Marina and DIY yard Chesapeake Area

Hello we are a British couple David and Emma currently cruising the Caribbean as live aboards. We plan to head north to the US mid May for the next two years.

We are looking to return to the UK Oct 09-Mar 2010 by plane so will need to find a DIY yard to leave our 37ft Boat.

Plan would be, marina in Oct for two weeks, then haul boat. Return to boat mid Mar 2010 but will need to live aboard/work (DIY) on boat for two weeks before launch end Mar 2010. Then stay in marina for about 1 month. We would like to make the Chesapeake our base next year so may take a marina/mooring for a year.

As all ways cost needs to considered, with easy access to West Marine type place. Most of all we are looking for a friendly yard and marina with helpful staff.

Any help offered would be much appreciated.

Kind regards

David and Emma Norcross
s/y five flip flops

[JohnRPollard]

David and Emma,

Welcome to Sailnet!

I would recommend the Herrington Harbor - North marina for your purposes.

It is a large yard, upper-mid-Bay, on the Western shore of the Chesapeake, about 15-20 miles south of Annapolis. It is within striking distance of two international airports (Baltimore-Washington International, and Washington-Dulles International).

They allow DIY work there. Also, they have (on-site) numerous marine services for rigging, structural, sail work, etc.

And there is West Marine chandlery at the marina.

Good luck to you!

[JohnRPollard]

One more thought:

My above suggestion was aimed at your haul-out/storage needs for the winter of 2009/2010.

As for making the Chesapeake your sailing base next year, there may be other locations that are better for that.

For instance, Hartge Yacht Yard in Galesville, MD (10-12 miles south of Annapolis) is a good spot for exploring the mid/upper Bay. They have moorings available which could bring down your costs a bit.

I'm sure you'll get lots of other good suggestions.

[T37Chef]

Welcome David & Emma,

I second JRP suggestions, they are one of the best yards on the bay.

However, if you get sticker shock and/or prefer something a bit more North on the bay and a family operated marina, check out Oak Harbor Marina in Pasadena, Maryland. (about 30 minutes North of Annapolis and 15 minutes east of downtown Baltimore)

A DIY marina with lots of services nearby, as well as a West Marine and Cobe Marine for engine parts and service.

The marina is well protected and currently has two full time liveaboards.

They owner, as well as most of the yard staff are avid sailors.

[CaptainForce]

On your way to the yards posted above pull into Jackson Creek at Deltaville, Va. just south of Stingray Point at the Rappahannock River. You can anchor off and use their facilities for ten dollars a day while you evaluate their yard and prices. I believe it's the largest DIY yard in the area with the best value for cost. The West Marine is within Bicycle range & they have free loaner bikes. Deltaville Marina 'take care and joy, Aythya crew

Many thanks for all your help so far. Contacted all your recommendation and now await replies. Will post which one we choose.

David and Emma
s/y five flip flops

[pdqaltair]

Originally Posted by JohnRPollard

David and Emma,

Welcome to Sailnet!

I would recommend the Herrington Harbor - North marina for your purposes.

It is a large yard, upper-mid-Bay, on the Western shore of the Chesapeake, about 15-20 miles south of Annapolis. It is within striking distance of two international airports (Baltimore-Washington International, and Washington-Dulles International).

They allow DIY work there. Also, they have (on-site) numerous marine services for rigging, structural, sail work, etc.

And there is West Marine chandlery at the marina.

Good luck to you!

But I do not think they will let you live aboard on the hard. They do not allow cords to be plugged in at night. Please check - I may be all wrong.

[T37Chef]

Originally Posted by pdqaltair

But I do not think they will let you live aboard on the hard. They do not allow cords to be plugged in at night. Please check - I may be all wrong.

Thats pretty standard for most any marina...no?

[eryka]

Hi David and Emma -
I think everyone replying to this thread will tell you that their marina is "the best" (or otherwise they'd be shopping for a new marina, no?) If it were me, I'd be trying to stay in the thick of the action, right in Annapolis. Our marina is here - pricey but we like it a LOT. Although they don't "officially" allow living aboard on the hard, if you're a good citizen otherwise, they look the other way.

[CaptainForce]

Suggesting that "their marina" is the best is not necessary the case. The marina I recommended is more than not mine,- I've only visited while anchoring off the place. I've never had any work done there, but 'just passing on the reputation known among longtime cruisers. 'take care and joy, Aythya crew