Reviews from Brian Speicher (11)

  • Marina Review for Hyde Park Marina

    Reviewed by: Brian Speicher , S.S. Minnow, on Jun 10, 2024
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 40'
    Draft: 3.6'

    Rating: 5

    It's a great stop. There can be lots of current, but the dockhands know their stuff. They expertly tied us up when we arrived. CIA is within walking distance. FDRs home is a short uber ride away. As is the walkway over the Hudson. Downtown Poughkeepsie is close by with groceries and supplies too. The guys are always around and can give you some great advice. Easily a multi-night stop if you want it to be.

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  • Marina Review for Half Moon Bay Marina

    Reviewed by: Brian Speicher , S.S. Minnow, on Jun 6, 2024
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 40'
    Draft: 3.6'

    Rating: 5

    An excellent marina made even better by Steve the Dockmaster.
    He was extremely helpful trying to assist with our every need. And then following up to see if everything was OK. The town of Croton on Hudson is a 15 minute walk with everything from grocery stores to restaurants to hair salons.
    Definitely a return visit is on the agenda.

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  • Anchorage Review for Rum Point Basin

    Reviewed by: Brian Speicher, S.S. Minnow, on May 31, 2024
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 40'
    Draft: 3.6'

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

    Don't skip this anchorage. One of my top 5 anchorages on the east coast. As said in other reviews. The entrance is a little tricky. We came in at low tide but still had 6 ft at the shallowness. Just stay to the port side of the channel when entering. Once inside, it really opens up. Room for lots of boats. The further in you go, the less boat wakes you need to deal with. Wave protection is excellent on all sides. The bottom is sand/mud. Anchor set quickly. Cell coverage is 5 bars on T Mobile

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  • Free Dock Review for Cambridge Creek Dock

    Reviewed by: Brian Speicher, S.S. Minnow, on May 18, 2024
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 40'
    Draft: 3.6'

    Rating: 5

    Stayed for 2 nights on the free wall. The concrete is intimidating but it's in good condition. The harbor is well protected from all sides. Good restaurant next to dock with live music in the afternoon. Just a couple blocks to downtown district and a bunch more restaurants and bars. Take a walk down High Street to see the historic homes and churches

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  • Marina Review for Loggerhead Marina - Vero Beach Marina

    Reviewed by: Brian Speicher , S.S. Minnow, on Apr 12, 2024
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 40'
    Draft: 3.6'

    Rating: 3

    The Marina ok. The people are nice too. You can do alot worse. But dock fees are $4.25 per foot! I'll try to find somewhere else to stay next time

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  • Marina Review for Safe Harbor Stingray Point

    Reviewed by: Brian Speicher , S.S. Minnow, on Nov 21, 2023
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 40'
    Draft: 3.6'

    Rating: 5

    We stopped here to sit out a blow.
    This is a smallish marina. A little complicated to get into, but Tina sent an email with very detailed instructions. Upon arrival, she couldn't have been more helpful getting us settled. There is really nothing nearby. There are bikes to borrow, but we elected to walk to town for a nice afternoon lunch. There is a spit of land between the Marina and the bay. It made for a great view of the waves kicking up while totally protecting us from the wind and waves

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  • Anchorage Review for Chesapeake City

    Reviewed by: Brian Speicher, S.S. Minnow, on Sep 13, 2023
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 40'
    Draft: 3.6'

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

    We stayed here twice in the past 2 months. First time was on a weekday and we scored the free dock. 2nd time was a weekend and the docks were full, so we anchored out. the bottom is thick mud. It took us a while to wash it off. there was almost no wind to speak of. Pretty sure the weight of our anchor was what was holding us in place. we were deep into the anchorage by the small stream that enters, so the current from that is what determined which way we swung. It was really a pleasant stay. Weekends are much different from the weekdays as there is a lot of traffic going to the bars and restaurants. but where we were in the anchorage, it really wasn't bad

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  • Marina Review for Schooner Island Marina

    Reviewed by: Brian Speicher , S.S. Minnow, on Sep 13, 2023
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 40'
    Draft: 3.6'

    Rating: 4

    Its a little off the beaten track if you wanted to wait for a weather window in Cape May, but the dock rate makes up for it. Great staff works hard to take care of your needs. There is a repair shop that can attend to you quickly. The pool is a winner with me also. bathrooms and laundry are kept clean. There is a grocery store right outside the marina and you are only a few blocks from many restaurants and of course the world famous Wildwood Boardwalk

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  • Marina Review for Anchorage Marina

    Reviewed by: Brian Speicher , S.S. Minnow, on Sep 13, 2023
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 40'
    Draft: 3.6'

    Rating: 5

    Fantastic Staff and facility. We heard many bad things about Baltimore, but were convinced to stay here by a friend. Turns out the marina is in a safe part of town. There is great security here also. Grocery stores, West Marine, Ace Hardware and tons of restaurants in walking distance. Will definitely make this a stop every time we are in the area.

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  • Anchorage Review for Waccamaw River - Bull Creek

    Reviewed by: Brian Speicher, S.S. Minnow, on May 31, 2023
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 40'
    Draft: 3.6'

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

    pulled off ICW about a quarter mile up the creek. one other boat at the mouth. Anchored in middle of channel in about 25 ft of water. Anchor held right away with 100 ft of chain. Very peaceful with only a few small fisherman passing until sunset. Tall trees on both sides blocked wind so tide became the major influence. never got near edges of creek. Bumblebees greeted us and wildlife sounds all night. Slept great.
    Anchor pulled up clean. some mud. Had 1 bar of T Mobile intermittently

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  • Anchorage Review for Georgetown - Steelmill Channel

    Reviewed by: Brian Speicher, S.S. Minnow, on May 30, 2023
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 40'
    Draft: 3.6'

    Overall Rating:
    3
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    5
    Current Flow:
    5
    Wake Protection:
    5
    Scenic Beauty:
    2
    Ease of Shopping:
    5
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    1

    Thick mud bottom.. think baby poop.. held great on first try with excel anchor and 100ft chain. plan on cleaning chain locker and anchor when leaving. good protection from all wind directions. came in at high tide and never saw less than 9 feet. free town dock just a minute away. great town to spend a day in. But I think it's worth springing for a dock here just because of the mud. Oh, the Steel mill is back in business and the sirens start at 7 AM

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