I, too, have always been impressed with Port St. Joe Marina. You must depart the ICW, and cruise down the “Gulf County Canal” into St. Joseph Bay, in order to reach this facility, but the trip is more than justified.

Deborah Ann has moored at Port St. Joe Marina for the past Month. We wanted to escape the Wisconsin winter and enjoy the warmer weather of the South.
Most of the Loopers have passed this point by now, but for those still heading this way, give Port St. Joe a try. The sign at the harbor entrance says “Port St. Joe Marina, the friendliest marina on the Gulf Coast”. I think it should say “on the Great Loop”. Port St. Joe Marina is owned and operated by the same companies that own and operate Bay Point in Panama City, which also receives high marks.
The staff has been helpful beyond expectations, the locals have been great. When you arrive you will possibly be greeted by Ray Whitney, commodore of Port St. Joe Yacht Club, a wonderful ambassador of the Port St. Joe area. There is a grocery store nearby, sporting goods store, laundry, restaurants, and a nice downtown, all within walking distance.
Winter slip rate is $1.00 per foot per day. Long term transient rates are very attractive. We plan on staying for another month before heading part of the way back north, and hope to see some Loopers that are continuing South.
Jeff DeVries
Deborah Ann
Nordic Tug 37

Subject: Diesel Price
Cruising News: Port St Joe Marina just lowered their price of Diesel to $1.88 gallon. with 10 cent off for boat U.S. and Sea Tow membership.
Ray Whitney

This is a great place to stop and fuel up and provision very friendly staff that arevery helpful. Diesel fuel is $1.88 per gallon with a 10% discount for boat us. Resturant on site as well as well within walking distance like 2 blocks. Grocery store at the gate.
Ed

I copied the question and answer below from the AGLCA list. Captain Jame’s advice sounds spot on to me!

Hello,
The MV lady lee 34′ trawler will be in Apalachicola about Dec 09 & 10, looks like bad weather window for big bend route. What are the best Marina’s to stay at in Apalachicola & Carrabell3.We will need crossing information. We travel at about 7 MPH.
Thanks
Joe & Jamie Schwartzott
34′ trawler Lady Lee

Jamie,
In Carrabelle you have two marina’s I would suggest…either ‘The Moorings’ (850-697-2800) or ‘C-Quarters’ (850-697-8400).? The latter is less expensive, but The Moorings offers more amenities (pool, boaters lounge, etc.), so depends on what you are looking for.
Re: crossing information, “Buddy” at The Moorings can give you good information, and you can call the National Marine Weather service out of Tallahassee (850-942-8833). They welcome calls from mariners making “the crossing” anytime of the day or night, and will give you updated marine WX info based on current & forecasted conditions in addition to what they are broadcasting on the local WX VHF channel.
Tom Jones

Jamie,
We left Carrabelle on Thursday afternoon and arrived in Clearwater on Friday morning. We stayed at the Moorings and one added advantage is they are close to a company called Marine Systems who can help you with any mechanical/electrical problem you have. It is run by Eric Pfeufer and he is on top of most jobs that they take on. Tom Conrad’s weather forcasts are very helpful. Have a safe crossing.
Neil Shaw
Adagio Due GB52
m/v Marbles

Apalachicola: the best marina is Scipio Creek Marina.
Carrabelle:  I say the best is The Moorings, (new name Moorings Marina  Sea Change).
Many loopers stay at C Quarters then walk to The Moorings for Buddy’s  advice on crossing the Gulf.
Alan  Lloyd

In Appalachicola, we stayed at the Water Street Hotel Marina.  It was
just fine for a one-night stay.  Appalachicola Bay is very exposed.
If you plan/need to be there multiple days, perhaps a conventional
marina would be better depending on what you want.

In Carrabelle, we stayed at C-Quarters.  It was fine.  Cheap.  The guys were very welcoming and helpful.  Never did met “Buddy,” but met several fishermen who seemed to know those waters pretty well.    We left our transit plan with C-Quarters, and they were glad for us to do so.  We called when we got to Tarpon Springs to let them know were had arrived safely.  Great service for $25 and change.
Peg and Jim Healy, aboard Sanctuary
currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL

We were at Scipio Creek marina in Sept. as we had made a short trip over from Panama City.  Although the people are nice, I don’t suggest this marina as they are over run with ants.  We had to leave our boat for a week and when we came back we were totally infested with them. Were told by the lady who owns the marina that they fight them constantly.  No fun. C-quarters in Carrabelle is a better bet.
Many blessings,
Shelley

Copied the discussion below from the Net's "Ask Your Neighbor" page. I thought it would be of equal value here!

