What's the scene at your marina? Is your boat at a noisy, busy place with lots of activity and other boaters? Or are you at a place where there's seldom anyone else around and the only noise is the scree of seagulls? Are there plenty of willing hands to help you with dock lines or to launch your boat and put up the mast or are you on your own? Do you have friends at the dock to consult with you on projects and share a beer, or do you have time for solitude with your boat? If your marina's quiet, do you wish it were more active? If your marina is busy, do you wish it were quieter? Or is your does your marina do double duty as your driveway? Share your views on your marina then vote in the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Quiz by Gary Wyngarden)
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Bob Howie
Watergate Yachting Center
I've docked at Clear Lake's Watergate Yachting Center for 5 years now and it still remains what I think is the best marina in the area. My family owned one of the largest, private campgrounds on the Miss. Gulf Coast for 30 years and since a marina is nothing more than a campground where the RV's float, I think I know a thing or two about what makes one successful. Great pool, friendly helpful staff, well-kept grounds and facilities, very clean restrooms, easy access and a short haul to Galveston Bay make WYC a place to be. My only gripe; not enough enforcement of the stickered parking rules.
I've docked at Clear Lake's Watergate Yachting Center for 5 years now and it still remains what I think is the best marina in the area. My family owned one of the largest, private campgrounds on the Miss. Gulf Coast for 30 years and since a marina is nothing more than a campground where the RV's float, I think I know a thing or two about what makes one successful. Great pool, friendly helpful staff, well-kept grounds and facilities, very clean restrooms, easy access and a short haul to Galveston Bay make WYC a place to be. My only gripe; not enough enforcement of the stickered parking rules.
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martin
marina scene
Our berth is at Brewer's in Branford. There are a number of docks and each seems to have it's own personality. Some are for boater's who like to entertain and some are quiet. Our's is quiet with a great view of the harbour and the marshes. Staff is courteous and competent.
Our berth is at Brewer's in Branford. There are a number of docks and each seems to have it's own personality. Some are for boater's who like to entertain and some are quiet. Our's is quiet with a great view of the harbour and the marshes. Staff is courteous and competent.
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David
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Bob
Low to no class.
After getting water in my fuel, I had to be towed into my marina. It was a chilled, stormy day, not fit for a pelican. There were at least 5 people on boats, surrounding the slip I was trying to thread my 34 foot Cal into. They all stopped to watch as we struggled to walk this boat into it's erth. Not one asked if we needed help, or offered to handle a line, until after the boat was already 4 pointed. Needless to say I said "no thanks", then offered him the Hawiaan wave.
After getting water in my fuel, I had to be towed into my marina. It was a chilled, stormy day, not fit for a pelican. There were at least 5 people on boats, surrounding the slip I was trying to thread my 34 foot Cal into. They all stopped to watch as we struggled to walk this boat into it's erth. Not one asked if we needed help, or offered to handle a line, until after the boat was already 4 pointed. Needless to say I said "no thanks", then offered him the Hawiaan wave.
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Dana Smith
Mixed Feelings
The marina I belong to has two faces, the weekday face and the weekend face. I would guess more than 70% of boaters in the marina are from more than 40 miles from their houses. Allot of Grand Rapids, Jenison and even Lansing commuters. So just by logistics you can see the difference day to day. The week evenings/nights are quiet, relaxed and we look forward to them. Often have friends down so the kids can swim, do a cookout etc. The weekends though-oh boy what a difference! It is not necessarily a bad thing, just crowded. As in any marina there are the four or five know-it-alls's, a hand full of liar's and new boaters, all this can be an interesting mix. All and all I would prefer our marina was quieter but the 5-year-old and wife like the activity. I just make sure I get their weeknights so we all get our way. Keep the white side up----Dana
The marina I belong to has two faces, the weekday face and the weekend face. I would guess more than 70% of boaters in the marina are from more than 40 miles from their houses. Allot of Grand Rapids, Jenison and even Lansing commuters. So just by logistics you can see the difference day to day. The week evenings/nights are quiet, relaxed and we look forward to them. Often have friends down so the kids can swim, do a cookout etc. The weekends though-oh boy what a difference! It is not necessarily a bad thing, just crowded. As in any marina there are the four or five know-it-alls's, a hand full of liar's and new boaters, all this can be an interesting mix. All and all I would prefer our marina was quieter but the 5-year-old and wife like the activity. I just make sure I get their weeknights so we all get our way. Keep the white side up----Dana
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Ed
So far - so good.
