Reviews: Donovan's Shady Harbor Marina

Reviewed by: Gary Miller on Oct 21, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 76'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

First class facility, good water depth at Dock, good freshwater, good electricity, nice wide, floating docks, Brian and Cathy are first class people and wonderful hosts.

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Reviewed by: Gwen Smith on Oct 21, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 4

Great Marina, great people. Really good food at the restaurant. This was our most expensive stop on the loop for a marina as they charge by our mast length and our boat length. I understand why they do it but most marinas just charge by boat length. You are exposed here and it is rolly at night.

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Reviewed by: Ben Sutton , Safe Haven, on Oct 14, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 50'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Stayed here one night. Great staff helped us with pump out and tie up on the face dock. Some rocking from tugs and non courteous boaters but not bad. Restaurant had just closed for season or we would have tried.

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Reviewed by: Gary Miller on Oct 2, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 76'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Absolutely, first class, people, good wide, floating docks, good electric power, first class all the way. Brian and Kathy Donovan, are fabulous people very hospitable, very cordial, and will do anything to help you.

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Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel on Sep 30, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

There are over 30 reviews of Shady Harbor Marina and almost all of them rate the facility as either 4 or 5 stars. It truly is an excellent boater friendly stop on the upper Hudson that caters to the cruising crowd. This time through we needed to get a couple of batteries replaced so we called ahead and the batteries were waiting for us. The install took no time at all and we were on our way south without a hiccup. The marina remains top-notch in all respects and the management and staff are wonderful. The only negative change since our last visit is the demise of the two courtesy cars that provided transportation to good shopping. Hopefully they will find a suitable vehicle for next year!

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Reviewed by: MARK GLOVER , COOL CHANGE, on Jul 10, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

What a great place to stay!!! Excellent restaurant on site. Well stocked ship's store. Friendly, knowledgeable staff .
Floating docks in great shape. Fuel and pump out available. We would definitely stop in again.

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Reviewed by: Kevin Williams , m/v Blue Tortuga, on Jun 28, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Great facility with pretty much anything you'd want from a marina. Nice facility, good floating docks, ships store, good restaurant on site, swimming pool, fire pit, haul out. Good personnel. Decent current so be aware. Good depths. Not much in the area but everything you need is at the marina.

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Reviewed by: Richard Lewis , Sea-Quel, on Jun 9, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 56'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Great facility and staff. Deep water and convenient. Nice dock store. Restaurant on property but we didn't eat there.

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Reviewed by: David Mann , Now or Never, on Jun 2, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 4.7'

Rating: 5

Easy approach. This is on the river so current should be considered when docking although it never seemed strong. Very friendly staff. Ships store is well equipped with everything from t-shirts and ice cream to Racor filters, parts & hardware. Nice dining on location overlooking the marina. On the transient dock the voltage is boosted to 134V per leg so be aware. Not many boats were using it at the time so perhaps when loaded up with boats and everyone running ac the voltage will drop.

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Reviewed by: Gary Miller on Oct 19, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 76'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Great owners/operators, very knowledgeable and very helpful, water depth a t head is great, electric and H2O is good, courtesy car is great.

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Reviewed by: James Fenton on Sep 21, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Had a haul out for a survey. Brian and his wife were great. Even people who were on the dock helped out on. Loved it.

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Reviewed by: Paul Steindorf , Ohana, on Jul 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Attentive staff, nice bathrooms, good on site restaurant, basic boat parts and service on site. Recommended.

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Reviewed by: Jonathan Philipps on Jul 8, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

We were welcomed with open arms even though the marina had suffered catastrophic damage from a storm only hours earlier. Brian and Kathy went above and beyond to provide what we needed for repairs and parts all while rebuilding the marina. Clean bathrooms, excellent laundry, and a knowledgeable and helpful mechanic. Oh yeah, loaner cars are a nice addition.

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Reviewed by: Mike Johnson , Paradise Found, on Jul 3, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 55'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

What a lovely spot to rest up in. Good water depths and of course Brian and his crew were fantastic. Pool and bar were wonderful as was the pig roast. Pumpout and fuel were reasonably priced. Best part if you need anything just ask Brian he will move heaven and earth to help out!

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Reviewed by: Michelle Mcaak5 , Next Adventure, on Jun 18, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Easy access to the fuel dock
Todays price $4.759 per gallon

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Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel on Jun 9, 2023
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Shady Harbor Marina is a AGLCA sponsor and presents the Hudson River/Erie route segment at the Spring Rendezvous. The docks are open to the river but the wakes don't cause much trouble in the marina. There is 12' MLW depth on the dock where we were tied. The docks are floating, sturdy and stable, well maintained, with good electric and water. The fuel dock is an easily accessible side tie and the staff is there to help when you need them with fuel and pump out. The office/store is centrally located and well organized. The store rivals many smaller marine stores I have seen and, if you are staying for a couple of days, they will order items from their supplier at reasonable prices. The staff could not be nicer. The marina has two courtesy cars available. There is everything to like about the place including a great restaurant. And they haul and fix boats as well.

