Reviews from Grant Eagle (6)
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Marina Review for North Shore Marina
Reviewed by:
Grant Eagle
, Call Me Curly,
on Sep 16, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 3.5'Rating: 5
We sustained substantial damage on our boat when a cleat was pulled out of our stern along with a large chuck of fiberglass. The first stop after our mishap was Grand Haven where there were three marinas which had the capability to repair this damage. I am always apprehensive with large boat repairs as you always feel you are a captive customer. I chose North Shore Marina where Tom told me they could handle the repairs in the next two weeks, one of which included Labor Day weekend with a short work week. He provided a written quote for the work by e-mail. Luckily, we had planned on returning home for a week from that location, so the extra week was not really an issue. Throughout the following two week, Tom kept me up to date with the progress of the repairs and always responding to my inquiries the same day. In the end, when we arrived to launch to boat, the work had been done perfectly. Tom allowed access for us to unload a car full of provisions on the Sunday before launch while the boat was still in the paint shop. After returning our rental car and returning for the launch on the Monday, we arrived to find the boat on the travel-lift and ready to go. When I went in to take care of business, I was handed an invoice which was considerably less than the amount quoted, plus they had done additional work on some swim platform damage which I had actually declined on their earlier offer to correct. I can't say enough about the professionalism on the way this was handled by Tom and his crew from start to finish. It is always a bonus to have your faith restored in a business where most seem out to maximize profit and do little to promote integrity. I would certainly recommend North Shore Marina for any boat repairs you may need.
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Marina Review for JP's Marine
Reviewed by:
Grant Eagle
, Call Me Curly,
on Aug 2, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 3.5'Rating: 3
The facilities here were somewhat deteriorating. The marina staff was very good at getting us into a slip which could have been a little dicey under adverse conditions. There were very few power pedestals, and we required an extension to get us to the power source end of the far end of the dock (as was the case for our two other travelling companions) to connect. There were several electrical conduits sticking up through the floating docks, cut off (with rough edges) at the dock which implied that there was an intension to put pedestals in at some point, but that had not happened. The marine store appeared to be fairly well equipped. The marina is in easy walking distance to downtown Alexandria Bay, which was a plus. For the price of admission, I don't think I would return.
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Marina Review for Winter Harbor Marina
Reviewed by:
Grant Eagle
, Call Me Curly,
on Aug 2, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 3.5'Rating: 5
This is probably the best value marina that we have stayed at on the great loop. The marina has a great grounds area with grassy spaces for dogs (although I had to borrow our friends else's to use it), and has loaner vehicles (my wife used it). The dock hand Griffin was a charm. Although he treated us like we had just stepped onto a boat yesterday (we have years of experience), he was one of the most polite young men we have met. Now that I have passed through, I would suggest that they raise their prices - lol.
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Marina Review for Utsch's Marina
Reviewed by:
Grant Eagle
, Call Me Curly,
on Jul 3, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 3.5'Rating: 2
We arrived on a Sunday, June 25 and left on Friday, waiting for the weather to co-operate before travelling North. Apparently, their pump out has not worked since last year some time, and there is no indication that they have any intentions of ever fixing it. Had we been informed of this when we booked, we would have pumped out in Delaware City before leaving. Waterway Guide should immediately remove this amenity from their listing for this marina. There was a gift bag provided when we checked in, which is a nice gesture. However, included with our check-in items was a washroom/shower key attached to an oversized ugly wooden fob the size of a dinner plate. I asked the next day if I could swap this monstrosity out for just a key, but apparently all keys were on the same ugly fobs and the keys could not be removed from them. Please folks - where has common sense gone. Such an easy fix to an annoying issue! On the goods side, the personnel, (especially in the ships store) were very good and helpful. The marina was very busy during our time there, and there were few empty slips. It appears that the money being taken in by the owners is not being re-invested into upgrades. As noted in a previous review, I see little need in advertising their political views in the fishing/tackle store and elsewhere. Most transient boaters are not interested, or may think twice about supporting you if that is your view. Keep it to yourself.
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Marina Review for Carolina Beach Yacht Club & Marina
Reviewed by:
Grant Eagle
, Call Me Curly,
on May 28, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 3.5'Rating: 1
We are 65% through our great loop since starting in Georgian Bay. This is without question, the worst marina we have stayed at. Arrived in strong current and high winds. Could not raise anyone on the radio for our slip assignment after 20 minutes trying. Finally went to the fuel dock where we saw one young dock hand. When I asked why they don't respond to radio calls, he said he left his radio in the office. I questioned what good it did him there? After tying up, he left and came back shortly after. I told him the boat following us was trying to raise him on the radio, and where was his radio? He apologized and said he left it behind. After getting off the boat, a quick look at the dock indicated it was under construction and was a total disaster - an accident waiting to happen - piles of screws strewn all over, planks missing and trip hazards all around. The office for checking in was no better. It looked like a construction site (maybe it was) with work tables and tools all around. I paid my $2.00 a foot and got no instructions or codes for the washrooms/showers (which I would not have wanted to see based on everything else I had seen). Being on the outside fuel dock, we were rocked by the wake of boats all afternoon. I am not sure why the "NO WAKE" signs are not posted in front of this dock, but are only posted further South down the channel. We had fueled up in Myrtle Beach Yacht Club at $3.39 a gallon. Diesel here is $5.79 a gallon (go figure). We would never consider coming back to this marina. Obviously, things have changed since others reviewed this place in 2022.
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Marina Review for South Haven Municipal Marina - Southside Marina
Reviewed by:
Grant Eagle
, Call Me Curly,
on Sep 7, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 3.5'Rating: 2
Very disappointed after hearing so many good things, especially disappointed with our slip assignment. We were assigned a slip which allowed us about 8" on each side between the dock and outside post. Much too small a slip for our 47 ft. boat with a 15 ft. beam. Stern end cleat was secured by one bolt. Worst slip we have had since the beginning of our loop. Dangerous for us getting off and on the boat with dock height and wrong side for the tie. We asked for alternative on approach, but were told there was not a port side tie. We found that we could have been placed on the outer dock as there was room. Had a few other small issues based on inexperience of the personnel on duty. Don't want to give the marina or town a bad wrap as we are only here for one night, but I will be glad to move on.
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