Charleston Maritime Center – Click for Chartview

The Charleston Maritime Center is found on the Cooper River side of the Charleston peninsula within walking distance of downtown Charleston. This facility is very popular, but there is usually some rolling at your slip, due to strong tidal currents and passing wakes.

We just spent two weeks here. This is a great place to stay. It is right in downtown Charleston and you can walk or take the free trolley just about anyplace. The price is right and the marina people are very friendly and helpful.
They provide free wi fi and laundry. There is only a single bathroom and that is only available during the marina hours.
Space is limited as the place has shoaled in pretty good so unless you draw almost no water most of the slips are not useable. The only drawback are the wakes from the many tugs and ships operating in the harbor.
David Boxmeyer

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Charleston Maritime Center

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Harbour Fish House Restaurant and Adjacent Ship's Store

SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Charleston Harbor Marina, sits on the Mount Pleasant side of Charleston Harbor, hard by Patriots Point (between Horse Reach’s flashing buoys #34 and #36). This fine facility has been trying to build a second restaurant and an on-site retail facility for years. They have now succeeded.
I personally visited Charleston Harbor Marina in November when I attended and spoke to the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association annual conference in Charleston. I was very impressed with the new Harbor Fish House restaurant’s (843-284-7067) atmosphere and particularly the view of the ships at adjacent Patriots Point. I did not get a chance to sample the bill of fare, but that oversight will be corrected SOON!
As noted by Skipper Fowler, the marina now provides trolley service to downtown Charleston. The trolley will drop off and pick up cruisers at Meeting Street, AND the really fabulous Harris Teeter supermarket on the Charleston peninsula. The same trolley will also take you to, and retrieve you from, the beaches on nearby Sullivan Island!
Wow, talk about the one of the best getting even better!!!

View From Harbor Fish House Restaurant

Hello Claiborne:
We recently spent some time at Charleston Harbor Marina, and were very impressed with the changes we found since our last visit. In particular, there is a large, new building on the upstream side of the parking lot which houses Harbor Fish House restaurant and a variety and ship’s store. The view from the restaurant’s large, interior glass windows is very nice, with many tables sporting a view of the historic ships at adjacent Patriots Point Park. Our fresh catch of the day was delectable.
The on-site store is heavily oriented towards clothing and some gift items, but they do have cold drinks and one small section of marine items.
We took advantage of the marina’s new trolley service (at least new to us), and rode into downtown Charleston to restock the galley at Harris Teeter. This is one of the best versions of this supermarket chain we have ever visited! Be sure to check the trolley schedule before leaving, or you could have a long wait to return to the marina.
We didn’t have a chance to take advantage of this, but the same trolley service will carry visiting boaters to the beaches on nearby Sullivan Island. Hope to give that trip a try during out next visit.
So, there you have it. Some really neat, new services at this marina!
Skipper Fowler

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Charleston Harbor Marina

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It’s nice to see that yet another Palmetto State facility has earned the distinction of being a “Clean Marina.” And, congratulations also to the South Carolina Marine Association for promoting interest in becoming an environmentally responsible pleasurecraft facility.
Cooper River Marina is located on (where else) Cooper River, far upstream from the principal Charleston waterfront and historic district, on the site of the now defunct Charleston US Naval Base. Visiting cruisers will either need to undertake a long taxi ride, or acquire a rental car, to experience Charleston’s many delights while berthing at Cooper River Marina.
However, with that being said, it’s really excellent that Charleston County has provided such an amenity rich facility as Cooper River Marina. It just goes to show what a welcoming attitude cruisers can expect pretty much everywhere in the “Holy City.”

COOPER RIVER MARINA BECOMES SC’s 15th CLEAN MARINA
Charleston, SC — The South Carolina Clean Marina Committee has granted Clean Marina certification to Cooper River Marina (CRM), located in North Charleston, SC and administered by the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission.
A flag and certificate were awarded to the marina managers at the South Carolina Marine Association Summer Marine Education Conference. SCMA administers the SC Clean Marina Program in cooperation with the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control and the SC Department of Natural Resources. Although a voluntary program, it challenges SC marinas and boatyards to manage facility operations as responsible stewards of the environment.
Matt Cooper, General Manager of CRM, said they made over a span of three years improvements`upon existing policies and procedures to conform to the standards. These included maintaining a clean and operational pump out boat, proper storage of hazardous materials, providing boater education and signage on environmentally friendly practices, recycling and proper disposal of materials, selling and encouraging the use of environmentally friendly products, as well as fabrication of spill response and emergency action procedure documents, among others.’

