Lock comment on E2 Waterford Lock (First lock in Waterford Flight)

Comment by: Gary Johnson on Jul 2, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.5'

June 2024 the lock is having a valve control issue. You can only tie to the south wall and the fill creates a very strong push against the wall. Suggest placing extra fenders aft and midship. Even after the fill was complete, the flow pins you against the south wall. Talking to others who passed through recently, several deflated fenders and several (myself included) scraped the wall trying to exit. This is not common in these locks. It is passable, just be prepared. The issue has been going on all spring and has no repair schedule that has been shared.

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Marina Review for Riverlink Park

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson on Jul 2, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

The park is nice with room for 8 or 10 boats. I'll echo the other comments and add that we were here on a Monday afternoon and night. There was a waterskiing camp going on all day that threw quite a lot of wake. if you don't mind rocking a bit, the walls are well fendered and it was quite entertaining. Also, since the restaurant was closed, there was no one to pay for the night and no one came to collect. When we arrived, the water level was quite low. The top horizontal fender was almost higher than our caprails (on our boat they are at knee height). During the day and night, the water rose about 4 ft, so the fenders were below our rubrail. Paying attention to boat fender adjustment was important. A local said they were trying to clear debris out of the locks and had lowered the water. They also mow and trim the grass on Mondays, and we got grass clippings blown onto the boat. After saying all that, once the waterskiing was over and the trains stopped for the night, it was a pleasant night.

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Anchorage Review for Sandhole Creek

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson on Jun 4, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.5'

Nicest anchorage on the ICW as far as I'm concerned. Well protected by cypress trees and a 300 ft wide channel in 12 ft of water. Nature embraces you with birds galore. Easy access off the ICW and the creek holds good depth for quite a ways in. Room for 5 or more boats. No amenities or shore access. Cell signal is fair. TMOBILE coverage is 4 bars.

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Bridge comment on Ben Sawyer Memorial (SC 703) Bridge

Comment by: Gary Johnson on Jun 4, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 48'

We were early for the 9:00 opening, but they opened at 8:40 on request. The operator was extremely pleasant and accommodating.

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Marina Review for Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson on Jun 4, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 3

Dock hands are great, but they need to be. Strong currents can make backing into a slip challenging. Easy access to fuel dock and pumpout. Docks A and B are closest to facilities. Otherwise expect a long walk. Showers are small but clean. Laundry facilities are convenient. Heads on the pier are out of order a lot, so be prepared to walk down another long dock to the resort proper. 4 bars and eating options on site, but not much else within walking distance.

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Bridge comment on Isle Of Palms Connector Bridge

Comment by: Gary Johnson on Jun 4, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 48'

When the Isle of Palms fishing pier gage is at 3.75' the bridge boards read 63.5'. Tide ebbs about 1 ft per hour. Had to wait an hour for clearance, but there was a 20+ kn Northeasterly blowing.

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Bridge comment on Lady's Island (Woods Memorial) Bridge

Comment by: Gary Johnson on Jun 2, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 48'

Maintenance issues evidently plague this bridge. Waited almost 2 hrs for a maintenance crew to show up and get it open. The bridge tender was professional and courteous, but it was a frustrating delay in a long day.

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Bridge comment on Lady's Island (Woods Memorial) Bridge

Comment by: Gary Johnson on Jun 1, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 48'

Maintenance issues evidently plague this bridge. Waited almost 2 hrs for a maintenance crew to show up and get it open. The bridge tender was professional and courteous, but it was a frustrating delay in a long day.

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Anchorage Review for Ossabaw Island - Birthday Creek

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson on Jun 1, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.5'

Called Little Tom creek on some charts. Good holding in mud at around 15 ft. there is some current, but back down good on your anchor and you will not budge. Beautiful 360 degree view of marshland and wildlife. No wake. No shore access. No wifi and limited cell service.

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Marina Review for Riviera Beach City Marina

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson on May 27, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 4

Straightforward approach. Nice, protected floating concrete docks with trash and pumpout locations at every finger Pier. Friendly, efficient and attentive dock staff. This facility can handle some good size boats. As a previous commenter pointed out, the shower and restroom facilities are pretty worn out. Lots of charter dives leave from this facility, so it can be busy at times. There is also a shuttle to Peanut Island and a Parasailing boat. Large marine supply store within a half mile walk. A Tiki bar and restaurant is on site, but other restaurants would be a short Uber ride. Spent 2 days here doing boat maintenance and waiting for a weather window to head north offshore. Nice stop overall.

