Reviews from Cody Howdeshell (10)

Free Dock Review for Tom Bevill Visitors Center

Reviewed by: Cody Howdeshell, EASTERN STAR, on Jan 27, 2026
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 3

Jan 2025 we stayed here overnight. There is a sign saying No Overnight Dockage but the lockmaster said it was fine.

Dock is in complete disrepair, go ashore at your own risk! Lots of missing boards etc. We laid our 60' boat along the outside of the dock and the pilings.

The snag boat museum looks pretty cool but was closed. The whole place is pretty run down but a nice rest stop regardless.

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Marina Review for Grand Harbor Marina, LLC

Reviewed by: Cody Howdeshell , EASTERN STAR, on Jan 25, 2026
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

Great marina! Slightly on the right side to get into the transient slip on a 60' single screw with no thruster but I had no issues. Misty from the office came down to help with lines and give us all the marina information. Wifi worked well enough. Courtesy car process was super fast and easy and the car was great. Showers on the dock were closed when we stayed (January) but showers in the Condo building were available, hot, and clean. Overall a great stay!

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Marina Review for The Alton Marina

Reviewed by: Cody Howdeshell , EASTERN STAR, on Jan 11, 2026
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 4

Very nice marina. Showers were closed when I was there (January). Friendly staff. Greg gave me a ride into town. Go visit Morrisons Irish Pub on Thursday nights for sea shanty singing and AP Cigars right next door for a great little community cigar shop.

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Marina Review for Hoppie's Marine Service - FUEL ONLY

Reviewed by: Cody Howdeshell , EASTERN STAR, on Jan 11, 2026
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 4

In Jan 2026 they did not have fuel. But they did allow dockage. Ray, son in law of the past owners, was very friendly and only charged me $1/foot including 30am power.
The barge is pretty rough but does the job and it sounds like they are in the middle of sprucing the place up. It's worth making the 15 minute walk into town. Le Chance Winery is great.

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Free Dock Review for Kaskaskia Lock Wall

Reviewed by: Cody Howdeshell, EASTERN STAR, on Jan 11, 2026
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

Can't beat it for the price. Had no issues with a 6' draft. As you come in, the first section of the dock had smaller cleats spaced every 6' or so. The next section between the two large concrete pylons only had very large cleats spaced about 30'. You'll be tying up on the ENE side of the lock wall. Took the tender to shore to go for a run in the campground. 1 bar of 5g on At&t.

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Anchorage Review for Buckhorn Island

Reviewed by: Cody Howdeshell, EASTERN STAR, on Dec 19, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 6.0'

Spent the night on a 60' trawler with 6' draft. We found plenty of water pretty much right up about 20' from the riverbank along the main bank. Don't get close to the Northern tip of the island as it shallows up. Bottom is soft mud so won't damage much.

We pushed our bow up on the bank and tied a line to a tree for the night. Plenty of barge traffic.

If you draw a line due N from the Northern tip of the Island, that part of the river bank was deep right up to 20'-15' from the waters edge.

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Free Dock Review for Margaret B. Upton Aboretum

Reviewed by: Cody Howdeshell, EASTERN STAR, on Oct 18, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

Can't beat it for a free dock! some charts show less than 5' depth but we spoke with one of the marinas and they said it was recently dredged to 9'. We had no trouble with a 6' draft. Tons of room on the wall. Obviously there's no security and it is a public park but the area seemed very very safe. Downton is nice. Can be a bit rolly if there is any swell and you do get some wakes. Wall is corrugated steel sheet piling - so use your biggest fenders and hang them horizontal.

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Marina Review for Safe Harbor Great Lakes

Reviewed by: Cody Howdeshell , EASTERN STAR, on Oct 18, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

Wonderful marina and staff. Very safe and secure. Clean showers etc. We tied up on the "D" T-head and had no problem at a 6' draft but it did look like it gets shallower further in. The office staff were incredibly helpful and accommodating. Having an Amazon delivery box on site is great. The bike trail just outside the gate is great for getting out for some exercise.

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Marina Review for The Marina at Harbor Lights

Reviewed by: Cody Howdeshell , EASTERN STAR, on Oct 18, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

Really nice marina with great fixed docks and plenty of depth. We had no issues at 6' draft. Mike the dock master was super helpful and they even leant us the truck to get to NAPA for parts. Frankfort hardware is just around the corner and well stocked, and downtown is nice. Plenty of good food options, the best being Storm Cloud Brewing.

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Marina Review for Arcadia Veterans Memorial Marina

Reviewed by: Cody Howdeshell , EASTERN STAR, on Oct 18, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

Stayed here for two nights shortly after they closed for the season. Very small marina but nice and tidy. Even though it was out of season they still came and checked on us after we tied up. The Ketch 22 Kafe food truck is just a short walk down the road and was delicious. Jim Sloop at Arcadia Marine is next door and good for any repairs.

No trouble getting in with a 6' draft.

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