Marina Review for Safe Harbor Aqua Yacht

Reviewed by: Lawrence Burmingham , Red Pearl, on Nov 21, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Overall great. Very friendly staff. We had a last minute battery issue and Mark in the service department was able to fix it the next day! Good access to courtesy cars. Decent pool. Clean showers, but they are a bit of a hike from the dock. Resturant on site is "happening!" with a bar devoted to Loopers. My one complaint is laundry is out of service and they don't seem interested in fixing it at all as there are reviews from 2024 saying laundry out of service. They need to take "laundry" off their amenities listing. There is a laundry mat in town if you can get the courtesy car. It is more pricey than usual, but there are many machines so you can get 'er done pretty fast.

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Anchorage Review for Okatuppa Creek

Reviewed by: Lawrence Burmingham, Red Pearl, on Nov 21, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Anchored with 5 other boats, could have had more. Anchor held well. Very quiet and peaceful. Narrow entrance that opens up to accommodate boats. Well protected from wind and wakes.

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Anchorage Review for Three Rivers Lake

Reviewed by: Lawrence Burmingham, Red Pearl, on Nov 21, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Narrow entrance with a lot of downed trees, we took it real slow and did fine. Then it opens up into a wider channel. We went well in from the main channel (maybe 1000 feet??) 5 boats total anchored, room for several more. A smaller boat with less draft went ahead and said the depth dropped suddenly so watch your depth closely. Small beach that was easy to access for our buddy boat with their dog, but quite muddy. Cell service was terrible. Dropped our anchor in 12 feet of water and secured with a stern anchor. Would definitely return.

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Marina Review for Columbus Marina

Reviewed by: Lawrence Burmingham , Red Pearl, on Nov 18, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Great stop! Staff was excellent with help at the fuel dock and pump out and then again getting into our slip. Good information and communication. Clean bathrooms. No resturant. Nice area to take a walk.

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Anchorage Review for Tom Bigbee Oxbow Boat Ramp

Reviewed by: Lawrence Burmingham, Red Pearl, on Nov 18, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Beautiful spot. 9 boats anchored here with us and we had plenty of room for more if needed. Very scenic, peaceful. Good hold. We threw out a stern anchor and did not drift with wind/current. The other boats did not and they would turn with the current change coming from the lock. Plenty of room for them to swing Easy access to land with our dinghy. We were able to take a nice walk on a quiet rode. Great spot for a dog walk.

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Marina Review for Eldean Shipyard

Reviewed by: Lawrence Burmingham , Red Pearl, on Jul 27, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.8'

Rating: 5

Above and beyond with customer service. Our 50 amp cord died, and they found one in their service area for us to use (really important, because even in Michigan during July, it gets hot!). Really appreciated the help!
Clean, safe facilities (a little dark in the women's shower, but the makeup area in the women's area was awesome!)
Definitely recommend a stop here!
Thanks again!

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Anchorage Review for Big Blue Island

Reviewed by: Lawrence Burmingham, Red Pearl, on Jun 2, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.8'

June 2, 2024 River level was high. No concerns about our depth. Anchored in 10 feet of water and it held perfectly all night. A little bit of wake from barges. Quiet and peaceful. No need for a stern anchor. Buddy boat was also able to anchor a little up the channel from us

• WG Editor Comment:
  

  Note: Illinois River Stage at Hardin 24.8 ft. Flood Stage is 25 feet.

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Bridge comment on Hardin Drawbridge

Comment by: Lawrence Burmingham, Red Pearl, on Jun 1, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'

June 1, 2024 water levels were higher, clearance on the bridge was 21'. Called VHF 16 and switched to 14 to confirm clearance

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