Reviews from Tim Vandersall (23)

Marina Review for Hampton Yacht Club-PRIVATE

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on Aug 8, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Nice marina and staff at this private yacht club. We used our MTOA membership to utilize the facilities. The restaurant and bar and people were super nice. The town has a couple nice museums and places to eat and a lot of history. Nice protected area. Restrooms and showers were very good with coded entry. If they only had a pool I would give five stars. Would definitely come back.

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Marina Review for Tidewater Yacht Marina

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on Aug 8, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Nice docks with good restaurant in a kind of industrial setting. Nice walk into town with other choices for food etc. Nice restrooms. Long walk for us on F dock to walk doggie but not a problem. I think I would choose Waterside for the better location now that we've stayed at both, but both are nice docks.

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Marina Review for Coinjock Marina & Restaurant

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on Aug 8, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

We stayed in APril and August 2025. Nice convenient location for coming out of Norfolk or crossing the Ablemarle. Dockhands were excellent! Store was nice but pricey. Restaurant was OK but not what we hoped for when all we heard about was the great prime rib, which we thought was just OK. Both times our waitresses seemed to be cranky and not happy to be there. But it was a decent meal and the best and only in town. Docks are fine. They gave us restroom/shower codes for doors but they never lock? Showers need some TLC as it looked like no one has cleaned them in some time. Overall just OK, but dockhands are great at getting you in and tied up. I emailed the owners/managers of issues we found but got no response.

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Marina Review for Manteo Waterfront Marina

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on Aug 8, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Great downtown location. Bikeable Island but I wouldn't bike across bridge to beaches. Rental car available nearby for about $100 a day in 2025, which we did to do errands, go to beach, Wright Brothers memorial, and the longest running play the Lost Colony, which we recommend. Small downtown with some decent choices for food and ice cream. The Greek restaurant Olives was excellent as was the Firetender not too far away. Nice bike trail to the Roanoke History Museum and site of Fort Raleigh where the lost colony disappeared from in 1587. Take the Ranger tour to learn the history. Cons are that there are no dockhands around except S-S 12-4. The dock manager is located at the Manteo Museum, although it took us two days to figure that out. Not a problem, but they should give better directions as to where to find a person. Also, we were on Tee Head which was bouncy in any kind of South wind, but protected in our few days with 25 MPH NE winds. Fixed docks with about 3 ft of tide. Good electric and water, and showers are nice with key code entrance.

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Marina Review for Cape Charles Town Docks at Cape Charles Harbor

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on Jul 27, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

The docks, marina, location, electric and staff were very nice. The restrooms and showers were decent. No pool, boaters lounge, laundry, courtesy car or bikes but still charge $3.50 per foot, the highest we've paid on the Chesapeake this year. The Shanty restaurant at the Marina is good. The town and the museum, and the beach is awesome, as well as many ice cream shops and a few other restaurants. Very nice stay, but wish they were more reasonable. We're headed to a very nice yacht club on the bay today, and they charge $1 less per foot. They should reexamine their pricing.

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Marina Review for Olverson's Lodge Creek Marina Inc.

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on Jul 26, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

This isn't the nicest or newest marina around, but the people are super and the pool was perfect on our 90+ degree trip there. A few restaurants in town with courtesy car. Restrooms and showers decent but not great. Nice and peaceful night with no boat traffic at all. Prices were very good too.

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Marina Review for Calvert Marina

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on Jul 26, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

This is a nice older Marina with great pricing that other marinas in the Chesapeake could learn from. We stayed at the nice floating docks.. It's a bit of a walk to the pool (but the pool is nice). It's a bike ride to town and the museum, which we did and was worth it. The restrooms and showers can use some TLC and are not climate controlled. There's plenty of room to walk the dogs. Overall, I would gladly stay at places like this without the nicest facilities for the price.

