Shifting Marinas, Chesapeake Bay

[SereneWarrior]

Have decided to change marinas when I splash the boat this spring. Not going to badmouth the place I've used for four years, but needs change and it's time to move on. I live in Alexandria, VA and the boat is currently in Deale, MD on Herring Bay. Would consider anyplace south of Annapolis, but don't want to drive as far south as Solomons. Have done some looking around this winter and know of a few places, but wanted to ask if any of our Chespeake Bay members know of any suitable/desirable marinas for keeping a 53MY. Thoughts?

 

[MikeP]

We really like Piney Narrows Yacht Haven - so well that we bought a covered slip there in Dec '10. We've been renting there since early '07.

It's on Kent Island, a great location to cruise to anywhere on the Ches, convenient to Annapolis (other side of the bay, across the big bridge), plenty of close-by decent stores, 30 minutes to BWI, etc. Frankly, for us, we couldn't have the boat in a better spot.

 

[captddis]

We really like Piney Narrows Yacht Haven - so well that we bought a covered slip there in Dec '10. We've been renting there since early '07.

It's on Kent Island, a great location to cruise to anywhere on the Ches, convenient to Annapolis (other side of the bay, across the big bridge), plenty of close-by decent stores, 30 minutes to BWI, etc. Frankly, for us, we couldn't have the boat in a better spot.

Is it really 30 min to BWI. I am heading to Sparrows point Sunday and have three nights booked on Kent Island. They say it is 13.85 mi to KI from SP, It looks longer on the map! How bad is the rush hour traffic? Dave

 

[MikeP]

I was a bit optimistic at 30 minutes! I most commonly make the trip in the middle of the day or late at night and 40-45 minutes is normal - it's about 35 miles. It's all interstate or 4/6 lane highway (no lights).

Rush hour can almost double the time, primarily due to the bridge unless you have an EZ pass.

 

[SeaEric]

Is it really 30 min to BWI. I am heading to Sparrows point Sunday and have three nights booked on Kent Island. They say it is 13.85 mi to KI from SP, It looks longer on the map! How bad is the rush hour traffic? Dave

13.85 miles in a helicopter maybe. Its an hour drive from KI to SP. Its 40 minutes to BWI airport from KI.

Dave, my office is probably 2 minutes from your hotel. Give me a ring, I'd like to meet you in person.

 

[captddis]

Eric,
I will give you a call on Monday. After I booked the Hotel, I looked at the atlas and realized that their mileage was off. Of course the reservations are non refundable. Dave

 

[SeaEric]

There are some nice marinas in the Galesville area, and a few on the South River that are worth checking out. No personal experience unfortunately.

I second Mike P's rec on Piney Narrows. I have been there for 20+ years and like it. You would have to deal with crossing the Bay Bridge though.

 

[hyperfishing]

Baltimore Harbor is tres nice. So many great things to do there, you may not want to take the boat out.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Piney Narrows is a great marina. It is also one of the few places that you can keep a large MY under cover. Well protected and easy run to a lot of nice cruising destinations. It has also been stable in the same management for a long time. It's not cheap, but YGWYPF. If you are interested in the Annapolis side, I can do some looking around for you if you wish.

The Bay Bridge isn't unmanageable, if you pick your times and know how to avoid the delays. Some planning helps, though.

 

[SereneWarrior]

Thanks everybody for the great recommendations. Have now got some options and have checked availabilities at three marinas on South River, West River (Galesville) and on Herring Bay. Will decide this week!