Reviews from Lane DeVries (23)

Anchorage Review for Ingram Bayou

Reviewed by: Lane DeVries on Dec 3, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.2'

Scenic, quiet and undeveloped area to drop the hook! What a wonderful anchorage! We'd take one like this every night of the week! The hook set on the first try, came up with large gray chunks of mud, but washed clean easily. Wind protection from everywhere except the south. The topper was a coyote howling at night! Excellent stop!

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Marina Review for Fairhope Docks Marina

Reviewed by: Lane DeVries on Dec 2, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.2'

Rating: 3

The Marina staff were extremely helpful and friendly! But we encountered several downsides:
1. The Marina is on the opposite side of the bay from the town, so getting to town is $15-20 taxi ride each way.
2. The channel is shallow coming in and out of the marina. Going out an hour before low tide we were pushing silt for 50 yards.
3. We couldn't pump out an hour and a half before low tide because it was in 3 feet of water. Good thing we didn't need fuel.
There are 2 baths, both with showers, and free laundry. It's not a great spot for $1.75/ft.

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  The town of Mobile is across the bay. Fairhope is less than two miles.

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Marina Review for Grand Mariner Marina & Restaurant

Reviewed by: Lane DeVries on Dec 2, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.2'

Rating: 5

Friendly, helpful, accommodating, and kind people run this marina! We couldn't have been happier here and decided to stay an extra day because of it! Bill and his son (so sorry we didn't get his name) are willing to go the extra mile to be helpful! The bathrooms and shower were super clean. Although there wasn't any live music when we were there, the downstairs area is protected from the wind, has heaters they welcomed us to use (chilly when we were there), 3 large-screen tvs, and close to where we were docked! The upstairs restaurant had excellent food, local crab claws for appetizers (though it is a bit pricey), and creative cocktails. That restaurant did not share the dock bathrooms. We found the marina well-maintained and very friendly and would definitely recommend it!

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Anchorage Review for Sunflower East

Reviewed by: Lane DeVries on Nov 26, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.2'

This stretch of the Tombigbee seems to have nearly all anchorages along the side of the channel, not tucked off in a creek or a cut which is what we prefer. However, the river is nice and wide here, enough for four boats to comfortably fit. We had a little trouble getting the anchor to grab (as did our buddy boat) where we dropped the hook in 12 feet, but once it did we didn't move all night. One barge passed after we anchored who said we were in a good position off the channel (and we were rafted). Only one barge passed early in the morning but the wake was very minimal.

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Anchorage Review for Okatuppa Creek

Reviewed by: Lane DeVries on Nov 26, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.2'

Beautiful little anchorage tucked nicely off the Channel of Tombigbee! Not super wide, but wide enough that we could cross anchor with our buddy boat, bow to stern, which held us securely in place. The minimal current wouldn't be enough to hold a boat in the center, so a stern anchor would be necessary otherwise. Protected, quiet and lovely spot. There were quite a few fishing boats running in and out, but their wakes weren't an issue at all. Excellent anchorage for us!

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Marina Review for Kingfisher Bay Marina

Reviewed by: Lane DeVries on Nov 26, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.2'

Rating: 5

Friendly and helpful staff! Great place to spend a couple of nights. Courtesy car is a bonus to have for provisioning and going out for a nice dinner. Laundry, restrooms and showers are clean as a whistle. Lots of Loopers enjoying this marina and time together!

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Anchorage Review for Columbus Oxbow

Reviewed by: Lane DeVries on Nov 22, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.2'

We stopped short of the railroad bridge, just past the last of the barge operations, to anchor in about 10 feet of water. A flotilla of 10 boats were locking all day, slowing the travel speed, so unfortunately we came in at dark and disappointingly were unable to enjoy Columbus (Gin Ivory's review really made us want to experience it too!). The anchorage wasn't horrible, but it was fairly narrow where we dropped the hook, hence the lower rating on this anchorage. The other review is correct on entering from the south.

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Anchorage Review for Tombigbee Oxbow

Reviewed by: Lane DeVries on Nov 22, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.2'

This was a beautiful anchorage! We tucked fairly far into the middle of the channel, about 150 yards past the boat ramp, and anchored in 13 feet of water. Quiet and lovely place to spend the night!

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  Note: Demopolis Pool 74.6 feet.

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Anchorage Review for Zippy Cove

Reviewed by: Lane DeVries on Nov 19, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.2'

At winter pool, 3 boats stayed in the Cove; we anchored in approximately 16 feet of water (we were closest to the channel so boats further in would have had shallower depths). Good spot to anchor with no issues!