Hello All, Does anyone have the proper procedure to stay at the Ft. Walton City dock.
Thanks,
Joe & Jamie Schwartzott
MV Lady Lee

You have to check in with the city manager's office before 5:00 pm at  850-833-9500.
Search "Ft. Walton dock" on the forums and you will find several posts about the dock.  Perhaps the most helpful is one from Chuck Gorgen on ODYSSEE posted November 27, 2007.  In case you have trouble with the search, here is the gist of his post:
"We stopped at the Fort Walton Beach town dock at MM 222.6 on the GICW, 0.4 miles before you get to the bridge, north of R8.  There are three usable 45' slips, one 35' slip, and 100' of face dock  to tie to, and free water and pump out, in about 6 1/2' of water.  There is a city park with a gazebo and an emergency launch ramp.  Library is across the street, Publix is less than 2 blocks to the east, and there is a town trolley that operates up and down the main drag.  You are required to check in with the city manager before 5:00 PM to get permission and notify the police that you are here.  Call
850-833-9500.  GREAT STOP!"
It is worth every penny (free)!
Bill

We agree the Ft. Walton dock is super.  The only problem we encountered is that if you arrive there on Saturday or Sunday when the town manager's office is closed it isn't quite as simple.  We arrived
about a month ago, called the office, and since it was closed we talked to someone else.  I'm not sure who, but I thought it was the police.  Anyway I was told that only the manager could give
permission.  When I asked if we could get permission from someone else since she wasn't there, I was told no.  I then asked what would happen if we did and the reply was we would get a ticket.  Anyway we stayed, enjoyed the town and left early the next day.
If you'll arrive on the weekend, Try to call on Friday so you don'thave that uncomfortable feeling all night.  Enjoy your stay!
Mary

Three of us Loopers (C-Life, Wanderin' L&M, and Bella Luna) stayed at Ft.  Walton City Dock on Friday after Thanksgiving.  I called the number listed in Skipper Bob, I don't have that number with me, but the police dispatcher answered.  I requested permission to stay at the dock and he responded that he would get permission from his Capt. and call me right back.  He called back shortly and said permission granted and to have a great evening. Several police cars patrolled the area that evening, and a city worker came down to check the pumpout on Saturday morning, which he said that they do every morning.  We had a pleasant stay.
Robert & Kay Creech

I can only add a hearty, “Hear, Hear!”

And don’t forget the sound, the Mississippi Sound. It’s shallow and can be treacherous. Trick is to get on it when it’s settled down after a front al passage and get back off it before another comes through. There are almost no all weather anchorages so it’s either hang out in marinas or get across it quickly.
Regards,
Larry and Teri

It is a pleasure to bring you this good news about Panama City Municipal Marina. It is, without a doubt, one of the best municipal marina faclities I've run across in my 28 years of being a cruising guide author. And, they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSOR!

Subject: New web site
Cruising News: We would like to announce that Panama City Marina has a new stand alone web site separate from the city.  The new site, www.pcmarina.com, has much more information specific to the marina & the local area.  We hope this will be helpful to boaters passing through our area. Some areas of it are still under construction but the site is up & running.  We welcome any feedback.
Bill Lloyd

Looks like there are at least two excellent choices when it comes time to visit a marina in Gulf Shores, Alabama. For those new to these waters, Gulf Shores lies directly on the path of the Northern Gulf ICW, just east of Mobile Bay.