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Marina Review for Thamesport Marina

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson , Fungirl, on Feb 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

Nice location and friendly staff. The fixed docks can be a challenge, especially considering the substantial boat and ferry wakes during the day. Clam shack and restaurant are at the top of the docks.

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Anchorage Review for Shelburne Bay

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson, Fungirl, on Feb 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

There is room for a half dozen boats north of the mooring field. Protected from all but an easterly breeze. There is shore access to the south of the mooring field with access to great hiking and biking trails that eventually connect to the town of Shelbourne. An easy bike ride, but fairly long walk. Read and obey the signage outside the mooring field as it explains anchoring limitations.

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Lock comment on C1 Waterford Lock and Dam

Comment by: Gary Johnson, Fungirl, on Feb 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

In 2022 this lock had limited openings (every one or two hours) for boats heading north in an effort to control the spread of the invasive gobie fish. Additionally, they did a double flush and fill before letting northbound boats exit the lock. Call ahead for the operating schedule as it is different from the other locks on the canal and could take extra time to transit.

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  Waterway Guide will publish any deviation to the general schedule when and if issued.

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Marina Review for Northwick Boatyard

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson , Fungirl, on Feb 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

Good working marina for smaller, shoal draft boats. Although I can't get in here with my large boat, I have used it to launch my 17' center console. There are some very good mechanics here if you need any work done, or need to order parts. Jonathan at Full Keel marine (based here) is great in an emergency!

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Marina Review for Safe Harbor Wickford Cove North

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson , Fungirl, on Feb 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

This is now (2021) a Safe Harbor Marina (Wickford Safe Harbor North). New facilities, washer dryer and docks as of 2021-22.

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Marina Review for Safe Harbor Wickford Cove

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson , Fungirl, on Feb 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

2022-23 Renovations include new members lounge with kitchen, nice showers and heads, big screen TV and large gathering area with couches and high top tables. 2023 New seawall, docks and travel lift area. Renovations are very well done. Walk or dingy into Wickford Village. Very sheltered slips. Fuel dock is easy access. Transient pole moorings are sometimes available for sailboats only, but can be difficult to tie up to in a strong cross wind (northerly or southerly). There are also 4 moorings outside the Wickford Harbor seawall that might be available to transients, but are exposed in a southerly wind.

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Marina Review for TPG Marinas Conanicut

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson , Fungirl, on Feb 12, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Very nice marina with helpful and friendly staff. Nice facilities and right in the middle of town, offering an easy walk to restaurants, liquor store, hardware store, ice cream and Cafe with fresh pastries. I have never been able to get a transient slip here, but they usually have moorings available. Beware that the moorings are exposed in a northeastern wind and you can expect serious uncomfortable rolling under those conditions. I was allowed to use the fuel dock temporarily to load and unload supplies, but they have a convenient launch service available. There is also a seasonal ferry to Newport that leaves from the main dock. A convenient dingy dock is also available.

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Marina Review for Safe Harbor Marina Bay

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson , Fungirl, on Jan 30, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

A little pricey, but as with all the safe harbor yards they have reciprocal rights. The dockhands are superb and the welcome package provides a lot of information. Great restaurants, bars and shopping along the waterfront. Provisions are available within walking distance.

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Anchorage Review for Converse Bay

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson, Fungirl, on Jan 30, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Good holding with a lot of options depending on wind conditions. We saw the best sunset of the summer here. Mostly private shoreline, but kayaking along the shore and to the islands is fun.

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Free Dock Review for Mechanicville Terminal Wall

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson, Fungirl, on Jan 30, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Nice free wall with power and water. Wall is not too high. Nice restrooms. The southern end of the wall can get overgrown with water lillieslater in the season, but overall a nice stop.

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Marina Review for Burton Island State Park

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson , Fungirl, on Jan 30, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Nice stop to explore ashore and to escape weather. Small shop on shore selling souvenirs and a few provisions, including ice. The outer moorings with larger floats are for boats 35ft and up. They are less protected in a northerly than the moorings for smaller vessels. Moorings are first come first serve and cost $50 in 2022. Slips are available in the outer harbor for $80. There is a well protected inner harbor with dockage, but the mouth of the inner harbor is limited by a 3ft shoal. Also, there is a ferry that runs several times a day that kind of detracts from the outer moorings and slips. Shore access is very good and the park is pet friendly.

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Anchorage Review for Providence Island

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson, Fungirl, on Jan 30, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

While I did not anchor here, in 2022 there was one free mooring, first come first serve. We had a quiet night here while deciding if we could get into Mallets Bay.

