9-11-20. Just stayed 2 nights at Lady’s Island Marina, Beaufort, SC mm 536. Absolutely great. Dockmaster Tom has bent over backwards to make our stay so nice. Docks in good shape , electrical service good, didn’t check cable TV, wifi great- we right in front of dock office. Easy in and out- plenty depth at low tide. Every boat that came by observed no wake. Got 37 over air tv channels and strong Verizon for mifi- if needed it. Dog friendly. Small but very nice marina store- not much boat stuff but lot of very nice creations from local artists. You’ll make a big mistake if not get the bloody mary mix- great stuff! Several places to eat within walking distance, but right at marina is Dockside. We had shrimp and scollop piccata. Great also! And staff had masks, etc.. Tom has very nice loaner car available. Rode around Beaufort and went out south 21 toward Fripp. Found Johnson Creek tavern for lunch- shrimp, oyster and scollop basket and mahi taco- great again. And staff again very Covid-19 conscious. Saw several other restaurants we want to try- Foolish Frog is one. Marina bathrooms and showers excellent. Even had clean towel for bathmat. Tom’s website points out other amenities there, but we didn’t look into them- not there long enough. Pump out boat comes to you- no charge. We used to come to another marina in Beaufort- many times over many years- but now on will be at Lady’s Island Marina as long as quality stays as is- he has a true emphasis of personal service. Getting to be rare these days. Charlie and Jackie on Traveler
I used to manage LIM back in the late 90s. I stopped by this last weekend after 15-yrs. I’m trying to locate some people. Email me if you know anything 🙂 – Ed and Liz Ford (Ed’s father Jackie was the dockmaster for 30+ years) – Jim and Donna Kelty (used to own the canvas shop in the breezeway). – Randy and Georgia Clark (used to own the ship’s store BOSS). – Robert Cook on the s/v Bodhi – the singer/musician Jim Jones (used to live in the current workshop and played music at the local bars) – Carl Foster on the s/v Gemini. Used to carve Canadian geese mobiles – Mike and Margo McGill on the boat Penny Royal – Mike and Cindy Satterthwaite on the s/v Silver Nail. He’s a retired US Marine – John Sharp on the s/v Wolfheart. – Dave Sitter on the boat Dave’s World – Sandy and Billy Western on the m/v Hillbilly Hilton
I have information about Mike & Margo. I am one of their sons. Phil, I may have met you when I was down there around 96, I’m aka as Matt. Please let me know how I can get in touch with either of you. Me and my brother Mike brought the Penny Royal down from Canada, and we are trying to locate the boat. Thank you.
Matt – I just sent you an email. Of the people I was looking for I found the Keltys. And while I was in Beaufort I left a note in Jon Sharp’s mailbox where I remembered he lived and we had lunch together. When I managed the place it was way different from now. Hollow fiberglass docks covered in plywood, sketchy electric, and some serious characters Used to rent the “mud docks” at a reduced rate. Shorty and his boa constrictors on the dock, the sound of Old Milwaukee cracked open in unison at 9am, pinching shrimp heads in the evening after a day of casting, and a sense of community in that strange little world
Anthony McGill- September 4, 2018 - 9:37 pm
Phil – I apollogize I just saw your message in the post, long story. If you would please reply to this one. I may have tyed a wrong email address, as I’ve checked all of them and didn’t see anything in the inboxes. Thank you – Matt
I’d rate this place 6 stars if I could. Quiet, well-maintained, many services within easy walking distance (groceries, hardware store, liquor store, nice bakery and many restaurants, etc). Very accomodating management/dockmaster Steve is going cruising, new dockmaster TJ started on Monday and he’s clearly committed to carrying on the cruiser-friendly tradition. Loaner car and/or bikes. A ***woodshop*** for doing boat projects!!! Longish walk or short bike ride across the swing bridge to historic downtown.
New owners this year. Rates are $1.25 per foot. Tried hailing them on VHF, but both were out working on another boat. Finally got their attention and was helped into the dock by Steve. Good location with many businesses within walking or bike riding distance. They have complimentary bikes. I also got a free ride to a local gas station to fill up jerry can with diesel! Deciding to stay an extra day.