We have stayed at “Lulu’s Homeport Marina” and “The Wharf ” for the last few nights and found both to be the finest marina facilities we have stayed at thus far.  Nice floating docks. Lulu’s has added a bath house and laundry room and Lulu’s restaurant is excellent The Wharf has shopping and a number of good restaurants. Lulu’s was $1.50/ft with BoatsUS discount.  The Wharf was $2.00/ft. We had heard that both of these marinas were cost prohibitive.  We didn’t find that to be the case and are glad that we did not miss these “jewels”.  Both had diesel at $3 a gallon and said it would be dropping into the $2′s soon.  PTL
Brad and Patti Salvage
“Salvage Crew”

Staying at The Wharf at Orange Beach AL.  Modern floating docks with free wifi, cable and plenty of power.   On property modern outside mall with stores, restaurants, bars, and movie theater. Very nice stop.

Always glad to hear of marina expansion plans, particularly on a coastline that is still recovering from hurricane damage!

Subject: Ms Gulf Coast Marinas
Cruising News: Pass Christian Harbor has just recieved 25 million dollars for harbor expansion and there is also a proposed marina being built in Bay St. Louis, Ms.  So happy to see the coast coming back!
Russell Traina

If memory serves (which sometimes it does not), there was a much earlier posting here on the Net’s “Northern Gulf” section about the free city dock at Fort Walton Beach. However, the series of messages below are much more detailed than any previously posted here!

Fort Walton Beach City Dock, on the panhandle of Florida, is a free dock. Although there is no electricity, it is a very nice dock, with several fingers.  There is room for 8 boats.  There is a 24 hour limit and permission is needed from the City Manager to stay, but that is only a phone call (850-833-9500)
There is a Publix very close and a West Marine a little further.
Darrell & Beth Berge
M/V L’Attitude Changer

As i recall only 2 maybe 3 of the docks had 4.5′ to 6 ‘ of water. i believe the outward 2 on the west side were safe.
GEORGE & MIRIAM GRAFER
TIME OUT

George, your memory is correct, water is a little skinney on the east finger docks and those closer to shore.  If you find there is still a white water hose coiled at the water faucet, that is mine.  After watering up two of us last December, hose was nicely coiled on the dock, and left there, not realising the hose belonged to us.
George and Miriam, we look forward to seeing you in a few days in Beaufort, assume you must be getting close.
Chuck and Claria Gorgen
ODYSSEE, waiting for spring in Rimouski, Quebec

Bay Point Marina lies on the shores of Grand Lagoon, whose entrance channel runs off Panama City inlet. This passage can be just a little tricky.
Bay Point Marina is a fine facility, and I have always been very impressed with its staff and physical plant. Coupled with the equally excellent Panama City Municipal Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR), this community can claim pleasure craft facilities second to none in the Florida Panhandle.

The next stop eastbound that we recommend is Bay Point Marina just west of the ship channel inlet at Panama City. Call Steve Arndt, Harbormaster at 850-628-1740 (he spoke at your Fall Rendezvous), or click on: http://www.baypointmarina.net/index.cfm
Enjoy the Emerald Coast with us!
Dick Hanson
on Souvenir in the FL Panhandle

Baytown Marina at San Destin is found on the southern shores of Choctawhatchee Bay, east of Destin and East Pass., It always interesting to read opinions from other cruisers. In the past, I have only been moderately impressed with this facility, but  message is certainly going to cause me to take another look!

The biggest life-changing discovery for us on our Loop in '03 was the FL Panhandle. We're now in our 8th winter at Baytowne Marina, Sandestin, FL (on the south shore of Choctawhatchee Bay, just east of the Mid-Bay Bridge at Destin).  Check out the marina (and resort) website:http://www.sandestin.com/golfactivities/marina/tabid/218/Default.aspx. Or call Capn Ron, Dockmaster at 850-428-1016.
Enjoy the Emerald Coast with us!
Dick Hanson
on Souvenir in the FL Panhandle

Mary Walker Marina IS off the beaten path, and has a bit of a backwater feeling. I bet Captain Reggie did raise a few eyebrows in bringing a sailcraft to this marina!

If you want to raise eyebrows, go to Mary Walker Marina in a sailboat!  Can be done, crossing the marsh.  Makes you pucker if your draft approaches 6 feet.
Really nice people.  We were having problems and they were great help.  Engine water pump died.  Leon knew where to get one.  Margaret took me there and back.  King's Machine Inc is a full service machine shop and diesel engine shop.
no fuel
no diesel.  We needed diesel so Leon "Little Boy " Mendenhall, employed there 43 years, took us for two loads in gerry cans. 
all their fuel pumps need to be replaced since hurricanes. 
no pumpout.
50 amp electricity at our dock but useless to us since se didn't have a 50to30 adapter and neither did they.
no onsite repair services.
Reggie

The Pearl River acts as the coastal division between the states of Mississippi and Louisiana. It has MANY cruisable miles, and lots of anchorage possibilities. Just watch for barge traffic on the main Pearl River channel coming downstream from the Stennis Space Center.