My opinion is based on only one year at Holiday Point Marina. Except for clanging halyards, it's relatively quiet. Folks tend to help each other when asked. We've been on the receiving, and on the giving, end of the help line. My neighbors seem nice enough, but we all tend to keep to ourselves. The staff is rather helpful, when they're around. Thusfar, no complaints. Looking forward to another good sailing season. ;^) ~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
My opinion is based on only one year at Holiday Point Marina. Except for clanging halyards, it's relatively quiet. Folks tend to help each other when asked. We've been on the receiving, and on the giving, end of the help line. My neighbors seem nice enough, but we all tend to keep to ourselves. The staff is rather helpful, when they're around. Thusfar, no complaints. Looking forward to another good sailing season. ;^) ~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
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Brad Newell
Port Ludlow
...is generally a nice, quiet place. We are not very close to any large city, so most of the boats belong to local residents. It is not a "tiny" marina, but it is small compared to Shilshole (Seattle) or Marina Del Ray (LA). There is very little transient traffic during the winters and it is a great place to just sit and watch the wildlife. (Birds, raccoons, otters, seals.) Once in a while small whales cruise through the marina. While I seldom do it, it is nice to just sit in the cockpit and bask in the whole scene. Most of the owners are knowledgeable boaters. I note "Bob's" complaint about people just standing around and not offering to take a line when someone is docking. When that happens here, it's because the people on the dock are either not boaters, just wandering the marina, or they are new powerboaters. Powerboaters, as a group, tend to be uneduated about much of anything to do with boats. Port Ludlow is basically a retirement community and most of the resident stink-potters are ex-sailors and very competent. It is very unusual not to have someone suddenly appear to take a line. (There us a very active yacht club and a good Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla here that no doubt contribute a great deal to the whole scene.)
...is generally a nice, quiet place. We are not very close to any large city, so most of the boats belong to local residents. It is not a "tiny" marina, but it is small compared to Shilshole (Seattle) or Marina Del Ray (LA). There is very little transient traffic during the winters and it is a great place to just sit and watch the wildlife. (Birds, raccoons, otters, seals.) Once in a while small whales cruise through the marina. While I seldom do it, it is nice to just sit in the cockpit and bask in the whole scene. Most of the owners are knowledgeable boaters. I note "Bob's" complaint about people just standing around and not offering to take a line when someone is docking. When that happens here, it's because the people on the dock are either not boaters, just wandering the marina, or they are new powerboaters. Powerboaters, as a group, tend to be uneduated about much of anything to do with boats. Port Ludlow is basically a retirement community and most of the resident stink-potters are ex-sailors and very competent. It is very unusual not to have someone suddenly appear to take a line. (There us a very active yacht club and a good Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla here that no doubt contribute a great deal to the whole scene.)
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Larry G Turner
My Little Marina
My marina is small (<200 slips) and not generally considered a social marina. There's the occasional "new boat" party or a party for someone going on a extended cruise, but for the most part people tend to come to their boats and head out for a day or weekend of cruising. There's *always* someone around to talk to - one of my favorite pass-times - and always someone to help with a troublesome repair job. In my case, I became physically disabled a couple of years ago and haven't been on my boat for over 3 years. But I haven't sold it because I plan to get better so I can get away to the boat like I used to! It's my home away from homw! Fortunately I have a good friend living close to the boat who takes care of my boat for me - I'm blessed to have a friend like him! That's the kind of people who are at "my" marina! We don't have a swimming pool or large ships store but we have a great comraderie. I hadn't really thought about it in this detail until now - we really have a special place! I suspect many others have a similar atmosphere - it's the way sailors are: helpful, friendly, courteous and generous.
