Belle Maer vs MacRay Marina inputs?

M

marykhubby

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I am contemplating moving and visited these neighboring marina's in Anchor Bay on Lake StClair yesterday. Each had its own personality and appeal for me so I am on the fence and thought some firsthand insights (+/-) from some experienced people would be best. Heated winter storage in the area would also be in the cards - they mentioned South River Yacht Sales. If you've had any experiences at any of these, please advise! thx
 
Well I'm biased, and I've already told you about my feelings about MacRay, but I really do think it's the best-run marina in the Great Lakes.

There's also an active and friendly yacht club organization within MacRay, so meeting people is easy. (and like you, they like to cruise)

The restaurant of course, isn't what it used to be, but it's nice to have a restaurant on-site. In fact, the food and prices are suprisingly good. The facilities are also top-notch, with clean restrooms, nice pools and the famous pump-out hose at every dock.

If you didn't get a personal tour, I can help arrange one.
 
Can't answer your question but after visiting that area this summer it sure seems like a good place to boat. I would think St Clair will give you more boating days than Erie. The Algonac area is really nice (close). It is easy to get to Huron and the wonderful Mi and Ca. Ports...I'm jealous. I’d bet you burn a lot more gas next year because you will be doing more boating.

Good luck
Niles
 
MR was really nice, clean and modern. Could use some trees to soften the environment at the dock areas (like BM has), but other than that MR appeared top notch on maintenance and facilities they offered. I am a little concerned hearing about "all the boat traffic" up that way, but that too may have softened given the economic conditions.

Next step is to find some reasonable and safe winter storage (heated) up that way. MR has "in water" heated storage but I need some concrete beneath her for a few months out of the year.

TBM is overpriced and not listening to their customers (a real shame). The kids can't even pitch a pup tent out on the grassy areas any more. A lot of customer grumbling going on, and I suspect it won't be long until they run out the remaining clients who don't own their docks. Then it will only be a matter of time for things to get progressively worse... It is too bad, my loyal family has been paying their bills there since the early 70's.
 
Too bad about TBM. I knew some people with a sailboat that left at the end of last year...pretty much the same story.

Niles
 
Thx for the inputs SLW and Niles. I was hoping for more data points on insight, but OH WELL.

I decided to get on the short wait list at MR for next season, and will be storing up near there this winter (about a 20min no wake cruise away from MR, up the river). The folks at South River Marine were very nice, flexible to accomodate, their storage facilites acceptable, and their rate is market competitive ($2 less per sq ft than TBM).

Now I need to start saving for that gas money Niles was referring to for "discovery cruising" next season!
 
Glad to hear it Don! What kind of data points?
 
When are you making the run from TBM to the Clinton River?
Niles
 
Just made the trip north today. Originally wanted to go on Friday but Oct is never stable/predictable. Erie was a little rough today with 4-6 foot following seas but once I made the Detroit River the rest of the trip went quite nicely. The rain held off until we hit the Clinton River.

She's being pulled out for the winter tomorrow and tucked inside heated storage. Let waxing season begin!
:)
 
Glad you made it ok, the lake has been wild the last week or so. We have a crane coming Sat for the first haul out. I worked all weekend setting up my blocking, changing oil, and winterizing the fresh water systems. As soon as it is on the hard I will do the raw side of the engines and the air conditioners then shrink wrap it. I wish I was inside and heated :)

Niles
 
Don, how has the Lake St Clair boating been?

Niles
 
Hi Niles
In 1 word - SPARSE this year!
New job has kept me busy.
Kids are using it more than I this season.
This weekend will be my 4th visit there
Dumb luck I guess

:-(
 
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