Anchorage Review for David Lake

Reviewed by: John Highsmith, CAT O' MINE, on Oct 17, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

We rode out a two day front with gale force NNE winds in the far northern finger and
saw 6 feet all the way in. Nary a ripple. There is an occupied house in the short finger just east. Total privacy with tall trees, no overhanging, no homes and solid 3 Verizon bars for your Hotspot. Entrace channel is over 8 feet but narrow near MM 42 DRB. You would not want to meet a tow boat in there; consider a security call on 16 @ low power.

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Anchorage Review for David Lake

Reviewed by: John Highsmith, CAT O' MINE, on Oct 16, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

We rode out a two day front with gale force NNE winds in the far northern finger and
saw 6 feet all the way in. Nary a ripple. There is an occupied house in the short finger just east. Total privacy with tall trees, no overhanging, no homes and solid 3 Verizon bars for your Hotspot. Entrance channel is over 8 feet but narrow near MM 42 DRB. You would not want to meet a tow boat in there; consider a security call on 16 @ low power.

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  Having AIS is also helpful.

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Marina Review for Bay Springs Marina

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on Oct 16, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 4

At the south end of Bay Springs Lake. Spotless bath house, fair prices, helpful staff. Many beautiful coves to explore on the lake.

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Marina Review for Bobby's Fish Camp

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on Oct 16, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 3

Rustic and rusty and on the expensive side for a hot shower in a plastic shed with a door that won't quite close or lock, where you must bring your own toilet paper. I got a mild
shock on touching the second power plug in dry rubber crocs...use your gloves and have 75 ft of cord. It's obvious these folks are NOT getting rich off this enterprise. The closest gas or diesel is Fairhope, not Mobile. A good many boats don't have the range to do this segment
without Bobby's, so I award an extra star for simply existing!

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Marina Review for Kingfisher Bay Marina

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on Oct 12, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 5

Clean climate controlled bath house, e0 gas was only $3.99, helpful staff, loaner car. Demopolis Lock is the pickiest regarding cruisers at this busy commercial lock...call the night before and sign up for a group lockage at the lounge.

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Marina Review for Pickwick Landing State Park Marina

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on Oct 12, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 4

Nice free state park with a great Lodge. Bath house is a long walk from transient slips, no hot water in women's shower. Lodge restaurant has great views and large servings for the price.

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Marina Review for Columbus Marina

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on Oct 12, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 4

Clean climate controlled bathhouse, courtesy car for 2 hours with reservation. Helpful staff and dockmaster.

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Bridge comment on Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge

Comment by: John Highsmith, CAT O' MINE, on Jul 16, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'

We agree it looks ancient with rusty pieces the size of dinner plates flaking off. But a huge three locomotive train went over it and by us today at about 5 MPH while docked at Lambs Marina, so it is still operational. It looks like it should have collapsed several decades ago.

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Marina Review for Wacca Wache Marina

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on Jul 13, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 4

Helpful dockhands, newer climate controlled bath house. Can have wicked tidal currents, get slack tide times for Bucksport. Some wakes despite signs on outside docks in front of restraunt mainly used by diners on boats. Beautiful Brookgreen Gardens is nearby.

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Marina Review for Morningstar Marinas Southport

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on Jul 13, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 5

In a basin mostly protected from ICW wakes. Spotless climate controlled bath house. Attentive staff, historic houses and mueseum.

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Marina Review for Casper's Marina

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on Jul 13, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 3

Helpful, attentive dockhands and staff. Fixed docks subject to ICW wakes and wind with long fetch. Bath house not climate controlled, 92 degrees inside and outside. Historic town and mueseum.

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Marina Review for Homer Smith Docks and Marina

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on Jul 13, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 5

Wide, newer floating docks, free bulk ice, spotless air conditioned bath house and captains lounge. Very attentive and helpful dockmaster gives his home phone number (lives nearby). Free bulk ice and courtesy car with the Check Engine lamp NOT illuminated...a rare find. Well protected basin, no wakes. Free self serve pumpout.

