Reviews from William OBrien (25)

  • Marina Review for Gulfport Municipal Marina

    Reviewed by: William OBrien , At Last, on Apr 7, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 48'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Rating: 4

    Nice marina with everything you need. We came in on high tide concerned about our draft. Was a little tight too and no shopping in walking distance but excellent gas dock and had 2 pump outs as well as 2 washers and dryers (HE too!). Had snacks in store too and you can get change for laundry.

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  • Anchorage Review for Boca Ciega Bay (1)

    Reviewed by: William OBrien, At Last, on Apr 7, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 48'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    4
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    1
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    5

    Was a pretty good anchorage. Winds were East to Northeast and we had a good holding. Depths 10’. We have a 6’ draft.

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  • Bridge comment on Pinellas Bayway Structure 'C' Bridge

    Comment by: William OBrien, At Last, on Apr 4, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 48'

    Funny but you go to west side of the “middle’ of the bridge to get highest point. Our 64’ mast got through 2 hours before high tide. We went under a total of 3 times and was ok.

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  • Anchorage Review for Boca Ciega Bay-G31

    Reviewed by: William OBrien on Apr 4, 2021
    LOA: 48'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    4
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    1
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    1

    Nice anchorage. Was great when we had North winds into Northeast for the night. Some seas but good holding. Lovely scenery of local homes as well. Depth was 11 feet at high tide

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  • Marina Review for Clearwater Municipal Marinas (Clearwater Harbor Marina)

    Reviewed by: William OBrien , At Last, on Apr 2, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 48'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Rating: 4

    Great marina with super friendly people. 4 stars because they do not have fuel here anymore. They do have self serve pump out and one washer and dryer @$2 per load. It’s well protected from winds. Beware of sea grass clogging your water for A/C. The surrounding area is awesome with lots of restaurants to choose from. Had my provisions delivered via Walmart with no issues.

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  • Anchorage Review for Steinhatchee

    Reviewed by: William OBrien, At Last, on Mar 26, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 48'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    4
    Wind Protection:
    5
    Current Flow:
    4
    Wake Protection:
    5
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Shore Access:
    5
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    5

    Lots of sailboats anchored here since there’s no where else for us to be. Was a little tricky to anchor and we are a bit in the channel so we threw out a stern anchor to make sure we didn’t move.

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  • Anchorage Review for Destin Harbor East

    Reviewed by: William OBrien, At Last, on Mar 24, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 48'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    4
    Wake Protection:
    4
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Ease of Shopping:
    5
    Shore Access:
    5
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    5

    Anchored here for 3 nights. We had a north storm come through. It was wicked. Anchorage held with 30+ gusts. Before that it was nice - dolphins to see. Lots of tour boats come around you. Be careful coming in - watch you depth and all the other boats!!! Had major bird poop problems for 2 nights it was calm. All over our dodger ugh. We had a generator issue and Tony’s Marine came out - THEY WERE AMAZING!! Fixed issue and went above and beyond! Lots of restaurants to choose from. No marinas could take our 6’ draft or were full - hello spring break!

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  • Anchorage Review for Little Sabine Bay

    Reviewed by: William OBrien, At Last, on Mar 24, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 48'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    5
    Current Flow:
    5
    Wake Protection:
    5
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    3
    Shore Access:
    5
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    5

    Nice anchorage and well protected. You’re by a multitude of restaurants and shops. Just beware of the channel and try not to anchor in it. Also! BE CAREFUL while approaching - our 6’ draft skimmed the bottom. We were told it was recently dredged to 12’ but apparently not!

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  • Anchorage Review for English Navy Cove

    Reviewed by: William OBrien, At Last, on Mar 24, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 48'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    2
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    5

    Nice anchorage and held very well. There is a boat ramp so smaller boats go in and out.

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  • Marina Review for MarineMax Pensacola

    Reviewed by: William OBrien , At Last, on Mar 24, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 48'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Rating: 5

    Came for fuel and water only but were also able to take trash to dumpster and get ice. People there to help you were super! Takes us a long time to get everything done (especially water) but no problem with them. They had room for smaller boats to be able to fuel up in front of us.

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  • Anchorage Review for Dog Island Northeast

    Reviewed by: William OBrien, At Last, on Mar 24, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 45'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Wake Protection:
    5
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    5
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    5

    Great spot - actually did two anchorages here on Dog Island. Depth much more than on charts (read 9’ but was 15’). Nice and quiet - just a few locals around to fish.

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  • Marina Review for South Shore Harbor Marina

    Reviewed by: William OBrien , At Last, on Feb 7, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 45'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Rating: 1

    Was docked there 1/25/2021. Was overall pretty disappointed. They advertise on their facebook and google that they have gas / pump out and a convenience store - they have none of those amenities!!! Walking around here is like an episode of the "Walking Dead". The nearest convenience store ain't convenient. (about 1.2 miles away) Also, I had a guest to come visit and needed the gate code so they could come in and park - marina didn't answer phone nor did they ever return my call. Guest had to walk a bit to get to me and we were schlepping laundry to them! Did have electricity and water - only.

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  • Bridge comment on Seabrook Railroad Bridge

    Comment by: William OBrien, At Last, on Feb 7, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 45'

    Traveled through on January 25th 2021. The bridge was open since no trains were going by but we needed to call because it was not fully open and didn't feel our 63' mast would fit. Just be aware of this.