Bill’s Liquors & wines – Beaufort, SC – located within walking distance of Ladies Island Marina (great place to stay). Although not a brewery but a liquor, wine and beer store, Bill’s has a growler filling station in the beer section and always has 8 micro brews available in 32 oz and 64 oz growlers. Stopped by today and they had a beer tasting scheduled for this afternoon for Westbrook brewery beers, out of Mt Pleasant, SC. They also had Allagash Blonde Ale, Harpoon IPA, Southern Tier Pumking, Lazy Magnolia Southern Pecan, Thomas Creek Up the Creek Extreme IPA, Red Hare Rauchbier, Blue Moon Belgian White. They will also give you a taste of any beer at the station. Joe Moran
There is a new Dockside [Restaurant] (same owner [as the Dockside in Port Royal]) that has reopened the restaurant right next to the Lady’s Island Marina. Same excellent food. Easy access if staying at the Lady’s Island Marina or a walk/bike across the “swing bridge” from Beaufort. Emil
Lady’s Island marina is open to transients, but has limited services. The marina converted to private ownership dockominiums some years back. Owners who don’t have a boat in their slip rent spaces through the on site manager. The marina doesn’t have a ships store or fuel. On the plus side, it’s in a well protected location and there is a nice seafood restaurant adjacent to the marina. Rapid Roy, S/V “Gideon”
Response to the above posting by “Rapid Roy” from the management of Lady’s Island Marina: One of the reviews (Rapid Roy s/v “Gideon”) said our slips are individually owned (as condos) and are rented by LIM. That’s not accurate, tho I can understand the confusion. Only the slips in 3 of the 5 docks that make up the marina are individually owned. LIM manages those docks/slips for the condo ass’n. LIM itself owns all slips in the 2 docks that are next to the boathouse and manager’s office and these are the slips that we rent out to transient and longer term guests. Since one of your readers mentioned it I wanted to clarify the situation. Thanks. Kelly Ryan
Rock Chalk stayed at LIM on April 13th. The people were great- loaned us 2 bikes to cross bridge into Beaufort. We ate at Dockside restaurant and enjoyed our meal- typical port food. Our only complaint was the incredible number of no-see-ums! The pilot house was covered in the morning and we had so many bites. Not sure the marina can do anything about that. Shelley Colby on Rock Chalk
Tied up at Lady’s Island Marina from 4/19 to 4/25/13. Small marina, average facilities, good protection. Ernie, dockmaster, is the only marina person but gets help from other live-aboards to assist in docking. Entrance to creek is shoaled on north side. Stay close to causeway and south shore going into creek. Good, very busy restaurant on site but only open for evenings. Walking distance, 5 blocks, to almost any shopping or service you desire, including numerous restaurants. Our overall choice for a Beaufort marina, but not an easy choice to make. s/v Skye
Anchored close to Ladys Island Marina next am engine overheated so dinked over Marina talked to Dockmaster Ted Alcorn who started the ball rolling with getting me into a slip with the help of Ernie his assistant and talking with mechanic Jim Dehart. In the the four weeks of repair to a cracked cylinder head the staff left a lasting impression of people pulling together to help and making a bad moment into good memories . Ted and his wife Shari are seasoned sailors and know how to make your journey a good one
Just wanted to give a shout-out to Claiborne and the SSECN, re: Lady’s Island Marina. When you’re travelling through Beaufort, SC, consider stopping at Lady’s Island Marina on Factory Creek (STM 535.9). And if you’re considering cruising to Panama and the San Blas Islands, it just became a must stop—or you’re missing a great resource! What’s the connection? The dockmaster at Lady’s Island Marina, Ted Alcorn, and his wife Shari, cruised extensively on their boat s/v Mystique, including four years in the San Blas Islands. During their time there, they were intimately connected with the indigenous community and invited to cultural events rarely attended by outsiders. They’ll generously share their knowledge and pictures of that experience. But even if your cruising plans don’t include the San Blas Islands, you’ll still want to view the incredible display of molas (fiber folk art) in the marina office. We had a great 3-day stay at the marina with its mix of liveaboard and cruising boats. The facility has private shower suites and on-site washer/dryer. Lots of practical services are nearby, including two supermarkets—and of course an assortment of restaurants, pharmacies, auto parts, paint and liquor stores, etc. We didn’t have a chance to eat at The Fillin’ Station, next door to the marina, but we hear the inexpensive steak specials on Friday night are to die for. Next time! Best and see you On the Water, Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
A little more on Lady’s Island Marina. The canvas repair closed. Besides Groupers, a new barbeque joint: The Smokey Chef opened adjacent to the marina. The complimentary 2 hr. dockage is in effect for boaters going to Groupers. We’ve taken our 5′9″ draft sailboat in and out of Factory Creek multiple times this spring, and haven’t had a problem at mid- to high tide. We wouldn’t try it at low tide. Stay well away from Factory Creek’s green #1 as that’s where it’s shoaled. Mike Cannady
Charlie and Jackie on Traveler- September 21, 2018 - 3:19 pm
9-20-18. Over night at Downtown Marina at Beaufort. As usual terrific spot. Deck hand Troy- very experienced and nice- helped with lines. On inside of face dock. Bath house nice, decent ships store. And the most very nice ladies that take reservations are in the store. Pleasure to deal with. Always a must stop- especially with all the restaurants, shops, etc all so close. There is a new day dock- just for transients to tie up for lunch, etc. Very large and substantial– even looks nice. Good wifi and many air tv channels, but they also have cable.