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Marina Review for Bishop's Marina and RV Park

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on Jul 13, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 5

Serene, protected setting 3 miles west of ICW. Spotless air conditioned bath house and large lounge. Excellent wifi, very attentive onsit owner and dockmaster. We rode out three days of Small Craft Advisory weather.

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Marina Review for Emerald Harbor Marina

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on May 24, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 4

Marina was rebuilt after Hurricane Michael with new fixed wooden docks and power pedestals. Now has a shower with AC, code locks. Seth manages both Emerald Harbor and Bristol marina and is very responsive.

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Marina Review for The Moorings of Carrabelle

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on May 22, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 4

Zig zagging approach channel like most FL river marinas, occasional strong currents. Good gas price, everything can be billed to your slip. Small but clean pool. RR/showers with AC. Wifi has strong signal but shuts off every few minutes so use your own hot spot. Very helpful staff. True some slips are a long walk from the RR but staff offered a ride in their golf cart. No free breakfast when we stayed. There are no 4-star marinas in Appalachicola. Clean laundry, single washer but only $1.25 per load. Wakey with fishing boats until nightfall.

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Marina Review for Steinhatchee River Inn and Marina

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on May 22, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 3

Signage facing river is still River Haven Marina and Motel,' but that's the place. Helpful freindly staff. RR/showers clean but not air conditioned. Excellent gas price. Wakey during day from passing boats but calm at night. River current about 2 MPH.

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Marina Review for Bradenton Beach Marina

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on May 18, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 3

RR with stained plastic cramped shower and AC window AC 9 feet over the loo with filters that look like they were last changed when installed 20 years ago, no effective
AC. Helpful and professional dock hands. Clean and good roving security. Codes for RR. Good wake protection. Beautiful beach three blocks east for walking.

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Marina Review for Boca Grande Marina

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on May 17, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 4

Current dockhands are very competent and professional. The shoal is quite visible and avoidable. Clean RR and tile showers with codes. Quaint village still recovering from Ian's 225 MPH gusts. Trailer cell towers with generators running 24h/day means poor coverage but great wifi at docks. We had lots of wakes from flats boats, then found out there is a Tarpon Tournament this week!

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Marina Review for Sands Harbor Resort & Marina

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on May 17, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 2

Best fuel prices in the area. Older fixed docks with no ladders. Old RR with rusty doors and cheap stained plastic showers. Never had toilet paper or paper towels or a hand drier during our two days there. Beach is a two block walk and very nice. Very exposed to wakes although marina is in a 'slow speed/minimum wake' zone.

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Marina Review for Safe Harbor Calusa Island

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on May 17, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 3

Helpful staff, much renovation of older docks and shower house going on, clean but cramped RR in a trailer witht air conditioning. Unpretentious compared to nearby Marco Island marinas. Many charter and fishing boats. Boat ramp and trailer storage with reasonable fees. Good marina for a trailer boat to stage for Marathon.

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Marina Review for Marlin Bay Resort & Marina

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on May 17, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 5

Helpful staff, 5 star resort amenities, beautiful heated pool (chilled in summer). Only one unisex luxe shower open 8-5, we never had to wait. Concierge service. Sunset chairs along north walkway. Get a famous lobster reuben at Keys Fisheries. No onsite restuarnt needed. Marathon Coin Laundromat 1 mile W, Publix 1 mile E.

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Marina Review for Lake Park Harbor Marina

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on May 6, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 4

Steep and deep dual boat ramps with rig parking ($33/night) with Lake Worth Inlet 2 miles away. Great launch point for a 62 mile jaunt to Bimini on a trailer boat with a good weather window and NO northerly wind component. Mix of old fixed wood and floating docks. Clean card secured bath house. Giant condo construction project just behind marina, very loud even on Sat until quitting time. With the rooftop AC going and cabin door closed we don't hear a thing but YMMV.