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Marina Review for Onancock Wharf and Marina

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on Jul 26, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Agree with all of the comments from 10-16-24. All is nice and well kept. Was not informed about a courtesy car, so we don't know if it is still there or not, but didn't need it as shops and delicious bakery a short walk away. I give it 4 stars due to lack of pool and bc it is a bit pricey compared to other marinas we've been to in the lower Chesapeake.

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Marina Review for Parks Marina

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on Jul 24, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

I can't quite give it five stars because it doesn't have a lot of amenities that you might find at other marinas. But the price is right and the island is awesome. We love the serenity and wildlife of the island and the rich history of crabbing and fishing. It is a one-of-a-kind place for sure. We took a eco tour with the mayor in his boat, where he showed us all about the blue crabs and other birds and wildlife around the island. The marina does have two restrooms with showers that are very clean, electricity, and water. We never saw anyone at the marina and paid our cash into the dropbox.

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Marina Review for The Boathouse Marina

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on Jun 10, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Nice family-owned marina with nice staff that met us at the dock. Well stocked parts store. Decent RR's and shower and lounge. We took advantage of their free golf cart and toured the town twice in our two day stay. Old tourist town feel with some good food choices hilighted by marina owners. Walkable to Tiki Bar and beach.

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Marina Review for Coles Point Marina and RV Resort

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on May 30, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Easy approach into protected basin. Nice floating docks and staff. RR's, showers, laundry onsite. Bike ride to two restaurants. Peaceful. Beach is right here too and a nice pool.

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Marina Review for Chesapeake Boat Basin

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on May 30, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Great staff and facility. Easy use of courtesy cars or bikes. Nice docks, pool, lounge, showers, store, pumpout. Location is bikeable to town and out of winds. A bit pricey compared to others we're staying at in the Bay this Spring, but all is top notch.

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Marina Review for Riverwalk Landing Piers

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on May 22, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Wish we we would have taken the time to consider all of the comments before going there. THe good: The location to visit the town and the great museums can't be beat. The dock staff were nice and greeted us at the dock. The bad: I agree now that I won't come back unless winds will be from S or SW. We had a day of decent winds, but then were hit with E and ENE winds the 2nd day that were double what the forecasts said. WHen I asked the dockhands if we should move the the other dock, they said we should be fine. Waves came into the docks right into our boat for 24 hours. The ugly: Constant pounding of waves into our stern were relentless. It was too late and too windy to move once it started. I give it 5 stars for location and 1 star for lack of protection in the right winds and lack of guidance from the office. Worst night spent on our boat in 3 years.

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Marina Review for Cobb's Marina Inc.

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on May 18, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Nice and more affordable marina than others in Little Creek and around Norfolk, especially with weekly rate. THis is a working yard with a lift and gated work/parking area. Staff are friendly and store has some good stuff. Walkable to restaurants and a Food Lion a half mile. Restrooms are a bit on the rough side but overall it is a nice place to stop and/or get work done.

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Marina Review for Dowry Creek Marina

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on Apr 27, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Nice docks, restrooms, staff, boaters lounge and restaurant onsite. Docks can be exposed to some wind if in the right direction. Would stay again. Also a pool that wasn't open yet.

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Marina Review for Harbour Village Marina Inc.

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on Sep 5, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We stopped here instead of Wrightsville where we stayed in 2023, in order to try something new and to get a few more miles behind us enroute to Beaufort. This marina was immaculate, and the staff was very professional, helpful and nice. ALthought there is no "town" or courtesy car, we were able to bike thru the residential golf neighborhood to ShackaTaco for good tacos and brews while listening to live music and enjoying a Farmers Market. Will definitely come here again.

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Marina Review for Lady's Island Marina

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on Aug 29, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

This was our second stay here in two years and we loved it. We explored Beaufort and Lady's Island by bicycle and courtesy car over our few weeks and enjoyed it. Aaron, Kim and owner Tom are very welcoming and helpful. As others said, two restaurants right there and many others easily biked to. DOwntown Beaufort only 8 minutes by bike. They are working on opening the captains lounge for drinks which is in early stages but will be very nice. Laundry reasonable, showers clean and nice. Bikes available for use as well as courtesy car for 90 minutes. We rode out Hurricane Debbie here with no issues as she died down a bit before arriving and dumping 15" of rain. Love this place!

