Marina Review for Florida Yacht Club-PRIVATE

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Mar 6, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

The Florida Yacht Club did a complete rebuild of their docks in 2023. They opened back up for business Jan 1, 2024. They also built a new sea wall with rip rap rocks that gives the marina basin nearly a 360 degree protection from waves from St John's River. The only opening is to allow access into the marina basin.

The docks are plumbed with inslip pumpout capabilities.

The dockmaster told me they give one night free dockage as reciprocity for other yacht club members.

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Marina Review for Kennedy Point Yacht Club & Marina

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Feb 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

The marina suffered damage in 2022 from hurricane Ian and then followed by Nicole. The red and green daymarks at marina entrance are damaged and hard to see.

The docks have been repaired and have in slip pump out. However, the breakwater wall is still in the process of repair. Winds with an east component will result in wave action inside the marina.

On a positive note, this is a great Space Coast Marina to view a rocket launch.

The hotel construction in past reviews has been put on hold. Current plans are probably 18 months out to start any work on new hotel/ marina office.

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Marina Review for Loggerhead Marina - Daytona Beach Marina

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Jan 31, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

When entering the marina from AICW you will notice two black floating barrel fenders just before the south dock. The fenders are marking a sunk sailboat from hurricane Ian. The sail boat is not visible on your approach, but is only a foot below water level. So favor the north dock as you enter the fairway. Plenty of room to get in without being near sunk sailboat.

The restrooms are clean and newly remodeled. There is in slip pump out available. However larger boats may have trouble getting back to their fuel dock, so check before trying. The fuel dock is really for fueling their dry stack storage boats.

Marina no longer allows live-a-boards.

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Free Dock Review for Lee Wenner Park Free Dock

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Dec 19, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

The main free dock suffered some minor damage in 2022 hurricane season. There are now signs posted to use the dock at your own risk. The obvious damage seems to be the rubber bumpers along the edge of the dock. Some are missing, some are hanging into water, some are still in place.

The bathroom directly across from the dock in the parking lot is closed. However, if you walk towards the Village, there are two public bathrooms that are open from 8 am to 7 pm.

The slips and dingy dock suffered grave damage and are unusable. They are currently blocked from entry by water.

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Marina Review for Moore Haven City Docks

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Dec 13, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

The last lockage for the Lock must be before 1630. We arrived at 1635 and were too late. The Moore Haven City Dock was a great place to spend the night with power and electric. The docks are sturdy and well built. You can go across the street to City Hall to pay the $1/foot charge (office closes at 1700) or a guy came by about sunset (1730) to collect the cash.

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Anchorage Review for Pelican Bay

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Dec 9, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

The entrance to Pelican Bay remains unchanged post hurricane Ian. Still target the manatee sign, then run about 100' from shore to thread the needle between shoals to both port and starboard. We carried about 6-7 foot of water near low tide.

The ferry dock is damaged with no boards available label to walk on. The post are still standing though.

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Anchorage Review for Searcy Creek Oxbow

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Dec 3, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Stopped in here with little to no wind. Only put out about forty foot of chain. Held just fine. Depth was about 7-10 feet within 15 foot of shore. Verizon signal was weak with only 1 bar.

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Anchorage Review for Pearl Bayou

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Dec 2, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

The entrance is well marked. After entering there were three sailboats anchored to the west. We went passed them and found ten feet of water all the way west where the bayou forks. Dropped the hook with plenty of swing room. Easily could accommodate two more boats between us and the sailboats. Had 4 bars Verizon service.

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Anchorage Review for Choctawhatchee Bridge Southeast

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Dec 1, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

We anchored on the northeast side of the bridge. Overnight winds were from the north at 15-20 mph. We dropped anchor in 10 feet of water. Anchor held well in thick black mud. Surprised that the bridge traffic was so thick, but noise was low. Had 4 bars Verizon service.

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Free Dock Review for Fort Walton Beach Landing - Closed for Renovation

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Nov 30, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

There are red and white signs posted that say No Overnight Dockage Allowed. There are also signs that say Dock Closes at 10 pm. However, upon arrival at the dock we called the police department number and let them know we were there but would be off the boat for awhile. The young lady on the phone wanted to know if we would like to stay the night. We said yes, and she commenced to ask many questions: make and model of boat, color of boat, registration number, my phone number. She said the SGT on duty would grant permission for 24 hour stay. If there was a problem and we could not stay, they would call back. She also said that Chief of police could extend stay to 48 hours if we could not leave. So we stayed the night on the dock.