Tucked in tonight at anchor just east of the CSX Pearl bridge on the Pearl River.  Fish are jumpin’, owls are hootin’, beautiful scenery.  soft bottom.  hooked on third try.8-9 ft of water.
Reggie Good

Wow, even after all this time, the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina, as described below by Captain Reggie, is still very much with us.

Services Update [Bioxoi, MS]
Point Cadet.  They currently have no landline.  You must call cell 228-209-4807.  They sign you in out of the back seat of a car.  water and fuel available.  no electricity or services such as showers, laundry, etc.  rehab not started on office building.  $1.07/ft and plus tax, of course.
Biloxi Yacht Club docks in ruins.  Al emphasis seems to be on completing new gorgeous clubhouse for now.  see their website.
Small Craft Harbor not open at this time.  supposed to be by nov.  its building is also wrecked.  
Reggie

Additional info Biloxi
No pump out available point cadet
Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum has docks with transient slip availability.  228-435-6320, ask for Robin
Also found a neat Vietnamese grocery store two blocks north of the Grand Hotel land Casino, and a ships supply company wholesale and retail a block west of the store. 
Reggie

I'm sorry Captain Reggie did not realize that his edition of my "Cruising Guide to the Northern Gulf Coast" was written pre-Hurricane Katrina. Since that great storm, we have virtually let this book go out of print, and it will be at least another six months before we have an updated version in hand. It has been necessary to wait all this time to let the sitation on the Mississippi and Louisiana coastlines stabilize enough for any sort of accurate reporting.
Note the web site Captain Reggie supplies below for checking on the latest news concerning the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor

Yesterday we called the Biloxi Yacht Club number listed in our copy of your 4th edition Cruising Guide to the Northern Gulf, 228-435-5455
and it has been disconnected.  Do they no longer exist?
At 4 pm yesterday, a Sunday, nobody answered the phone at Biloxi Small Craft Sailing Harbor.
We ended up anchoring just east of the shipping channel between the CSX bridge and the ruins of the old bridge, about half way in towards shore.  Good protection from the easterlies we've seen for a couple days, approximately 10 ft of water, semi-lit at night by lights from the new Highway 90 bridge.
You are correct about a bumpy anchorage at Dauphine Island if the wind is easterly.  We anchored towards the island from bouy 25.  We set a 36 lb CQR and 100 feet of chain in about 11 ft.  Winds blew all noght, gusting to over 20 knots at times.  Short steep chop kept the boat rocking, but good holding, no dragging.
Roberts Bayou off Perdido Bay was a great anchorage.  We anchored at the Y where the short arm of the bay which serves the public boat ramp meets the main bay.  Late lunch at Pirates cove included cold Yeunglings and hamburgers with country fries.  Tasty.
Anchoring in the southeast corner of Big Lagoon out of Pensacola was fine on a light to no air night.  Plane are a little noisy until the navy shuts down for the night.
Reggie
CAL Cruising 36 "Submit"

http://www.gulfcoastnews.com/GCNnewsRebuildofBlxSmallCraftHarbor092208htm.htm
 
internet search gives this phone number for Biloxi Yacht Club
(228) 374-6344
Reggie Good

I copied the discussion below from the Net’s “Ask Your Neighbor” page, which was in turn copies from the AGLCA list page. Note the two diametrically opposed points of view on Eastern Shore Marine!

