Underrated marinas

Allowishish

Allowishish

.
Oct 30, 2017
192
Caliber 40 LRC Lake Pueblo
I realize this is a bit like asking for beta to quiet secrets… but if you are willing to share.

What are your favorite underrated marinas and why?
Is it the customer service they provide? A great location in a community where it is unexpected? Just a hidden gem? Ease of access to cruising/sailing that most people bypass?
 
sail sfbay

sail sfbay

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Feb 21, 2013
4,638
Hunter 46 Point Richmond, CA
Brickyard Cove Marina (now Boardwalk Marina) in Point Richmond, CA...............no pump out or fuel services BUT very reasonable dock fees, great views of San Francisco and 3 bridges (Golden Gate, SF Bay and San Rafael), new docks and restrooms, gated, ample parking, 30 minutes from home (just enough to be a getaway but not too far to make it a big trip), you are sailing in the bay after leaving the dock in < 2 minutes, once in the bay you can choose a point of sail that suits you (into the slot on a beam reach, upwind, downwind, broad reach), nice weather, close to resturants.
 
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D

dlochner

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Jan 11, 2014
12,273
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
rgranger said:
Whittaker Pointe Marina in Oriental NC


Nice people, nice location, nice facilities.
Click to expand
We've stayed at Wittaker Point a couple of times. Depth can be an issue and it is a long distance from anything. The Marina does have a van for transient use. Last May the van was lacking a few basic amenities, like a rearview mirror and a seatbelt for the driver. :yikes:

Oriental is an interesting town. It has more sailboats than residents and everyone you meet is from somewhere else. It is also the home of the Piglet, the smallest Piggly Wiggly.
 
Leeward Rail

Leeward Rail

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Mar 20, 2015
3,177
C&C 30 Mk1 Winnipeg
dlochner said:
the van was lacking a few basic amenities, like a rearview mirror and a seatbelt for the driver.
Click to expand
Rear mirrors are not really needed. Plenty of vehicles have no way to look straight out the back... Seat belt.. Meh.. Driver's problem. Did it have belts for the customers ? ;):beer:
 
Allowishish

Allowishish

.
Oct 30, 2017
192
Caliber 40 LRC Lake Pueblo
Nice.
Beautiful photo.

I am not lucky enough to have a great marina.
our lake is a hidden gem in Colorado.
we can sail year round and when the rest of the state is winterizing their boats we are hitting the best months.
 
jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,214
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Which lake. Dillon is the only lake I sailed in Colorado. That was during a Ski/bike/sail end of Skiing season event at Arapaho Basin.
 
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Leeward Rail

Leeward Rail

.
Mar 20, 2015
3,177
C&C 30 Mk1 Winnipeg
dlochner said:
The driver is a customer! :yikes:
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Oh. Sorry though it was all fancy with a part time jack of all trades driver. Not just a van you can use.

Just brace with your arms, or let the crew drive. :laugh:

Fwiw: We had a free to use 4x4 on Saint Maarten that barely had lights held on with tape... My standards have been flexible ever since.
 
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Allowishish

Allowishish

.
Oct 30, 2017
192
Caliber 40 LRC Lake Pueblo
jssailem said:
Which lake. Dillon is the only lake I sailed in Colorado. That was during a Ski/bike/sail end of Skiing season event at Arapaho Basin.
Click to expand
Dillon is pretty for sure. We were just up there for a Sierra Ferral/Shakey Graves concert last weekend.
We are on Lake Pueblo. While not as majestic as Dillon it has its own attributes.
AE367AF3-D6D9-41BC-AD4E-0C4CBF420DCD.jpeg

Mostly it is bigger and we can boat year round. The Mtn biking is great as well.
 
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David in Sandusky

David in Sandusky

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Nov 8, 2007
1,562
Hunter 27_75-84 Sandusky Harbor Marina, Ohio
We have docked Lady Lillie in over 40 marinas in Lakes Erie, St. Clair, and Huron and in the Detroit and St. Clair rivers. We have docked charters in at least another 20 on distant shores and another 5 countries. Honestly, I would return to any of them. I can’t think of one that did not provide water, electricity, bathrooms, and showers. Access to each was easily deduced from charts and/or local guide books.

Which one is the best is interesting and a close call. I’d probably give the nod to Leamington, Ontario for excellent grounds, flowers, security, facilities, and staff. Our home port, Safe Harbor in Sandusky, has great services, and a nice swimming pool, but passing trains a half mile inland interrupt our sleep at night.
 
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Daddio417

Daddio417

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Oct 29, 2016
53
Pearson 31-2 Bras D'or
St Peter’s Marina, in St Peter’s, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Like many, many marinas a great group of people and one of the best managers you could ever ask for, shirt off his back kind of guy. Located on the Atlantic and the great Bras D’or sea, separated by a single lock canal you have an abundance of sailing choices, truly an unlimited of great gunkholing. Only wish our season was longer
 
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WayneH

WayneH

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Jan 22, 2008
1,081
Tartan 37 287 Pensacola, FL
It's been years but Fairhope marina in Fairhope AL. About the same distance up Mobile Bay as the Dog River but on the opposite shore. We had an instrument problem and needed to ship it off for repairs. We got directions for the post office from the marina manager who then gave us the keys to her car so we could go. We ended up spending three weeks there and made lots of friends.
 
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Scott T-Bird

Scott T-Bird

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Oct 26, 2008
6,215
Catalina 320 Barnegat, NJ
Allowishish said:
Dillon is pretty for sure. We were just up there for a Sierra Ferral/Shakey Graves concert last weekend.
Click to expand
I always thought Reefpoint Marina in Racine was a very good marina and location that is not so well known or talked about. But that was almost 40 years ago that I was last there!

Can't say I've ever heard of Shakey Graves, but can't get enough of Sierra Ferrell!

The sea, the sea, the sea
It's such a salty magic place
If you find yourself goin' under
You'll remember the taste
 
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h2o_snow

h2o_snow

.
Nov 18, 2016
152
Hunter 260 Lucky Peak, ID
Re: San Juans:

Yep: thumbs up to Port Browning on North Pender Island. Food is good, pool is a plus and the market is within walking distance. Watch for splinters on the docks (being replaced slowly).

I also like Blakely Island Marina. Very limited in space - the island is private but has a nice Friday night feed. Good showers and a small store. The ice cream is welcome.

Other:

Best in 2022 was Dangling Rope on Lake Powell. Abandoned due to the water levels dropping with the fuel docks removed to Halls Crossing. We tied up and made ourselves at home in April. Good striper fishing (note the smoker).

1663025115223.png


1663095440683.png
 
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DArcy

DArcy

.
Feb 11, 2017
1,742
Islander Freeport 36 Ottawa
David in Sandusky said:
I’d probably give the nod to Leamington, Ontario for excellent grounds, flowers, security, facilities, and staff.
Click to expand
I'm glad to hear Leamington is still a gem. I was there about 30 years ago and it was a beautiful spot back then.
 
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DAVA390

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Jul 13, 2010
1,097
Precision 23 Perry Hall,Baltimore County
jssailem said:
Which lake. Dillon is the only lake I sailed in Colorado. That was during a Ski/bike/sail end of Skiing season event at Arapaho Basin.
Click to expand
Sailed Lake Dillon also, rented a C22 when visiting friends that moved frpm N.J. to Idaho Springs just west of Denver. Had a great day on the lake!
 
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