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Cooper River Marina

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Unlike SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Charleston City Marina, located on the Ashley River, the Charleston Maritime Center is found on the Cooper River side of the Charleston peninsula. This facility is very popular, but there is usually some rolling at your slip, due to strong tidal currents.

So much to see and do and the Charleston Maritime Marina people were wonderful and worked with us. Our bikes came in handy and got to see a lot of the beautiful parks and history. The rolling at the docks wasn’t great, but for the most part a great place to stop as not too far from anything and could walk to so many places.
Karen & Dennis Baldger
360 Sundancer
“Shell Seakers”

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Charleston Maritime Center

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On 4/30/13 as part of a South Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

Statute Mile 469 ‘“ who has had the pleasure of spending time at the Charleston City Marina? Please tell us about your experience.

Responses follow:

Excellent marina and wonderful showers. People were great. Marina van will take you into the city and pick you up !!! Like a bus….
Many super large yachts…flowing water. Pump out boat is hard to get ahold of….
It is a VERY LONG walk to your boat ..no matter where you are located !!!!!!!
Barbara and Ernie Roberts
Bermudiana

In the past 5 years CAVALIER has spent over 15 nights at the Charleston City Marina. A great marina as long as you follow a few simple rules:
1. Do not tie up on the outside of the outside pier unless you gross over 100 tons. It is pretty rocky.
2. Do not tie up close where the outside pier is connected to the stationery pier with a ribbed, non-slip steel ramp. The security cart that runs across that ramp all night long will make for a sleepless night.
3. Do be careful with the current ‘“ docking should be done into the current and slowly and carefully. When departing, plan your get-away carefully so that you have a safe basin to turn around, if necessary.
Jeanne and Terry Bieker
CAVALIER

Sanctuary and crew WILL NOT stay at the Charleston City Marina. If you stay there, make sure your insurances are all paid up and in force. Fast currents, totally unenforced no wake zones, narrow fairways. I don’t need it!
Jim

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Charleston City Marina

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Cooper River Marina is a Charleston County recreational facility, and they are indeed located on the grounds on the old US Navy Base, pretty much out in the middle of absolutely nowhere. You will definitely need landside, motorized transportation to enjoy Charleston’s many delights.
As for the current issue, swiftly moving water is part and parcel of almost every marina in South Carolina and Georgia, but the current can be quite swift here on this part of Cooper River.

Do NOT go to Cooper River Marina…an old navy base up stream…they try hard..but.. the river flows by at about 15 mph and it is very dangerous to get in there !!!!
Barbara and Ernie Roberts
Bermudiana

Currents in the Cooper River at this marina can run in the vicinity of 3 knots with storm run off on a spring tide ebb. We had no trouble dealing with them with a single screw sailboat. Just come in just before slack before ebb and leave the same way.
The current issue here is that wind against tide can set up quite a chop. Pick the downwind side of the face dock or find another place.
Yes it is remote, and yes the neighborhood is not so hot, but the staff is excellent, the facilities are well maintained. For an overnight stay is is a very good deal compared to the marinas for people with deep, deep pockets on the other rivers which also have their share of current and wind issues.
Chris & Janet

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Cooper River Marina

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As part of a 4/30/13 South Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

Statute Mile 469 ‘“ please provide your fellow cruisers with some Charleston dining and sightseeing recommendations

Responses follow:

During this past weekend [May, 2013], we hunkered down in the Charleston Maritime Center during gale force winds. During respites from weather, we had an opportunity to walk around the downtown, Historic Charleston market area. There are many excellent restaurants from which to choose with a price range of low to high. Three moderate ones are “Amen”, “Magnolia”, and “S.N.O.B.”(Slightly North of Broad). All are close to each other on East Bay Street, but many other restaurants are also nearby. I chose “S.N.O.B.” from past recommendations, and was not disappointed. I walked in dressed with boating clothes, had no reservation, but was seated almost immediately. The atmosphere is classic Charleston, and the staff was pleasant, young and busy. I was quickly served warm sourdough and cornbread cubes (some of the best I’ve tasted) with softened butter. My server, Kyle, recommended an Atlas Peak Cabernet to compliment my order of Shrimp ‘n Grits. My meal was an excellent example of a classic, low country, recipe that was one of the best. For dessert, I tried the strawberry shortcake because the shortcake is a homemade cornbread pudding that reminded me briefly of “cornbread flan”. With blueberries added for color and taste along with a sweet sauce, it was a unique finish to a wonderful meal.
S.N.O.B. is billed as a Maverick Southern Kitchen; it offers why southern cooking is loved, and why Southern Hospitality is cherished. Ask for Kyle Smoak, she will brighten your day.
Bruce Franz
“Hemisphere Dancer”