We are planning on starting the loop this fall and would like to find a marina in Mobile Bay for our 38′ Bayliner.  We plan to get there around 1 Nov. and would like to leave our boat there, travelling back and forth over the winter months from Illinois before moving on.  Of course, we’d like to use the boat as our “southern condo” during the winter and stay aboard.  We’ll probably move on sometime early spring.
I am familiar with Dog River Marina in Mobile and Eastern Shore Marina on Fly Creek (near Fairhope).  Are there any others out there that you recommend?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Kathy & Gary
Crazy Q

Eastern Shore is a nice place.  We stayed there for three days last Nov. .  I would go back again.  They do have a working boatyard.  The marina is about 2 miles from Fairhope ( a great town).  The marina has two courtesy cars.  The dock area is a dead zone for cell phones.  It is necessary to walk around the steel work building for good reception.  Depth is not a problem, the yacht club across the fairway is packed with sailboats.
Jerry Cilibraise
Morning Star

Our experience with Eastern Shore Marina was disappointing. I phoned ahead to tell them we were coming to their marina. We stopped to purchase fuel and obtain repairs.
Engine service was requested. Several employees sat on the decks, visited,and speculated about the possibilities of what might be causing an unusual problem. No more than ten minutes were used to even look at the engine. That time was spent to verify that we were telling them the truth regarding the way the fuel lines were connected.
No equipment to diagnose the problem. We were charged two hours of labor at the rates expected for a skilled mechanic. We never saw anyone that had a clue as to what they we doing. The charges were outrageous.
Eddy Beard
aboard Seldom’s Escape

Kathy & Gary ,
Grand Mariner Marina is a good family run marina.  It is also on Dog  River across from Dog River Marina and Turners.
Alan  Lloyd
Great Circle Navigation Notes

Kathy:
Don’t overlook Grand Mariner Marina directly across Dog River from Dog River Marina.  Very nice folks, good rates, courtesy car, etc.  We have stayed there a couple of times for a week or so each.  They can accommodate your Bayliner quite comfortably.
Of course Dog River Marina (a major AGLCA sponsor) and Eastern Shore Marine are both very good facilities also.
Bill

If you can make it a little further to the Gulf Coast, you’d have a much more enjoyable “floating condo” to visit during the winter than in the Mobile area. Anywhere from Gulf Shores, AL, to Panama City, FL, there are at least a half dozen great marinas. We’re very biased on Baytowne Marina at Sandestin Resort, just east of Destin, FL. This is our 7th winter there.
Dick Hanson on Souvenir

So glad to hear that this fine club has reopened its dockage facilities following the terrible aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Sounds like the remainder of the city owned Gulfport Small Craft Harbor has, at least so far, not been so lucky.

I am originally from Gulfport MS and was hoping to side trip there before crossing to FL. The Gulfport Yacht Club just opened a brand new facility last month and they used to have a good size transient dock. The club is located just to the west side of the channel as you enter. The rest of Gulfport yacht basin is waiting to be dredged and rebuilt. I did not know if your club had rescoprocity or not.
John Haluska
M/V Emery El
Defever 49 RPH

ALWAYS good to know about quality marine repair people. I copied this note from the Greal Loop list as I thought this sort of info also needed exposure here on the Cruisers' Net.

I hope this information might help some Loopers needing AC work in the Pensacola, FL area. I also posted this at the Trawlers and Trawlering Board.
Pine Knot developed a refrigerant leak in her pilothouse Cruisair AC unit. We left her at Palafox Marina in Pensacola for 10 days to return home to Texas for a visit. While we were gone, Sea Air Marine came aboard and took care of the repair, all under warranty and at no charge to us. Sea Air kept in touch with us by phone, letting us know about the progress of the job.
The Cruisair unit was within days of being out of its 2 year warranty period, but Cruisair sent a whole new evaporator unit to replace the leaking one, not just replacement parts. Bill Costello at Sea Air Marine got all the work done in time for our planned departure to Texas.
I wish to praise Cruisair and Sea Air Marine for a job well done! Be sure to remember Sea Air Marine if you need AC work in the Pensacola, FL area.
I have no connection with Cruisair or Sea Air Marine, just a very satisfied customer!
Pine Knot will be heading offshore tomorrow for a 460 mile run from Pensacola, around the "boot" of Louisiana and on to Galveston, TX, completing her trip from Texas to Mexico to Florida to Texas.
Kelton and Louisia Ogletree

I’m really glad to be able to post the note below, whch I copied off the AGLCA mailing list. We NEED some more info about available marina facilities, or lack thereof, in the regions of the Northern Gulf Coast, decimated by Hurricane Katrina. Additional postings on this type would be MORE THAN WELCOME!

