Reviews from George Biles (10)

Anchorage Review for Upper Mississippi - Mile 149.3

Reviewed by: George Biles, Roam, on Sep 28, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.0'

Pretty straightforward entry and deep water. We found 20 to 30 pretty close to shore and the wing dam. The water was somewhat low on the river. Room for a couple of boats. The anchor set easily. Pretty far out-of-the-way of tugs and their wash. Is somewhat remote setting with the only lights being from a mining operation a few miles away and boat ramp up river the short ways. We did not go to shore, but looks like easy access on a firm bank.

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Free Dock Review for Peoria City Dock

Reviewed by: George Biles, Roam, on Sep 22, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

We pulled in for an afternoon after having lunch at Kuchie's There are signs that say no docking on the outside, and there are pilings on the outside anyway. We are 36 feet and draw 4 feet. We saw 6 to 10 feet on the approach and also inside with the finger slips. The finger slips are designed for 30 foot boats. There was a lot of bird dirt on the floating docks. You are right downtown and there are a number of museums and restaurants close by. We never felt unsafe, and have been told that the police have increased their patrols and presence along the waterfront parks. There are bike trails that go north and south on the river and they were very nice. There's actually a lot to do right in downtown Peoria and we ended up staying an extra day, although we were staying at the Peoria boat club. I don't think we would have hesitated to stay there overnight. We did not try the power pedestals.

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Marina Review for Peoria Boat Club

Reviewed by: George Biles , Roam, on Sep 22, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Based on the last review, we decided to come into Peoria boat club. There is definitely a hump coming in. We draw 4 feet and are a single engine. Definitely turned up some mud, but never felt like we were grounding. We also turned up some mud docking, but let the engine idle until the disturbed silt settled out of the water.

It's a pretty chill marina and right on the bike trail. We walked into town a few times. If it was dark, we took the Uber home, but we never felt unsafe. There were multiple gates here and there was pump out in your slip which was appreciated. The free laundry was a real bonus. The town has some great museums and some great restaurants, an unexpected surprise. We stayed an extra day has it felt very relaxing here.

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Marina Review for Big Bend Marina (formerly Henry Harbor Marina)

Reviewed by: George Biles , Roam, on Sep 20, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Fran has put a lot of work into creating a spot for transients. It makes use of an old barge facility and we saw 12 foot on the dock and 8 foot coming in. There is a flat dock for side ties as well as a few finger slips. There was fuel (gas/diesel) as well as pump out available. A walk up the hill takes it to a very nicely appointed trailer with shower and facilities. There's also a gate. Fran was very communicative and came down to help tie up.

In the small town, there is a pretty decent grocery store with adjacent small hardware store. There was a pub next-door to that, but about five blocks away was a nice Rolando's supper club with Tonya as the owner. The meal was tasty and portions large.

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Free Dock Review for Ottawa City Dock

Reviewed by: George Biles, Roam, on Sep 19, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Came in from below the bridge and found 6 to 7 feet of water. Agree with the prior posts about the dock being high, but just put your fenders on your rails or whatever works for you. The town is actually vibrant and healthy. Felt safe on the docks which are lit and there is power. A few fisherman hang out under the bridge, which as was noted as pretty quiet.

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Anchorage Review for Chimney Bay - Beausoleil Island

Reviewed by: George Biles, Roam, on Jul 18, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.0'

A popular spot on Friday afternoon during the summer. Good holding in about 15 feet of water. Lots of places to dinghy (or swim) ashore and hike. It was nice being in the midst of a lot of people enjoying their boats. We will get plenty of solitude in other anchorages. 2 bars with TMobile.

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Anchorage Review for Mile 71 - Otonabee River

Reviewed by: George Biles, Roam, on Jul 9, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.0'

Attempted to enter this with 4' draft and saw 4'5" alarms so backed out. Looks like a nice place, however, and perhaps local knowledge would've helped. There were signs for shaved ice and ice cream up this creek at what appears to be a camp.

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Free Dock Review for Delaware City Dock - DAY USE ONLY

Reviewed by: George Biles, Roam, on Jun 20, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 2

Pulled in to drop off up a family member - charts were not detailed and I draw 4 ft and there was a ferry on and adjacent dock. As I got within 10 ft I touched bottom. A marine policeman ran onto dock and said we were lucky we were on an incoming tide as it's about 6" at dock for low tide. Luckily, mud was very soft. Pushed off about 30 mins later and all was good. Got daughter off to the airport and picked up Coffee, breakfast and pastries but downtown while clean/neat has skim pickin's for food/shopping.

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  From the 2025 edition of Waterway Guide: "In the Delaware City Branch Channel shallow-draft boats can tie up during the day at Delaware City Dock just beyond the Pea Patch Island ferry dock. Overnight docking is prohibited. The depths next to this dock can be as low as 1 or 2 feet MLW." 

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Marina Review for Coan River Marina

Reviewed by: George Biles , Roam, on Jan 20, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Visited by land prior to winter haul out. New owners - twin brothers Frederico & Ignacio - were very communicative and helpful. Hauled the boat and they worked very well together and with me to wash, block and winterize. They even did a pump out for me after they'd already winterized their system. I was quite pleased with their hard work and advice. Will definitely return.

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Marina Review for Point Lookout Marina

Reviewed by: George Biles , Roam, on Oct 13, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We've stopped here a few times and it's better each time. The restaurant, Salt, is special and there are a few areas in the marina set up for docktails with grills, chairs and fire pits. In Sept 24, we found a new covered boat bar. The transient dock is redone (pilings and decking). We've had communications with the manager and met the somewhat new owner, Sean, who seems to be doing a good job. Lower Potomac and easy to get in and out of.

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