Reviews from Joe McFarland (6)

Anchorage Review for South Bass Island

Reviewed by: Joe McFarland, Wild Irish, on Jul 2, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

No protection from any north element. Rock bottom and gets shallow quick. I have anchored here 3 times. Stuck on the rock bottom once and last night rode out a storm system from the NW - only slept 1 hour and got out at sun up. Lake Erie weather can be dicey. Also subject to large boat wakes. Stay on boat for best outcome.

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Anchorage Review for Lorain Harbor

Reviewed by: Joe McFarland, Wild Irish, on Jun 22, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

I've spent many, many nights over two decades anchored in this area, never had a problem. Once I took shelter here from a massive thunderstorm blowing over 30 knot north winds, excellent mud bottom. I anchor on the east side center of the break wall. No boat traffic and very little wake from other boats. Very peaceful and quiet here too. Will spend two nights here for this stay. I've never gone to shore at this anchorage.

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Marina Review for Lorain Sailing and Yacht Club-PRIVATE

Reviewed by: Joe McFarland , Wild Irish, on Jun 22, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Stopped here for the night, ended up staying for two nights. Great group of people, excellent floating docks, and the lowest gas price I found. 10' at the docks. There is a Dollar General and Save-A-Lot grocery within walking distance (across the bridge).

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Anchorage Review for Misery Bay

Reviewed by: Joe McFarland, Wild Irish, on Jun 17, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

Anchored here for a few days to let some bad weather (15-20 kt west winds) pass. The water is deep enough to get in but be aware that there is very thick sea grass and my depth sounder shows 3.5' although I'm probably in at least 10' of water (per my anchor drop). My boat draws 5.2'. Relocated once further in to get out of a surge from the main bay. The anchor pulled up a lot of grass. Further in (north), the grass gets thicker. My Spade anchor had no problem digging to the soft bottom. Misery Bay is protected from everything but the south which may produce a heavy chop if the wind is blowing hard.

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Free Dock Review for West Canal Marina

Reviewed by: Joe McFarland, Wild Irish, on Jun 15, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Nice looking place, unfortunately I could not land. Depth at east end 4.7' depth at west end 5.0'. My boat draws 5.2'. Note, goes from 10' to 5' quick. Was stuck twice trying. Soft muddy bottom where I was at.

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Free Dock Review for Village of Holley Canal Park

Reviewed by: Joe McFarland, Wild Irish, on Jun 10, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 30'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Stayed here for the night and it was great. Free dock has 30 amp power outlets with water. Bathrooms and showers. East access to the town which has great restaurants and a train depot / museum which is why I wanted to stay here. No train noise and only the one lift bridge (to the west) which is not bad.

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