Reviews from Anthony Bottini (6)

Marina Review for Henry Harbor Marina

Reviewed by: Anthony Bottini , Katie B, on Aug 27, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

This is a great stop on the Illinois river where there are not many good alternatives. Large boats can tie up in an abandoned lock at the lock wall with both 30 and 50 amp power available. The owner, Fran, is easy to contact and usually available to help with lines. There is at least 9 feet of water in the old lock canal and a deep entrance and exit. Boaters should enter from the downstream side and later exit through the upstream side in plenty of water. Easy in and out side tie ideal for loopers. The lock walls are rough with large shale blocks so plenty of bumpers right at the waterline are recommended. Slightly challenging to access the shoreline, but should not be a problem for most. Shouldn't be a problem to take dogs ashore for a walk. There is not much else close although Fran has volunteered to drive boaters to local businesses. She also runs a canvas repair shop here at the marina and was able to repair damage to one of our biminis while we were docked. The price is also very reasonable at $1.25 a foot. Don't miss the Henry Harbor dolphin show every time a pontoon or ski boat goes by and the Asian carp in the channel performed their dazzling routine. Buy a Henry Harbor dolphin show T-shirt to memorialize the event.

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Marina Review for Spring Brook Marina-PRIVATE

Reviewed by: Anthony Bottini , Katie B, on Aug 24, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

This is a great little Marina particularly for boats under 50 feet and particularly if the day is growing late and southbound traffic doesn't want to wait for the Marseille lock. Easy access with 30 and 50 amp service and a very caring staff. There is a small restaurant on the premises that we enjoyed. Price was very reasonable. don't be fooled by the private label, they are accommodating and supportive of transients. Highly recommend.

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Marina Review for Sergeant Marina

Reviewed by: Anthony Bottini , Katie B, on Jun 14, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

We just spent five great days in Saugatuck, MI and couldn't have enjoyed it more. What a great town! Sergeant Marina is ideally situated in the heart of town with an easy walk to restaurants bars, shopping, and historical sites. The staff was quite accommodating, the marina appears quite safe, although there are no gates or locks. They have a small clean boater's lounge, and nice restroom and shower facilities. Kyle, the dockmaster repeatedly went out of his way to make our stay pleasant. Diesel was reasonably priced at an easily accessible fuel dock and pump outs are free while staying in the slips. They pump out device was incredibly powerful and efficient. There is plenty of water to get into the marina and a little local knowledge is helpful. They offer a Looper discount as well.

Make sure not to miss Douglas, which can be reached on a city run commuter bus that runs until eight most evenings and 11 on the weekends. Fares are one dollar and you call the central number to arrange a ride to your destination. This includes a nice grocery store in Douglas, MI. Douglas is a small town across the lake from Saugatuck, which is also quite historic with some really nice monuments and displays.

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Marina Review for South Haven Municipal Marina - Northside Marina

Reviewed by: Anthony Bottini , Katie B, on Jun 12, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

We recently stayed at the Southhaven Municipal Marina for 11 days, partly waiting out some bad weather. It's a delightful marina with clean facilities, including restrooms, showers, and a really nice boaters lounge. It is very close to the commercial part of South Haven, restaurants, shopping and the Maritime Museum. Marina stage can be booked through the DNR website. The slips in the South Marina are mostly for accommodating boats under 45 feet. There are also some transient slips available on the other side of the river at the North Municipal Marina, however, accessing town is slightly more difficult. If you call the Marina, it is possible to book room along the south wall, the long pier paralleling the river, which allows a side tie stay for larger craft. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the marina and our time exploring South Haven.. The staff at the Marina was very helpful, particularly the assistant manager, Kelsey, in helping with docking, packages and local arrangements. Strongly recommend.

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Marina Review for St. Johnsville Municipal Marina

Reviewed by: Anthony Bottini , Katie B, on Jul 8, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Easy stop right on the Erie canal with a dock master who actually answers her phone. Good power at 50 and 30 A and a very easy arrival and departure with a side tie. No current, laundry, restrooms, and several reasonable restaurants within walking distance. Diesel and gasoline available as well. Nice easy stay when transferring the Erie canal. What more could you ask for?

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Anchorage Review for Oxbow R30

Reviewed by: Anthony Bottini, Katie B, on Mar 17, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 3.5'

Small but adequate oxbow to anchor a 47 foot boat. Mostly 5-10 depth with mud bottom, good holding. We had it to ourselves. Quiet except for the swamp concert. Saw manatees, gators and a lot of birds. Very pleasant overnight.

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