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Reviewed by: DeeDee H on Aug 31, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Great marina, staff, ship's store, restaurant and bars on site. Two courtesy cars. Nice showers and laundry. Only negative is not protected from wakes but overall great place.

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Reviewed by: Michael Palotta , Buona Fortuna, on Jul 18, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Stayed her for one night had a great time and meal going back on way back down

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Reviewed by: John Benson on Jul 5, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

The reviews are right on the money. Very Very nice marina. The laundry was a huge bonus. The hospitality was exceptional and would definitely return. Don't miss this marina.

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Reviewed by: Patricia And Steven Stanley , Calypso, on Jun 25, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Donovan's Shady Harbor Marina hosts an AGLCA Pig Roast every year. Although we missed it this time, we can see that it's the perfect venue. It has all of the expected amenities (bathhouse with bathrooms, shower and laundry) as well as on site ship's store, a pool, picnic & BBQ areas and a restaurant. They also have 2 courtesy cars! We stayed here for 2 nights. The first day we borrowed the car and drove to a local grocery store. There are plenty of banks, restaurants and a West Marine nearby. The second day we cleaned the boat and celebrated my birthday and our anniversary at the restaurant (it was Friday Prime Rib night!). We will definitely return to this 5-star marina!

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Reviewed by: William Langston , Uno Mas, on Jun 18, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

All of the previous recent comments are correct. Arrived on a day the restaurant wasn't open and went up to the "Container Bar" and found a guy in there working his ass off and apologizing he wasn't faster. He said he was more comfortable in an engine room. Some time later figured out it was Brian (we hadn't been introduced prior). We've been boating for 40 years and have been to 100s of marinas and never seen a more involved owner. After leaving and developing a mechanical problem, we came back from Schenectady to haul the boat at Shady and couldn't have been taken care of better. Brian was involved overseeing the haulout which was reassuring and was as involved in the inspection as much as any of the staff. This owner is not afraid of getting his hands dirty from cooking a burger to messing with nasty running gear. If you can't respect that, there's nothing more to say. We've been in newer marinas but never a better one. 10 Stars.

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Reviewed by: Gary Miller on May 23, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 76'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

A previous reviewer stated "a marina run by boaters" what more needs to be said. Entire staff is first class, facility is first class and functional, restaurant on site, courtesy car, 20' water at southern T-head 3' below high tide. WIFI is good. I was broke and stayed here 10 days, it was enjoyable.

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Reviewed by: Ross Wiltse on Aug 28, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 2.9'

Rating: 4

I can see why this is a Looper stop off. Good laundry facility, floating docks, loaner car, restaurant on site, quiet, good Wifi, and fuel. Easy to access from the Hudson, there is some wake from passing ships and boats, nothing terrible.

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Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel on Jul 3, 2021
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Not a luxury marina but very definitely first class in every way. Good docks, great staff, well stocked store that ordered me some parts that came in the following day. Nice grounds, clean showers, $1.00 wash, pool, multiple grills with tent, good restaurant, and even a fully functional courtesy car which, if you are thinking of shopping, you will definitely need because the marina is at the bottom of a steep hill (no biking unless you are really into your cardio workout) without a grocery store within walking distance. Very good WiFi but only fair cell signal. Pet friendly. There is no wake protection from traffic on the river but almost everyone behaves. Make sure that there is some slack in your lines for the few wakes that do make it in.

Most of all, the place has a wonderfully calm, relaxed atmosphere. We spent a week here and will come back any time we are in the area. Definitely a great stop on the Hudson.

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Reviewed by: Jeffrey Skoda on Jun 29, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 65'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

This is one of the few places that lives up to the hype. It is a marina that is run by boaters. They know what you want and they deliver. Ships store, restaurant, and employees all first class.

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Reviewed by: Vicky Vicky Carr on Jun 22, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 3.3'

Rating: 5

Donovan's is everything great we've heard, and then some! We knew we'd like the pool, floating docks, restaurant on site, and super friendly boater-savvy owners (they are boaters!). Used courtesy car for easy grocery provisioning. Then had a bilge pump run continously on day we were to leave. Donovan's had a mechanic on site right down to diagnose the problem, and fixed within a few hrs with a new part they had in stock. Amazing customer service, especially this year when its so hard elsewhere to find a place that will even look at your boat within a week for repairs.

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Reviewed by: Bruce Stewart , Escape, on Jun 3, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

This may not be a "fancy resort" but it is a first class marina with all the necessities. Ships store was one of the best stocked I have seen (outside West Marine) and the dock hands were great

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Reviewed by: Rob Dare , Liberty Call , on Jun 2, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 46'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Great marina. We had heard this was the one can’t miss stop on the Hudson and that was true. Dockmaster Nick and his team are fantastic. We were in great hands the moment we pulled up to the fuel doc. Owner Brian came down to help tie us up and welcome us. Great ship’s store with an amazing selection. We needed a repair and that was done quickly so we could continue on our journey. The restaurant was good. There are enough places to walk a dog. Hope next time we are a little later in the season to try the new poolside bar.