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Marina Review for Fort Pierce City Marina

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on May 6, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 4

We had poor to no dockhand help. On hailing marina on VHF 16 told to go to channel 7 not 17. Then told to go to slip E77 with no description of where that was. No dock labels. The only marina map is in the office, not online. Finally found the fuel dock and told our radio wasn't working (we used three). Later heard other arrivals also being accused of having borken radios. Otherwise nice experience. West Marine 1.2 miles south. Old wood docks with wicked current. Card secure bath house and gates.

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Marina Review for Titusville Marina

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on May 6, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 4

Protected marina with no tides. Helpful crew. Clean air conditioned bath house. Old wood docks but functional and good price.

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Marina Review for Coquina Marina

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on May 6, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 5

Pool and hot tub in manicured resort setting, free ice, tennis courts, fitness room, great security. Helpful dockmaster. 5 star setting. Labelled as 'Seabreeze Marina" on some apps.

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Marina Review for St. Augustine Municipal Marina

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on May 6, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 4

Helpful dockhands, clean bath house, close to the action downtown. We didn't find the current to be an issue with twin 150hp outboards. Right in the tourist area with the pros and cons that go with that. Great stop with lots of history.

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Marina Review for Titusville Marina

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on May 4, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 4

Fixed dock but no tides due to the Canaveral Lock. Helpful dockhands. Good (card) security. Good gas price at $4.60/g. Marina is in a protected basin. Clean and air conditioned bath house.

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Anchorage Review for Fort McRee

Reviewed by: John Highsmith, CAT O' MINE, on May 9, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Capt Alysee is WRONG, The penalty for taking a dog or pet (even with a leash) on GINS is $70 per dog per instance. So DON'T DO IT! KEEP YOUR DOG ON YOUR BOAT, EVEN WHEN IT'S NOT BIRD NESTING SEASON!

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  Per the park website:
  Pets are not allowed in the following areas:
  - On all park beaches gulf and bay side, and in water less than five feet in Florida according to state law.
  - On all beaches of the barrier islands and in water less than five feet in Mississippi according to state law.
  - In all forts and facilities such as pavilions, fishing/ferry piers, and visitor centers.
  - On top of historic structure like sea walls, forts, and batteries.
  
  Rules for areas pets are permitted:
  - Pets must remain on a leash, no longer than six feet, at all times.
  - For health reasons, owners must clean up after pets.
  - Pets are welcome on trails, multi-use paths, or on the park roads.
  - Pets may be tied to fixed objects in the campgrounds if the leash is less than 6 feet long.
  - Horses may be ridden only on the trails and fire roads of the Naval Live Oaks area, north of U.S. Highway 98.

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Marina Review for Allan H. Treman State Marine Park

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on Jul 19, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 3

Reservations can not be made for a same day arrival by phone or VHF or online and "NO float-ins allowed." Easiest to use Reserveamerica.com the day prior to arrival. All transient slips are along the south edge. You can choose 15, 30, or 50 amp power or no power. 50 amp is only at the 50 ft slips, although all slips have the same 20 usable foot long finger piers--only the pilings are set further out. $21 rate does not include $7.95 fee for or $7.95 for out of state visitors.
Transient restroom building has no showers, they are in a shower building, the code will be in an envelope rack at the transient building. Ice box behind it has a $1.25 honor box. Good WiFi is available (that needs to be corrected in the Guide along with shore power choices). Typical State Park dated cinder block, tile and SS stalls but very clean. Excellent bike/walking trails canal side leading into town. Free pump out, no gas or diesel (locals advise Finger Lakes Marine for E0 gas). Hangar Theatre on site,
https://hangartheatre.org

In May 2021 the canal entrance partially silted in and uncharted danger and caution buoys were placed. Stakes mark submerged jetties to starboard. The NO WAKE sign is obscured by overgrowth. The 50 foot tour boat TEAL keeps the park entrance channel plowed out and goes to the Farmers Market on weekends. The Robert Treman State Park has no marina, don't get them confused. Vibrant college town with great walking/bike trails and waterfall parks. Lyft/Uber widely available.