Great stop! The marina staff is very good with the tides and the rolling current. Diesel pump was VERY slow, but price reasonable. Could not ask for a better place to shop and eat! Plenty of restaurants to choose from, and cute little shops to browse. This is our second time here, and will return!
I like the Beaufort Downtown Marina. They are right downtown with several restaurants very close by. Blackstones is best for breakfast. They have a loaner car for grocery shopping. If you want to anchor or take a mooring ball, you can tie up to the park wall during the day, but not overnight. Tides are pretty swift in that area. Don on “Moonstruck”
At the same awards ceremony, Downtown Marina in Beaufort, SC received its recertification of its Clean Marina status. The marina, under the stewardship of Rick Griffin, CMM, has met the high standards of the program continually since 1998. “Becoming a Clean Marina involves using best management in all phases of the marina’s operations, SCMA President Iggy del Valle said in congratulating the recipients. “It isn’t an easy process and, in some cases, involves added expenses.” The marinas go beyond normal regulatory requirements in managing potential pollutants, keeping their facilities as “green” as possible and educating their customers on better environmental actions to keep our waterways clean. Excerpted from a 9/16/13 South Carolina Marine Association Press Release
We enjoyed two nights at the Beaufort Town Marina in June of 2011. A great location with nice people and they even offer you a “courtesy car” for grocery shopping. The docks get a little rocky when the wind is out of the S or SW – we were on an outside tie-up. The shore power on our dock kept tripping – we were at the end of the dock and it was totally full – not enough power to handle the load. Don’t miss taking a guided tour of the town – great history. Jeanne and Terry Bieker CAVALIER
Great Location and marina with all the facilities. Courtesy car. Day Dock for dingys or boats as large as 45 foot, first come first serve, gotta be out by midnight. They are working on installing mooring balls in the near future. The current can be quick and tricky at times, the staff will always have you come in against the current. Listen to them, they are very helpful. Tracy Hellman
Bermudiana has stayed at the Town Docks many times. We love it as we can walk down the street and see everything of interest. Lots of excellent restaurants . People at the marina are very nice to the boaters. The ramp up from the dock is SUPER STEEP at high tide !!!! The marsh otters were coming aboard at night to sit on the back swim area of the power boats..they do their thing all over the boat…but..the marina is trying hard to stop them ! The current on the outside is fast. The docks are easy to get into and out of and the passengers will have no problems getting on and off the boat . The marina car is great and you can go about a mile or so up the street to the grocery store and get anything you need. The showers are clean and are great . We can not say enough good things about this marina. Barbara and Ernie Roberts
We stayed there last fall(November). Rate was 2.00 a ft. There are a number of good restaurants just north of the marina at River Walk. We had lunch at two of them and were quite happy. There is a car for resupply and the marina staff could not be more helpful. Jack P
Spent 2 nights [at Downtown Marina of Beaufort]. They said they had a 50 foot spot against a dock, but it was about 45. The current is fast here, but they got us in without hitting another boat. This was November 2012. The chocolate shop in town is great as is a shop selling locally made products. Very friendly city. Good place to walk the dog. Sorry can’t remember names of the shops. Patricia Sienstra
We can say without hesitation that this marina, operated by two of the finest folks in the business, is a great place to visit. We would not take anything for our time spent there and miss the whole crowd down there immensely. Everything you need is close by. Stop in and tell them that Dan and Patsy said hello. Dan and Patsy Traylor Winston-Salem N.C.