We came through New Orleans in March of this year.  Orleans marina is accepting transients (we stayed there 2 weeks) also they told me that SouthPoint was to open the following week. Oak Harbor on the north side of Pontchartrain is open and accepting transients and have a lot of sllips vaccant I think for permanent. (we stayed there)  Oceans Springs [Mississippi] has a few transients docks.  fill up when they have a fishing turny. (we stayed there)
Harry J. Armenia, Linda Guiffre
"CABARET"
40′ Defever Passagemaker hull #3

I’m really glad to be able to post the note below, whch I copied off the AGLCA mailing list. We NEED some more info about available marina facilities, or lack thereof, in the regions of the Northern Gulf Coast, decimated by Hurricane Katrina. Additional postings on this type would be MORE THAN WELCOME!

We came through New Orleans in March of this year.  Orleans marina is accepting transients (we stayed there 2 weeks) also they told me that SouthPoint was to open the following week. Oak Harbor on the north side of Pontchartrain is open and accepting transients and have a lot of sllips vaccant I think for permanent. (we stayed there)  Oceans Springs [Mississippi] has a few transients docks.  fill up when they have a fishing turny. (we stayed there)
Harry J. Armenia, Linda Guiffre
"CABARET"
40′ Defever Passagemaker hull #3

It’s awfully good to hear from services are at last returning to this portion of the Northern Gulf coast, devastated almost three years ago by Hurricane Katrina!

Subject: N.O. West End to Cat Island
Cruising News: I recently returned from a round trip from New Orleans West End to Smuggler’s Cove at Cat Island.  I am happy to report that services are starting to return along the area, and we encountered prompt bridge openings at Highway 11 (Channel 13) and open RR bridges at Highway 11 (Channel 13) and the Rigolets RR (Channel 16).  Oak Harbor in Slidell (985-641-1044) has transient slips ($1.15/ft) with clean restrooms and showers.  There is fuel Monday through Saturday at Seabrook Marine on the Industrial Canal and every day (5 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at the Rigolets Marina on Geoghegan Canal across from Fort Pike.  The approach to Cat Island from the west is little changed since the storm, as far as I could tell.  Although the south eastern spit at Smuggler’s cove is now cut in half, the anchorage depth on the southern half was about 8-9 feet and off the mid-northern half was about 4-5 feet.   The beaches were also nice and the trout fishing great.
Thanks for the great site.
Tommy Diaz
M/V TOPAZ
Carver 3227

It’s awfully good to hear from services are at last returning to this portion of the Northern Gulf coast, devastated almost three years ago by Hurricane Katrina!

Subject: N.O. West End to Cat Island
Cruising News: I recently returned from a round trip from New Orleans West End to Smuggler’s Cove at Cat Island.  I am happy to report that services are starting to return along the area, and we encountered prompt bridge openings at Highway 11 (Channel 13) and open RR bridges at Highway 11 (Channel 13) and the Rigolets RR (Channel 16).  Oak Harbor in Slidell (985-641-1044) has transient slips ($1.15/ft) with clean restrooms and showers.  There is fuel Monday through Saturday at Seabrook Marine on the Industrial Canal and every day (5 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at the Rigolets Marina on Geoghegan Canal across from Fort Pike.  The approach to Cat Island from the west is little changed since the storm, as far as I could tell.  Although the south eastern spit at Smuggler’s cove is now cut in half, the anchorage depth on the southern half was about 8-9 feet and off the mid-northern half was about 4-5 feet.   The beaches were also nice and the trout fishing great.
Thanks for the great site.
Tommy Diaz
M/V TOPAZ
Carver 3227

Of course Captain had a good experience at Panama City Municipal Marina. After all, they are A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

Subject: City Marina in Panama City
Cruising News: Had good two days at City Marina in Panama City.  Service good. Concrete pilings in slips are now padded.
Gordon Fornell

Of course Captain had a good experience at Panama City Municipal Marina. After all, they are A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

Subject: City Marina in Panama City
Cruising News: Had good two days at City Marina in Panama City.  Service good. Concrete pilings in slips are now padded.
Gordon Fornell