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Marina Review for Florence Harbor Marina

Reviewed by: Lane DeVries on Nov 19, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.2'

Rating: 5

I cannot say enough good things about this marina and the readily available places to visit and enjoy. This is one of the finest areas you can visit by water!

First the Marina: Eva (her dad built the marina in 1998) and her husband, Kyle, are amazingly welcoming, caring and kind. Their attitudes are positive; "We aren't perfect but we sure try to make everyone happy!" It's a wonderful marina to spend time in and they're generous in letting boaters use their courtesy vehicle with no additional cost to pump out!

The area, Florence and Muscle Shoals towns, offer a wealth of interesting places to visit and history to learn. Some of our very favorites included: FAME Music Studio, Muscle Shoals Music Studio, Helen Keller Birthplace, Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House, Tom's Wall, Coon Dog Cemetery, Rattlesnake Bar and local watering holes with live music. The area is a "gotta visit" kind of place!

One great tip we received from the Visitor's Center (worth the walk around to visit there as they provide lots of brochures and ideas for visitors!) is to rent a vehicle from the Long-Lewis Ford dealer in Muscles Shoals! We used the courtesy van to get to the dealership and paid only $112 for 3 days and drove a Lincoln Coursair with only 500 miles on it.

Loved this place and would definitely return!

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Anchorage Review for Panther Creek

Reviewed by: Lane DeVries on Nov 15, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.2'

Gorgeous bay surrounded by lovely wooded low hills. We dropped anchor in 7.5-8' of water off of the boat ramp and didn't budge all night, with plenty of room to swing if we had. There were only 3 boats in the anchorage, but many more could have fit comfortably. Clay and mud slid right off the anchor nicely. This anchorage is truly a first-choice anchorage for the area!

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Anchorage Review for Swallow Bluff Island

Reviewed by: Lane DeVries on Nov 14, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.2'

Anchored in 15 feet of water in the channel behind Swallow Bluff Island. Anchor dug in first drop, held in sand and came up clean. Great anchorage with four of us boats anchoring for the night, and there was room for additional boats. Nice spot to drop the hook!

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Anchorage Review for Clay Bay

Reviewed by: Lane DeVries on Nov 12, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.2'

Gorgeous bay with lovely wooded hillside surrounding the cove. Quiet and serene. No problems with depth going in or out. We anchored in 9' of water and were not disturbed by any wake or other boats. There's plenty of room for additional boats. We have a dog, but she's older and happy enough to use the pad on the stern of the boat, so we can't speak on the issue of shore access, but it looked easily accessible with a dingy.

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Marina Review for Prizer Point Marina & Resort

Reviewed by: Lane DeVries on Nov 4, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.2'

Rating: 5

This Resort, a Marina and KOA Campground, is an inexpensive gem! It was very tricky to come into due to very shallow waters and two misplaced ATONs, two red ones parallel with each other and one really badly misplaced. We tried two routes first, getting into less than a foot of water under our keel, but backed out again. Thankfully Tiffany FaceTimed us and helped guide us right into the marina. The channel indicated on Navionics was correct, so let that be your guide, not necessarily the ATONs.

Two helpful, friendly guys, Lawrence and Pete, caught lines for us, helped us fuel up (cheapest gas around) and pump out (free!) and get us tied up on a long dock. Lawrence is also the cook at the in-house restaurant, so we decided to go in and get a good burger and fries. The menu was limited due to the Resort closing for the season on November 11, about a week from when we were there.

Truly a beautiful area with electric, water, laundry facilities (although we didn't use them) and Tiffany even offered to find us a courtesy car if we needed one! For only $1/ft, we'll stop back here on our way back from Nashville!

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Marina Review for South Bay Cove Yacht Haven

Reviewed by: Lane DeVries on Jun 29, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.2'

Rating: 5

This small marina is a gem! Dock hands (notably Stella) stayed late to help us catch lines and dock. Stella asked if we had any garbage that she take care of for us (we've never been asked that before! Impressively kind and thoughtful!). Beautiful floating docks and very friendly seasonal patrons offered to take us to town to provision or pick up a marine part. The restaurant onsite was a delicious meal. Washrooms are clean; showers are individual with sinks. Laundry and ice are available (ice is $3CA/bag). Cost is affordable: $2/foot (don't think we got any AGLCA discount); diesel, gas and pump-out also available onsite. Really nice place which is definitely worth a visit!!

