Reviews from John Medlin (13)

Marina Review for Alexandria City Marina

Reviewed by: John Medlin , Knot So Fast, on Jul 5, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

T-head dock G/H; good condition. Exposed to transit channel & wakes; recommend fender boards. Tidal shift ~2'. City run marina -- reasonable $$ & staff was responsive to phone calls. You're in Alexandria Old Town & close to everything you could need (restaurants, entertainment, pharmacy, grocery, etc) with access to DC metro via trolley. T-head dock G/H is right next to a city park. Bathrooms nearby/adequate.

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Anchorage Review for Washington Channel

Reviewed by: John Medlin, Knot So Fast, on Jul 5, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Came here as our air draft didn't allow us to get under the bridges to the designated anchorage area to watch DC's 4th of Jul fireworks. Good holding and wind protection (what little there was). It is a busy channel so continuous rocking from wakes; glad it's a slow speed zone. Very good sunsets w/Washington monument in the background. Dinghy access through The Wharf marina is $10/day w/access to bathrooms, showers, & laundry. Gave 1? for pets, cell & wifi as N/A for us.

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Marina Review for Safe Harbor Charleston City

Reviewed by: John Medlin , Knot So Fast, on Jun 22, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Stayed for two nights on the inside of their mega-dock. Arrived at a very busy time and had to hold on the river until available dockhands. Helpful friendly service from dockhands & staff. Courtesy van was a nice amenity to drop off & pick up in the city, grocery, etc. Departs at the top of the hour & suggest calling to ensure space. 15 passenger van but there were two large groups also departing. Since they called for reserving space, we had to wait for the van to return. Winds were strong from the S/SE and though we were on the inside of the mega dock, got some wave action (outer side was really rolling). Used the diver service recommended, Port City Diving Co (PC/DC) and got very good & timely service from Josh, the owner. Laundry was $2/load w/5 washer/dryer combos.

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Anchorage Review for Tom Point Creek

Reviewed by: John Medlin, Knot So Fast, on Jun 22, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Stopped here for a one night stay. Stayed on the Wadmalaw River & not on the creek. Winds from SE/SSE were steady about 10-15 with strong gusts. Anchored about 50 yds from shore. Scope 7-1, 35kg Rocna. Good holding all night though rolly/choppy. Anchor came up easy and cleaned off easy. Nothing nearby but quiet with no boat traffic nearby.

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Anchorage Review for May River

Reviewed by: John Medlin, Knot So Fast, on Jun 22, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Stopped here for a one night stay. Winds from SE/SSE and were steady about 10 with some gusts. Anchored about 50-75 yds from shore. Good holding all night. Anchor came up easy and cleaned off easy. Nothing nearby but quiet with no boat traffic once dark.

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Anchorage Review for Addison Point - North of Bridge

Reviewed by: John Medlin, Knot So Fast, on Apr 5, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Came here after checking Cocoa NE (Merritt Island Bridge; lots of boats) & Martin Anderson Beachline (SR 528 bridge; lots of crabpots). 28°32'10.47"N 80°45'31.13"W.
Winds were steady SE 12-15 with gusts. Chop was bearable. Did not go ashore so could not assess shore access, pet. Very good holding on first try -- 6.6'. Handful of other boaters. Would anchor here again.

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Marina Review for Palm Beach Yacht Center

Reviewed by: John Medlin , Knot So Fast, on Mar 29, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 1

As of today, per the dock office, the marina is full with no transient docking. Dockwa in error and they did not reply to 2 Dockwa requests. Did not want to rate since I cannot comment of amenities, dock hands, services, etc; used a 1 star so this can be posted for FYI.

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Marina Review for Mangrove Marina

Reviewed by: John Medlin , Knot So Fast, on Mar 14, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

13-14 Mar. Shallow and narrow entrance.
4' draft and we ploughed a lot. All the basic amenties but don't think worth $5/ft.. Food truck & bar. Showers (1 of 2 down) was clean and were in a trailer (small). Dock hands at fuel dock were helpful and friendly. and a bit of a tight fit to a slip but not a problem if you have thrusters (we don't). Laundry room short walk across the parking lot. Didn't use pool or pump out. Calm night so can't assess wind protection.

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  Low tide.

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Marina Review for Illinois Valley Yacht Club-PRIVATE

Reviewed by: John Medlin , Knot So Fast, on Oct 16, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Challenging entrance & fuel dock when strong winds; low water on Illinois River had our alarm going off (3'10" draft). Narrow fairway to fuel dock and our 18.5 freeboard had us blowing around (no thrusters). Friendly and helpful dockhand, Chris, as we came in for fuel & docking. Post season, so much is closed. Docks in good shape though low water is causing walkways to tilt in some locations (floats are grounded on land side causing deck to tilt).

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  Note: Peoria Pool 440.34

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Marina Review for Coinjock Marina & Restaurant

Reviewed by: John Medlin , Knot So Fast, on Jun 18, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Agree with other reviewers but they do stack you in tight. Our pulpit was over the swim platform of the boat ahead of us on our first night. The marina staff was friendly and helpful and the ship store was the best we've come across so far. Additionally, the staff was helpful in acquiring an engine mechanic for a minor job. And yes, the prime rib was very good, lightly seasoned and tender. There were other menu items that were equally good.

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Marina Review for Lamb's Marina

Reviewed by: John Medlin , Knot So Fast, on Jun 18, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Agree it's a hidden gem & at $35 the best deal we have come across. We stayed 3 days.
A great place, small and personal. The owner, Larry, and the 'unoffical' dockhand, Randy, were very helpful. Larry twice loaned the marina truck for trips into town; Randy was willing to drop what he was doing to assist. The on-site restaurant, Lamb's Seafood had different specials daily. There is a Dollar General just down the street (1/4 mile). We dropped our dinghy and went crappie fishing in nearby creeks. Facilities -- laundries, showers, lounge -- were good. Restaurant staff, especially Ms. Carol, were very personable and starting next week will be open for breakfast @6:30.

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Marina Review for Safe Harbor Skull Creek

Reviewed by: John Medlin , Knot So Fast, on May 28, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Very good and helpful staff. Called for transient reservation and they promptly sent all the necessary info to email. On day of arrival, they called to confirm our status and estimated arrival. Upon arrival, two on the dock to assist which was very helpful as the west wind was blowing us into the dock. Skull Creek Dock House restaurant is permanently closed. Walked about 1.5 mi to Hudsons and had a very good meal; no reservations, get there early. By the time we left after dinner (6:30), there was a 1.5 hr wait. Nice walk there & back. Showers (2) were clean with very good water pressure. Laundry has only one washer & dryer. No lounge.

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Marina Review for Sunbury Crab Co. Restaurant & Marina

Reviewed by: John Medlin , Knot So Fast, on Apr 2, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

No VHF monitoring; must call and ask for marina assistance. Well protected from southern winds we had last night; plenty of maneuvering room to line up for docking. If you're coming in & want to eat @the restaurant, call for reservations, especially on weekend. We've always enjoyed the food. Not every dock pedestal has 50A.

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