Reviews from Jessica Knapp (21)

Marina Review for St. Augustine Municipal Marina

Reviewed by: Jessica Knapp , What Could Go Wrong, on Nov 11, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 1

DO NOT go here for customer service. The staff is RUDE. Also, neglected to mention anywhere, there is construction going on along the waterfront beginning at 4am. The construction stops on the weekend, which is replaced with the bar noise.

The convenience of the location is great. Except you have to walk around the construction.

The bathrooms are barely clean. Laundry is in good working order.

Would never stay here again after dealing with the staff.

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Marina Review for Osprey Marina

Reviewed by: Jessica Knapp , What Could Go Wrong, on Oct 11, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Brian on the dock was excellent. Bathrooms were exceedingly clean and the facility was well taken care of. We ubered to lunch and Walgreens for $10. There isn't much in the immediate area, but for a stop over in a quiet well run establishment, it was nice.

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Marina Review for Lightkeepers Marina

Reviewed by: Jessica Knapp , What Could Go Wrong, on Oct 11, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Very good staff and nice marina. It is a bit far out from any provisioning, but ubering was easy. The bathroom was beautiful and the pool was refreshing and clean. There is a gas / pumpout area around the corner for convenience. We were able to do a nice 3 mile walk along the boardwalk with the dogs on leash. All in all it was a nice place to spend the night.

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Free Dock Review for Belhaven Town Docks at Cooperage Landing

Reviewed by: Jessica Knapp, What Could Go Wrong, on Oct 1, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

Great for a free dock! Sturdy! Easy to tie to the pilings. Easy walk with dogs to town and to the grocery store.

One note of caution: Watch your wind and water. The dock is fixed and short mostly (there are some higher up pilings but most are low and the dock is low). If your wind kicks up, you REALLY need to mind where you are on the dock. If there is surge for some reason, you do not want to be on the short pilings. Lesson learned here during Ophelia Tropical Storm.

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Marina Review for Maritime Museum Gallants Channel Annex

Reviewed by: Jessica Knapp , What Could Go Wrong, on Oct 1, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Listen, for the price, this can not be beat. We were here for a week. There is a porta potty off the dock. There is water and electric on the floating docks. It is about a mile to Beaufort downtown walking and it is a nice walk with the dogs. We rented a car in Moorehead City and the Uber cost about $20. We really enjoyed our stay and Brent is a great person. Very easy to get along with. The location was convenient and the simple mooring was perfect.

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Marina Review for Alligator River Marina

Reviewed by: Jessica Knapp , What Could Go Wrong, on Sep 21, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 2

I have committed to reviewing every marina I am staying at along the ICW and Bahamas that is on Waterway, so I am writing this. But essentially, I want to write, "see the review before mine."
This is a gas station with a dock. It was convenient for our overall travel plan, but we pulled out as early as we could after 1 night of docking. It is really noisy and not a great place to sleep. If you are not travelling with dogs and are traveling South and can grab an anchor in the river, I would highly recommend that over this. Just my $.02.

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Marina Review for Shallowbag Bay Marina

Reviewed by: Jessica Knapp , What Could Go Wrong, on Sep 20, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

I can't say enough good things about Manteo itself and Tim the dockmaster of this marina. Those two criteria make this a MUST STOP for us. Tim was incredibly helpful and accommodating and just an all around great person.

Manteo and the surrounding area are beautiful. This was a must stop for us to see the area and we stayed 3 days on our way south. The marina was quiet, for the most part. As has been said, there is some commercial traffic and some that woke us up at 3am, which was not ideal, but overall not the end of the world. The showers and pool were perfect for transient boating. All you can ask for. The laundry was serviceable and the restaurant on site was a bit of a miss for us. We had one day (a Sunday) where it took a half hour to get a drink and it wasn't busy at all. Then we showed up for a night cap at 8pm on Monday and the staff informed us they closed early because they weren't busy. Then they were closed altogether on Tuesday. So all in all the restaurant was unimpressive. The grounds were perfect for our pooches and the proximity to town was ideal for us walkers. The wifi was non existent and really is the reason this gets 4 stars for me. We have been traveling for a month on our power boat and we have learned that what makes the difference between anchorage and marina is shower, laundry, groceries and wifi. If those things aren't in A+ standard it detracts from the $40 to $80 we are paying a night. So no wifi knocked this one.
Again, I can't say enough about Manteo itself. I hope if you visit you get out and get around. There is a great car rental less than 1/2 mile from Shallowbag and you can get a great feel for the Outerbanks with a day or two. Say hi to Tim for us if you do stop by!