My marina is small (<200 slips) and not generally considered a social marina. There's the occasional "new boat" party or a party for someone going on a extended cruise, but for the most part people tend to come to their boats and head out for a day or weekend of cruising. There's *always* someone around to talk to - one of my favorite pass-times - and always someone to help with a troublesome repair job. In my case, I became physically disabled a couple of years ago and haven't been on my boat for over 3 years. But I haven't sold it because I plan to get better so I can get away to the boat like I used to! It's my home away from homw! Fortunately I have a good friend living close to the boat who takes care of my boat for me - I'm blessed to have a friend like him! That's the kind of people who are at "my" marina! We don't have a swimming pool or large ships store but we have a great comraderie. I hadn't really thought about it in this detail until now - we really have a special place! I suspect many others have a similar atmosphere - it's the way sailors are: helpful, friendly, courteous and generous.
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Marshall
My Marina
Mears Point Marina at Kent Narrows, MD, is large with a yacht club, great pool, great heads, andvlots of pavillions for shade and cookouts. The people I've met are very nice and quick to help.
Mears Point Marina at Kent Narrows, MD, is large with a yacht club, great pool, great heads, andvlots of pavillions for shade and cookouts. The people I've met are very nice and quick to help.
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Matt
Canadian Erie
Colchester Harbor in Colchester, ONT is great. This will be my 3rd season using the floating docks, quiet & clean facilities for under $700 US (Hunter 28'). The people are friendly and very helpful. In my opinion, the location on Lake Erie is very desirable. Within a days sail of Pelee Island, Put-In-Bay, Kelley's Island, the Detroit River, Cedar Point (Ohio). Not to mention all the great winery's in the area! The harbor is small, but has a good ratio of sailboats. I live in Michigan so my only gripe is having to use the Ambassador Bridge or Tunnel to Canada. Feel free to contact me for more info: mwolf7@visteon.com
Colchester Harbor in Colchester, ONT is great. This will be my 3rd season using the floating docks, quiet & clean facilities for under $700 US (Hunter 28'). The people are friendly and very helpful. In my opinion, the location on Lake Erie is very desirable. Within a days sail of Pelee Island, Put-In-Bay, Kelley's Island, the Detroit River, Cedar Point (Ohio). Not to mention all the great winery's in the area! The harbor is small, but has a good ratio of sailboats. I live in Michigan so my only gripe is having to use the Ambassador Bridge or Tunnel to Canada. Feel free to contact me for more info: mwolf7@visteon.com
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Jeff Moylan
PRICE IS RIGHT
My marina has a great location & easy access to the Chesapeake Bay. It's an old marina & some would say a little run down. The hard core boaters here make the most of it & pitch in around here to make improvements, the ones who don't, just complain allot. Because of it's age & state of repair the price is unbeatable. We don't have a pool, no fitness center, no lavish manacured grounds (but a wonderfull boat yard for do it youself repairs), a small washer & dryer, a concrete cinder block head & shower, sometimes water & power to the pier & occasionally a bubbler system in the winter...but we're sailors & all we need is a place to load provisions & for tax puposes a place to call "Home Port"...other than that our boating enjoyment is getting out under sail...we really don't see much of our marina.
My marina has a great location & easy access to the Chesapeake Bay. It's an old marina & some would say a little run down. The hard core boaters here make the most of it & pitch in around here to make improvements, the ones who don't, just complain allot. Because of it's age & state of repair the price is unbeatable. We don't have a pool, no fitness center, no lavish manacured grounds (but a wonderfull boat yard for do it youself repairs), a small washer & dryer, a concrete cinder block head & shower, sometimes water & power to the pier & occasionally a bubbler system in the winter...but we're sailors & all we need is a place to load provisions & for tax puposes a place to call "Home Port"...other than that our boating enjoyment is getting out under sail...we really don't see much of our marina.
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Jim Rushing
Cedar Mills
At Cedar Mills, the sailboats have the docks with the view and the power boat docks are in the back out of sight. Of course, it doesn't hurt that this is where they build Valient sailboats. We are first class citizens here with all the touches. On the weekends, there is always a party somewhere on the docks.
