Reviews from Tom Anderson (18)

Marina Review for Sea Hag Marina

Reviewed by: Tom Anderson on Mar 9, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

We almost missed this gem! This stop really embodies everything long distance cruising is all about. The river off the gulf at Steinhatchee had plenty of depth for my 4.5 foot draft. It is well marked and easy to navigate. Sea Hag Marina is set up for easy in / easy out side ties. While there is a lot of small boat traffic we had zero issues with passing wakes. The floating docks are new, wide and well laid out with water and fuel services. The fishing related activity around the marina and the quaint riverside village make this a truly enjoyable stop. We ate at three of the town's restaurants and found them to be above average. This is a full service marina staffed with friendly accommodating professionals. There is no pump out or electricity however, as I write this electric service is being installed. The Sea Hag Marina and staff make the short gulf crossing route very tempting!

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Marina Review for The Wharf Marina

Reviewed by: Tom Anderson on Jan 19, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

This should be a must stop on the Intracoastal. Floating docks. Yea! Top notch modern facility loaded with amenities. This place offers lots to do just steps off your boat. We even went to a movie at a large multiplex theater. Unfortunately, one tiny negative, we did not find a nearby grocery store. Easy in, easy out right on the waterway.

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Marina Review for Mentor Harbor Yachting Club-PRIVATE

Reviewed by: Tom Anderson on Aug 2, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

This is a very nice yacht club with good facilities and a busy social schedule. We ended up here after checking with several other marinas that had no available slips. My observations are based upon a three day stay while waiting out a windy and rough Lake Erie.

This is not a harbor entrance to take lightly in anything other than a calm sea. Any wind with a northerly component can make passage a challenge. Expect a tolerable roll at the dock. There is a very active sailing club here so be prepared for a heavy presence of novice sailors around the entrance.

A journey away from the harbor for any reason will require a vehicle. It was a bit of a challenge getting a Ride-share service to pick us up. We never did find a taxi service. While the Club has a very nice restaurant it was booked for our time there leaving zero local options off the boat.

The dock staff were friendly but very inexperienced. Be prepared to give very specific docking instructions.

We commiserated with four other boaters and came to the conclusion that this club has several vacant slips across the channel that require a launch service to the club facilities. They have chosen to rent them out to transient boaters but seem to take their needs for granted. The main contact person is a bit passive aggressive and provides little in the way of assistance or communication. In short, a good stop that could be a much better experience with a little customer service.

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Marina Review for Ess-Kay Yards Inc.

Reviewed by: Tom Anderson on Jul 2, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

I am writing this after a one night reservation turned into a six night stay. To say that Kim and her staff were helpful and accommodating would be a gross injustice. These folks are fantastic and caring. We raced into the marina and then to a veterinarian for emergency surgery on a pet. Staying here removed all of our "boat stress." The marina is easy in / easy out with large finger docks right off the river for about a dozen transients. This is a working full service marina. That said, the grounds are a well maintained peaceful setting. There is a very well stocked marine store on premises and a courtesy vehicle to access just about anything you need a few miles away. There are several restaurants a short walk or dinghy ride away. What makes this marina so special is Kim who puts her kind words into action.

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Marina Review for Portofino Restaurant & Events at the Utica Historic Marina

Reviewed by: Tom Anderson on Jun 26, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 1

I am writing this review at 3:30 A. M. This could be a nice little stop that is anything but. The staff are super nice, the restaurant has great food, and the dock and wall work well for a variety of boats. There is a small grass strip right off the dock for pets and a short walk to Utica retail establishments and a nature preserve. However, this little "cruiser paradise" is infested with a homeless population. The police were called earlier in the day to chase five off the docks. I just awoke to two more hanging on the wall. This is a very uncomfortable situation and I am afraid that until there is a strong security presence this place is impossible to recommend.

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Marina Review for Little Falls Canal Harbor and Rotary Park

Reviewed by: Tom Anderson on Jun 25, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

This is a must stop on the Erie. They have dockage that will work for just about any boat (subject to availability) The staff is fantastic! If you have a need, just ask. The city certainly supports the cruising public with great facilities, great waterfront, and easy accessibility. We even had a local car show on the grounds the night we were there. A short walk across the river provides a variety of shopping and dining experiences. I could say more but this is simply a great stop on the Erie.