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Marina Review for Coinjock Marina & Restaurant

Reviewed by: Jessica Knapp , What Could Go Wrong, on Sep 17, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

We stopped along the ICW for the reputed prime rib and it did not disappoint. We were not waked overnight and got a great nights' sleep. The staff appeared a little overworked or overtired (we are traveling in September) with some sarcasm and quips for things like sitting in the wrong unmarked area and turning off our engines before the tie was looped. Silly things, in my opinion, but clearly small daily annoyances that are adding up for the staff.
Someone in reviews here says this is a good place to walk a dog. I would just caution that it is on a pretty busy road with no curb or walking area. We have two dogs and it was difficult to walk them too far.
I would recommend stopping if you need to relieve the miles, but it isn't a MUST DO.

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Marina Review for Atlantic Yacht Basin, Inc.

Reviewed by: Jessica Knapp , What Could Go Wrong, on Sep 17, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

This looks like what everyone has stated, a very industrial great place to get repairs done if you need it. Gas is very cheap! It is also very close to anything and everything you need for provisioning.

We did not have great staff attention at all. In fact, when we left I couldn't find anyone that works there and I called on the radio and the phone. When we docked the night before, a staff member told us, "I'll be right there" and we waited over 1/2 hour before we decided to go to dinner and check back in with him when we got back.
The wakes were not bad at all. The tie up was very quiet and we slept well. We had great wind and no weather.

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Anchorage Review for Hampton River - North of Bridge

Reviewed by: Jessica Knapp, What Could Go Wrong, on Sep 16, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

This is really a great anchorage for anyone looking for town access. The crab pots were ridiculous and we had to wedge ourselves in. The dinghy dock just north of Settlers bridge on the west side steps up to a marina, a park, a beautiful row of restaurants on Queen Street and easy access to uber for groceries / laundry. There didn't appear to be any of those in the immediate area.

I did see that two large sail boats anchored south of Settlers bridge. They seemed to have much better wind protection than we had and they were better wake protected being in front of a marina. If I was to come back, I would do that. The depths all appeared the same in both locations.

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Marina Review for Safe Harbor Zahnisers

Reviewed by: Jessica Knapp , What Could Go Wrong, on Sep 11, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

This really is a premium marina. We paid $60 for a mooring ball which seemed a little high until we got to the marina and enjoyed everything it had to offer. The facilities were sparkling and Dave, the dockmaster, was beyond helpful. The ONLY complaint I have is there is no wifi on a mooring ball, but I could get wifi at the pool, so it gave me an excuse to soak up some sun, dip in the cool water and enjoy a docktail at the pool bar!

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Marina Review for Haven Harbour Marina

Reviewed by: Jessica Knapp , What Could Go Wrong, on Sep 10, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

We were on a mooring ball for a few nights. This is a GREAT marina with a beautiful pool, bikes and amazing staff. The dinghy dock was a little far from the moorings and the bathrooms were pretty run down for such a nice marina, but overall we had a great stay. The sunsets were beautiful from the mooring field and protection from wakes and wind was excellent.

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Anchorage Review for Fairlee Creek

Reviewed by: Jessica Knapp, What Could Go Wrong, on Sep 7, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

As has been noted, it is a tricky entry, but we saw 5 feet at lowest at slack tide and once we were in the bay, we saw 8+ feet in full swing. In September of 2023 there were no trot-line buoys at all.

We came in on Monday of Labor Day and Jellyfish Joel's was hopping. It was fun and they closed up around 6pm and the anchorage became serene. It was a great mix of party / quiet atmosphere.

We anchored two days. There was no wind to speak of and temps reached about 91. There is very little to lend itself to any shade in this anchorage and these are not conditions I would suggest for future boaters. It was HOT! But, we stayed in the water and ran our fans and made it through. If you are lucky enough to have a good power source and air conditioning, you'll be fine.

There are three lovely beaches for the dogs to run. The dogs were welcome at the bar and there was a nice walking trail up the driveway of the Yacht Club there.

I highly recommend this anchorage. Beautiful sunsets!

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Marina Review for Bohemia Bay Yacht Harbour

Reviewed by: Jessica Knapp , What Could Go Wrong, on Sep 5, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

Really great staff!

This marina is a $20 to $30 cab ride to grocery stores or restaurants.

As has been mentioned, transients are put on their fuel dock in front of the fuel so the many boaters on a busy labor day weekend (when we stayed) that need gas pass your boat constantly. It is not an issue at night, but the day is very rocky / rolly.

Very dog friendly and great amenities with a pool and showers and laundry. The showers and laundry had a few problems with working properly, but there are plenty of them so finding working ones was not an issue.

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Anchorage Review for Cohansey River - Greenwich Pier

Reviewed by: Jessica Knapp, What Could Go Wrong, on Aug 31, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

We took some of the reviews suggestions and anchored South of the marker. We had to work a little at anchoring with a Danforth (3 Tries), but once we were stuck, we were stuck for the night in the rapid water with significant tidal increase (5ft).

