If you are thinking of relocating there, it might prove a matter of what’s available in the slip size that you are seeking. It’s not like we can really “shop” unless willing to wait potentially years for a slip in that wonderful spot, etc. One very nice place is the Bay Club Marina in San Diego Bay on Shelter Island, but the big marinas that might have availability are on Harbor Island; try Harbor West Marina. It’s a good spot and they’ve had slips when others haven’t, at least a few years back.Does anyone have a recommendation for marinas in San Diego?
Thanks.
Yes, it’s lovely there at Mission Bay. Very popular area so often there is lots of traffic in and out of the area. And it’s true. You’re either in your slip in VERY NICE surroundings, or day sailing along the coast in a westerly breeze. But MB does not have the marine services of San Diego Bay, or the variety of accessible anchoring sites, or the variety of restaurants, or racing, etc.What boat size? Large boat slips are always at a premium in So. Cal... so start calling around.
You might consider Mission Bay. Close to the ocean and easier to access from major freeways. Oh... and did I mention that it is generally less expensive to slip your boat there (at least at my marina) except for down in Chula Vista.
I've been at Marina Village Marina since 99... could never find a good enough reason to move. If you like sailing in flat water, then you'll most likely want to be in SD Bay. If you like sailing in the ocean (my preference) then Mission Bay makes more sense. However, if you enjoy racing... all the yacht clubs are in the bay... except for MB Yacht Club which is small boat oriented and inside the bridge.
Another advantage to my place is easy parking, small dock size and security. Each dock has its own security gate with mag keys limited to each particular one. But, again, call around to see what slip availability is. If you're in for the long run, MB is a good choice. If you plan a more limited stay and expect a lot of guests who want to see the sights, then SD Bay would be more appealing... Especially if they don't fancy going out in the ocean where there are waves and stuff...
I think Pier 32 might be one of those companies with reciprocal marinas. I know it once was. One of their reciprocals might be Harbor West at Harbor Island and/or Ventura West in Ventura, CA. If so, you get 7 days/year at the reciprocal.OK. Perhaps check out Pier 32 Marina at National City (south San Diego Bay). It’s a bit remote, but fairly new and quite nice. They may still have some slips; one quick call will tell!
KG
Don’t know; no experience. The best of the ones with which I have experience is Bay Club.What do you think about Kona Kai or Shelter Island Yacht Basin?
Unfortunately, Bay Club has a waiting list.The best of the ones with which I have experience is Bay Club
As I said at the beginning. The ones in the best locations (i.e., the best marinas) are going to be in the highest demand, naturally. Harbor Island is not the high quality location that Shelter Island is, but the marinas there are still nice enough. The “buzz” (hub) of Shelter Island and marine services activity is along Shelter Island Drive & Scott Street. Kona is all the way to the other end of Shelter Island.Unfortunately, Bay Club has a waiting list.
Thanks Joe. I’m interested in Marina Village Marina. I sent them an email asking about availability. Do you happen to know if there is any? Is Seaforth Marina worth checking out?You might consider Mission Bay
I wouldn't want to be over there. Too much sportfishing traffic and rental. They have a nice greasy spoon breakfast place though, but you can walk there from Marina Village, or row your dinghy. Hyatt Islandia is all big boats, pricey. Next door to Marina Village is Mission Bay Marina, owned by Driscoll Boat Yard. Their pretty cool. It was the very first marina put in back in the late 50's. I like the Marina Village set up though with singular docks gated at the parking lot instead of 1 or 2 gates and long gangways. As far as availability, there are always plenty of 25 footer's ( you can moor up to 3' over) but, like I said earlier, larger slips are always in demand.. there may be a wait... so get your name on it asap. The old manager told me that if he could he would convert all the small boat slips (under 30 ft) to larger ones because they're so much more profitable. Since the marina is on land leased from the city (Mission Bay Park) they are required to keep small boat slips available...... that's so the rich people don't hog all the recreational sailing access. Cool.Thanks Joe. I’m interested in Marina Village Marina. I sent them an email asking about availability. Do you happen to know if there is any? Is Seaforth Marina worth checking out?
Thanks.
I do not recommend Pier 32. It's very expensive and in a horrible location. South bay is all shallow water except for the channel. Day sailing is inconvenient and don't even think about a quick jaunt to the ocean.... it's a long, long way to the ocean from there. Heck, it's a long way to the pretty parts of San Diego Bay from there. At least an hour.OK. Perhaps check out Pier 32 Marina at National City (south San Diego Bay). It’s a bit remote, but fairly new and quite nice. They may still have some slips; one quick call will tell!
KG
Ah, Brian! It might help to have crew! Last summer (July) wife and I sailed from the day anchorage along the south shore of Coronado Island to the gangway of our reciprocal slip at SDYC behind Shelter Island (near the fuel dock). We beat through the Bridge pilings up that windy area you mention leading to North Bay. (She’s helming; I’m grunting at the winches!) Our “challenge” was staying clear of the channel as a big Navy ship (frigate?) was lumbering outbound. We discovered an area on the west side of the channel where we could short-tack until he passed by, then all clear.It seems the Coronado Bridge wind pattern keep all but the skilled sailor out of the North Bay (LOL). Stopped me dead in my tracks several times. But every once in a while the winds were with me and under the extremely tall bridge I went.
Joe, things are different now. There is a whole new demographic with different interests emerging with the aging-out of the boomers. Many more types of what some have as their recreation. Also, the cost of supporting 25-footers is expensive now; unaffordable and not accessible to many b/c proximity to the water is so expensive, and restrictive. I see many boats in the 25-30 ft range deteriorating in their slips in Long Beach, not being used at all, evidently. I don’t see this nearly as much with larger sizes. Availability and high turn over of 25-ft slips means that the owners of larger boats are not “hogging” recreational sailing access, or not nearly so. Boats larger than 34 ft LOA are quickly becoming the entry level vessel size as folks reach higher income levels with age, and then enter boating. These set-aside slips for small boats that are not in much demand could be keeping the new entries with larger boats from recreational access; not the other way around. Remember, we did not have Seadoos and SUP’s all over the place as alternatives when we came in.The old manager told me that if he could he would convert all the small boat slips (under 30 ft) to larger ones because they're so much more profitable. Since the marina is on land leased from the city (Mission Bay Park) they are required to keep small boat slips available...... that's so the rich people don't hog all the recreational sailing access. Cool.