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Anchorage Review for Point au Roche State Park

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson, Fungirl, on Jan 30, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Nice protected harbor, but although there were moorings available in 2022, there were no pennants attached and no pumpout facility, fresh water or trash dock available. There is a dingy dock at the head of the harbor, but not enough depth for anything else. No one came by to collect $, although at least 30 of the moorings were in use. It was difficult running a pennant through the small hole on the mooring ball. However, it is convenient for hiking, walking your dog or bike riding.

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Anchorage Review for Pelots Bay

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson, Fungirl, on Jan 30, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Nice, protected Anchorage, but beware of shoal to the east of the point when entering. You can dingy to the marina to the NW of the point and enjoy a nice dinner there. Some protection from a northerly for about 5 boats if you tuck in behind the point, but lots of protection in a southerly.

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Anchorage Review for Keller Bay

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson, Fungirl, on Jan 30, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Scenic, out of the way Anchorage that is seldom busy. Good holding and wind protection. Broad, shallow Anchorage in 6-10 ft. We were the only boat for 2 nights during early August 2022. There is room for dozens of boats.

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Marina Review for Burlington Community Boathouse

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson , Fungirl, on Jan 30, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Very convenient to Burlington downtown, walking and biking paths and festivals/shopping on Church street. Good restaurant choices within walking distance. Helpful staff and public wifi on shore (not at the moorings).

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Anchorage Review for Lone Rock Point

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson, Fungirl, on Jan 30, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Good holding from the point, all along the shoreline to the south. There is a park, with a swimming beach, beach bar and facilities. Not well protected in a SE wind, but not bad in a true northerly or southerly, especially if you tuck in near shore. There is room for dozens of boats in anywhere from 8 to 20 ft of water.

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Marina Review for Mooney Bay Marina LLC

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson , Fungirl, on Jan 29, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

The staff were very accomodating when we needed a slip for several hours to get measured for some canvas work. This is a fairly large facility, but some of the slips are pretty tight and take some skill to get in and out of. Well protected with a significant breakwater. Staff were friendly and it would be a good stop if any kind of maintenance was needed. Large indoor storage facilities.

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Anchorage Review for Haverstraw Harbor

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson, Fungirl, on Jan 29, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

I've used this Anchorage twice now. Excellent holding and 360° wind protection. Use caution when entering. Hug the south shore and honor the private markers. A small Cove to the south when you enter has enough room for a couple boats, but there is plenty of room in some deeper water once you enter the Cove. No wakes and we didn't even notice any bugs, which surprised me. We never went ashore, but there is a park on the north shore that looks like it has facilities.

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Marina Review for Coeymans Landing Marina

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson , Fungirl, on Jan 29, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

I'll simply concur with the positive reviews already made, but I will caution that there is a 7 foot tidal range here and you really need to hug the docks while coming in from the south at anything close to low tide. The good news is that it's all mud.

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Marina Review for Basin Harbor

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson , Fungirl, on Dec 4, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

We did not stay at the docks, but picked up a mooring in the cove just north of the Basin. There are about 6 morings at $20 a night, but you need to walk or dingy around to the main Basin to pay the harbormaster. Dingy in from the moorings and tie up at the dock for the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. This is a free museum and can easily take half a day walking around and looking at dislays. The actual Basin Harbor is a true resort, with nice facilities, swimming, bouncy rats for the kids and boat rentals. There is an 18 hole golf course, three restaurants and a grass airstrip so friends can fly in to visit. There are probably 90 cabins for rent. Thursday night there is an all you can eat surf and turf buffet under the tent. A little pricey ($70) but nice. If you are cruising the lake, this is a must stop.

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Marina Review for Chipman Point Marina

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson , Fungirl, on Dec 4, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Chip and his mom are terriffic hosts. This is the place to stop if you need your mast stepped, or unstepped for the Champlain Canal. The laundry facilities work, but are a little scary. Restrooms are clean and there is a cooler with $1 ice creams. Small ships store. I purchased a Lake Champlain cruising guide and there is a good sized book swap shelf.

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Free Dock Review for Fort Edward Yacht Basin

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson, Fungirl, on Dec 4, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Nice dock with free electric and water. Be careful of shoaling upon approach. Hug the south/west side of the channel upon approach. Short walk to town with a nice pub and breakfast spot.

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Marina Review for Lock 1 Marina & Shipyard

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson , Fungirl, on Dec 4, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Nice stop. Small marina with a gas dock, shower/bathroom facilities and laundry. Very friendly people.

