Hampton Roads Marina Input

[VB Scott]

Hello all,
I am new to the forum, and searched first and didn't see much on the topic. Forgive me if it is a question often asked.
I am looking to get a sailboat, around 30 feet. I have some sailing expirience and live in Virginia Beach. I am looking for any suggestions on a good marina for sailboats. Price will have to be a factor for me. Right now, I am trying to figure out overall cost for the boat and a slip / mooring.
Any insight that you can provide on the Hampton Roads area (Closer to VB is a plus, on the chesapeake too.) marinas would be greatly appreciated. There are a lot to choose from, however, I am sure that there are positives and negatives about each of them.
Thanks for your help.

Also, do you have to dry dock in the winter, and do most marinas offer dry dock storage?

 

[Dave602]

Not sure about that area. We are up on the York River. Check activecaptain.com on some reviews, go down on weekends and talk to people, they will usually fill you in on good and bad.

We don't pull out in the winter. We do winterize usually in late Nov or early Dec and cover her up.

 

[Bad Obsession]

In the lower Chesapeake Bay you won't have a totally frozen waterway. You have to winterize but you don't have to haul out.

My uncle keeps a boat in the Saltponds in Hampton. It is a nice area but it may be fairly expensive.

Why not get into a car on a Saturday and go and visit marinas. Talk to staff and talk to fellow sailors. That may be a good way to find a good marina.