Anchorage Review for Stockton Island (Presque Isle Bay )-Apostle Islands

Reviewed by: Steven Dunlop, First Light, on Aug 30, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 6.0'

One of the most popular anchorages in the Apostle Islands. A soft sand bottom over harder sand provides good holding although portions of the bay are steeply sloped. The main part of the bay provides protection from the north and east. The park service docks form a breakwater, creating a harbor that, though well protected has problems with shoaling -- some areas less than 3', some areas more than 6' -- depending on your situation you may be able to pick your way in and find a spot to anchor.

Ashore there is drinking water available, latrines, campsites, picnic tables, and walking trails. Commercial tour boats arrive periodically and pick up and drop off people planning to camp.

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Anchorage Review for Madeline Island (Big Bay)-Apostle Islands

Reviewed by: Steven Dunlop, First Light, on Aug 30, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 6.0'

The main attraction here is the unusual freshwater estuary (locally, "the lagoon") separated from the bay by a narrow (5' in places, less in high water) sand bar. You can anchor out and either drag your non-motorized dinghy over the sand to the lagoon or rent a canoe or kayak at the beach (bring cash, the rentals are usually unattended with a drop box for payment). There are also two campgrounds ashore (one state, one city-run) that may be useful for planning blended trips.

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Marina Review for Madeline Island Yacht Club Inc.-PRIVATE

Reviewed by: Steven Dunlop , First Light, on Aug 30, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 4

We have stayed here several times. The Club does offer transient slips via Dockwa. The harbor is well-protected from all directions. There is a well-stocked ship store and a bar/restaurant (under separate ownership) within easy walking distance. The Yacht Club, and La Pointe in general, is a quiet location without the race/party atmosphere that occasionally prevails in nearby Bayfield.

The layout of the site is spread out in such a way that it's a long walk from the transient docks to the facilities (ship's store/showers/restrooms). It is about a 1/2 mile walk further to the downtown area of La Pointe which has a handful of restaurants and shops catering to tourists.

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Free Dock Review for Whitefish Point State Dock

Reviewed by: Steven Dunlop, First Light, on Nov 17, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 2

While we like the rustic style and the presence of working boats of various kinds, cruisers should be warned regarding water depths and the lack of amenities. We ran aground on a bar that had formed at the harbor entrance but tried another spot and were able to get in. It took three tries to get back out the following day. We draw six feet, and the ACOE reported lake level was 602.62 feet at the time of our visit (see lre-wm.usace.army.mil for a recent reading and adjust accordingly). Water was deep once in the harbor and at the transient docks.

There were five transient slips available in addition to those spoken for by commercial fishing boats. The breakwall, nominally available for dockage, has its walkway closed due to deteriorated sections that make it unsafe to walk. Slip fingers have steep ramps that connect them to the quay. We noted the presence of a broken cleat on one of the fingers -- someone had a bad day. Although there are shore power connections in the harbor, the pedestals are locked and unavailable for transient use. A pair of ordinary 120v 15a outlets was present some distance away from the transient slips, but both outlets were in use by commercial boats when we were there.

There is a nice sand beach.

There were no restrooms, portable or otherwise, at the time of our visit.

Visitors to the area should be cautioned that the shoals from nearby Whitefish Point now extend out considerably farther than charted.

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Marina Review for Straits State Harbor

Reviewed by: Steven Dunlop , First Light, on May 31, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 4

Typical Michigan DNR facilities in a well-protected harbor. 6x6 posts dockside complicate fendering. No ice available because by the end of May they had not received their first ice delivery of the year. Short walk to an extraordinarily tourist-oriented retail area (think Sturgis) to meet your t-shirt, sunglasses, and axe-throwing needs. Shepler's Marine Services is nearby and operates a reasonably comprehensive ship store, and offers repairs.

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Marina Review for The Marina at Harbor Lights

Reviewed by: Steven Dunlop , First Light, on May 29, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

This facility has recently changed hands and is now part of the adjoining and well-established Harbor Lights Resort. The new owners are investing heavily and have installed all new docks for the 2023 season. Docks are fixed height (not floating). We found the dockmaster helpful and accommodating. There is an indoor swimming pool and hot tub available as part of the resort. There were several coin-op but reasonably priced washers. Dryers were free. Good restaurant scene within walking distance. No fuel dock, but fuel is available at either of the two adjoining marinas. Typically all slips are leased seasonally but transient dockage is available during shoulder seasons and occasionally at other times.

