Reviews from James A Ferguson (2)

  • Marina Review for Harborwalk Yacht Club & Marina

    Reviewed by: James A Ferguson on Dec 22, 2019
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 36'
    Draft: 4.9'

    Rating: 4

    The facilities at Harborwalk are in the process of being upgraded. The 3 pools were completely refinished in the summer of 2019 but are close for the winter. Channel from ICW to the Marina entrance dredged to 8 feet in spring/summer 2019 however there are still some 5 foot bumps at low tide. At this time the restaurant has been renovated but it is not open. It may open again in the spring or summer this year (2019). Gasoline and Diesel available year round but the store hours are limited during the winter and it is only open Thursday - Sunday. There are 16 very nice and large floating transient slips at the bulkhead adjacent to the pools.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Bridge comment on Galveston Causeway Railroad Bridge

    Comment by: James A Ferguson, Mischief Managed, on Apr 7, 2018
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 36'

    Bridge operator monitors channel 16 and requests change to channel 9 for more information.

    Water level gauges on the starboard side (right) when passing under the bridge indicate bridge clearance when it is in the fully down position. Bridge has painted on broad white stripe on the lifting part of the bridge that match up with broad white stripes on the stationary parts on both sides when the bridge is in fully up position. One sailor friend of mine regularly taps the RR bridge with his mast top vhf antenna on this bridge (at high tide) but not on the fixed Galveston Causeway Bridge adjacent to the RR bridge. His height with antenna is 72+ feet.

    Watch for strong currents in either direction depending on the tide flow. Wind can become a little "squirrely" between the bridges.

    Normal tidal difference between high and low tide is 1 - 2 feet.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer