Reviews from Mike Disotelle (5)

Marina Review for Barber Marina

Reviewed by: Mike Disotelle on Jun 10, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 2

It cost me $1200 to re-learn a few important lessons about Marina/Boatyards here....

1) Take detailed photos of the boat when they pull it/before you leave the yard.
2) Document work orders/quotes in writing.
3) Physically check on the work in progress frequently.

I took my boat here to have the bottom painted, was quoted a fair price on the phone by Hannah and set the date/time for haul out. Arrived at prescribed time, they were ready and waiting....all good so far.

Hauled boat and after quick inspection (mistake #1 - should have taken photos), was quoted $40/ft for compound/wax hull sides (mistake #2 - should have had price and work request in writing).

They indicated the boat "might" be ready in 4 days....no problem, I'm not in a hurry...but they do charge a yard fee for every day, so shorter is certainly better. No word from anybody, so on day 4 (Friday) I call just before noon to check on progress. Hannah says "let me check and call you back". (Mistake #3 - should have gone out for physical progress checks)

About 1:30, I get a call back from Hannah and yard manager Dale. They sent some photos of hull damage sent by text. They've cut away a 4"x12" piece of fiberglass and tell me it was damaged when I brought the boat to them....hmmm. I ask why was I not called when this was discovered...and before someone started cutting on it? Their reply was "It wasn't noticed until after it was pressure washed, and the guy who noticed doesn't speak good English". Never mind the pressure washing commenced when the boat was still wet and in the slings on day 1.....this is now day 4. I wonder, did the guy cutting away the fiberglass also have communication issues???

I go out to see the damage first thing Monday (they're closed on the weekend). Since the fiberglass is cut away, so is the evidence of what might have happened.... Dale insisted they did not cause the damage. No sense arguing, they hold all the cards at this point so I agreed to pay for repair.

Tuesday afternoon, boat is ready and I go pay the bill. Surprise again....hull compounding is now $45/foot (vs. $40 quoted)...seems quotes are variable here. Hannah says they can adjust price if they want to.

Anyway, the work looks decent (time will tell), but overall experience left a sour taste. Not even a "thanks for your business" after a $7000 bill. Don't be fooled by this place. Most positive reviews are about the setting...it's in the middle of nowhere and has a bunch of weird dinosaur statues, ornate statues, and a giant lady in the water. Great place for a drive by with the kids (if you are looking for something to do in Josephine, Alabama) but nothing special about the boatyard or Marina.

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Anchorage Review for Little Sabine Bay

Reviewed by: Mike Disotelle, Tranquillity III, on Dec 24, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 38'
Draft: 3.5'

Tight area just outside the channel, room for a few boats but depends on type and how the first occupants anchor. A lot of traffic and other small boats anchor in shallow water in this area on weekends. The "hump" in the center of Little Sabine is a popular party spot as boaters can anchor and wade in the 2-3'ft depths. There is another anchorage across the bay, NW of this location (not marked on WG, and you need to go around the perimeter to get there!) that is 6-8 ft depth and a little away from the traffic. The bottom in here is all sand/mud and takes a set easy. It's all "no wake" in Little Sabine. There are 2 marinas you can dinghy to and some beach area along the South for shore access.

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Marina Review for Pelican's Perch Marina & Boatyard

Reviewed by: Mike Disotelle , Tranquillity III, on Dec 24, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 38'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 1

New floating docks are under construction (12/23/18). Marina is not currently operational, no docking available. Looks like spring '19 to be available. Place needs some serious work, perhaps in the plan with the new docks.

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Marina Review for Pelican's Perch Marina & Boatyard

Reviewed by: Mike Disotelle , Tranquillity III, on Dec 21, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 38'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 1

The docks at this marina have been gone for some time. They were supposed to rebuilt this year but have not started yet. The boatyard still seems active but no marina.

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  Website states new docks are being installed.

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Marina Review for MarineMax Pensacola

Reviewed by: Mike Disotelle , Tranquillity III, on Dec 18, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 38'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 2

Nice location, well protected. More of a dealership with a "marina problem". If you are buying a new boat, they are great. If you are just leasing a slip, you are mostly ignored. If you are a transient....good luck...unless you bought a boat there. They only have 1 transient slip for non boat buyers, and it's at the end of the covered docks, right on the main channel with no protection. Also a long walk to the facilities (basic restroom with a shower). Cruisers are much better off passing Bayou Chico in favor of Palafox. They are much happier to see you and the location is even better.

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