This truly is a scenic spot. Worth going up river a bit to get out of any wind (we were traveling in 10 to 20kts of NNE in Delaware Bay) and enjoy the beautiful sunset. The flies are real in all that marsh, but good screens do the trick.

The dogs loved the dock walk and the locals were friendly.

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Marina Review for Farley State Marina at Golden Nugget Casino & Hotel

Reviewed by: Jessica Knapp , What Could Go Wrong, on Aug 29, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

Not much to say that hasn't been said. The dock hands are great and the pump out is awesome. I thought it was too expensive and the bathrooms very shabby. I can overlook how old they are, they just aren't well taken care of. Laundry was efficient and the food at the mexican restaurant was excellent.

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Anchorage Review for Barnegat Harbor - B

Reviewed by: Jessica Knapp, What Could Go Wrong, on Aug 28, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Follow your chart plotter! There are some confusing markers in the back of the bay and they threw us off. We were dummies and did not follow our Garmin and, sure enough, ran aground. It was a simple enough fix with 2 feet of incoming tide, but be warned.
The holding here is amazing. Our Danforth stuck like it was glued in.
This was a great place for the dogs. There are two areas to beach a dinghy: 1) at the public boat launch and 2) (Closer to this anchorage) a little beach with great tie off just South of Viking Village. There is a little market and about 4 or 5 restaurants within walking distance. I consider 2 miles walking distance.
In this anchorage, there is a commercial dock that sends out commercial boats at all different times. Sleeping was only interrupted by the noises. Wakes were minimal, if at all and wind in the harbor was very calm for us.

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Anchorage Review for The Glimmer Glass

Reviewed by: Jessica Knapp, What Could Go Wrong, on Aug 27, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

We were there on a Saturday evening. After reading the reviews here, we were definitely concerned, but decided to see for ourselves how it might work. It is a fantastic holding! Great shore access if you have dogs. Very pretty bridge and sunset.
What is VERY awkward for me, is it was in people's front yards. We essentially parked our boat on their lawns. It also is VERY shallow and VERY narrow (the bridge itself had our 15 ft beam and 20 ft overhead squeezing through at full open). I guess my husband and I just enjoy the challenge of these things and didn't mind.
We loved the quiet (the trains stop running frequently after about 8p and the house noise was limited) and the holding. We had one lovely night, talked to a few of the local owners and left fairly early in the morning to catch the higher tide.

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Marina Review for Fair Haven Yacht Works

Reviewed by: Jessica Knapp , What Could Go Wrong, on Aug 26, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

We had opportunity to stay 3 nights here as we fixed a few minor boat problems. Mike (manager), Steve and Rich really helped us out. We stayed on a mooring ball for $45 a night. There is a convenient launch, but they also accommodated our dinghy for frequent and late night trips to shore. There are showers and bathrooms, pumpout and water. The only thing missing is gas, but that is pretty close.
I can not tell anyone enough how professional and nice this group of people are. They made our stay a pleasure in so many ways.
There are cafes, grocery, laundry and car rental all within walking distance. (We walked two miles for the car rental.) If you have dogs, there is a small park and beach for play and walking. The neighborhood is also fantastic for good long walks. The local businesses treated our dogs like kings. If you are walkers, do not miss the Broad street area for a look at a little New Jersey main street and do not miss Barnacle Bills for a great burger and beer.

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Anchorage Review for Leeds Pond - Manhasset Bay

Reviewed by: Jessica Knapp, What Could Go Wrong, on Aug 23, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Spent a night here on our way from CT down the ICW. We wanted to get a early daytime start through New York and this seemed like a good way station.
It was beautiful, quiet, calm and relaxing. Honestly the best night of sleep I'd gotten in 3 days. Amenities are zilch, as it is a small stretch of beach. But some research showed that we could have dinghied up the shore line about a mile and found any provisioning. We didn't need anything for the night and just enjoyed a BEAUTIFUL Sunset and quiet at this lovely anchor.

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Marina Review for Port Jefferson Launch Service Moorings

Reviewed by: Jessica Knapp , What Could Go Wrong, on Aug 22, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

We have stayed in this harbor twice. The first time at anchor which is pretty far from the town and dinghy docking is not obvious. So this time we stayed on a mooring ball for $65. It was super easy to hail the tender and get to town. It is really a cute town to walk around. We ate at JoeZ's off the main road with our dogs outside. The food was delicious, the drinks strong and they were very nice to our puppies. There aren't many facilities at all here and like I said, nothing is obvious. You have to hunt around and ask for what you need.

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