[jcmcdowell]

Hi There-

I'm looking for a Marina between Jacksonville and Charleston with good ocean access to put our CSY 33. We are currently in St. Simons/Brunswick at Golden Isles Marina and with the currents/inlet/our cruise speed about 4 knots- it takes us about 3 hours to clear the inlet. I'm looking for something a little quicker to get in and out.

FYI:

Golden Isles Marina:
The floating docks are nice and the staff very helpfull. We are currently paying about $11/ft with electric metered and cable/wireless internet available. The facilites are decent, but they are in the midst of a major renovation and it appears that things have fallen to the wayside in expectation of the renovation ahead. The pool is closed as well. The have a little oyster bar at the marina- Brogens Raw bar that is nice for a beer or a bowl of chowder. The little marine store is reasonably priced all things considered and suprisingly well stocked with a small inventory of most things we needed. Security to the docks is good with an electric combination at the main gate to the docks. The location is right smack in the middle between Brunswick and St. Simons- an excellent location if you know anyone that lives on St. Simons Island.
The Brunswick Channel is long and fairly narrow with breakwater on both sides coming in the channel. Trawlers are plentiful coming in and out of the channel. Motoring in at 3.5 knots it took us almost 4 hours from the time we hit the outer marker to tying up at the fuel dock. The current runs fast at the 3rd and 4th hour of the tide making docking a right nasty challenge. We opted for a space along a pier versus a slip for our heavy CSY 33 with a 11'4" beam and 27hp engine. Getting in and out of the marina is best on the tides in slackwater. Be prepared with lots of fenders and fend-off-ers because the marina is always pretty well crowded (often with very expensive boats). There are a lot of sailboats in the marina, but it is ideal for motor boats who can zip out of the inlet at 10kn plus for a day of deep sea fishing.

Brunswick City Marina:
This Marina does not have the amenities of the Golden Isles Marina, but the rates start at $7.50/ft. The biggest drawback is the even greater distance from the inlet. Draft is not a problem through the channel to the marina. Security can be a concern as it would be anywhere with no locked gates to the docks. The marina has ample parking and adequate restrooms. It is located just to the west of historic main street which is seeing a lovely revitalization along main street. There is seperate haul out and dry storage facility further inside the marina inlet. Dollar for dollar the marina is a bargain, but the biggest drawback being the ability to get back to the ocean quickly.

If anyone has suggestions of their favorite marinas in this section of the East Coast, I appreciate the feedback.

Thanks,

jcmcdowell