This nice facility is one of the newest additions to the Cruisers’ Net’s “Georgia Marina Directory.” While we have personally never been here, it sounds like a good spot from which to enjoy the Savannah Historic District. The only two disadvantages I can see are the long cruise up the Savannh River from the AICW necessary to reach downtown Savannah, and the possibility one of the ocean going freighters plyng the river might get up a bit too much speed and give your vessel a real up and down!

Fall09: stopped there once again’¦ best location in town! Chaz the dockmaster is always helpful and friendly. being able to walk from the boat to the historical district is a big plus.
Pascal

Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For River Street Market Place Dock

On 9/22/09, as part of a “Georgia Wish List,” I posed the following question:

2. For those who have visited Savannah, please give us some restaurant recommendations.

Responses follow:

We ate at an interesting place called the Soho Cafe in an old firehouse with a funky artsy decor. The food was excellent. However, it is a long walk from the dock (we had a friend with a car.
Jean Thomason

I had a couple condos in the downtown for the past few years and I always recommended a few places that were always popular with the guests: Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House (Jones St. and Bull St to the west a couple houses) – Eat here and then go shop at Paula’s store! Cotton Exchange Tavern on River Street – Amazing crab chowder. Alligator Soul for something closer to `fine’ dining. Last – The Old Pink House for Fine Dining. Churchills on Bay St. is a British Pub and in Summer 2009 hired a new chef so beyond simply `pub food’ they have some really good stuff.
Rick

On 9/23/09, as part of a “Georgia Wish List,” I posed the following question:

1. Who has left the ICW and cruised upstream on the Savannah River to the downtown Savannah waterfront? What sort of dockage, if any, did you discover? The city of Savannah has set aside one floating dock for visiting cruisers, but it was rather sparse when I was last there. If you docked here, what services did you find? Was your vessel buffeted by the bow wave of a large freighter headed past?

Responses follow:

I did stay in Savannath last spring.It was at a dockage for a parking lot, south of a Hotel, which was taken by a huge powerboat, and no dockage available left. Terrible dockage due to river traffic, and their speed. Thought the boat was swamped from the container traffic. A lot of crime in the surrouinding area. If you are not white-Don’t walk around after the shops close . That came from the the parking lot attendant. They left at 9 P.M. along with a locking gate, that would not open, until the next morning. Loaded my .357, and under my pillow.
Greg T
ST42

We have cruised up the river several times to Savannah in our PDQ MV34 Lead Free Too on our way south. We were able to tie up right downtown on the city wall and had a wonderful time enjoying the area. Last time, I took the trolley tour and found it informative and fun. I don’t remember any specific restaurants as there are so many right at the river front.
Sharon

We went to Savannah today (Sept 30) and tied up at the city dock which is directly downriver from the paddlewheeler dock. There was plenty of room and the dock is a nice floating dock. The first three hours are free and one is supposed to pay a fee after that by calling a number or going to and office. Details posted on a sign on the dock. There are no services. There are wakes from the frequently passing water taxis but not too bad. I don’t know if a big freighter went by as we were off enjoying the town.
Jean Thomason

Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Savannah City Dock

Below, you will find a truly discouraging story. Can it be that cruisers are no longer welcome in Savannah. Of course, you can always dock at one of the several excellent marinas at nearby Thunderbolt, and then take an inexpensive taxi ride into the Savannah historic/business district, but, at least for the moment, it appears as if pleasure craft dockage in downtown Savannah is no longer a viable possibillity!

Cruising News: Anyone interested in heading up the Savannah River to Savannah and tying up for the night at a very reasonable rate of $1/ft. had better think again.  There is a new sheriff in town (on the job for 1 month as of this writing) and his name is Jim Gilliamsen.  I arrived Sunday afternoon after sailing outside overnight single handed from St. Augustine.  There were two other boats tied up at the dock.  At 7:00 am Monday (today), I heard a rap on the hull, and there was Mr.Gilliamsen with two policemen telling me I wasn't welcome and I must leave.  He did the same to the others, who had paid for numeroous days in advance.  I tried to reason with him, saying my experience in January during the trip south was you go to the parking garage and pay for the space on the dock, and he said they should not have done that, and that it wasn't going to happen anymore.  I then told him that if that is the case, the cruising guides and websites would need to be updated as such.  I
also explained to him that I had just spent nearly $1000 in provisions and boat parts, and had dinner at Huey's, and if that isn't important to the city of Savannah, then I would gladly take my business elsewhere.  To make a longer story short, he reconsidered his position and allowed me to stay one more night, but I expect that this great spot for an overnight visit will not be available to future cruisers.  That is, until Mr. Gilliamsen chooses to leave, or is asked to leave by his employer.  It is my impression he is making this stuff up as he goes and it may be that the powers that be may not approve.  Particularly in this economic environement, when every merchant can use every dollar of revenue they can get.
Randy Kruml
s/v Kristinly

The discussion below is taken from the Net's "Ask Your Neighbor" page, and originally copied from the MTOA List-serve. As you will see, there is much good advice about docking along the waterfront in downtown Savannah, though there is disagreement over how much a problem is produced by the wake of passing large ships. My experience is that bow waves from ocean going freighters is indeed sometimes a real problem, but infrequently.