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Marina Review for Prinyers Cove Marina

Reviewed by: Lane DeVries on Jun 13, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.2'

Rating: 5

The new owners, Dave and Emily (since October 2023), are helpful and extremely nice. They've already been making improvements to the Marina and will no doubt continue to do so! Beautiful, quiet and pristine waters, a Loon greeted us as we docked at their marina, forcefully and loud. It was stunning. Their facilities are wonderful: a lovely Club House with 2 1/2 baths (showers and all are clean!), laundry (only $2 honor system) and coffee in the morning. They're working on improving the pump out system; potable water not available dockside. There are 3 different fire pits and 3 grills behind the Club House. Such a picturesque spot. We loved it! We'll be back!

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Marina Review for Ess-Kay Yards Inc.

Reviewed by: Lane DeVries on Jun 9, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.2'

Rating: 5

Fabulous stop for numerous reasons: great location just off Oneida Lake; amazing ship store with anything you might need, reasonably priced; Kim and her crew are there to catch lines, pump gas and help pump out; still only $1.25 per foot docking fee, with no extra charge for 30 or 50 amp electricity; free water, and water pump out $12; 10% AGLCA discount for members (everything but gas it appears); decent toilets and showers; AND a courtesy car available to use! Kim is very knowledgeable and friendly! There is not an on-site laundry facility, but you may use the courtesy car to access a laundromat. We really enjoyed our stay and would come back again!

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Marina Review for Castleton Boat Club - PRIVATE

Reviewed by: Lane DeVries on Jun 2, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.2'

Rating: 5

Castleton Boat Club claims to be the "Friendliest Club on the River" and our experience proved that to be true! A great small marina for the price (only $2.25/foot)! They offer bathrooms, showers, diesel (though pricey), pump out, water and electricity. They also have a crane onsite to step sailboats' masts. Their Clubhouse has occasional meals and inexpensive drinks. Members are friendly and willing to share info with transient boaters, while enjoying a drink under their "Tree of Lost Ambition." A fun and friendly spot to stop!

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Anchorage Review for Hudson Park

Reviewed by: Lane DeVries on May 30, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.2'

Also known as Ross Dock Park, this anchorage is good. Beautiful view of the NY skyline framed by the Geo Washington Bridge and NJ Palisades cliffs. Wind protection from only the west and a fairly strong current with the changing tides. There's a nice public park with a playground and picnic area you could dingy into to relieve your pet as well as a beautiful walking trail running along the Hudson River. Very limited boat traffic (only saw one ferry) in a wide part of the River. Excellent spot to drop the hook for the night!

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Marina Review for Horn Point Harbor Marina

Reviewed by: Lane DeVries on May 25, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.2'

Rating: 4

It's a nice marina for the money, close enough to bike to lots of areas, including excellent restaurants and the Naval Academy, but we were on the wall with lots of rolling waves and wake happening all day and night long. They have nice facilities which include laundry, bathrooms (including showers which we didn't use), water and 50 amp electricity which worked with Victrons. No dockhands to help with docking or casting off (strong currents and winds make this a challenge) and the pump out is definitely not convenient, but you can get it done. The Dockmaster was nice and helped catch lines with our pump out (which was awkward to dock to).

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Anchorage Review for Cohansey River

Reviewed by: Lane DeVries on May 25, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.2'

Absolutely GORGEOUS anchorage! Current is pretty strong but holding was excellent and anchor came up clean (except for a little aquatic vegetation). Local boats come past early in the morning heading out to work. Great spot for a night on the hook!

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Marina Review for Miss Chris Marina

Reviewed by: Lane DeVries on May 25, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.2'

Rating: 5

Excellent experience at this little marina, but the major drawback is there is only room for one transient boat. Several head-boats dock here to take people fishing and several large vessels take out tourist for whale/dolphin/bird watching. So during the day, the little marina is busy but quiet at night. Cheapest place around for diesel gas. They offer a discount on diesel and docking for BoatUS members. Excellent deal for the price of docking; they offer water, 50 amp electric, two bathrooms (no showers however), no laundry but right in the heart of this cute little town! Wonderful restaurants close, including a nice bar with live music (Mayer's). We biked around town, got groceries and a couple of things from an Ace Hardware. The dockhands, Kurt and Skye, were fantastic. Overall staff was extremely accommodating and kind!

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Anchorage Review for Barnegat Harbor - A

Reviewed by: Lane DeVries on May 25, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.2'

We took another boater's advice and contacted TowBoatUS who gave excellent directions on how to enter this tricky Inlet and Harbor. We adhered his directions (Argo's route was way off) and didn't have any trouble. Strong currents on this inlet and as we are here on Memorial Weekend, it is extremely busy but that's to be expected! Lots of boats are in this anchorage (15 at least) but there's adequate room. Although we didn't go ashore, there are lots of people moving about on dinghies and on the beach with dogs.

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