This stop is a must-stop for us. We love the town and the people. We took advantage of the marina’s courtesy car which has a keychain with a Bi-Lo grocery store discount card on it. There is also a K-Mart near the Bi-Lo.
Like many other boaters, we had issues backing out of our slip against the current. If I had understood the arrangement of my assigned slip and the current prediction for the following morning, I would have gone stern-in. Luckily, the slip on the pier next to my boat was empty so we managed to spring our boat against the current and around into the neighboring slip so we could power out into the current.
If your boat has limited power or maneuverability, ask for and alongside tie-up on the main pier.
I encountered almost the same situation [current] at the Beaufort, South Carolina municipal marina, and on trying to back out against the current with ample on shore help was in fact caught and turned sideways against the main dock. It was quite a feat getting the bow turned back into the current and finally out. For power boaters this is not much of a problem, but for sailboats with single screw auxiliary diesels it is a big challenge. James Williams
Downtown Marina of Beaufort – Beaufort, SC, ICW mm 536. We stop here each year and are always glad that we did. The location is super, great proximity to a very quaint downtown area and plenty of restaurants and shopping. There are excellent boating services, capable mechanics and technicians, so it is a very good place to stop whether you need services or not. Sabra Morgan
Here on 3/27-30/2010. Agree with all the comments made by Larry Morrow. Lots of beautiful old homes and you can get alot more out or what you see if you take a walking tour or horse drawn cart with guide. Plum’s and Saltus are two outstanding resturants. Both are owned by the same person, but have a little different selections. SV Aquarius
Spent the last two nights here becuase of cold temps and high winds. We were placed on the outside close to the fuel pumps. Aside from a very strong current and water slapping the boat a bit at night, we had no problems. Dock hands and office staff are top motch. We used the courtesy car to get groceries and a few sundries. The laundry room was clean and the machines in great shape. Restaurants and shopping is right next door to the marina, within 100 yards of the docks.
Spent 2 days there in September and found the marina to be very convenient to all of the downtown attractions. The restaurants were great but you will need to use the courtesy car if you need provisions or a drug store. The dockmaster was very friendly but was working alone and slammed late afternoon when the transients rolled in. No problems with the shorepower. We did have a pretty good blow on the 2nd day and it got a little bouncy even on the inside of the face dock until a 60′ Hatt tied up on the outside of us. I would definitely advise against the outside of the face dock for small cruisers.
I arrived a day ahead of the remnants of Hurricane Ida, along with 20 other boats. Sat through five days of rain. Marina staff were terrific. Ships store excellent. Showers. heads were kept clean in spite of the crowd. Just steps away from great restaurants, coffee shops, bookstores. You have to plan ahead when you leave, though, and most boats on the inside slips needed to be “warped around” by had during slack tide so that they would be stern to the dock, bow out. Backing with or against the current is not an option. Marina staff are excellent at this job.
Beaufort City Marina. Great Marina and as the name says, it is right down town. Great to walk around. We have been there a number of times and ate in a lot of places and have generally good meals. Can’t think of any names. Also, a little known feature is that they let you use the dinghy dock for free when you anchor out. I never asked, but I always put my trash in their containers. Best Regards George S/V Chez Nous
Downtown Marina of Beaufort. What can you say about this marina but good things. Just be prepared for the roaring current and follow the very experienced dock hands instructions and you are OK. If you get stuck in an inside corner–as we have twice–best make friends with all your neighbors and let the dock hands get you out!! Tell them your departure plans and they will “spin” your boat around for you so that your bow will be into the current when you leave!! Ken Stickrath
We docked at the Downtown Marina of Beaufort late Nov 2008. The personel were pleasant and helpful. True to its name it is right downtown. The only negative was the shorepower, it wouldn’t run a single 50 amp cord and we had to run our genset all night. Ron & Audrey Lucky Girl
Downtown Marina Beaufort has done a nice job of bringing back a great tradition. The town and rest. Have become very tourist oriented. We stayed there for a week in July with the Power Squardron meetings and enjoyed our stay. Jim Bulluck Spectrum
Easy in and out. Get in early so you don’t get the outside of the dock. That could be a little rough. Hard to get bikes up the ramp at extreme low tide, but worth having them to ride through town. Great place to explore by bike. Jake Dye
We stayed one night at Downtown Marina – nice, but the current will keep you on your toes. I docked into the current – no problem. When the current reversed in the middle of the night I was reminded why you should lock the wheel.