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Marina Review for Manitowoc Marina

Reviewed by: Steven Dunlop , First Light, on May 29, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

Good facility with accommodating, excellent service. Dock staff are helpful and happy to catch lines. There is a store on site with limited inventory and a separate parts desk with a few items on hand and willingness to order anything they do not have. There is a 24 hour lounge for dockage customers with a coffee machine, sink, pizza oven, and comfortable seating. Shower facilities are on the second floor and are only accessible by stairs. Laundry is one pair of machines, coin up, working but unfortunately busy when we needed it.

Repair and refit services are available on site but tend to book up months in advance.

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Marina Review for Southport Marina

Reviewed by: Steven Dunlop on Nov 21, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 5.2'

Rating: 3

Nice enough facility with restaurants and shops nearby. We had a confirmed and prepaid reservation through Dockwa and arrived after hours to find that no key or slip assignment had been left for us. We chose an empty-looking slip and made the best of it and were grateful for the assistance of neighboring boats.

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Marina Review for Lakehead Boat Basin Inc.

Reviewed by: Steven Dunlop on Nov 21, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 26'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 4

This independent marina lacks resort-style amenities but has an excellent location, well protected from wind and wave, and close to the historic Canal Park area and not far from Park Point. It is two blocks away from public transit serving both of these features.

Staff are capable and accommodating.

The ship's store has a limited inventory.

The marina also operates as an RV park and has a hotel on site.

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Free Dock Review for Alma Courtesy Dock

Reviewed by: Steven Dunlop on Nov 21, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 26'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 3

Officially called the "Midtown Courtesy Dock." Roughly 75' long. Inside "slips" are shallow but usable by dinghies. There is a portable toilet ashore. No protection from wakes of passing boats. Downtown area is within walking distance. Busy despite having little to offer.

https://www.explorealma.com/recreation/boating

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Lock comment on Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam

Comment by: Steven Dunlop on Oct 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 26'
Draft: 3.0'

This lock is now open limited hours, at present 10-6 Wednesday-Sunday but subject to change.

There is an uncharted vertical obstruction on the upstream end of the lock, a hoist gantry for the new hydroelectric turbines. It is about 25' off the water. So if you're a sailboat seeing how far upstream you can go, this might be it. No we didn't hit it, but it was close.

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Lock comment on Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock - Closed

Comment by: Steven Dunlop on Oct 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 26'
Draft: 3.0'

This lock is closed to navigation. There are no plans to reopen it and some of the equipment has been removed (radios etc). It is open as a visitor center now and it is possible to walk out on the the miter gates and see the lock and the control rooms from land.

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Lock comment on Lock and Dam 1

Comment by: Steven Dunlop on Oct 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 26'
Draft: 3.0'

There is no longer any commercial traffic through this lock with the conversion of the U of M steam plant from coal to gas. Accordingly, hours have been cut. As of this writing the lock is open 10-6 Wednesday through Sunday but that is subject to change.

Lock staff are friendly and lines are provided on one wall.

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Marina Review for Watergate Marina

Reviewed by: Steven Dunlop on Oct 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 26'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 3

This is the upstream-most marina on the Mississippi River. As such it may be your marina of choice if you want access to the airport or to the Minneapolis area.

Facilities are unremarkable. This is a powerboat-oriented facility though there are smaller sailboats up to about 30' some years and transients some days. There are some interesting vessels in slips and on shore. There's a gated entrance for cars unlike most marinas in the area that have no fence or gate. There are parts of the trail system (bikes/walking) that connect to the marina.

They also have a boat ramp that is uncrowded but expensive, in contrast to the nearby public one that is free but can have a long line.

I like the place and will come back despite the spartan facilities. I'm not sure if there are any bathrooms available after hours other than the portable plastic ones they have out.

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Bridge comment on Omaha Railroad Swing Bridge

Comment by: Steven Dunlop on Oct 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'

If you can't clear the bridge you'll be waking up the operator because they hardly ever open except for the scheduled excursion boats from St. Paul. There is an operator on site, so you can use the whistle or whatever if they have the squelch turned up.