At Cedar Mills, the sailboats have the docks with the view and the power boat docks are in the back out of sight. Of course, it doesn't hurt that this is where they build Valient sailboats. We are first class citizens here with all the touches. On the weekends, there is always a party somewhere on the docks.
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Kent Hunter-Duvar
We've lucked out
We moved to this small municpal marina a couple of seasons back and it's been great. There's a pretty even split of power and sail, but good rapport between the groups (maybe because there are converts either way, our frequent companion boat used to be a *gasp* powerboater). There's almost always someone to take a line or help you cast off. The staff are great and if winds are making it a tricky day a quick call on the VHF will have them waiting at your slip to help. Our previous marina was one of those where other boaters would stand and watch without offering assistance, unless their boat was at risk. And staff were usually scarce, unless it was a service that had a fee. Where we are now is 2/3 of the price of where we were.
We moved to this small municpal marina a couple of seasons back and it's been great. There's a pretty even split of power and sail, but good rapport between the groups (maybe because there are converts either way, our frequent companion boat used to be a *gasp* powerboater). There's almost always someone to take a line or help you cast off. The staff are great and if winds are making it a tricky day a quick call on the VHF will have them waiting at your slip to help. Our previous marina was one of those where other boaters would stand and watch without offering assistance, unless their boat was at risk. And staff were usually scarce, unless it was a service that had a fee. Where we are now is 2/3 of the price of where we were.
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Dutch Rauch
Calvert - THE Place to Be
Calvert = just about "Right". Very friendly marina staff; very reasonable 'rules'; no 'loud spots' nor rude and noisy neighbors. While a large marina, folks are friendly and around enough to know each other. Not only do people drop what they are doing to help tend lines, no reasonable request for other help goes unanswered. Need to be run up the mast? Just ask - might 'cost' you a beer after but this is a place of helping hands. Once work is done and the evening is upon us, beers, cocktails, maybe a meal shared - and no one is keeping a talley. Calvert = I love it.
Calvert = just about "Right". Very friendly marina staff; very reasonable 'rules'; no 'loud spots' nor rude and noisy neighbors. While a large marina, folks are friendly and around enough to know each other. Not only do people drop what they are doing to help tend lines, no reasonable request for other help goes unanswered. Need to be run up the mast? Just ask - might 'cost' you a beer after but this is a place of helping hands. Once work is done and the evening is upon us, beers, cocktails, maybe a meal shared - and no one is keeping a talley. Calvert = I love it.
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Lisa
Papa Boos, Buckeye Ocean, Ohio
I dock my MacGregor 26 S at a Club called Papa Boos on Buckeye Lake (or Buckeye Ocean as all the locals call it), in Central Ohio. There is always someone on the docks to help out. Either other boaters or someone from the club. They have good food, pizza, subs, ect. and bar. Everyweekend Friday through Sunday there is entertainment. On Saturday's there is a band during the day and a different one at night. There are dock runs to other clubs around the lake, karoke and trivia nights during the week. There is always something going on. When it rains we have Euchere and poker games inside. Dock fees are reasonable and I have been very happy there. The Papa is after Hemmingway and the Boo part is for Buckeye Ocean Ohio.
I dock my MacGregor 26 S at a Club called Papa Boos on Buckeye Lake (or Buckeye Ocean as all the locals call it), in Central Ohio. There is always someone on the docks to help out. Either other boaters or someone from the club. They have good food, pizza, subs, ect. and bar. Everyweekend Friday through Sunday there is entertainment. On Saturday's there is a band during the day and a different one at night. There are dock runs to other clubs around the lake, karoke and trivia nights during the week. There is always something going on. When it rains we have Euchere and poker games inside. Dock fees are reasonable and I have been very happy there. The Papa is after Hemmingway and the Boo part is for Buckeye Ocean Ohio.
