Nantucket / Vineyard - Recommended Marinas

[mhtimber]

Hi folks,

We're planning on taking a summer trip to the Cape & islands this year, probably last week in July or first in August.

We'd love some recommendations on marinas, anchorages, etc. for Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard.

We have a SR 320 on Lake Winnipesaukee and take it to the ocean every other year or so. We've decided that 2010 is high time to call the economy safe enough for a summer cruise!

Thanks in advance.
Jeff

 

[wakeup 19]

Oak Bluffs Marina on the Vineyard is nice. Book earlier than later. pretty reasonable rates as well. Close to everything.
Good Luck RF

 

[bport]

On the Vineyard, we like Oak Bluffs. It is really a big party with the boats docked stern in along the seawall/sidewalk. Not the place to be for privacy, but fantastic for fun, food, drink, etc.

We stayed at the Nantucket Boat Basin last year and thought it was very nice but very expensive and stuffy. Beautiful for sure but you will be surrounded by 100'+ yachts with full staff and a fully entitled attitude. We're glad we went but do not plan a return for a couple of years.

Hope that helps.

 

[mhtimber]

Oak Bluffs Marina on the Vineyard is nice. Book earlier than later. pretty reasonable rates as well. Close to everything.
Good Luck RF

Thanks! We'll check it out today. We'll be making reservations within the week.

Just checked with the towing company, same rates as 2007; we're launching out of Dover, NH.

Cheers
Jeff

 

[Four Suns]

One thing to consider if you go to Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard is the seawall issue. If you have a large dog(s), there is no way to get the dog off the boat as the sea walls are fairly high and there are no finger piers on them. Unless you can hold a dog over your head or hoist it up from a crane, those slips are useless for pets. We ended up getting one of the bigger boat slips as we couldn't fit in the sea wall slip they wanted to stick us in... thank goodness.

 

[mhtimber]

Thanks for the guidance. My wife is not big on the boardwalk / party theme so Oak Bluffs may not be the right place for us.

On our last trip we stopped into Newport for the Tall Ships and stayed at Newport Yachting Center; and as expected, tied up between two 100'+ yachts but the marina staff was great and we felt quite welcome.

If we could avoid docking with the super yachts that would preferable, but if it's between super yacht and board walk and guessing I know which way we'll go. We're both light sleepers.

We'll be looking for mooring balls and overnight achorages as well, but I know she wants easy shore access and pavement time once we get to the islands.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Jeff

 

[Dancin Dave]

Try Vineyard Haven marina in West Tisbury, its quiet(dry town) nice shops and restuarants. You can rent a car or use the jitneys. Oh they have moorings as well as the slips.

 

[compensation]

If you like being on a mooring, consider Edgartown instead of Oak Bluffs. It may be a bit late to reserve a mooring, but worth a shot. Edgartown is way nicer than Oak Bluffs in terms of shopping and restaurants.

 

[wetpaint]

My opionion:

Vineyard Haven: I stay at the fuel dock (Tisbury Wharf Marina).....Cheap, clean and great people there....Vineyard Haven Marina and Black Dog also (more expensive).....Quiet and I like to bring wine to the resturants (might not be dry this year though).......You can hop on bus and 10 minutes later you are in Oak Bluff and 20 minutes you can be in edgartown.....


Edgartown: Mad Max (too expensive) and Harborside (pool)....No power/showers

Nantucket: Nantucket Boat Basin

I go toeach island 3-4 times a year so any questions, just ask

 

[mhtimber]

Try Vineyard Haven marina in West Tisbury, its quiet(dry town) nice shops and restuarants. You can rent a car or use the jitneys. Oh they have moorings as well as the slips.

Thanks, will definitely check it out. We'll make sure the boat is stocked in advance ;-)

 

[mhtimber]

My opionion:

Vineyard Haven: I stay at the fuel dock (Tisbury Wharf Marina).....Cheap, clean and great people there....Vineyard Haven Marina and Black Dog also (more expensive).....Quiet and I like to bring wine to the resturants (might not be dry this year though).......You can hop on bus and 10 minutes later you are in Oak Bluff and 20 minutes you can be in edgartown.....


Edgartown: Mad Max (too expensive) and Harborside (pool)....No power/showers

Nantucket: Nantucket Boat Basin

I go toeach island 3-4 times a year so any questions, just ask

Tisbury sounds like our speed; will check on availability.

Cheers
Jeff

 

[ChuckW]

We have a great time at Black Dog Wharf in Vineyard Haven. They raft up boats alongside the pier if you don't get a slip, but booking early usually ensures a slip. Much more low key than Oak Bluffs. Black Dog restaurant serves a great breakfast too. Great shops, etc. There is a trolly that can move you around the island quite easily.

 

[Dancin Dave]

I had a great Veal chop at the Black Dog.

 

[wetpaint]

I had a excellent filet mignon

 

[mhtimber]

If you like being on a mooring, consider Edgartown instead of Oak Bluffs. It may be a bit late to reserve a mooring, but worth a shot. Edgartown is way nicer than Oak Bluffs in terms of shopping and restaurants.

Excellent, thanks. Will check it out and give them a call.

 

[mhtimber]

If you like being on a mooring, consider Edgartown instead of Oak Bluffs. It may be a bit late to reserve a mooring, but worth a shot. Edgartown is way nicer than Oak Bluffs in terms of shopping and restaurants.

Excellent, thanks. Will check it out and give them a call.

 

[JV II]

Get a mooring ball in Oak Bluffs, pay full price, AND then watch as they have 2 other boats lash up to your boat and climb on board to secure their lines. I love to sit on the bow in my slip and watch the fights. Good times.

 

[mhtimber]

I had a excellent filet mignon

Nice lens you have there ;-)

 

[mhtimber]

Get a mooring ball in Oak Bluffs, pay full price, AND then watch as they have 2 other boats lash up to your boat and climb on board to secure their lines. I love to sit on the bow in my slip and watch the fights. Good times.

Ok, we will definitely avoid that situation!

Cutty Hunk is a great place to grab a mooring; sounds like Oak Bluffs is not.

 

[bushway9172]

Definitely go for Black Dog Wharf in Vineyard Haven. Nice, relaxed atmosphere, but still a fun, beautiful place.

Also, Edgartown is the ideal place to grab a mooring (although reservations go quick I think).

Good luck!