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Peeew · 04-06-2019, 11:14

The Chesapeake is indeed a big body of water. Annapolis and Baltimore are both great at the northern end of that is where you want to be. If you want fast access to the Atlantic Ocean in or out I agree that Bay Point is a good place with deep water. Some of the other marinas in little creek no longer have the water depth claimed. If you have time or plan on the ICW the marina at waterside is right downtown Norfolk with some nice waterfront activities. Nauticus museum, 122 foot schooner Virginia, etc with a decent Anchorage also available just across the river.
Cape Charles has a nice city marina with a really nice small town.
Lots of places to explore along the way and in the Bay. Waterway guides has a Chesapeake Bay edition that you might find helpful.

Bawlmer · 04-06-2019, 12:00

All of these marinas are good choices. You could easily spend a year on the Chesapeake and not see everything. I recommend stopping at Baltimore on your way. I am berthed at Harbor East Marina. It is by far the best marina in the harbor. It is clean, safe and well maintained. Excellent facilities as well and the most convenient location.

Luckyknot · 04-06-2019, 12:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bawlmer

All of these marinas are good choices. You could easily spend a year on the Chesapeake and not see everything. I recommend stopping at Baltimore on your way. I am berthed at Harbor East Marina. It is by far the best marina in the harbor. It is clean, safe and well maintained. Excellent facilities as well and the most convenient location.

You doin Bike Party this month?

Blackacre · 04-06-2019, 16:44

Thanks for all the great recommendations. I have an 8 day crossing coming up which should provide ample time to study the guidebooks I just ordered.

The Bay sounds amazing, can’t wait....

LF4 · 17-01-2021, 13:43

I figured I would revive this thread as it is adjacent to another one that is ongoing. Have any of these shut down due to the pandemic or have they come under new ownership and gone into disrepair or gotten better?

Sofa King Fishy · 17-01-2021, 14:05

I researched Chessie Marinas prior to living aboard (2 years now!)...if you want ‘action’, Annapolis...its the state capital...grab a mooring ball. If you want boat service & a nice place to be when you’re not aboard, Herrington Harbour. They have a North location - superior boat yard & amenities (I live here & absolutely love it. Decent pool, restaurant/ laundry/ gym on site, and you can dink to a few local spots. Herrington South is truly like a vacation resort- private beach, HUGE pool, and more of a party atmosphere, with Chesapeake Beach just up the road- boardwalk & bars...I would avoid Solomons Island, unless you dig Heavy Metal at 2am- a lot of fishing boats roll out of there. Nothing against ‘em, but not my style. With your draft, be extra careful to track the tides. I wouldn’t venture north of Charm City, although there are some very cool places- just have to track the tides!