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jerry may
being attacked
After a great sail on Sabine Lake, a great sailing lake on the Gulf of Mexico, we head for a great marina with great people and nice dock at a great price. We start through the breakwater the water smooths out, nice sunset when all of a sudden the first one bites on your neck then the next one hits your leg I yell down into the boat get the off!!! Then we are attacked all over with the biggest mosquitos you could ever dream of. While tying the boat they attack every part of your body that is uncovered. We rush to the car roll up the windows and head for home. I know all of the people in my marina are great people but we only wave out the car windows at one another. They are great folks at the Port Arthur Yacht Club but mosquitos are a real problem in the Fall, Spring, and Summer. Jerry and Sue May 30 Catalina "SUNDANCER"
After a great sail on Sabine Lake, a great sailing lake on the Gulf of Mexico, we head for a great marina with great people and nice dock at a great price. We start through the breakwater the water smooths out, nice sunset when all of a sudden the first one bites on your neck then the next one hits your leg I yell down into the boat get the off!!! Then we are attacked all over with the biggest mosquitos you could ever dream of. While tying the boat they attack every part of your body that is uncovered. We rush to the car roll up the windows and head for home. I know all of the people in my marina are great people but we only wave out the car windows at one another. They are great folks at the Port Arthur Yacht Club but mosquitos are a real problem in the Fall, Spring, and Summer. Jerry and Sue May 30 Catalina "SUNDANCER"
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Todd Alt
The Perfect Place
I love our Marina - N.E. Port on Catawba Island. It is in a secure and quiet suburban atmosphere. It provides drive-up docks, a clean bathhouse, and electric hook-ups and water. The Marina owners run a class operation - they are helpful and considerate. The other sailors are always willing to lend a hand with lines when the weather is kicking up as you dock, and yet they all respect each others privacy. I have been at this Marina for 12 years. I have seen many people leave and want to come back once they have experienced other Marinas on the Lake. Some people say that it doesnt matter where they dock or what facilities are available at their dock. These same people often like to say that they "are there to sail their boats and not to sit at the dock" and therefore they can save a buck at a spartan facility. I like to have facilities available to clean and service my boat while in dock. I spend a lot of time on my boat and on Lake Erie - you can't sail every minute that your are there, as the weather dictates prudence quite a bit of the time. I don't care what they say - every boater knows that he spends a good deal of time at his dock and therefore the better the Marina - the better the time.
I love our Marina - N.E. Port on Catawba Island. It is in a secure and quiet suburban atmosphere. It provides drive-up docks, a clean bathhouse, and electric hook-ups and water. The Marina owners run a class operation - they are helpful and considerate. The other sailors are always willing to lend a hand with lines when the weather is kicking up as you dock, and yet they all respect each others privacy. I have been at this Marina for 12 years. I have seen many people leave and want to come back once they have experienced other Marinas on the Lake. Some people say that it doesnt matter where they dock or what facilities are available at their dock. These same people often like to say that they "are there to sail their boats and not to sit at the dock" and therefore they can save a buck at a spartan facility. I like to have facilities available to clean and service my boat while in dock. I spend a lot of time on my boat and on Lake Erie - you can't sail every minute that your are there, as the weather dictates prudence quite a bit of the time. I don't care what they say - every boater knows that he spends a good deal of time at his dock and therefore the better the Marina - the better the time.
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Ahmet
A Busy Marina
My marina is a very busy place with plenty of nightclubs and restaurants. Not everybody likes it. Most of the time I enjoy being around the activities, since I can get my quiet by just sailing out. The entire dock ends up to be a social happening place, we have dock parties, and people are very helpful.
My marina is a very busy place with plenty of nightclubs and restaurants. Not everybody likes it. Most of the time I enjoy being around the activities, since I can get my quiet by just sailing out. The entire dock ends up to be a social happening place, we have dock parties, and people are very helpful.
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Cap'n D
In-Between Marina
We're at Cedar Mills Marina on the west side of Lake Texoma. It's alittle of both: there are many friendly people willing and ready to give a hand or advise, but you can also get the solitude that you need. Most everyone there respects that "downtime" quiet that you might need, but they're also ready to pop a cold one and sit and talk. Cap'n D
We're at Cedar Mills Marina on the west side of Lake Texoma. It's alittle of both: there are many friendly people willing and ready to give a hand or advise, but you can also get the solitude that you need. Most everyone there respects that "downtime" quiet that you might need, but they're also ready to pop a cold one and sit and talk. Cap'n D
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