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  • Bridge comment on Danziger (U.S. 90/Chef Menteur Hwy.) Bridge

    Comment by: William OBrien, At Last, on Feb 7, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 45'

    Went under 1/25/2021 - Heading East - we did call the bridge at the Harvey Lock. That was too soon and the poor people at the bridge were waiting for us to open it. Called the City to let them know we were calling and then a dude called me on his cell. He was in charge of opening bridge. They did wait for us and opened the bridge (turned out to be 4 hours from when we called). Glad they waited.

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  • Lock comment on Inner Harbor Navigation Canal (Industrial) Lock

    Comment by: William OBrien, At Last, on Feb 7, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 45'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Went through (1/25/21). As with other boater on VHF 14 lock master instructed us to tie up along side right before St Claude Bridge. When they were ready for us they instructed us to call the bridge first so they will open. Bridge opened and in we went. They handed us one small rope and it was a smooth ride down to canal level but would have been tricky if not for our bow thrusters. Call all other bridges beyond here when you're actually coming up to them (channel 13) - otherwise they'll ignore you - lol.

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  • Lock comment on Harvey Lock

    Comment by: William OBrien, At Last, on Feb 7, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 45'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Called up lock master on VHF14. Traveling East Bound, we had to wait as a very large tug with the Core of Engineers was entering and they could not accommodate anyone else. The wait is a bit as it takes time for boats to tie up, lock to fill with water (about 5') and then open. The locks will let oncoming traffic come into the lock then lower back to your level here. We were not instructed to tie up and just had to kind of drive around. The wind was high and the current was too. Also the area has a lot of industrial activity going on. Then two tugs came up behind us and it was difficult to let them pass due to how narrow it is. The 2 tugs and our boat went into the lock together. I was ready to hand them our spring line but they handed down a rope to us instead. We tied as best we could but the bow of our boat did hit the wall. Thank goodness we had bow thrusters to help adjust us. I think the wake of the other tugs motors in the lock threw us around a bit.

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  • Marina Review for Morgan City Boat Dock

    Reviewed by: William OBrien , At Last, on Feb 7, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 45'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Rating: 4

    We stayed here (1/18 - 1/21 2021). $30 per day. Difficult to dock as there are no cleats and you have to tie off around 3 grouped poles but once in, you get your electricity and water. Unfortunately there isn't a grocery store nearby and we schlepped to a place in town. (Cannata's Supermarket). There was a cute little sweet / Blue Bell ice cream shop just down the way. It's quiet and great views of the bridges. We were also able to get take out at Rita Mae's Kitchen which was decent.

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  • Marina Review for Shell Morgan Landing Inc.

    Reviewed by: William OBrien , At Last, on Feb 7, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 45'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Rating: 3

    Stayed here one night (1/17/21). Was difficult to dock due to current and wind but also they directed our 5' 9" draft in a too shallow area. We ended up behind a tug and had to rope up to far off poles. There was no diesel available because it was in a shallow area and it was Sunday so no one around. No electricity. Was able to get ice. We were able to get water. It's a pretty industrial spot so not scenic. We did arrive on a Sunday so no one was around.

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  • Anchorage Review for Mermentau G5

    Reviewed by: William OBrien, At Last, on Feb 7, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 45'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    5
    Current Flow:
    4
    Wake Protection:
    5
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    1
    Pet Friendly:
    1
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    1

    Beautiful anchorage after we finally made it. We turned too soon and went aground but quickly figured out we were heading the wrong way. Go ALL the way to the rear.

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  • Anchorage Review for Calcasieu River Oxbow

    Reviewed by: William OBrien, At Last, on Feb 7, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 45'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4

    It was a fine anchorage but MUST be careful with depth here. Just pay attention. Otherwise weather was fine which is always good. Not great views or anything special but did the trick! Good mud anchorage.

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  • Anchorage Review for Shell Island

    Reviewed by: William OBrien, At Last, on Feb 7, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 45'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5

    Great and easy anchor. Tugs were on opposite side of the island. Wonderful sunsets and views.

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  • Marina Review for Sabine Pass Port Authority Marina

    Reviewed by: William OBrien , At Last, on Feb 7, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 45'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Rating: 5

    Great place. Kind of narrow entrance but we landed in the T at end of dock just fine. You do have to wrap around the dock poles. There is power 50 and 30 and water right there. We used the showers which were nice and clean and also used the washer dryer. Staff is super helpful - even gave us a lift to nearby convenience store! We stayed about 5 days and was great!

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  • Marina Review for South Shore Harbor Marina

    Reviewed by: William OBrien , At Last, on Jan 28, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 45'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Rating: 2

    Misleading information. They don’t have gas or a convenience store. The nearest one on foot is about a mile away. They do have ice and pump out, electric (30/50) and water. The restrooms / showers are hopelessly far away as transient slips are on other side of marina (at least ours was being a 45’). It’s a little creepy here too - like something out of the Walking Dead.

    • WG Editor Comment:

      The marina website nor the listing on Waterway Guide Explorer states they have fuel.

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  • Bridge comment on St. Claude Ave. (SR 46) Bridge

    Comment by: William OBrien, At Last, on Jan 28, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 45'

    This is actually VHS 14 in pairing with the lock. We sat there calling 13 for about 40 minutes. Finally called lock back on channel 14 and they said st Claude bridge was channel 14 as well. All other bridges are 13.

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  • Marina Review for Downtown Marina of Houma

    Reviewed by: William OBrien , At Last, on Jan 28, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 45'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Rating: 3

    Got here at night. It was well lit and could see just fine. Unfortunately we ran aground almost immediately. We had to dock with our Stern almost to the water way. We were too far to be able to get power too. There really is nothing much around either. Thought there would be more. Not really sailboat friendly due to the shallow depth.

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