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Marina Review for St. Johnsville Municipal Marina

Reviewed by: Tom Anderson on Jun 25, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

When you think about the Erie Canal experience this is a type of marina you envision. It is basically a wall for a half dozen boats. The high wall will certainly make this a challenging stop for boats with low entry points. That said, everything else is a positive. It starts with a friendly helpful harbor master. They have all services and a portable pump out service. It is a short walk to a small town with limited retail and a couple of places to eat. There is a huge grassy area right off the dock that is perfect for cookouts, impromptu meetups, a lazy day watching the canal traffic, and dogs. This is a seizable complex with an R V park with quality shared services that are spotless and lots of areas to explore.

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Marina Review for Mansion Marina

Reviewed by: Tom Anderson on Jun 19, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Nothing fancy but everything you really need. This is a working boatyard with a lot of activity. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful. They have decent floating docks. There is a ships store a three minute walk away and several good restaurants in the neighborhood. Make sure you visit Frank and Sal’s Italian grocery and deli. The train is a 20 minute walk away. It connects with the Staten Island Ferry (the ferry ride is free!) and you can be in lower Manhattan in just over an hour.

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Marina Review for Farley State Marina at Golden Nugget Casino & Hotel

Reviewed by: Tom Anderson on Jun 19, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

This marina is pretty much what you would expect. It is adjacent to the Golden Nugget casino. It is right off the Atlantic with large newer floating docks. The dock hands were efficient but a little rushed. Like a lot of places, they are probably under-staffed. It is a little out of the way so unless you want to frequent the Golden Nugget you will need transportation. The Atlantic City Jitney makes frequent stops and costs a couple of bucks. This marina is o.k. for dogs but they are relegated to strips of grass along the entry drive.

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Marina Review for South Jersey Marina

Reviewed by: Tom Anderson on Jun 19, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Good marina with helpful skilled dock hands. If coming from Delaware Bay take it slow in the channel and pay attention to the markers. Not the best marina for dogs. It is a long walk across a parking lot to a small square of foliage. Many restaurants within walking distance.

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Marina Review for Haven Harbour Marina

Reviewed by: Tom Anderson on Jun 4, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

We initially chose this marina for its non-boating amenities which are important considerations when traveling with two grandkids. By all regards, this is a first class facility. A well marked channel leads to a large up to date marina. This is a full service marina with virtually every amenity including a very well stocked ships store. The staff is friendly and super helpful. It is about a mile walk to town or five minutes on a complementary bicycle. The neighborhood is filled with hidden gems. Two not to miss are the Muskrat Alley Cafe about four blocks down the road and the wetlands preserve across the street from the cafe.

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Marina Review for Harbor Island Marina

Reviewed by: Tom Anderson on May 26, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

From a Transient Boater’s perspective this can barely fit the term marina. It appears to be a part of a working boatyard with project boats and live-aboards filling many of the slips. However, there is a long face dock with room for two or three transient boats in conjunction with the fuel and pump out facilities. At the time of our stay they were not selling fuel and we did not use the pump out. This is an aging fixed dock so lower your expectations. That said, there are a number of positives here. It is super easy to get in and out of with a side tie to boot. It is literally the first marina in the harbor. Charles Street Brasserie restaurant is right at the end of the dock. It is a worthy dining experience. Next door is the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and across the street is the popular Tiki Bar. To sum it up this is a pretty pedestrian marina in a great location.

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Marina Review for Regatta Point Yachting Center (formerly Dozier's)

Reviewed by: Tom Anderson on May 23, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

This is a busy busy harbor and a little patience on the part of the captain goes a long way. The staff is very competent and the grounds and facilities are well maintained. We had a side tie right on the channel but did not get bounced around like we anticipated. This is a great place to tie up and watch the boats go by, either on your back deck or the office’s long porch furnished with rocking chairs. The downside is that there is little in the way of opportunities to explore on foot due to a busy highway at the marina’s entrance combined with a dearth of nearby businesses. The marina does offer a courtesy vehicle for quick errands. This service ends at 4:00 so any dining out or nightlife is not going to happen here. This is a perfect overnight stop; any longer and you might get a little stir crazy.