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Reviewed by: Gary Miller on May 30, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 76'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Was here for 5 nights in May waiting for Erie Canal to open. Made two airport runs with courtesy car and also ran a couple of errands. The Donovans are great people and Dockmaster Nick and his staff were very accommodating. Cell service is weak. Lots of water depth at dock and electric was good.

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Reviewed by: francis Kilcoyne on May 22, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 49'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 3

Nice marina with an accommodating staff and even a courtesy car, however, the cell service is one bar at best and the WIFI is terrible even for marina standards. This is just as it was the last time I visited in 2019 so there does not seem to be much interest on making improvements.

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Reviewed by: Doug Kern on Sep 9, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Brian and his wife and staff were very focused on customer service and our extended stay was one of the highlights of our trip from Beaufort, SC to MI. Very accommodating and would recommend anyone heading north or south to make Shady Harbor a must stop.

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Reviewed by: Shelly , Stage ii, on Sep 1, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 70'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

Great people own and work here! This marina came highly recommended with a great restaurant, pool and bbq. The owners are very visible to guests and Brian's laugh can be heard across the marina, it's infectious. The ship store allows package delivery so you can continue your Amazon buying habits while traveling the Hudson. The location is ideal for zipping up to Albany for the farmers market or borrowing one of the two loaner vehicles and going to town for provisions. The location is in a valley and freighters and tugs pass by sometimes twice a day. Really cool stuff to see with your morning coffee.

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Reviewed by: Robert Webb , Doc's Aweigh, on Aug 22, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 54'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

This is a great stop. We stayed 5 nights on the 'T' dock; had some chop but quite tolerable. The staff are great, knowledgeable, helpful. Had a steering hydraulic ram leak and mechanic and manager organized rebuild and then reinstalled and taught me what to do. Excellent restaurant on site - had take out. Only drawback might be lack of amenities close by but they have 2 courtesy vehicles which compensate. Would definitely stay again.

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Reviewed by: MALCOLM FARREL on Jul 25, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 23'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Shady Harbor is exposed to the river, but most commercial and recreational traffic slows to idle so minimal wakes. Docks are relatively new, in good shape with good power. Dock hands are knowledgeable and friendly. Nice restaurant on property and office has marine supplies and some grocery items.

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Reviewed by: Louise Anderson , Then Again, on Sep 2, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

This marina has it all. Brian is an excellent "host". I say "host" because you feel like he is welcoming you into his home, rather than being a customer at his business. He and his staff could not do enough for us, including receiving several packages. The Boathouse Grille, on premises, has delicious food for both lunch and dinner. We would highly recommend dinner reservations if you want to enjoy Prime Rib nights. Our berth was a side tie and very quiet/minimal wakes.

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Reviewed by: Robert LeMoine on Jul 22, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Stopped here for 2 nights in mid-June. Very nice folks. Got fuel, pump out and some time at the nice but small pool. Dinner was reasonable at the restaurant. They have a courtesy car you can use, which is great for a trip for food etc.

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Reviewed by: Eddy Johnsen , Spiritus, on Jun 21, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

The only thing this marina doesn't have is city noise and city lights (And that would be a good thing!). We absolutely cannot think of anything negative to say about their docks, restrooms, laundry room, ship's store, maintenance facility, swimming pool, marina staff or restaurant.
If you're looking for a peaceful setting with all of the aforementioned sterling amenities, then look no further.

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Reviewed by: Kim Brown on Aug 10, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

This is just a nice marina - well kept, friendly. Good fuel price for Valvtect in this neighborhood. Nice laundry, showers, pool in quiet setting. Well trained dock attendants etc. Restaurant was tasty. They just have it together. No one piece is the best I have seen but few if any places check all the boxes as well.

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Reviewed by: Tom Friers on Jun 23, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

We just completed a 13 day stay at Shady Harbor and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We were treated like family. The owner, Brian drove me to Albany airport to pick up a rental car and was on the dock the morning we departed to help us and to say goodbye - wow! The marina and local yacht club hosted a pig roast/clam bake which was attended by crews from 20 transient looper boats. The restaurant, under head chef Brian, is fabulous and the Wifi is the best I have ever seen at a marina. I also had some minor maintenance done on my boat and they were timely, efficient, and reasonably priced. The location, the facilities and the people combine to make this a favorite.

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Reviewed by: Kittredge,Deborah , Winds of Change, on May 27, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 30'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Stopped here to put our boat up for 6 weeks while we ran home in the middle of doing the Great Loop. Nick, the manager, and his staff are knowledgeable, professional and friendly. This is a full service marina, fuel, service department, wonderful restaurant on site with a beautiful view of the river, and a ships store complete with dairy meats and cheeses along with the usual snacks. Bathrooms are clean. Saw them being cleaned each day we were here. Could use a few extra hooks for clothing in the stalls. We feel very comfortable leaving our boat here knowing she will be well taken care of.

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