Reviews from Cody Howdeshell (5)

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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