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Marina Review for Salt Ponds Marina

Reviewed by: Tom Anderson on May 22, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

First off, getting to and into the marina is easy and drama free. The staff is very friendly and helpful. There are no restaurants or businesses close by. You either Uber or rent a car. At one time there was a restaurant onsite but it appears to have been closed for some time. There is a nice pool on the grounds, older but looks to be in great shape. That said, the entire marina just feels tired. Internet service is spotty and challenging. Adding to the overall feeling of disrepair, we also experienced a reverse polarity fault with our power pedestal. There are what appear to be many older project boats here. There is nothing wrong with that as long as you know what to expect. This would be a good stop to do some needed maintenance or a quick overnight just north of the hubbub of Norfolk.

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Marina Review for Cape Charles Town Harbor

Reviewed by: Tom Anderson on May 13, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

This marina mirrors the community it supports. It is small, growing and packed full of surprises. The entrance is pretty straightforward with enough turns in the channel to keep you focused and feeling like a true mariner.
We were “warned” that a west wind could make your stay uncomfortable. With that in mind we choose to dock bow in facing the west. Of course, we ended up with a low front with fierce westerly winds. We were moved around quite a bit but had a quiet sleep filled night.
The marina is new with floating docks and all the basic amenities. This is a working harbor with a Coast Guard station and a twenty boat crab fleet. The Shanty Restaurant, located right next to the marina is a must stop. The clam chowder may just be the best you will ever have. There is a short two block long connector path from the marina right to the middle of town.
Matt, the marina manager was a kind and helpful voice when we called for a five day reservation. We noticed his smile right away when he welcomed us at the dock. Believe it or not, this type of experience was routine.
We had some minor maintenance and repair done by the marine services staff while we were here. I think it is a testimony to the manager, Charlie, but everyone we dealt with, Renee and Joseph in particular, were friendly and attentive.
In short, this is a no frills marina with small town appeal. While certainly not glitzy, the Cape Charles Marina and Yacht Center certainly ticks off all the boxes for an enjoyable stay.

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Marina Review for Waterside Marina

Reviewed by: Tom Anderson on May 9, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

We stayed four days at this iconic marina. While the marketplace restaurants and bars were closed on Mondays and Tuesdays you could sense that this was a high energy party place in non-Covid times. For the more sedentary, the convergence of the two branches of the Elizabeth River provide a great opportunity to sit and watch the world go by. There are chairs arraigned on the dock to do just that. It’s also a great place to meet fellow boaters. There is minimal security but I had no concerns or issues taking the dog for a late evening walk. The marina is small with some tight slips but is fairly easy to maneuver in. The floating docks are new and the adjustable cleats make for easy work securing a vessel. The location in downtown Norfolk puts many of the area attractions a very short walk away. The marina offers a shuttle to a nearby grocery and is very dog friendly with a dog park near by. The staff was efficient and friendly. I was a little relieved that I did not need a pump out. The location looks like it could be a challenge getting in and out. If you want to be in a lively social place this fits the bill.

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Marina Review for Atlantic Yacht Basin, Inc.

Reviewed by: Tom Anderson , Orion, on Apr 26, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

This is a big boatyard operation that can easily overshadow the basic Marina experience. I have used both. AYB can handle virtually any maintenance or repair at a reasonable price. They are the perfect stop on the ICW. Fuel and full services with easy on easy off side ties. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. AYB is just off the main drag with everything you need from restaurants, groceries, hardware, parks and American history a short stroll away.

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Marina Review for Atlantic Yacht Basin, Inc.

Reviewed by: Tom Anderson on Mar 17, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Being new to boating along the East coast I really did not know what to expect. I read some reviews about AYB. What I remember was “they tend to be overpriced but are very good”. Well it seems to me that “very good” should be worth something. I decided to have AYB pull my boat, repaint the bottom and do a couple of small maintenance items. They did a very good job at a fair price within agreed upon timeframes. But that is not why I gave them five stars. In the interim both my wife and I developed serious health problems. The boat is still there as I write this! We have had multiple extensions of our storage and dockage along with a winterization and recommissioning. Everyone has been so helpful and accommodating that it is hard to imagine the day we finally say goodbye and cast off. This is an organization worth developing a long term relationship with. They are friendly, will give you an honest professional opinion and back it up with quality work all the while making you feel that they are truly happy you are there. Thanks James, Marty and Faye!

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