A fun trip with a car is the firefly distillery about thirty minutes outside of town. There is a wonderful barabcue place on the right (J & D shack). They have a buffet with the best Fried Chicken I have ever had. Probably not healthy but good. Fish is an excellent seafood place, and Tratatorra Lucca is both good and interesting.
JackP

We stayed at the Maritime marina. It is an easy walk to all of downtown Charleston. Dining is a delight with lots of choices. Fig offers a fabulous fine dining experience. The servers really know the menu and the food is great. Husk is highly rated but it is really difficult to get an evening reservation. We were able to get a lunch reservation and enjoyed the meal. The Pavilion roof top bar is a great place to have a cocktail and watch the sunset. The pizza was pretty good too – thin crust. Hominy grill was quite a hike-2m- but breakfast
was great. Best grits ever. There are many restaurants to choose from but we can recommend trying these four.
Rock Chalk

You need a car for this visit but if you want “real” soul food, head for Bertha’s Kitchen in North Charleston at 2332 Meeting St Rd. It is a neighborhood place, nothing like the excellent Jestines which is gentrified soul food on Meeting St just north of Hymans and Sticky Fingers Ribs. Fried pork chops, fried chicken, okra soup, corn bread, Mac and cheese unlike any I have tasted, Lima beans. All so flavorful and like Berthas mama made. All of the other patrons were locals getting their regular meals with many getting the $4
dinner special. For use dinner for 2 under $20.
Too much to describe here. Look at Yelp listing. Also, the best martini in town and maybe in the south is at the hotel in Charleston Place with and entrance on Meeting just north of Market.
Gregory Han

LOTS of wonderful lace to eat !!!!
We love “Bubba Gumps” by the old slave market (now a craft market)
Wonderful Gulla Geeche baskets made and sold by the islanders !
Barbara and Ernie Roberts
Bermudiana

When ashore, be sure to take a carriage tour and to dine at Slightly North Of Broad (SNOB), High Cotton or Magnolia’s.
Jeanne and Terry Bieker
CAVALIER

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Charleston City Marina

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Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Harborage at Ashley Marina

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Dolphin Cove Marina

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Charleston Maritime Center

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On 4/30/13, as part of a South Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

Statute Mile 465 ‘“ who has spent time at Charleston Harbor Marina on the Mount Pleasant side of Charleston Harbor. Please give us a report. Did you find anyplace good to dine ashore?

Responses follow:

The marina staff was excellent & quite helpful with an excellent service attitude.
Tripp Jones

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Charleston Harbor Resort Marina

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On 4/30/13, as part of a South Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

Statute Mile 465 ‘“ anyone found a berth at the Charleston Maritime Center, west of marker #36? Please describe your experience here. Did you find enough shelter from choppy water? Did you have any problems with the depths? Did you take the opportunity to walk to the nearby Harris Teeter supermarket? How about some dining recommendations for restaurants close to this facility?

Responses follow:

We’d tried more than once to get in. Last fall we were successful and secured two nights in November by calling a week in advance. Our experience there was positive. The staff was helpful. We didn’t find a problem with boat wakes, but we may be more tolerant than some. Harris Teeter was a short walk away and was a great place to provision. While I can’t name a particular restaurant, we’ve eaten at a few and found them to be really good. We enjoyed the short walk to the old marketplace and downtown.
Our boat is a Beneteau 36CC sailboat with a 5.5 ft draft.
Bob & Sandra
Carpe Diem

Cheapest fuel south of Myrtle Beach with Boat/us discount
Charleston Maritime Marina is best entered at slack tide. Does not have protection against strong northeast winds with subsequent surge! There are definite ship wake issues. Fish is four blocks away, and the Harris Teeter is expensive, but has anything you could ask for. The Aquarium is right there and worth a visit. Patriot Park is a water taxi ride away and a nice afternoon. The aircraft carrier was quite interesting.
JackP

Stayed several nights at the center. We did have to plow a bit of mud at dead low tide with our 5’3″ draft to get to our slip. there is a shallow hump inside to the southeast. Once at our slip we had several feet at low tide.
Walking to Harris Teeter is easy, a very well stocked market.
We loved the easy access to the historical district. Biking or walking is great.
Ed

Great Location, easy walk downtown, fuel prices are good. The facilities are a long walk from the docks. NO hiding the chop with winds out of the North or Northeast and then you add commercial traffic and can be kind of rough in there.
Tract Hellman

The Charleston Maritime Center around the battery is greatly preferred; closer to downtown, easy walk to provisioning at Harris-Teeter, and more welcoming and appreciative of your business!
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Charleston Maritime Center

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