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Marina Review for Kilkenny Marina

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on Jun 12, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Not sure why some folks give really bad ratings. We knew coming in that it was rustic and basic. Yes the docks bounce a bit when you walk on them. Yes they tie you up to 2x6's versus cleats. Yes the showers are not very nice. But all of them are functional, as well as the electric and water. The site history is cool and there's a cannonball in the old house. Robert isn't super talkative but is very nice. Loved this "character" Marina. Only wish that we were here when the restaurant was open. Good stop en route to Savannah. Good folks gathering in the evening for a cold beer, breeze, and to shoot the crap. We need more of these.

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Marina Review for Fernandina Harbor Marina

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on Jun 7, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Nice docks with very helpful dockhands. Very convenient to town and numerous shops and restaurants. But very pricey. Showers and RR's Ok but not great. Current was strong but manageable when we arrived. Pretty busy public dock, but fairly calm where we wer on the inside.

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Marina Review for Palm Cove Marina

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on Jun 7, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Kinda pricey but docks are nice, staff is OK, and $10 off of Marker 32 Restaurant (which also is pricey) was nice. The Pool in the 97 degree heat was awesome. Showers and RR's decent, as well as lounge and laundry. Publix not far away but too hot to walk today.

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Marina Review for Caladesi Island State Park Marina

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on Feb 15, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We volunteered for two months from mid Dec to mid Feb 2024 and have loved our time here.What is good is 1.Peace and quiet, 2. wildlife like turtles, dolphins, mullett, pelicans, sea turtles, armadillos and many other birds. 3. Great rangers and volunteers who are super nice 4. Water and electric (30A only now but you can pay to do 2 X 30A, 5. Highly rated Beach is very secluded, especially when ferry stops for the day, and only a 5 minute walk. 6. Hiking trails and beach walks all the way to Clearwater Beach -4 miles. 7. Kayak trails through the Mangroves. 8. Very few people or boaters (except during summer so we hear). 9. Snack Bar when the ferry runs. Kayak, beach chairs, and umbrella rentals, 10. Very well protected. 11. Restrooms nearby. 12. Great history with Indian mounds and Scharrer Homesite. The challenges: 1. Follow the 212 degree heading in and 32 degrees out as described, and come at high tide, especially if you are 3 ft draft or more- Do NOT follow the ferry in as they have a shallow draft. Note: there were many 4.5 ft draft boats here during our time here. 2. No showers yet- a new bathhouse is in the plans. 3. No pumpout. 4. No 50 A electric yet, although it's in the works. 5. Room for about 6-8 deeper draft boats with electric (many more for smaller boats). 6. Groceries, pumpout, restaurants, or other services about 5 miles away in Dunedin. We found that once you settle in to the tranquility, you will love it.

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Marina Review for Winter Harbor Marina

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on Aug 8, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

The best maintained marina we've been to in 4000+ great loop miles! Everything is well maintained and the prices are the best we've seen. Courtesy cars, nice picnic area, docks, restrooms, laundry, ships store, repair yard, and best diesel prices around. NICE PLACE!!!

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Marina Review for Riverlink Park

Reviewed by: Tim Vandersall , Wilma May, on Aug 5, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We were fortunate in that there were no water skiiers around this August day because of thunderstorms. So the docks were nice and cheap with nice HD rubber rubrails and power for $1 per foot. Free pumpout. We didn't see much in town where we walked but an Ace Hardware very close. Small bar and sandwich shop with ice cream right at the dock (Drifters). Nice people. Showers and RR's ok. Easy in and out even with current and debris from storms. Tempted to stay one more day for Riverfest but had to keep moving.

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