The Port Royal Landing Marina will be holding their annual Thanksgiving Dinner. The marina furnishes smoked turkeys, just bring a side to share and your favorite beverage. Dinner starts at 1:00. The marina is offering buy 2 nights and get a third night free or buy 5 nights and get 2 additional nights free. For more information contact Capt Bill Mote at 843-592-3344, or the Marina for reservations. Everyone is welcome, come join the fun.
Kindred Spirit III enjoyed a delightful evening at Port Royal Marina. We’ve been to Beaufort, SC, many time but never to PRM. It isn’t convenient to downtown Beaufort but there is a loaner vehicle (VEHICLE NO LONGER AVAILABLE), of which we and another couple, took advantage. The town is cycling distance and the marina has loaner bikes. A Doc in a Box and CVS are [within] walking distance. The staff was absolutely wonderful, kind, and genuinely caring. If you’re a paying customer, 2 nights gets you one free. The restaurant adjacent to the marina has GREAT burgers. The marina has wifi, book exchange, captain’s lounge and ship’s store. Bill and Laura Bender
Bill’s is indeed a great liquor, wine, beer store. Here’s another local tip if you are a microbrew connoisseur. If you spend the night or two at Port Royal Landing Marina, just south of the Beaufort swing bridge, there is an amazing selection of about 20 microbrews on draught at, of all places, the PIGGLY WIGGLY, about a half mile around the corner from the marina. Growlers are available in a couple sizes. There is also a larger selection available in bottles. PLUS, the small shopping center where “THE PIG” as it is known, is located also has a Sears Hardware, a West Marine, and a hard liquor store as well. Marina staff can give you complete directions. They can also have a loaner car you can use if you really want to load up on groceries and growlers. Jeff Graham
The Port Royal Landing Marina will be having their annual Thanksgiving dinner. Turkeys will be provide by the marina. Bring a side to share. Dinner is at 1:00. PRLM is still offering buy 2 nights and get the 3rd free. For additional information contact the marina or Capt Bill Mote, 843 592 3344 or eclipse32043@gmail.com Capt. Bill Mote
Port Royal Landing marina is great place. It’s a friendly, family operated facility. They take care of their customers! The Back Porch Grill is the on-site restaurant; the marina has gasoline, diesel, and a ships store, and a courtesy car (pickup truck) is available. If you stay two nights, the third night is free. AND… the local live-aboards host a pot-luck cookout on the marina deck every Friday. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! My Admiral and I live aboard our cruising sailboat docked at Port Royal when we’re not in Florida or the Bahamas. Say Hi to Mary & Roy on S/V “Gideon” on B dock. Rapid Roy, S/V “Gideon
Port Royal Landing is a truly premier operation. Tom Wilson and his staff are really wonderful! A class act! It’s a long walk from the dock to the marina/restaurant, but they’ll come and get ya in a golf cart if you have mobility problems. Jim Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
I stayed at the Port Royal Landing Marina on April 18th. Even though the current was rather swift I was able to turn my 32’ Grand Banks around and dock on the inside of the face dock into the current. The dock helpers were great! The marina manager was a young man who was full of southern hospitality and made me feel very welcome. We were given a little goodie bag with several interesting items. While my wife borrowed the courtesy truck and ran errands around town, I borrowed one of the courtesy bikes and rode over the bridge to Lady’s Island. Had a few cold beers and shrimp basket at the local restaurant. Everything was delicious. Will definitely make this a stop on my return trip through this area. Randy Hondros
Spent 6 days there last fall going south. Great marina, excellent people, transient car, decent marine store, OK restaurant. The crew smoked six turkeys for Thanksgiving dinner for the live-aboards and transients. A bit open to north and south winds. Would stop there again. s/v Skye
Oct 12 Port Royal Landings Marina, one of the most friendly marinas we have been in, great place to provision via their courtesy vehicle (VEHICLE NO LONGER AVAILABLE), Publix is the place to go, also downtown Beaufort is a short ride away. We would highly recommend this marina, also pay for 2 nights get 3 for free, nice since weather has us holed up here. Doug Cordello
First visit to Port Royal Landing Marina on Jun 5, 2011 was such a wonderful surprise. As we approach for our docking there are two staff members with smiling faces on the dock ready to assist. And they knew just what they were doing with the our lines. Once the boat was secured there were handshakes and introductions and a very warm welcome. All the facilities and the grounds were very clean and well maintained. The marina has city water, portable pump-out system, Ship’s Store, 30/50 amp, cable TV, gas & diesel fuel, wireless Internet, floating docks, restrooms/showers/laundromat and a small restaurant/bar offering a 10% discount for overnight boaters. Other restaurants are nearby. Two courtesy vehicles are available (VEHICLES NO LONGER AVAILABLE). A Piggy-Wiggly grocery and a West Marine are about two miles away. [The marina features a] comfortable boater’s lounge – well stocked book exchange and coffee and TV and a nice view of the water. Dick & Nancy White M/V Emerald Lady
We contacted Port Royal Marina and made arrangements to tie up to the outside dock as we were arriving after the marina closed for the day. We managed a easy unassisted tie up despite the wind and current. It’s amazing how you can do that when there is no one around to watch you mess up. With the wind blowing straight up the river, the outside dock proved to be a less than desirable location, but we were in for the night with electricity, water and a dock that wasn’t going anywhere. We found several of our cruising friends there the next day so we decided to take advantage of the marina’s 3 for 2 deal (pay for 2 nights, get 3rd free). The staff and facilities were great. We used the marina’s courtesy car, drove to downtown Beaufort for lunch and some groceries. A great place to stop.