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Free Dock Review for Quiet Water Beach Pier

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Nov 28, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

There is a well marked channel towards Quiet Water Beach for a ferry that runs to a long pier. The ferry docks about in the middle of the dock, signs are posted that say no mooring. The dock that runs north from the ferry stop carries about 10 foot of water. The further north on the pier the deeper the depth. However, there are signs posted parallel to the pier about 100 yards away that warn of shallow water so stay close to the pier. There are no cleats on the pier, but we tied to the pylons. The pier decking is all new and there is still some construction on going along the pier. While we were here, electricians were running electric power to the ferry dock location.

There is a Circle K Convenience store just south as you get on land. Manny restaurants along the boardwalk and across the way to the Gulf. Had three bars on our Verizon service.

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Marina Review for The Wharf Marina

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Nov 26, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

This excellent marina is undergoing renovation, which will make the facility even better.

However, be careful when entering the main marina basin after you pass the fuel dock and go under the bridge. The floating dock just east of the bridge is currently removed and in process of being replaced. DO NOT try to cut into the marina. Continue east bound until you see four large vertically mounted poles with red and green that mark the marina basin entrance.

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Anchorage Review for Round Island-MS

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Nov 26, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

We stopped here again on our east bound journey. Not much different from before. However, winds were 15-20 from the NE and shifted to the ESE during the night. The leeward side of the island provided good protection from both the wind and the waives.

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Lock comment on Inner Harbor Navigation Canal (Industrial) Lock

Comment by: David Fuller on Nov 23, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

When approaching the Industrial Lock from the Mississippi River, there is a dock behind the short wall with three cleats spaced about 50 feet apart. The lock master will direct pleasure craft to this dock while waiting on tow traffic to clear. The dock master will also allow an over stay along the dock. There is one 110 volt power cord also available for use. Stay close to the short wall as you approach for the most depth in water. To the middle of the waterway to shore shoals quickly. We saw 7 foot of depth near short wall and 5 foot in the middle between the short wall and shore.

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Marina Review for Morgan City Boat Dock

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Nov 21, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Returned to Morgan City for one night on our east bound voyage. The south end of the dock is now home to three Shrimp Boats. There is a sign up that basically says this area is reserved for the shrimp boats and anyone else who parks here will be peeled. A little play on words referencing shrimp. Otherwise, the conditions are the same as our west bound voyage.

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Anchorage Review for Shell Island

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Nov 21, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

We stopped back here on our eastbound voyage back to Florida. Conditions unchanged from before.

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Marina Review for Shell Morgan Landing Inc.

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Nov 21, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

We are now east bound on our way back to Florida. We arrived after hours on a Saturday. We were familiar with the facility so docked just across from the fuel dock again. Rested on Sunday and enjoyed the peace and tranquility with the facility closed. Settled up Monday morning. Glad to have this facility available after three hard days in the cold and rain from Houston.

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Anchorage Review for Shell Island

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Jan 5, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

As we entered the area where the anchor icon is located we began to see two parallel strings of crab pots that ran the whole length east-west of the Anchorage. With strong south winds forecast, we dropped anchor near the south shore and backed towards Shell Island. The current then kept us parallel with the shore and away from the crab pots which were more in the middle, halfway between Shell Island and south shore.

The anchor held well in soft mud, and came up clean in the morning.

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Anchorage Review for Mermentau G5

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Jan 5, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

On entry into the Mermentau River, the red over green marker was off station and was laying up on the shore. Lined up on the green daymarks and had no issues making way to the anchor spot. Because of the wind direction, we stayed on the west side of the island from the anchor icon. We were couple hundred yards from the red daymarker.

Was good holding in a mud bottom and the anchor came up clean in the morning.

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Marina Review for Shell Morgan Landing Inc.

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Jan 5, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

We arrived about 3:30 pm and found the place already closed down for the day. Called the phone number and a gentleman answered the phone, and said that they usually close early during the winter time. We docked along the wall directly across from the fuel pumps and found 50 amp power.

They opened back up at 07:00 am and we went over to the office to settle up. Were charged a flat fee of $25 for our 43 foot boat.

