Reviews from Tom Brown (10)

Anchorage Review for Manasota Key - Peterson Island

Reviewed by: Tom Brown, Key 2 Cay, on Feb 19, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.5'

We anchored here for two nights in February 2025. The Stump Pass Beach State Park has been closed since Hurricane Milton split the pensisula from the main island. The locals all use the inland side of the island to anchor their boats and enjoy the beach for the day. The island shows significant vegetation scaring from the hurricane.

We anchored in the middle of the channel, using a second stern anchor to prevent us from swinging. Although significant boat traffic comes through the channel throughout the day, it is quiet and peaceful at night.

I will warn anyone interested in coming in from the south not to cut the corner too early. I did and ran us aground in a sandy shoal. Fortunately, the tide was rising and the boats coming by kept rocking us. We broke free after about a half hour. There is plenty of depth in the center of Peterson's Cut.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Uncle Henry's Marina

Reviewed by: Tom Brown , Key 2 Cay, on Feb 17, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

The facility recently reopened following storm damage. It has nice restrooms with private shower stalls, and the laundry room has two coin-operated washers and dryers. They have fuel, but their pump-out station was not operational. The marina is at the end of a golf cart path leading into town. We used our scooters to go to town for groceries and hardware. I would stay here again.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for The Marina at Edison Ford

Reviewed by: Tom Brown , Key 2 Cay, on Feb 8, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

We just completed a week long stay at The Marina at Edison Ford and loved it. The staff were all friendly and the facilities are bouncing back after several hurricanes. They have brand new washers and dryers; a new boater's lounge; and nice private shower rooms. Convenient to downtown Fort Myers with a trolley service. East walking distance to a Publix; UPS store; and liquor store. Adjacent to the Edison Ford Winter Estate museum, a fascinating look into the past of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford and their families. I highly recommend this marina.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for South Bay Basin

Reviewed by: Tom Brown, Key 2 Cay, on Jan 31, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.5'

We spent two nights at anchor here. During the day you get some people fishing the edge of the vegetation. It's an easy dinghy ride to the public launch and landing on the south side of the rim canal. There is a paved trail on the top of the dike that allows for exercising. Fascinating to watch the wildlife in the lagoon.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for 3 Knots Marine

Reviewed by: Tom Brown , Key 2 Cay, on Jun 8, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Patrick goes out of his way to accommodate his visitors. He met us at the dock as we came in and helped tie us up. He has a nice captain's lounge and a super bathroom for his guests. He has Starlink internet service for the guests. The dock location is central to the Ewell settlement and easily walkable. It is worth visiting the Cultural Center if you get in before 4:00 pm.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Redbird Creek

Reviewed by: Tom Brown, Key 2 Cay, on Apr 5, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.5'

We arrived and set our anchor with 8+ feet in a rising tide. No issues getting a good anchor hold. The boat swings with the current by the tidal changes. Using Starlink
as well as a T-Moblie 5G hotspot for our internet. My wife taught two classes last night without any internet interruption. Verizon service was limited to one to two bars. Beautiful quiet setting.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Thunderbolt Marine

Reviewed by: Tom Brown , Key 2 Cay, on Apr 4, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

The staff and facilities were perfect for what we needed. A courtesy car allowed us to provision both food and supplies. The shower facilities were well-appointed. Laundry facilities provided what we needed at a reasonable rate. Greg and the staff were there to ensure our stays were safe and pleasant.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Homer Smith Docks and Marina

Reviewed by: Tom Brown , Key 2 Cay, on Mar 18, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Awesome Marina. Great docks, shower facilities, courtesy car, and free ice. The staff was super helpful as well. Will definitely return I the future.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Duck Creek Marina & Boatyard

Reviewed by: Tom Brown , Key 2 Cay, on Dec 29, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

We had our 36-foot trawler, Key 2 Cay, hauled out at Duck Creek Marina in June 2023. We remained in the yard for five months. The Duck Creek staff was courteous, very knowledgeable, and provided excellent skilled service throughout our stay. Whether we needed their experienced labor or professional advice they were there for us through the process of doing extensive bottom repairs that included significant blister repairs, thru hull replacements, bottom preparation, priming, and painting. Additionally, we had rigging upgrades, prop work, gland packings, and other refit repairs completed during our stay. They were instrumental in getting our old trawler properly serviced and back in the water providing my wife and me the confidence that our boat is ready for distance cruising. I highly recommend Duck Creek Marina and Boatyard and their staff for your powerboat or sailboat boatyard needs.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for River Dunes Marina at Grace Harbor

Reviewed by: Tom Brown , Key 2 Cay, on Dec 25, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Scott and his team always provide us with first-rate service when fueling our boats. We are so lucky to have a great fuel dock so conveniently located near our home dock.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer