Lock comment on W.P. Franklin Lock

Comment by: Lee Ensminger on Apr 11, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 37'
Draft: 3.0'

VERY helpful lock master. This was our first lock with hanging ropes, and he came out and gave us great instruction. We were used to floating bollards. Very friendly, no rushing, he made it a great experience.

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Marina Review for C-Quarters Marina

Reviewed by: Lee Ensminger on Feb 15, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 37'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

We recently spent 5 nights at C-Quarters as we waited for a weather window to cross the Gulf. Everyone we met at the marina, employee or not, was VERY friendly and helpful. Special mention to Kim, Monte, and especially Dennis, who gave us some great instruction on tying to fixed docks and pilings to allow for tides. Grocery and hardware stores were a very short walk, and the marina store, although more fishing oriented, had a couple of items I needed for our trawler. Wifi was good as well. They opened early and closed late, and almost always had people on the porch who would answer any question and treated us like friends. They were also busy replacing boards on sections of their pier, which shows they are trying to keep things maintained. Topped off on reasonably priced diesel. The ONLY criticism: Fix or improve your pumpout equipment. People who stage in Carrabelle for their crossing are almost certainly going to want to empty their holding tank. We tried for 45 minutes and were not successful. But that is the only suggestion for C-Quarters. Everything else was great. We would certainly return.

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Marina Review for Columbus Marina

Reviewed by: Lee Ensminger on Feb 8, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 37'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

We stopped in for a few days to find a dentist for a crown replacement, and ended up staying a month. I knew getting in and out was a little tricky, but Steve started talking to us as soon as we turned off of the river. Not only is the approach well-marked, but Steve talked us through it the whole way, mixing directions with his stand-up comedy routine. We laughed the whole way in! Dockmaster [and sometimes dental care provider-but that's another story] Jimmy met us at our slip and was a great help in getting us docked and hooked up. Once we saw what the community of Columbus had to offer, we ordered two major appliances and a number of parts which the marina was happy to accept for us. Coupled with their courtesy vehicles, which made it possible to get everything we needed for maintenance and repairs, it was a GREAT place for us to base for a month. Steve and Jimmy were SO friendly and helpful during our stay. If we weren't traveling the Loop, Columbus Marina would be a great place to keep our boat year-round!

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Marina Review for Saunders Marine Center - Orange Beach

Reviewed by: Lee Ensminger on Feb 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 37'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

We had a wonderful experience with Scott Forbes at the Saunders Marine Center in Orange Beach. We got new bottom paint and some navigation electronics. We were very pleased with the service we received, and the care that was taken with our boat. Scott and Brett answered every question we had, or researched the answer if we asked something unique to our boat. Scott is very customer oriented and hands-on, visiting us frequently on the boat or calling to keep us updated on our progress. Their store at the facility is also very well organized and stocked. We will certainly return in the future.

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Free Dock Review for McGregor Park Dock

Reviewed by: Lee Ensminger on Sep 5, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 37'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 3

We were cruising up the Cumberland River to Nashville and decided to stop for the night in Clarksville. I called the number in the WG listing and got a very pleasant woman who knew exactly what she was doing. Be aware that this is neither a "courtesy" or "free" dock, as it was $17.00 to tie up with no power. 50-amp power was available if you wanted to pay extra. When we arrived in Clarksville, it was unclear as to where we should dock, as there is no signage. I called the number again to clarify, and got someone who had no idea what I was asking about. Eventually, we figured out where we should go. Don't be fooled by the Cumberland River Center, which looks like it might be your destination. Go further upstream, and you'll find it on the RDB. The dock itself is nice, and in good repair. It's located in the Riverwalk park, which is very pretty, and within walking distance [with some steep hills!] of part of the downtown, which includes a historic courthouse and a very interesting museum.

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