Reviews from Michael Vogel (5)

Free Dock Review for Provision Company

Reviewed by: Michael Vogel, Bird’s Nest, on May 7, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 50'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

The free docks here are in pretty nice shape but no power or water. A sign says you need to eat at the restaurant but they didn't really seem to care. The fingers are about 30' long and the large slips are wide enough for two smaller boats or one large one. We are 50' LOA and 15.5' wide with a 4.5' draft. We had plenty of room, bow in. A little concerned about low tide but since we came in at mid tide and will leave at mid tide we shouldn't have any problems. The water is deep enough at our stern. Within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Would be 5 stars except for the exposure to wakes from the shipping channel and AICW.

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Marina Review for Isle of Hope Marina

Reviewed by: Michael Vogel , Bird’s Nest, on Apr 28, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 50'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Floating docks are in very good condition. All slips are side tie. Power and water available. Two loaner cars free to use for transient boaters. Good security. In a nice neighborhood. Fairly close to shopping and restaurants. Friendly staff. Definitely would stay here again.

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Marina Review for Erwin Marine Riverfront

Reviewed by: Michael Vogel , Bird’s Nest, on Nov 1, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 49'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

We spent 3 nights here from 10/28 - 10/31. We were at the Bluff Dock which is between the two bridges. The dock is very nice and secure. However, there are homeless that spend time in the areas at either end where you have to go to get on and off the dock. 50amp power and water. There is exposure to river wakes but we didn't notice much. Close to downtown and lots of things to do in the area. Self service fuel dock and the current price was $3.86 for diesel. No restrooms, showers or laundry. Only one person working there but he was around on the days they were "open".

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Free Dock Review for Guntersville City Harbor

Reviewed by: Michael Vogel, Bird’s Nest, on Oct 27, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 49'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

As far as free docks go, this one is one of the better ones we've been at. Restaurants, bars, live music - all within walking distance. A very nice protected harbor with room for at least 4 boats up to 50' or so. We'll definitely be back.

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Anchorage Review for Bluff City Anchorage

Reviewed by: Michael Vogel, Bird’s Nest, on Oct 26, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 49'
Draft: 4.5'

This is a nice halfway spot between Joe Wheeler Marina and Guntersville. We anchored a little bit east of the marker where there's a small bay. It gets shallow fast so you have to watch your depth. The current kept straight all night. We anchored in about 12' of water. The chain came up clean and there was just a bit of mud on the anchor.

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