Palatka, FL Facilities (St. Johns River)
Palatka, FL Facilities (St. Johns River)
On 7/17/08, as part of a "St. Johns River Wish List," I posed the following question:
17. The city of Palatka marks the point where the St. Johns finishes its evolution from a brackish to a fresh water river. There are three possibilities for pleasure craft dockage in Palatka. North of the high-rise bridge, a hotel, which used to be a Holiday Inn, but is now something else, I think, has a dock. South of the span, also on the western banks is the Palatka city dock, followed by Boathouse Marine. PLEASE comment on any or all these facilities. Also, any dining recommendations in Palatka would be welcome. Does anyone know if Angel's Diner is still open?
Responses follow:
The motel north of the bridge is now a Quality Inn. I can't comment on depths there.
The Palatka city dock seems adequate for up to 6' draft, at least at the outer end. Last winter, the dock was occasionally used for fishing derbies, mostly on weekends, and was completely dominated by outboards and 2-cycle smoke when it was. The majority of the time, it would be suitable for short stays by cruisers, but has no facilities except for public bathrooms and an adjacent parking lot.
Longer stops in Palatka would be better spent at the Boathouse Marina next to the city dock. I kept my sailboat there for most of the '07-'08 winter. The new owners welcome cruisers and have been trying to improve a marina that had been run down under previous ownership. Most of their slips seemed to be rented year-round to locals or winter residents like me, but some shorter-term cruisers came and went while I was there.
Access to the dock was by entry code at a gate. There was a soda machine, ice available, on-site laundry and clean bathrooms.
Angel's Diner was still open when we left in June, We ate breakfast there a few times. There is a Subway right next door to Angel's, which is on Reid Street, the roadway that comes acxross the bridge. In my opinion, a much better choice for breakfast or lunch is the City Cafe, a few minutes walking distance of the river, located on St John's Ave., the main street of the old downtown area.
Neil Woodside
Swans Island, ME
SV "Undine"
Palatka. Carmen Cove on the north west shore just before reaching the SR 100 bridge is a very good anchorage. Find 7 feet in good holding. Wind Protected N.E &S. but I've been there in blows from other directions and had no problems. The docks across from Carmen Cove by the Hotel are in very poor shape but the price may be right for some and the restaurant is tolerable. Boathouse Marina is being upgraded by new owners and an easy and safe stop if they have room for you. If you arrive after they close, they work the tie-up on the honor system. Easy walk to town. Angles Restaurant appears to be still open.
Les Rothman
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