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Bridge comment on New Smith Avenue Highway Bridge

Comment by: Steven Dunlop on Oct 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'

The bridge is much higher than 63'

There is a power transmission line that is lower than the bridge though. I have been unable to find any official source of clearance data. I made it through with 38' but it is very difficult to judge by how much. Keep in mind that there is very little high traffic on this section of the river (over 25' or so). Keep in mind that power lines stretch over time and also hang lower when electrical loads are large. Use caution.

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  Charted vertical clearance is 63 feet at normal pool.

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Bridge comment on Lafayette Street Highway Bridge

Comment by: Steven Dunlop on Oct 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'

The bridge has been recently rebuilt. Clearance was previously 59 feet at normal pool and is now 64 feet at normal pool.

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Marina Review for Twin City Marina

Reviewed by: Steven Dunlop on Oct 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 5.3'

Rating: 3

Reasonable rates, friendly people and adequate facilities. There is a bar and grill on site but few other amenities.

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Lock comment on Lock and Dam 2

Comment by: Steven Dunlop on Oct 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 5.3'

Like locks 2-5 and probably others continuing downstream (where I haven't been) they provide lines on one wall here, staff are friendly, and there is some risk of delays of an hour or more if you are behind a barge.

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Marina Review for King's Cove Marina, LLC

Reviewed by: Steven Dunlop on Oct 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 5.3'

Rating: 3

Nice enough people and place but not much in the way of amenities. We visited in our Hunter 26 which doesn't draw much of anything with the board up. The approach channel into the marina is long and shallow, about 4 feet deep when we were there, use caution. There are also shallow spots in the turning basin.

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Bridge comment on Burlington Northern RR Drawbridge

Comment by: Steven Dunlop on Oct 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'

They're on VHF14, the listing is wrong.

If you are low enough to clear the highway bridge but not low enough to clear the railroad bridge then you call the railroad bridge and ask for a lift.

If you won't clear either one you call and ask for a combined lift. Not enough room to wait safely between them and they know that.

This bridge has a reported 60' clearance when open, making it one of several controlling clearance points from here to the Gulf.

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  VHF channel updated.

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Bridge comment on US Highway 10 Prescott Bascule Bridge

Comment by: Steven Dunlop on Oct 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'

Listing is wrong, bridge is on VHF 14.

If you cannot clear the highway bridge then you call and ask for a "combined opening" and the bridge operator will coordinate with the railroad bridge since there is not enough space between the two bridges to wait safely.

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  VHF channel corrected.

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Lock comment on Lock and Dam 3

Comment by: Steven Dunlop on Oct 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 5.3'

Friendly staff. Well-designed lock with drop lines along one wall. Easy to navigate for any size vessel from kayaks up. There is some commercial traffic here, typically 3-5 vessels a day during busy times. If you are just behind a barge the wait time can be over an hour.

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Marina Review for Pepin Marina

Reviewed by: Steven Dunlop on Oct 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 5.3'

Rating: 3

We stopped here once for a pumpout. An adequate, smaller, up-to-date marina with good service and workable facilities.

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Marina Review for Lake City Marina

Reviewed by: Steven Dunlop on Oct 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 5.3'

Rating: 4

This municipal facility is the largest marina on the Upper Mississippi. Staff are friendly and organized. There are several restaurants and shops within walking distance including a hardware store. The grocery store is too far away to walk or (for most people) bike to. There is courtesy docking for vessels not staying overnight.

The harbor can be windy enough to complicate docking.

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Marina Review for Hansen's Harbor

Reviewed by: Steven Dunlop on Oct 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 5.3'

Rating: 3

This older, family-run marina offers the most protected harbor on Lake Pepin and is the only marina in the area with a comprehensive ship's store on site. There is dockage for approximately 170 vessels. Gasoline, diesel, restrooms, and laundry are available when the facility is staffed. Repair services are available on site. Rigging services are available on site.

Business hours during the summer boating season are 8:30-5:30 M-F closing at 5:00 on Saturday and 3:00 on Sunday.

There is no travelift however the marina has hydraulic trailers and a large forklift for launching and hauling. They regularly handle monohulls up to about 40'. There is a mast crane on site.

As of 2021 this marina no longer offers transient slips and does not allow the boat ramp to be used except by annual slip rental customers.

The harbor is dredged regularly to accommodate 6' draft vessels even during periods of low river levels. The harbor entrance is prone to shoaling especially on the south side -- use caution and stay north of any homemade buoys that are present in the harbor mouth.

The marina does monitor VHF 16 but may not respond to radio calls if staff are busy.

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