Marinas

[SV Wayword]

Hello Everyone,

This week I purchased a 1985 Hunter 25.5 (SV Wayword) that needs some love and attention as soon as I settle into a marina, which brings me to my question; does anyone have any experience with either Regatta Point Marina or Twin Dolphin Marina on the Manatee River in the Tampa Bay area? Both seem like above average facilities. The PO kept the boat at the St. Pete municipal marina (where it still is) and beside the location the marina has nothing else going for it IMO so I'd like to move it before the PO's paid slip expires. Thanks

 

[Tom J]

Do you want to go to a marina, or maybe a boatyard instead? If I remember correctly, the marinas you mentioned on the Manatee are resort type marinas. Many of them don't allow much work to be done on boats berthed there, and some don't offer any services at all. There are several boatyards on the Anclote River in Tarpon Springs that allow you to work as much as you like on your boat.

 

[SV Wayword]

Do you want to go to a marina, or maybe a boatyard instead? If I remember correctly, the marinas you mentioned on the Manatee are resort type marinas. Many of them don't allow much work to be done on boats berthed there, and some don't offer any services at all. There are several boatyards on the Anclote River in Tarpon Springs that allow you to work as much as you like on your boat.

Well, I had that debate with myself, and my thought was to get the boat to a marina first, go through it from end to end this winter, save a little money and sail locally this coming summer/fall, then look for a boatyard nearby for a 3-6 month haul out to make the big repairs. The problem I have is the (self-imposed) necessity to move the boat within the next 3 weeks, and since I don't know any local boater/sailors or have experience with any of the marinas in the area, I thought I'd move to one of the better known ones first and ask around for recommendations for a good boatyard.

 

[Tom J]

Sounds like a good plan. We conducted the sea trials for our C310 from the Regatta Point Marina, and it was a very nice setup. There was restaurant and some shops on the property. It's also a much less congested marina than St. Pete Municipal, easier to get in and out of a slip.

 

[Benny17441]

The Manatee being a river has some strong currents which affect both Marinas. Regatta Pointe caters more to live aboards. Twin Dolphins has many amenities as well as being in Downtown Bradenton. Do not get a slip by the bridge unless you have a very strong engine. I gather you are talking about light upgrades and maintenance work as neither have a haul out facility. Bradenton is a little more attractive than Palmetto so my choice would be twin Dolphins. A storm created havoc a few years back but both Marinas have strengthened their breakwaters. Realize that it will take close to an hour to get out of the river into the open sailing waters of Tampa Bay.

 

[SV Wayword]

Thank you and Tom J for your responses. I'm beginning to realize that neither of these marinas may be right for me. I'd like to be able to do light work on the interior and exterior of the boat while in the slip and the serious stuff when I haul out. I don't think either of these marinas would allow that - that and the fact that one of them gave me a ridiculous quote. I think I'll keep looking and I may take a ride down to see Shell Point in Ruskin. Thanks again.