Port Royal Landing Marina is a well run marina with kindly management and a great store, we stayed there last year, and as a result are taking the Yacht Club of Hilton Head Island on an outing there on Septenber 12. It is the only marina that I have stayed at that sent a card to thank you for your business. a really nice touch. I was there last Monday to finalize arrangements and the place looks a good as ever, The deck outside the office/store is really great. Bill Lawrenson
Our ‘home marina’ is Port Royal Landing Marina. It is hard to find a nicer marina. It is modern, clean, private and friendly. I say private because there are few tourists compared to downtown Beaufort marina which is wonderful too, but ‘busy’ with tourists walking the docks. PRLM has a nice live aboard and boat owners group who like to get together on weekends and BBQ on the new,covered boaters deck. There is also a pretty good burger place right there…..good burgers and bar, though smokey…….one of only two bars in Beaufort County which allow smoking still. Unfortunate because its a cute bar. The marina store has a good selection of things in the marina store and I hear they will start catering more to fishing folk in the near future. Showers,restrooms, and laundry sparkling clean and modern. Also there is a wash and fold laundry mat a few blocks away who will wash dry and fold your laundry for a few bucks more than it would cost you to do it yourself and they can usually turn it around in 24 hours. At least one REALLY good diesel repair guy is nearby and a good honest semi-retired repairman. They have a courtesy car and there are several grocery stores nearby, a West Marine and more restaurants than you can shake a stick at! Also a CVS within walking distance. Pump out at the face dock or in slip. There is usually quite a current running there and 7-9 ft tides but all docks are floating. I strongly recommend waiting for slack tide before trying to move into an inside slip. We have seen professional captains try to attempt docking inside with disastrous and loud results. Also they are beginning construction on the second phase of the 65ft bridge already in place so there will be noise from that to a certain extent weekdays. We will be heading back south this Friday and will be able to put our two cents in on a lot of the other items on the list as well!! Sami and Barry Shreve s/v Ever After
We spent a week over July 4th at Port Royal Landing Marina. From the moment we got there we were made to feel at home. We used the courtesy car a few times for errands, and got around Beaufort easily with the staff’s directions. Had a great time visiting Beaufort. I recommend Hemingway’s for a light lunch along the riverwalk. Prices were reasonable, and staff was friendly. The current at PRL can be quite a challenge, but the staff helped us turn the boat around so we could exit easily from inside the T-head the next morning. We even got a follow-up post card after our stay. I would stay here again any time we are in the area. Joy and Shel Rabin, aboard m/v Evening Star.
