We have come to love the City of Charleston, South Carolina and for us the harbor is the greatest sailing ground in the southeast. The location provides a great start off point for ICW and coastal cruising north or south. Its a charming city and one we want to move to. We have decided to liveaboard a sailboat (considering a Morgan 41, Endeavor, Irwin or some mid-ship helm aft cabin vessel in the high 30 low 40 foot range). The issue before us at this exploratory stage are the marina's suitable and KIND to liveaboards. Thus far everyone pushes the City marina. Has anyone lived at the this marina? If so, do they accomdate liveaboards, and provide decent amenities? Any negatives besides the usual low tide muck odor that is common along the Carolina and Georgia inland rivers? Any information would help us greatly. Thank you Bob
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Charleston Harbour Marine at Patriots Point
Hi Bob, We had our Catalina 30 at CHM for 2 years and loved it. While we did not live on board for more than a week or so, the marine is very nice with good service, nice showers and no mud at low tide. You also get to use the hotel pool and workout facilities. Paul
Hi Bob, We had our Catalina 30 at CHM for 2 years and loved it. While we did not live on board for more than a week or so, the marine is very nice with good service, nice showers and no mud at low tide. You also get to use the hotel pool and workout facilities. Paul
Tide is an issue
We have experienced the tidal fluctuations in the Carolina's and the Ashley and Cooper Rivers are no exception. Without two engines or a bow thruster it takes skill to dock and manuever in those waters, but its probably no different then any other part of the country where tides and current are present. Coming from Lake Lanier, all I have to worry about are the ducks!! The Charleston city marina appears to be protected with fairly large concrete breakwater walls that offer some protection. Nothing beats first hand liveaboard experience at this marina though, that I hope someone will share. Thanks Bob Paul..see ya on "I" dock!
We have experienced the tidal fluctuations in the Carolina's and the Ashley and Cooper Rivers are no exception. Without two engines or a bow thruster it takes skill to dock and manuever in those waters, but its probably no different then any other part of the country where tides and current are present. Coming from Lake Lanier, all I have to worry about are the ducks!! The Charleston city marina appears to be protected with fairly large concrete breakwater walls that offer some protection. Nothing beats first hand liveaboard experience at this marina though, that I hope someone will share. Thanks Bob Paul..see ya on "I" dock!
my 2 cents
I stayed there for a few days. VERY clean showers. Good service. Not to close to the city, but you can walk there AND they have FREE shuttle service to town ,the grocery store, and the West marine store, to name a few. The current is a bear. Add wind and docking becomes a fun adventure that is very hard to do if you solo. We saw people on the dock who just stood there watching us and offering no help at all, til we were almost tied up. At every other place we went to, whoever saw you pulling in just came up and knew what to do, as they were all boaters too. But not here. They were boaters, but not very helpful. We didn't notice the stink because of the wind, but I bet it would be there in the summer as the whole area use to be a swamp at one time. I forgot the rates. We met several other boaters who were liveaboards for the winter and they said this was one of the best places to do this, and it looked like it to me.
I stayed there for a few days. VERY clean showers. Good service. Not to close to the city, but you can walk there AND they have FREE shuttle service to town ,the grocery store, and the West marine store, to name a few. The current is a bear. Add wind and docking becomes a fun adventure that is very hard to do if you solo. We saw people on the dock who just stood there watching us and offering no help at all, til we were almost tied up. At every other place we went to, whoever saw you pulling in just came up and knew what to do, as they were all boaters too. But not here. They were boaters, but not very helpful. We didn't notice the stink because of the wind, but I bet it would be there in the summer as the whole area use to be a swamp at one time. I forgot the rates. We met several other boaters who were liveaboards for the winter and they said this was one of the best places to do this, and it looked like it to me.
Thanks
I found the City Marina website and inquired about rates and availability. I should have some data shortly. From what I picked up their are two marinas in the same location. Both being managed by two different outfits. One allows the liveaboards and the other deals more with transient and seasonal traffic. Amenities for both locations appear excellent for a City facility. I still wished someone who lived aboard there would come forth and talked of their experiences. Thanks Bob
I found the City Marina website and inquired about rates and availability. I should have some data shortly. From what I picked up their are two marinas in the same location. Both being managed by two different outfits. One allows the liveaboards and the other deals more with transient and seasonal traffic. Amenities for both locations appear excellent for a City facility. I still wished someone who lived aboard there would come forth and talked of their experiences. Thanks Bob
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