Charleston SC Marinas Local Knowledge

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Pops

Pops

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Apr 11, 2004
154
- - Albemarle Sound
Ho boy! It is cold in southern NC this week:eek:. I'm holed up in Holden Beach NC. They are talking snow this weekend. As I am slowed by this cool weather I am thinking that I might spend some time in Charleston SC to pass the holidays. Does anyone know of reasonable (cheap) marinas in Charleston? I would like to be near Old Town. I need very little in the way of amenities; shore power, shower and the occasional pump out. I am looking for a monthly rate. When one is on the water with limited access to the net, the search is difficult and somewhat frustrating. Thanks guys.
 
RichH

RichH

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Feb 14, 2005
4,773
Tayana 37 cutter; I20/M20 SCOWS Worton Creek, MD
Charleston SC is famous for outrageous marina prices; but, the further you go up the COOPER River and well above "Patriots Point" (bridge), the better the prices:
Cooper River Marina; Charleston Maritime Ctr. (honors Boat/US discounts!); Patriots Point / Charleston Harbor - exposed and with 'high' tidal flow.

I try to stay out of Charleston ... and would suggest Osprey Marina @ mi. 373 (Waccamaw R.) on the ICW - about 100 st.mi. north of Charleston.

Be aware that the Cooper River has 'bodacious' tidal flow so you probably should time your entry to any marina there to coincide with 'slack tide'.

Most of the Charleston Marinas 'advertise' internet wifi, etc. .... but generally they are poor wifi connections so you usually need to go to a marina office and 'plug in'.
 
Tom J

Tom J

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Sep 30, 2008
2,325
Catalina 310 Quincy, MA
I hear the Charleston City Marina is good, but is a shuttle ride to Old Town. I've stayed twice at the actual Charleston municipal marina, called Charleston Maritime Center. Rates are reasonable, and Old Town is only a short distance away. It is on the Cooper River, and yes, the tidal currents are strong. Docking during the tidal flow is possible, if your boat is not underpowered. The marina staff is always available to help.
There is also a supermarket and hardware store nearby.
Charleston is a wonderful place to visit. We always plan on staying at least a couple of nights. There are great restaurants within walking distance of the Center, and the architecture and history of the town are fascinating. Have a good stay!
 
S

Steve Kamp

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May 7, 2004
252
Hunter 38 Little River, SC
Prankster, if you're still in Holden Beach today, you are not likely to make Charleston until Sunday. Rich H's suggestion re; Osprey marina on the Waccamaw is workable for you in an early morning departure from Holden on Saturday with a mid to late afternoon arrival at the Osprey. If you have slightly more time/daylight consider running to Georgetown. Three marinas relatively cheap, dinghy access to town if anchored, a long walk to the Food Lion, many eateries in town, fresh shrimp at the packing house.
 
woodster

woodster

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Sep 15, 2009
6,244
S2 9.2a Fairhope Al
if you decide to stop in Geroge town you may want to check out Schoffields hdw store they have some cool stuff....if you go to Charleston and have the time take an extra day and take the Southern coach buggy tour of old town Charleston ...with a name like yours i suspect you will enjoy the tour to its max......

regards

woody
 
RichH

RichH

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Feb 14, 2005
4,773
Tayana 37 cutter; I20/M20 SCOWS Worton Creek, MD
Steve Kamp said:
Prankster, if you're still in Holden Beach today, you are not likely to make Charleston until Sunday. Rich H's suggestion re; Osprey marina on the Waccamaw is workable for you in an early morning departure from Holden on Saturday with a mid to late afternoon arrival at the Osprey. If you have slightly more time/daylight consider running to Georgetown. Three marinas relatively cheap, dinghy access to town if anchored, a long walk to the Food Lion, many eateries in town, fresh shrimp at the packing house.
Click to expand
Never ever by-pass Georgetown Packing House (right on the waterfront) if you like GOOD shrimp !!!!!! Georgetown is a nice place to stop ... but no 'open' wifi when anchored in the harbor) but available with passw. if you stay in a marina.
 
C

CruiserDave

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Oct 15, 2008
16
Oday 35 Annapolis, MD
Charleston Marina

We suggest Charleston Maritime Center. 843-853-3625. We are there right now. Friendly, close to old town and grocery store (Harris Teeter), a block away.
 
Pops

Pops

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Apr 11, 2004
154
- - Albemarle Sound
Thanks for all the tips guys. I am in Georgetown tonite and freezing. It is 25 degrees F and expected to drop to 19. Why do people go south? It is 8 degrees warmer in NC (where I left from) and only 8 degrees warmer than Minneapolis (my long ago home town). There is an Englishman in the marina who crossed the Atlantic single handed. He said it was easier than the ICW, and warmer.
 
RichH

RichH

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Feb 14, 2005
4,773
Tayana 37 cutter; I20/M20 SCOWS Worton Creek, MD
Thank La Niña .... two years in a row now. I was 'south' last year and froze my arse off. When I saw the LaNiña predictions again for this year .... I decided to go skiing instead.
 
S

Steve Kamp

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May 7, 2004
252
Hunter 38 Little River, SC
When my wife and I went south in '07, we left NC in November,caught the remnants of a tropical storm in Beaufort,NC and encountered frequent frontal passages as we meandered through the coastal marshes in SC and Ga. One chilly night at anchor near Isle of Hope she asked me, "it does get warmer as we go south, right?" It did---when we got to St.Augustine.
 
Pops

Pops

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Apr 11, 2004
154
- - Albemarle Sound
I am in Georgetown SC, at the Harborwalk Marina, and happy as a pig in poop. After deciding to stay for a week or two to wait for a warm up, I went to the marina office to check on rates for weekly or monthly. When I was given the monthly rate I almost fell off the chair and then ripped my pants taking my wallet out to pay. Needless to say I am very happy to have a nice place, at a great rate, to stay for this cold spell.
 

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