Port Royal Landing is a great place for cruisers. My wife and I stopped here for a one night transient stay last fall, on our way south to Florida for the winter. We liked the marina and the people so much, we changed our plans and signed up for a year’s dockage! What makes the difference is “the people”. The marina is a family run facility, where the owners are on-site and take a personal interest in customer satisfaction. Plus, there’s a friendly, active group of live-aboards at Port Royal Landing. “BIll the Pirate” ( a local cruiser ) runs the grill for Friday and Saturday evening get togethers on the covered deck overlooking the docks. Any cruiser or transient in port is automatically invited and eagerly welcomed by the group! My wife and I have cruised the ICW from the Florida Keys to Chesapeake Bay, and this is the “friendliest” marina we’ve found! More details; The facilities are modern and well maintained, with floating docks, cable TV, Wi-Fi, and 30-amp and 50-amp hookups. Gas, diesel, water, and pumpouts are available. There’s a coin operated laundry, and clean showers. There’s a well stocked ships store on-site, and the “Back Porch Grill” restaurant has the best cheeseburger in town. If you need to re-supply, you can sign out the marina’s courtesy car. Our one year stay here is almost up, and we plan to resume cruising next month. But, we’ve revised our plans now to do six months cruising, and six months at the dock… at Port Royal Landing! …Roy & Mary Stegall S/V “Gideon” Island Packet 38
I’d be remiss if I didn’t also put in a plug for port Royal Landing Marina, just on the north side of the high bridge over the Beaufort River about 3 miles or so south of Beaufort. We haven’t stayed there (we keep our boat at Lady’s Island Marina in Beaufort), but we frequently buy our fuel here, and we’ve always been pleased with the quality of the fuel, the prices, and the helpful dockhands. Best regards, Bob and Janet Schwerzel M/V Harmony, Beaufort, SC
Recently we had a great experience at Port Royal Landing Marina in Port Royal SC. Tom Wilson and his folks are just great. Reasonable prices, nice simple restaurant, and the best marina docking service of our entire 1500 mile southern cruise. This is great spot for sure. Toby Clark, MTOA 2915 M/V Consort 38′ Present Charleston, SC
A must stop, sc, port royal landing marina, great price, friendly, good food! Glory Bound
Great Marina! Family owned and very helpful. Free wi-fi and clean showers. The first day, rather than call a taxi, they offered to drive us to Beaufort (SC) for the touring thing. When we called back to find the tel for the taxi, the owners daughter, Lee, came to pick us up in her personal car. They have a courtesy car and if no one else is asking for it, you can use it for 2-3 hours. We took it to the lighthouse at Hunting Island and just called back every hour to make sure that no one else needed it. We had blowing winds the first day and wanted to get the big red round ball fenders. They did not have the right size and called their supplier while we waited. We had them by the next day. They want to make sure that the transients have the same amenities as the downtown marina. They did a great job! Dorothy & Larry Rand m/v KNOT HOME
Subject: Marina Facilities Cruising News: Port Royal Landing Marina, S.C. below Beaufort S.C.. Just spent three days there and it was a great experiance all around. They said they’re a Salty Southeast Cruiser’s facility and that was good to hear. We found the staff extremely responsive, helpful and professional. The slip fees and fuel prices were lower than we had seen since leaving Stuart Fl.. Boat U.S. members rec. discounts, and getting 100gal of fuel gets you a discount. They have a courtesy car, 2hr limit, and shopping and medical facilities are very near by. If you want to go into Beaufort, they will drop you off and pick you up. It’s quiet and relaxing at Port Royal Marina. Also, there is a restaurant on the premises. They serve among other items, a great hamburger and shrimp gumbo. We highly recommend Port Royal Marina. John Knapp
We are currently at Port Royal Landing Marina. Diesel 4.27. Slip 1.50 pf.+ 5.00 for elec. Everything else was included, WiFi, Cable TV, VERY clean showers (ladies room/shower even had fresh flowers and music!) They have a restaurant/bar on site and BEST of all a courtesy club cab truck so we could even get some larger items at Lowes. Tomorrow, I can go to WalMart! I havn’t had a WalMart fix since we left Wilmington, N.C. The staff is extremely courteous and most willing to help. We would highly recommend this marina. Ben and Barbara Falmlen Two Cats Too
Reviews from Cruisers (17)
Very helpful and friendly. Easy access to food ,water and supplies.