Has anyone stayed overnight at river street market place dock? Southbound we stayed at a wilmington island marina and we're looking to be closer, the price is a wash after you figure in taxi service.
Thanks for any information,
Scott and Caroline McGonigle
1982 mainship trawler, SEASCAPE

Scott and Caroline,
We have gone up the Savannah last year and stayed at the River Walk docks. You can call the City and get info but it is first come, first serve there. they will not hold any space for you. The weekends are very full with many small boats. Our recommendation would be to try to go before the weekend and stay through the weekend. You have to walk into own and we believe ,if our memory is right go to the Chamber of commerce to ceheck in and pay. Good luck and enjoy. By the way there is water and 15 amp electric.
Dick and Elle Lassman

We spent a few days at the river street docks. We enjoyed it, but beware of a bouncy stay. It's not the big ships that cause the problem but the small boats that think no wake is what they produce just before going fast enough to plane.
Peter & Vickie Kidd

I have not stayed at River Street dock myself, but have been there many times.  I've been told that wakes from the container ships can roll you out of your bunk and may damage your boat.  If you go there I suggest you have plenty of big fenders.
Peter Colket

There are some wakes from the ships, its no different then tying up on the Riverwalk in Ft. Lauderdale. In Savanah the dock is floating so there is some give and wake protection. Your not banging against a cement wall.
Dick and Elle Lassman

We stayed there for 5 days and had a fantastic time. We didn't notice much wave action from the container ships. I guess some people just like to complain about everything.
If we do the loop again, we would spend more time there. Plus, the price is right for being right downtown.
James Taylor

We stayed there last November. Couple of add'l points on Savannah's dock:
* You should call the City Tax office — 912.651.6451 — they manage the dock and collect the fee.
* CTO is two and half blocks away. They will tell you how to find them.
* Bring a check — no credit cards. The fee is $1/ft/day.
* Unofficially, this one time payment for a day is all they will ask for. We were told, if we stay longer, not to come back for additional payment. This friendly approach may not be the rule.
* Not all (in best case only half) of the 15A outlets are hot. Be prepared to either move the boat closer to a working outlet, or have a long extension cord ready.
* We were told that in 2009 the docks will be given to the parking authority, meaning that a dollar a foot (or a free day) will become a thing of the past.
Raoul, Adria, Symbol

It is now 2.50 per foot, which includes water, electric, and wifi. No showers or laundry facilities, but there is a security gate with key code. Previously, we stayed in Thunderbolt. We think the River Street dockage is worth the price, to be right on River Street, not having to deal with the  travel back and forth (calling, waiting, paying for cab or bus). We'll let you all know how we make out!
Caroline & Scott McGonigle
M/V Seascape

I don't want to confuse anyone……but…..when we were there last year….. there are two city docks and they are next to each other. The one behind the gate with water & electric for $2.50 ft. the other city dock (about 100 ft. away) cost me $37.50 for the first night (water and 15 amp plug at street level) and was told I didn't need to come back and pay any more unless I wanted to stay a week. We stayed there 5 days for $37.50 compared to $525.00 at the gated dock.
It may have changed this year so check around.
James Taylor

It looks like Captain Quinn has the definitive info in his message below!

Subject: Savannah River Street Docks
Cruising News: You can disregard all other Postings before this date 3-20-09.  Here is the up to date poop on the Savannah River Street Docks.  Control of the docks has been moved from the City of Savannah Revenue Department and placed under full control of the City of Savannah Parking Services.  The "Go To Man" is Jim Tilliamsen.  Jim has taken over the operation, though he has only been in this position for four day as of 3-20-09.  You can call Jim on his direct line 912-651-2834.  To make a reservation you should call at least one day in advance.  The docking rate will remain at $1.00US per foot per day.  If you are only going to stay for lunch or under three hours there is no charge,  but it is still advisable to call ahead. There is water and 30amp service available.  Jim said he will be checking on the services that were reported not to be working.  Jim works for the City so if you call,  call early and call between 9:00Am and 4:00PM.
Kevin R. Quinn
SeaQuinns
Tybee Light Power Squadron
Administrtive Officer

Subject: Savannah
Cruising News: Just spent 2 good nights at the Savannah City Docks. Great place, and the price is right at $1/ft. The floats are the same as those at the pricey ($2.50) River St. Market and a self-sufficient pasagemaker shouldn't need services.
Ran up Savannah River in a blue dungeon of fog — the pilots had closed the river to shipping so we had a very impressive parade of ships after it was opened.
Michael Porter

Don't confuse the Savannah City Docks with the Savannah Market Street docks, about which there is a posting just below this one.
Personally, we always stay at Thunderbolt, and take an inexpensive taxi ride into the Savannah Histroic District. However, the city dock is certainly another way to go!

I’m not familiar with the “River Street Market Dock,” unless Captain Pascal (see below) is referring to what I call the Savannah City Dock. If anyone else can clarify this, PLEASE e-mail me at CruisingWriter@CruisersNet.net .

Glad someone else covers the Savannah River upstream of the city of Savannah. We end our coverage of this storied river at Savannah, in “Cruising Guide to Coastal South Carolina and Georgia.Ã’šÃ‚

I was in Augusta GA yesterday and talked with the dockmaster whom has written a cruise guide covering anchorage points between Savannah and Augusta. It’s deep and well covered by trawlers, houseboats and bass boats. There are only ramp landings on the river, without any marinas. It’s 201 miles of winding, butÃ’šÃ‚ very scenic river to the Augusta River (downtown)Ã’šÃ‚ Marina, that will take 3 days at trawler speed. Anchor or tie up at the boat ramp landings, or on straight stretches to avoid early am fishing boats. They haveÃ’šÃ‚ diesel at $3.49 (9/8/2008) & gas. On the ICW at Savannah your lucky to find $4. Ã’šÃ‚ Slips are $7 ft. Great spot. I will be heading up the river with my Carver 3007 diesel,Ã’šÃ‚ mid November for the winter. The dockmaster say’s no special prep for winter other than draining drinkingÃ’šÃ‚ water lines and tank.
Mitchells

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