Reviews from Dan Coyle (5)

Anchorage Review for Lick Creek

Reviewed by: Dan Coyle on Jun 11, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 53'
Draft: 4.8'

Stayed June 10th, 2022. Agree with previous comments. Did find 3 downed trees spaced widely with ample clearance and depth. Entrance shallowed out to about 8 ft but more than 12 into lake. Stay wide of pole with red marker as it is shallow near it.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Bashi Creek

Reviewed by: Dan Coyle on May 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 53'
Draft: 4.8'

I was leery of this anchorage based on other reviews but tried it anyway because of its location and the absence of other good options within a reasonable distance. Entered creek late afternoon May 13, 2022. Water depths were good, never saw less then 6ft at entrance with more then 9ft in the middle between the banks further in. Fallen trees along both sides but our 53' Carver raised pilothouse had no trouble navigating between what I estimate was a 25+ ft open path. We traveled in about 100 yards past the boat ramp, moved to the starboard side (south) until depth dropped to less than 6ft and dropped the anchor. I backed to a downed tree and tied a line from stern. Very quite, peaceful and the heave tree cover made it noticeable cool after being in the sunny upper 80's in the river. Only saw a few boat at ramp, more the a few hundred feet away. About 6:00am we untied from the tree, pulled up anchor from what appeared to be a firm muddy bottom (anchor fairly clean) and backed out to the river. This is a very remote and primitive site and cell service using Verizon and T-Mobile hotspot was weak.

Coffeeville Pool at 32.82.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Three Rivers Lake

Reviewed by: Dan Coyle on May 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 53'
Draft: 4.8'

Entered creek mid-afternoon May 12, 2022. Water depths were good with more then 10ft in the middle between the banks. Fallen trees along both sides but our 53' Carver raised pilothouse had no trouble navigating between what I estimate was a 40+ ft open path. We traveled all the way through the narrow area to where the lake was visible ahead of us. However, we could not enter the lake due to shallow water. After 3 attempts to fine a path through for my 4'9" draft boat, we gave up, backed up about 100 ft and anchored to the port side (south) and tied stern to a downed tree. Very quite and peaceful until about 5:30am when numerous bass-type boats began speeding by. About 8:00am we pulled up anchor from what appeared to be sandy mud, turned around and headed back to the river. This is a very remote and primitive site and cell service using Verizon and T-Mobile hotspot was week.

Elevation at Leroy gage (mile 89.5) 4.77.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Fly Creek Marina

Reviewed by: Dan Coyle on Dec 22, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 53'
Draft: 4.8'

Rating: 4

We stayed 3 days on our trip south to the gulf. No one available over weekend but very helpful and friendly during the week. Shallow hump in center of channel at east end of city docks, stay close to south side as approaching the marina wall. We enjoyed the restaurant. On our way back north we chose this marina again to leave our boat until warmer weather.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Saunders Marine Center - Orange Beach

Reviewed by: Dan Coyle on Nov 18, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 53'
Draft: 4.8'

Rating: 5

The Saunders GM for the Orange Beach facility (Scott Forbes) has gone above and beyond in his customer service. The Gulf Shores office dropped the ball but Scott made it happen for us at the Orange Beach site.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer