Atlantic Marine Resort opinions

[meide]

I am the proud new owner of a Larson 330 Carbio and am looking for a marina. One of the options is Atlantic Marine Resort (used to be called Pasadena Boatel); but I am concerned about their exposed location directly on the Patapsco River.

I will be using dry their dry storage, so I'm also interested in any opinions about their boat handling practices.

Anyone have any experience with them?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Mike

 

[cmagic99]

I was with them from 1996 to 2000 when they were still the Pasadena Boatel. In 2000 was when they had the fire in their racks that took out A & B racks and singed boats in C rack. Unfortunately, I was in A rack and lost my boat that year. They refused to give any refunds for 2/3 of the season, which soured me to them (of course, I don't know the current management)and only offered for us who lost boats to keep our next one there (offer only good for something like 60 days). Needless to say, I was not very happy at the time.

As far as their exposed location, I never had an issue leaving or entering the channel/marina and once past the entrance (going in), things calmed down significantly and never had a problem docking for haul-out. The range markers in place at the time were very helpful for entering the marina and if you follow them, you won't be in any danger of shallow water (present on both sies of the marked channel). (I had a Bayliner 2252 Classic at the time.) The lift operators then were quite good and I never experienced or heard about damage or other problems with them. It was also very convenient to get fuel. However, pump out was somewhat of an issue at the time.

We didn't use the beach much because it was not wel-kept at the time. However, the picnic areas always seemed to be very busy. I heard they put a swimming pool in, but then maybe they were just thinking about it. Parking always seemed to be an issue, as well.

 

[meide]

Randy,

Thanks for the information. Sounds like most of my concerns are not big issues.

I visited them last week; they are busy building the pool, have recently improved some of their facilities and are doing some work on the beach.

How did they handle the damage to your boat after their fire? Did their insurance cover it?

Thanks again. Based on your input I will probably decide to keep the boat with them.

Mike

 

[cmagic99]

Mike,

They refused to accept any responsibility for the damages whatsoever. Their insurance did not cover any of the 75 boats or so that were lost. According to the fine print in the contract, they supposedly were not responsible and, while my insurance company filed suit to attempt to get them to pay, I assume they were unsuccessful since I didn't receive any of my deductible or excess loss back.

I must say, however, that management may have changed since the 2000 fire since the place has new owners. The manager's name at the time was Al and I don't know if he is still there or not. I have relooked at them a few times for my current boat and thought their prices so-so (maybe a bit high). Last time I researched, though, they didn't have any wet slips available at the time.

Good luck with your Larson and maybe we'll pass in the Bay sometime.