Annapolis Area Boat Yards for DIY owners

catsailor · Nov 14, 2009

Herrington Harbor in Deale has one of the largest.

sbailey64 said:
Hi,

I just purchased a 1983 Hunter 27 and will require a boat yard next year when I put her 'on-the-hard' for the winter. I live just west of Annapolis, MD and would like the ability to prep (light sanding) and paint the bottom. Can anyone give me advice on a yard in the greater Annapolis area that will allow me to do this?

Thanks,

Steve

The storage rates are average, there are many services available on-site, though you are also allowed to bring other contractors in, if they check in. DIY work is VERY common. The rules are reasonable, in my mind. There is even a West Marine on-premises and a good hardware store with some marine stuff ~ 1/2 miles away.

It is not my home marina, but I find it best for DIY stuff.

Bill Roosa · Nov 15, 2009

Harrington Harbor North

Great place but keep in mind that
you have to get a certified rigger to pull/install the mast, no going up the mast while on the hard and masts must be stored ($$$$) in the mast storage area.
Other than that the rule is don't make a nusance of yourself and keep it tidy.

Ron20324 · Nov 15, 2009

Port Annapolis Marina has been my favorite.

Warren Milberg · Nov 15, 2009

I, too, vote for Herrington Harbour North. Not only is it only about 20 minutes by car from Annapolis, but is one of the best kept yards I've ever been in. I do most of my own work there, and can get help from various experts when I need it. Best of all, it has year round power and water stands within easy reach of every boat on the hard.

I also think that Casa Rio, just off the Rhode River and a bit closer to Annapolis, is a pretty good yard to work on your boat. But very different from HHN in that boats are jam parked (much smaller yard) and power/water much further away.

Regardless of where you pick, make a reservation soon as some places fill up toward the end of this month and into early December.

catsailor · Nov 15, 2009

Yes, good common sense rules.

Bill Roosa said:
Great place but keep in mind that
you have to get a certified rigger to pull/install the mast, no going up the mast while on the hard and masts must be stored ($$$$) in the mast storage area.
Other than that the rule is don't make a nusance of yourself and keep it tidy.

They did let me lower the mast on a trailer sailor (Stiletto 27) I had there, but I suppose that was because the trailer was purpose-built for that.

Another advantage is pure size; the yard is so large it is easy to space boats being worked on so that dust and water spray are no a problem. In some yard you may be quite close to a travel lift, which I can tell you is a problem (bottom washing mist).

And stay neat. Everyone there does, and it really helps. Use a dustless sander.

Steph · Nov 15, 2009

Been at all 3

I've had my boat at Herrington Harbour North, Casa Rio and now at Port Annapolis Marina. HHN and Port Annapolis are both very nice, clean and have professional staff. Casa Rio is cheaper but has no facilities (like locker room, bathroom shower, etc). It is just a place to work on your boat but no readlily available electricity or water (bring long hose and cord). HHN and PAM have everything you need spaced out amongst the boats. As a marina, PAM is closer to Annapolis (right there) so it will cost about 20% more for a slip. Good luck.

Barnacle Bill · Nov 16, 2009

How about Bert Jabins?