Need Advise on Houston's Marinas

[Annalisa]

Greetings from the Caribbean! My family and I will be moving to west Houston in Aug and are looking for a good marina (clean, children friendly and reasonable priced) to house our 27' power boat. We will only use our boat once or twice a month - weather permitting. Do people do this in Houston? We will not be able to keep it at our new home site. We will be very sad to have to sell it before we move. Any suggestions? Thank you!

[Annalisa]

Also, Is there any good places to practice Stand Up Paddle? Thank you!

[Jetexas]

There are many options in Houston. You could have your boat kept in a dry stack in one of the marinas on Clear Lake if you want gulf access or you could have it kept in trailer storage and tow it to Lake Conroe, Lake Houston, Lake Livingston, Lake Travis, etc.

The lakes also have various marinas and dry stacks available, but then you're stuck at one lake.

[kaw0922]

If you're looking for a lake marina, you really can't beat The Plams Marina on Lake Conroe. We've been there for 2 years and really enjoy it. The facility is as nice as you'll see on any lake in the area.

The Palms Marina Lake Conroe - Boat Slips and Storage

Kevin Williams

[Mimsy]

You can paddle board in Clear Lake with relative ease.
Are you wanting to be on a lake or on the Bay?

[bobconnie]

We were looking at a boat this last monday In Kemah Texas. The boat was in one of the nicest marinas Ive ever been to. Can't say for sure of the prices but the PO of the boat said he paid 400 for his 53 ft boat ! it was Called Watergate Marina. just our 2 cents

[Mimsy]

If your kids are older AND you are not going to live aboard I would suggest our marina- Kemah Boardwalk. Its right on the Boardwalk and for kids, its awesome. Its not great for live aboards as the Boardwalk isn't exactly quiet but it is the closest to the bay and our older daughter loves being able to go ride a roller coaster just about anytime they like. There are tons of restaurants on the Boardwalk as well and the fees are reasonable. Bathrooms are clean if not luxurious, there is a small, clean pool and lots of weekend kids around. Again, it wouldn't be my pick for full time live aboard but for a weekend here and there with older kids, it is a solid pick.

[bstreep]

Go down to Clear Lake/Kemah, and have a look around. Lots of really great marinas. Just so you know, "Clear Lake" really isn't so clear...

[rgscpat]

Clear Lake is a major boating center with thousands of boats in it and the nearby area. You will have many choices, so think about what matters to you. Note that the marinas in Clear Lake have reasonably deep channels, but that much of Clear Lake is otherwise somewhat shallow. You might go to sites such as that of the Galveston Bay Cruising Association for more of a flavor of the area... flavor... now I'm thinking of peel-and-eat Gulf shrimp.

[Ocean Girl]

Just so ya know Clear Lake is connected to Galveston Bay which is connected to the Gulf and is about a 45 minute drive ( with no traffic) from West Houston. Lots of good marinas, the cheapest is Legend Point. They have a rep for not liking live aboards so you should be good to go. Also South Shore Harbor is great for power boats and is family friendly.
Cheers,
Erika

[Tallswede]

I'll give a nod to Watergate marina too. I have several friends who keep their boats there. Marina is in good shape, they have several pools and are family friendly. Lots of restaurants nearby as well as the Boardwalk. I keep my boat on a trailer at Kemah boat storage just next door and they have a paddleboard rental business right there. The Clearlake/Galveston Bay area is a great place for your type of boat//boating.

Kevin

[AnchorageGuy]

We spent two years at Watergate and highly recommend it. Chuck