Sunday morning for breakfast. Didn't try it, as we had already prepared breakfast on board.

The marina does provide complimentary WiFi service, which is great because cell service was very poor (Verizon), however, the WiFi coverage had many gaps in it, and I was unable to get a satisfactory signal in my slip. Barely strong enough to get out a few text messages, could not make any calls via Wifi or Cell. I suspect the covered docks in the center of the basin with their large metal rooves block the signal in some directions. When we ventured about the marina, the signal was better in some places.

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Anchorage Review for Queenstown Creek

Reviewed by: Doug T, September Song, on Jul 26, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.2'

This anchorage has a lot going for it. Scenic beauty, a sandy spit at the entrance for walking your dog (covered at hight tide), a town dock up the creek where you can go ashore with your dinghy (you'll need an outboard unless you're an Olympic class rower).

Use caution in the entrance - I saw 5.5 depth in the channel near low tide. Other reviews are spot-on - follow the tall tree and water tower as a range line and you'll stay in the channel. I left 0 stars for Wifi, there isn't any. Verizon coverage was OK enough to stream some IPtv but we had a few drop-outs.

Pros:
Scenic beauty
Pet Friendly
Free town dock for shore visits

Cons:
Shallow entrance
Party scene on weekends (daytime only)

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Free Dock Review for Little Queenstown Creek Dock

Reviewed by: Doug T, September Song, on Jul 26, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.2'

Rating: 4

We used this town dock as a dinghy dock for our vessel which was anchored out in Queenstown Creek. Found a spot and tucked in for a walk. Realized that we were only a mile from the Queenstown outlet stores so we walked over there. Use caution when crossing US 301. Also, during the summer season, there is a farmer who places a cart of fresh local produce on Main Street (honor system) and we bought some yummy produce to take back to the boat. The only places in town that sell food are the local pizzeria (carryout only) and the Royal Farm.

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Marina Review for Fairview Marina

Reviewed by: Doug T , September Song, on Jun 21, 2017
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.2'

Rating: 5

I've been a slip holder here for 5 years. If you're looking for the cheapest slip in the area, you won't find it here. What you will find is a clean, family owned and run facility. The owners live on-site and are very available when needed. They are full-service, and the pride in craftsmanship is evident. Nothing but positive things to say. If you need fiberglass repairs done, they will do a first class job for you. They are constantly upgrading the facility and it is evident that they take pride in keeping the place ship-shape. The thing I like the most is how protected the creek is, yet you can be on the bay in minutes. Fantastic location.

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