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Marina Review for Village Marina

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on Jul 14, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 3

Marina is behind a Breakwater, however if there's whitecaps in the lake it will affect the transient slips that are close to the entrance. Guide incorrect in listing only 50 amp power available. Flat rate $45/night with 30 amp power, add $10 for 50 amp shore power. Loopers tell us the marinas further down the canal are much more comfortable in a blow.

http://www.village-marina.com/marina-docks.html

Guide lists gas and diesel prices as 'call' but no marine fuel is available here. Very poor unreliable and mostly unusable wi-fi. Dim, dated but clean restrooms with cramped showers in back of dockside restaurant, $10 deposit for the key. Helpful transient dockmaster. Walmart Supercenter 0.7 miles. Don't miss the free gorge hike and falls at Watkins Glen State Park, 332 steps. Montour Falls 3.2 miles.

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Marina Review for FLX Marine

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on Jul 14, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 3

Now called FLX Marine. Very good high-speed Wi-Fi. July 13th 2021 gas was $4.95 a gallon, no discounts. Pump out was inop. Transient charge was $2 per foot. Very good protection from waves and weather. Although Guide lists docks as floating, most are fixed wooden docks. Bath house clean but not air-conditioned with open windows in a 90 degree heat wave. Cramped but clean showers.
Helpful staff. Quaint, quiet village, small market and laundromat 0.5 miles north. Guide lists laundry as being on site but is incorrect according to marina staff. Loopers tell us Trade A Yacht Hibiscus Harbor is a resort marina with pool, but they only take transients with a call the day prior, no reservations. https://www.tradeayacht.com/central-new-york-marina/

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Marina Review for Seneca Lake Resorts at Sampson State Park

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on Jul 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 5

We had secured a reservation online for two nights at Samsen Seneca Lake Resorts, previously known as Sampson State Park marina, about 12 miles south of where the C-S canal enters Lake Seneca. Sessler, a commercial company, bought and renovated the marina with new docks, power and bath house in a protected basin with great protected rebuilt double ramps (which end at about the third cleat, NOT at the end of the finger dock). No long term rig storage here. It has miles of walkable roads, and new cabins with air conditioning overlooking the lake. It was a military base at one time (Sampson).

https://senecalakeresorts.com/sampson-park/marina/

You can book an online transient slip at the site above. Rates and power info at site above. Don't confuse it with another State Park Marina on the C-S canal at the north end of the lake which is much older and smaller.

Eileen says it's the ONLY marina she has ever been in where she feels she has to remove her Keen shoes because the (card key) shower is so pristine! (I don't think she'll object to me calling her a bit 'picky' regarding marina bath houses).

Saturday evenings there is a food truck and free bands.

Seneca Lake Resorts marina has gas (no diesel) with a large electronic sign that you can easily see from your boat. This is the best marina refueling innovation we've ever seen!

There is an old blue barge marked SESSLER about a half mile North of the rather narrow entrance channel. The 5 foot high steel breakwater can make it difficult to see if a boat is exiting as you attempt to enter. No tides or currents to deal with, just wind. Isolated (the old military base was large with runways etc). Bring your provisions, though there is a small camp store and limited menu campground snack and sandwich bar. This is a real gem! I think pump out is free. Call or use the website as this Guide entry needs to be completely re-done.

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Marina Review for Onondaga Lake Park Marina

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on Jul 4, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 5

Beautiful park setting. Dockmaster Ryan extremely helpful, provides info by text (great idea, no fumbling to make notes). 3.5 mile bike and walking paths along north shore. Clean restrooms and cipher lock showers, floating docks. Saw 4 foot depths near entrance, but 40+ foot boats are in here. Park space overlooking scenic lake. Quaint town.

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Marina Review for Pirates Cove Marina

Reviewed by: John Highsmith , CAT O' MINE, on Jul 4, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 5

Ideal start/end point for trailer boats doing the Triangle Loop (we did in 2019). Paul can store your truck and trailer on site, has launch ramp and transient slips with power. Very reasonable rates, esp for such a short season. Fun grill and bar, pool, clean RR and showers, gas and pumpout. Wegmans, Walmart close by.

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