Question about Chesapeake Marina's

FootballFan

Well-Known Member
Jun 20, 2012
3,567
Florida
Boat Info
Marquis 59
Engines
MTU Series 60
Looking for Marina recommendations.

Would be in the area for Approx. 3 or 4 months. Distance from BWI airport is a consideration, but does not have to be a Baltimore marina. Would like to be within a 1 or 2 hour drive.

Talked with Mears Point and Herrington (have stayed there in the past). Those are options, but looking for other ideas.

Not focused on resort style. We typically would be cruising while there.

Any pointers would be much appreciated,

Thanks,

Mark
 
Welcome aboard! You will have plenty of time to explore. 1-2 hrs from BWI puts you at limit in staying on the Eastern shore. Kent Narrows is good location if you want to go south. West River is good also. To the north is Middle River. Inner Harbor is great for a few weeks to take in all of the City some of the Marina's around inner harbor will do a monthly transient rate. These are all within an hour of BWI. Traffic is something to consider getting in and out of BWI so be cinsiderate of that.
 
Have talked with Mears Point and Herrington harbor.

Any specific marina's you would recommend?

Big consideration is safety and security around the boat. We will be leaving the boat to go back home during the time the boat is in the Chesapeake area.

Thanks,
 
I was responding on my phone and forgot your boat size. You will have to stick to the larger marinas. Inner Harbor any of the BMC properties can accommodate your boat and offer good gated security. Parking will be an issue I don't believe they have transient parking like season slip holders. Usually the season slip holders get one parking spot. I could be wrong. Inner Harbor East is good and you might be able to talk them into letting you have a parking spot if you set up their as a home base..

Annapolis is also a good port and town to spend some time in. I'm sure someone can chime in with a good marina. Both locations are less then 30 mins from BWI and I suspect around an hour with rush hour traffic depending on when you have to travel.

The smaller ports will have a hard time accommodating a 60' slip for a long period of time, you can certainly get a transient for a few days but if you are looking for a base to cruise from, I think the Patapsco or Annapolis or Kent Island are good central locations to explore from.

From there I would explore the Eastern Shore and points south. When will you be on the bay?
 
Current plans are July, August, Sept. Starting back south early Oct.

The two airports I can get direct for are either Washington National or BWI.

Open to increasing drive time if I have to.

Thanks for the input.

Mark
 
I've had slips at both Herrington Harbor Marinas. South is much more resort like than North, but North is still pretty nice. Never heard of any security issues. Currently in Hartge's in the West River...very quiet here...but not many boats your size around. Had a friend with a Hat 54 on a t-head here for a few years. Also Shady Oaks tucked in the back of the West River...the have boats in the 50's back there.
 
We stayed at SkipJack Cove for a couple of years and really liked it and the area in general. Mears point at Kent Narrows would be a strong second
 
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Check out Long Beach Marina in Middle River. We have a few 60' slips left and they've made a lot of improvements recently including bar and grill at pool and floating docks. Gated and cameras. All good people, too. Talk to John and tell them Toby sent you.

http://www.longbeachmarina.net
 
Mears Point in Kent Narrows gets you excellent access to Eastern Shore locations (Rock Hall, St. Michaels, Cambridge, Oxford) while being very close to Annapolis and Baltimore. 45 minute drive to BWI. A decent number of big slips available.
 
I'm at Mears Point also. I second what Converse48 said. Great Marina with great waterfront restaurants in walking distance as well as great boating destinations nearby.
 
thank you all for input so far. Making calls on the suggestions.

I have talked to Mears Point. We picked up a bare boat charter there a few times. I agree, was probably first on my list starting the search.

Only slip they had available is right behind the fuel dock. I seem to remember that is a pretty high current area. At this point, not my first choice. Might still consider, but looking to see if I can find other alternatives.

Thanks all - search is still on - any suggestions appreciated.

Mark
 
I'm not familiar with the drive time to BWI, but I will second either of the Herrington Marinas. North is well protected and extremely nice even though it's known as their "working yard" with lots of on-site trades and amenities. It has become our choice between the two due to the quieter atmosphere.

South is definitely more of a resort.
 
I'm not familiar with the drive time to BWI, but I will second either of the Herrington Marinas. North is well protected and extremely nice even though it's known as their "working yard" with lots of on-site trades and amenities. It has become our choice between the two due to the quieter atmosphere.

South is definitely more of a resort.

We stayed at North a few years ago. Would go back. I called on Saturday, they were supposed to have someone call me back this week. Have not heard anything. Will try again.
 
Only slip they had available is right behind the fuel dock. I seem to remember that is a pretty high current area. At this point, not my first choice. Might still consider, but looking to see if I can find other alternatives.
Yes, there is some current on the outer slips at Mears in Kent Narrows (A, B, C and D docks), fair point. I enjoy the challenge (I'm on D) but that's just me. Location is still first rate for reaching other spots.

Take a look at Bay Bridge Marina too, great location for reaching other spots. Very nice marina, floating IPE docks, great pool... just nothing else within walking or dinghy distance. They are offering 50% off seasonal slips, so I bet you could work a deal for a mid-term transient slip.

Also, agree that the Herrington Harbors are both nice.
 
Mark-
Great news. I don't think you will regret it! When will you be here and where are they putting you? I'm at D-68.
 
G Dock.

Departing FL on the 28th of June. Expect to be there around 7/8 or so. Depends on how much we stay on the float plan and the variances of weather.
 

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