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Marina Review for Crocker's Boatyard Inc.

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson on Jan 6, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 5

Great, well protected full service marina. Need to hail RR Bridge on CH 13 to get into harbor. Great facilities and very responsive staff. When I needed an emergency repair, the staff showed up within an hour and did a phenomenal job at a reasonable price. Swimming pool is a little exposed to the parking lot, but overall it is a great hurricane hole or layover stop.

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Marina Review for Safe Harbor Wickford Cove North

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson on Jan 6, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 4

Nice protected, pet friendly marina. Water shoals up severely to the east of the entrance to the inner docks. Plenty of depth if you hug the docks. Friendly people with nice facilities, outdoor kitchen available for use by guests and hot tub. Its a relatively short walk to Wickford Village.

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Marina Review for MacDougalls' Cape Cod Marine Service

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson on Jan 6, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 4

Nice docks, friendly staff and excellent repair services. We ducked in here to escape some weather and were very happy we did! Easy access and good protection. Convenient laundry and a fun bike ride into town.

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Marina Review for Menemsha Harbor, Town of Chilmark

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson on Jan 6, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 4

Several moorings available for rent outside the harbor. Only use these moorings in a prevailing southerly. They can be extremely uncomfortable otherwise. There are 2 Moorings available in the inner harbor for sailboats only. Up to 3 boats rafted up per mooring. The docks are used "stern to" and you need to back in between pilings. My 12.5 ft beam rubbed both pilings at high tide and I could not fit between the pilings at low tide. I have watched them try to squeeze several boats into some of the slips without success. The docks cater to powerboats and the moorings for sailboats. The harbor is nice and there is good public transportation to the rest of Martha's Vinyard from here. Exploring the inner pond by dingy is fun and this is the Village where the movie Jaws was filmed. Sunsets are an "event" here. The people are friendly and it is a fun stop. Fuel, water, Ice and groceries are available.

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Anchorage Review for Bull Island

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson on Jan 6, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 5.5'

One of the most beautiful, well protected, isolated harbors in Buzzards Bay. There are some moorings available in the inner harbor on a first come first serve basis, but they really aren't necessary because the holding is so good and the harbor is so well protected. Good swimming, kayaking and fun to explore in your dingy, but going ashore is discouraged as there is absolutely nothing to do (which is part of the charm).

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Marina Review for Plymouth Town Wharf

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson on Jan 6, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 4

Good protection with about a 7 ft depth. Fuel, water and Ice available. On the way into Plymouth Harbor, there are three complimentary moorings near channel marker "C19" which I believe are maintained by the Town. If you anchor in the harbor, you can not leave the boat unattended.

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Anchorage Review for Provincetown SW

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson on Jan 6, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 5.5'

Anchoring is limited due to the number of moorings which have overtaken the harbor. Shallow draft boats will generally be able to find some room.

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Marina Review for Flyer's Boat Shop & Rentals

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson on Jan 6, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 3

Good moorings and launch service, but not very well protected. People were friendly and helpful. Pretty harbor with access to town. The town has a friendly, vibrant and entertaining LGBTQ community.

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Anchorage Review for Barnstable Harbor

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson on Jan 6, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 5.5'

Beware of shifting sands and channels. Charts and chartplotters are useless. Follow channel markers, as they are moved often to reflect shifting channels. This harbor is best suited to shallow draft boats. Anchoring further up in the harbor is discouraged due to strong currents. I was advised to pick up an open mooring by a local fisherman. For most of the night, the mooring ball chafed and bounced on the hull as wind and currents opposed each other. Not a peaceful night. The entrance to the harbor was filled with small, shallow draft boats pulled up onto the beach. Very pretty area, but not Cruiser friendly.

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Anchorage Review for Gosport Harbor

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson on Jan 6, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 5.5'

Protected from prevailing southerlies. I would not stay if a mooring is not available as harbor is deep and poor holding. It is worth a visit for the scenery and hiking on shore. Absolutely stunning!

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Marina Review for Piscataqua Marina

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson on Jan 6, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 3

Nice friendly facility, but not for the faint of heart. Strong currents and the docks are very close to the bridge. Maneuvering into an inside slip was extremely tight (about 55 ft from end of docks to rocky shallows and concrete bridge deck).

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Marina Review for Newburyport Central Waterfront Park

Reviewed by: Gary Johnson on Jan 6, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 39'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 4

Very nice place to stop. Amenities at the waterfront facility are excellent and it is an easy walk down through the center of town. Currents can be fierce but the visit is worth it. Very inexpensive and great amenities!

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