On entry and exit from dock wall, we favored the fuel dock for deeper water, then moved to the dock wall. Found shallow water (5 feet) on initial entry just east of the dock wall.

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Marina Review for Morgan City Boat Dock

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Jan 5, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Appears they have dredged the area from the main channel to the docks at Morgan City. We used Aqua Maps which showed a large clear path between two Shoals. We showed 12-15 feet of water all the way to the docks.

The dock wall has clusters of three pillings every 30 feet along the wall. The cluster of pillings will keep you abou 18 inches from the dock wall. If you look at the flood wall, you will notice an opening in the wall. This opening is about in the middle of the total length of the dock wall. At this middle area along the wall there are no pillings, and there are conventional cleats to tie onto.

There is a metal lock box with payment envelops to drop your cash payment into. We walked about 0.8 miles to a Dollar General. Found the neighborhoods to be warm, welcoming, and safe. Would walk this area again.

Check out Rio Fuel, just up the river for a good wholesale price for diesel. We paid $2.70 when the gas stations are posting in the $3.50 price for diesel.

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Marina Review for Downtown Marina of Houma

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Jan 5, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Made way to Houma in one day because of good fortune FOG (favor of God) of getting past bridges and locks in New Orleans. We arrived about thirty minutes after dark. When we first pulled into fairway, there were three boats tied along wall. These three boats were sharing two power poles. Looks as though these three have taken up semi- permanent residence.

After getting past the third boat, we found about 100 feet of open wall space, but no power poles. Then there was a fourth houseboat docked by a power pole. We got close to this houseboat and our 50 foot power cord was about twenty foot short of power pedestal. Used an extension to reach the pedestal.

We found depth the entire length of fairway to be 5-6 feet deep. Enjoyed the stay and will use again on the eastbound return.

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Lock comment on Algiers Lock

Comment by: David Fuller on Jan 5, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

We came thru the Algiers Lock on Christmas morning because the Harvey Lock was out of service. We arrived the same time as a west bound tow and an east bound tow. The lock master put the fellow west bound tow in the lock and then allowed us to lock thru with the tow pushing only one barge. We exited lock and made way around the east bound tow.

Total time from leaving Pontchartrain Landing to exiting Algiers Lock was two hours. Glad there was not much traffic out on a holiday weekend.

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Bridge comment on Florida Ave. & Southern Railroad Bridge

Comment by: David Fuller on Jan 5, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'

Came thru the Bridge on Christmas morning with no opening restrictions in place. The bridge tender did not return any radio requests until he could make visual contact with our vessel. He then promptly stopped traffic and raised the bridge. As other poster noted, bridge tender does not signal for your passage until the bridge is full open. However, this is normal for bridges.

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Marina Review for New Orleans RV Resort & Marina

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Dec 24, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

We had originally made reservations at Seabrook for Christmas Eve. They only had one slip available. When we arrived, they were closed. The wind had picked up to 20 knots out of the south, blowing straight down the channel. Docking was going to be real challenge with the combination of wind, waves, and current. Decided to land at the fuel dock instead. While prepping to land at the fuel dock we noticed a side tie spot available over at the RV Park which was well protected and out of the wind. Got secured and found the office. They gladly took our money ($1/ foot including 50 amp power). The restroom facilities are clean and also include showers. The facilities were well kept. Will stop here again when we are east bound from Houston.

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Anchorage Review for Catfish Pt. (Rabbit Island)

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Dec 24, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

We came to this Anchorage at low tide and found 4 foot depths about 150-200 feet from the mouth. We were forecast for south/southeast winds over night. We dropped the anchor at the mouth of the oxbow and put out 100 foot of rode as we backed into oxbow. Anchor held well and wind kept us centered in between the land. Only two tows came by all night. Anchor came up clean.

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Anchorage Review for Round Island-MS

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Dec 23, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Dropped the anchor near the anchor icon. We had 10 mph north winds. Waves were no issue. The main channel is about 2 miles away, so passing tows are no issue. Had beautiful sunset and peaceful night. Anchor held well and came up clean in the morning.

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Marina Review for Holiday Yacht Club

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Jul 6, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Stayed both up and down bound. Dock Master (Mike) lives on property in an RV. He can be reached on his cell phone at 330.692.2620. The people here were very friendly and inviting. Clean restrooms and shower facilities. There is a grocery store just outside the gate of the property. Had 50 amp power also.

