Moving to a larger boat and moving from Potomac to Chesapeake

[wonkodsane]

My wife and I just purchased an 89 Catalina 30. We've been in the Sonic 23 (like a Tanzer 22) for the past year. We love sailing on the Potomac, but we think we're ready for a larger boat, the challenges, and longer time off the dock that we can get out on the Bay.

Our Sonic is currently at James Creek Marina on the Potomac. The Catalina is at Herrington Harbour South, but we're flexible, so long as we're still pretty close to the boat and still able to get out there and sail as much as possible.

I'm looking for advice on Chesapeake Bay marinas (the nearer to D.C., the better), handling larger boats versus the daysail/camper type boat we started with, and advice in general about sailing on bigger water and spending more time out on it.

I love the knowledge represented on this forum, so thanks in advance, you folks are great.

 

[Berndahle]

Herrington Harbour is pretty much the closest marina you can get to DC. I'm just moving there now myself (from a different place in Deale). We'll be in HH North as we preferred the atmosphere there over the South marina. But both are very easy to get to and provide everything you need in terms of ammenities. If you're looking for a smaller and less expensive marina in Deale, I can highly recommend Rockhold Creek Marina. Very very friendly, family atmosphere.

You'll enjoy the openness and added sense of adventure in sailing the Bay vs the Potomac. And you'll have an unlimited number of little coves and rivers to explore.

 

[catsailor]

Second this advise.

Herrington Harbour is pretty much the closest marina you can get to DC. I'm just moving there now myself (from a different place in Deale). We'll be in HH North as we preferred the atmosphere there over the South marina. But both are very easy to get to and provide everything you need in terms of ammenities. If you're looking for a smaller and less expensive marina in Deale, I can highly recommend Rockhold Creek Marina. Very very friendly, family atmosphere.

You'll enjoy the openness and added sense of adventure in sailing the Bay vs the Potomac. And you'll have an unlimited number of little coves and rivers to explore.

I've been in Deale for 15 years, and around HH south for some of that. I stay in a marina that would not manage your draft, but I have hauled and been around HH north enough to know they are good folks. You will also find marine supplies and "stuff" easier in Deale. Very convenient.

If price is important, look at the smaller marinas.

 

[Shooter II]

here is the link in Marinas.com for Herrington Harbor
http://marinas.com/view/marina/4520_HERRINGTON_HARBOUR_NORTH_Tracys_Landing_MD

If you want a place with a bar/restaurant and close to DC.
I know Pier 7 on the South River at the Rte 2 overpass.
It's very easy to get to from DC
Right out Rte 50 to Rte 665 to Rte 2 very quick
Great prices for slips
http://marinas.com/view/marina/110_Pier_7_Marina_Edgewater_MD
If you want low prices and NO amenities
I heartily recommend Blue Water Marina on the Rhode.
Straight out East Capital/Central Ave/Rte 214
http://marinas.com/view/marina/23_Blue_Water_Marina_Edgewater_MD
410-798-6733

 

[MerSea]

We've been at www.holidaypointmarina.com for 6 years ,it's on Selby bay off the mouth of South River and we are very happy with the location and services .We live in Silver Spring and it takes 40 to 45 minutes to go to the boat.Only problem with South River: Lot of (big)power boats going at high speed.

 

[Shooter II]

MerSea,
Great marina, Holiday Point.
I use GPS Marine for all my repairs.
Visit Keith at the shop from time to time.

 

[Warren Milberg]

I've had a boat at Herrington Harbour North since 1993 and think it to be one of the best run, mid-priced, marinas nearest to DC and its suburbs. As you may know, Herrigington South has most of the amenities, and Herrington North has the services and land storage. The only disadvantage I've noticed with either marina is that there are no nearby anchorages other than up on the West/Rhode Rivers (+/- 3 hours north).

I think you'll like the Bay better than the Potomac. But as you get used to the Bay, pay particular attention to weather. With relatively shallow waters and short fetches, the Bay can turn really nasty in a NY minute. While some think of the Bay as sailing in a big bathtub, I can attest to the fact that the normally tame bay can produce some very high winds/gusts and big rollers when you least expect them. When the winds clock to the NE and the barometer drops, be prepared to reef or run for a safe anchorage.....

See you on the water (I just went in on Thursday)!

 

[garylinger]

I am in Flag Harbor Yacht Haven (do a search by that name and you will get plenty of info) in St. Leonard, Calvert County, MD (about 45 minutes south of both D.C. and Annapolis) with EASY access to the Chesapeake.

 

[wonkodsane]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions and information.

I looked at all of them and I think, for us, keeping it at Herrington Harbour South is going to be our best bet. It's close to DC, well-protected, a straight shot out of the breakwaters to get onto the Bay quickly, and has some amenities our current marina doesn't have that we'd like to try out.

 

[Harry Greenspun]

We loved HHS, but ultimately moved to Pirates Cove in Galesville. The main reason was there are no nice anchorages (even for lunch or a swim) near HHS. We now have a lot more options on the West and Rhode rivers. Sometimes we don't have much time, so to be able to leave the slip and drop the hook nearby is a real plus.