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Marina Review for Shawnee Boat Club (Private)

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Jun 22, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Stayed at Shawnee Boat Club for three nights. Dock master very accommodating. Let us borrow golf cart to make a Kroger’s run. Had 30 amp power and water. Bathrooms in a trailer at the top of hill where they have the Boat Club set up. As of this review they only had half their member boats in the water so there was lots of room on the long face dock for us to land. Had good Verizon signal.

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Marina Review for Inland Marina Inc.

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Jun 7, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Spent Saturday and Sunday nights at the Marina. Transient dock runs along side of the Marina entrance. Carried between 6-7 feet upon entry, with JT Myer pool at 17 feet tailwater. There was a dredge actively working on the entrance channel to the basin.

Restrooms were clean. The bar on the transient dock was hopping Saturday night.

Pump out station was broken, but parts are on order and repairs were scheduled for the next week per dock staff.

Hiked about two miles to go tour the LTS 325.

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Marina Review for Golconda Marina

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Jun 4, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Stayed at Golconda Marina one night. Smithland Pool was at 14.2 feet. We saw 7 feet just as we approached the entrance. Carried 7 feet as we entered, then level fell to 6, then 5 feet as we made way towards fuel dock. There are a few milk jugs between entrance and fuel dock. Go between milk jugs, we saw 6 feet as we neared fuel dock and had 6 feet when we tied at transient dock next to office building.

There was a small dredge in the harbor and dock master said they were dredging the harbor. However, the dredge did no work while we were there.

Dock master was generous and gave good info on small town.

Bathrooms and showers were clean and good condition.

Verizon signal was 2 bars 3G most of the time, with occasional 1 bar LTE.

We will stop here again on our way south after visiting Pittsburgh.

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Marina Review for Clifton Marina

Reviewed by: David Fuller on May 22, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Stayed three nights at the new and improved Clifton Marina. Owners and staff are working hard to provide all their guests an enjoyable experience. They have a new website that you can look at the restaurant menu and learn more about the Marina. They have a band playing Friday and Saturday night at the new outdoor bar. Website tells who will be performing.

https://www.cliftonmarina.com

There transient rates are now $1.50/ foot

Food at restaurant was excellent.

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Marina Review for Bay Springs Marina

Reviewed by: David Fuller on May 17, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Planned to spend the weekend here just to relax. However, after checking in I found I was missing -30 gallons of fuel from my port fuel tank. Then found the missing fuel in the engine room bilge. Went back to office and reported the issue. They immediately stopped other maintenance activities and sent a mechanic to our boat to recover the fuel.

After recovery was complete, we ran the engines to try and find the source. Troubleshooting discovered a valve to the generator return was cracked open. This allowed fuel to return to generator fuel tank and eventually back into bilge.

Big thanks to Marina and staff for quick response and successful recovery effort with no spill into the waterway. .

On another note, they have lost two docks due to winter storm damage so have limited transient dockage. Suggest you call early and make reservation if you plan to stop.

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Marina Review for Columbus Marina

Reviewed by: David Fuller on May 14, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Like to give thanks to Marina staff for looking after our boat while we left her from December ‘20 till May ‘21.

The shoal still exists (5-6 feet) near the fuel dock, but the staff will direct you in via radio and they have red and green markers showing the safe path over the shoal.

The staff has also built a wooden walkway from B Dock towards the office area and restrooms so you no longer walk through the low marshy area. Stay high and dry on the walkway.

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Free Dock Review for Great Bridge Dock #2 (Chesapeake, VA)

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Apr 30, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

For a Free Dock this is a great spot. Docks are in good shape, easy on, easy off. A short walking path with signage discusses the first victory in the revolutionary war that took place here. A museum about the battle and ICW is scheduled to open soon. Great Bridge shopping center is only 0.4 miles with many shops, including a Kroger for groceries. On the way you will pass a Taco Bell, KFC, and Dairy Queen.

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Anchorage Review for Alligator River - Durant Island (South)

Reviewed by: David Fuller on Apr 30, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Stopped here with wind out of the NE at 11 mph. Moved in close to shore with smooth night. Anchor came up clean and then northbound across the Sound.

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