9-11-20. Just stayed 2 nights at Lady’s Island Marina, Beaufort, SC mm 536. Absolutely great. Dockmaster Tom has bent over backwards to make our stay so nice. Docks in good shape , electrical service good, didn’t check cable TV, wifi great- we right in front of dock office. Easy in and out- plenty depth at low tide. Every boat that came by observed no wake. Got 37 over air tv channels and strong Verizon for mifi- if needed it. Dog friendly. Small but very nice marina store- not much boat stuff but lot of very nice creations from local artists. You’ll make a big mistake if not get the bloody mary mix- great stuff! Several places to eat within walking distance, but right at marina is Dockside. We had shrimp and scollop piccata. Great also! And staff had masks, etc.. Tom has very nice loaner car available. Rode around Beaufort and went out south 21 toward Fripp. Found Johnson Creek tavern for lunch- shrimp, oyster and scollop basket and mahi taco- great again. And staff again very Covid-19 conscious. Saw several other restaurants we want to try- Foolish Frog is one. Marina bathrooms and showers excellent. Even had clean towel for bathmat. Tom’s website points out other amenities there, but we didn’t look into them- not there long enough. Pump out boat comes to you- no charge. We used to come to another marina in Beaufort- many times over many years- but now on will be at Lady’s Island Marina as long as quality stays as is- he has a true emphasis of personal service. Getting to be rare these days. Charlie and Jackie on Traveler
I used to manage LIM back in the late 90s. I stopped by this last weekend after 15-yrs. I’m trying to locate some people. Email me if you know anything 🙂
– Ed and Liz Ford (Ed’s father Jackie was the dockmaster for 30+ years)
– Jim and Donna Kelty (used to own the canvas shop in the breezeway).
– Randy and Georgia Clark (used to own the ship’s store BOSS).
– Robert Cook on the s/v Bodhi
– the singer/musician Jim Jones (used to live in the current workshop and played music at the local bars)
– Carl Foster on the s/v Gemini. Used to carve Canadian geese mobiles
– Mike and Margo McGill on the boat Penny Royal
– Mike and Cindy Satterthwaite on the s/v Silver Nail. He’s a retired US Marine
– John Sharp on the s/v Wolfheart.
– Dave Sitter on the boat Dave’s World
– Sandy and Billy Western on the m/v Hillbilly Hilton
Thanks :–)
Phil
Hi Phil,
Did you ever find Mike and Margo,
I fell out of touch with them when they moved to Beaufort and have been looking online for them.
Phil and Trish,
I have information about Mike & Margo. I am one of their sons. Phil, I may have met you when I was down there around 96, I’m aka as Matt. Please let me know how I can get in touch with either of you. Me and my brother Mike brought the Penny Royal down from Canada, and we are trying to locate the boat. Thank you.
Matt – I just sent you an email. Of the people I was looking for I found the Keltys. And while I was in Beaufort I left a note in Jon Sharp’s mailbox where I remembered he lived and we had lunch together.
When I managed the place it was way different from now. Hollow fiberglass docks covered in plywood, sketchy electric, and some serious characters Used to rent the “mud docks” at a reduced rate. Shorty and his boa constrictors on the dock, the sound of Old Milwaukee cracked open in unison at 9am, pinching shrimp heads in the evening after a day of casting, and a sense of community in that strange little world
Phil – I apollogize I just saw your message in the post, long story. If you would please reply to this one. I may have tyed a wrong email address, as I’ve checked all of them and didn’t see anything in the inboxes.
Thank you – Matt
I’d rate this place 6 stars if I could. Quiet, well-maintained, many services within easy walking distance (groceries, hardware store, liquor store, nice bakery and many restaurants, etc). Very accomodating management/dockmaster Steve is going cruising, new dockmaster TJ started on Monday and he’s clearly committed to carrying on the cruiser-friendly tradition. Loaner car and/or bikes. A ***woodshop*** for doing boat projects!!! Longish walk or short bike ride across the swing bridge to historic downtown.
New owners this year. Rates are $1.25 per foot. Tried hailing them on VHF, but both were out working on another boat. Finally got their attention and was helped into the dock by Steve. Good location with many businesses within walking or bike riding distance. They have complimentary bikes. I also got a free ride to a local gas station to fill up jerry can with diesel! Deciding to stay an extra day.
Bill’s Liquors & wines – Beaufort, SC – located within walking distance of Ladies Island Marina (great place to stay).
Although not a brewery but a liquor, wine and beer store, Bill’s has a growler filling station in the beer section and always has 8 micro brews available in 32 oz and 64 oz growlers. Stopped by today and they had a beer tasting scheduled for this afternoon for Westbrook brewery beers, out of Mt Pleasant, SC.
They also had Allagash Blonde Ale, Harpoon IPA, Southern Tier Pumking, Lazy Magnolia Southern Pecan, Thomas Creek Up the Creek Extreme IPA, Red Hare Rauchbier, Blue Moon Belgian White.
They will also give you a taste of any beer at the station.
Joe Moran
There is a new Dockside [Restaurant] (same owner [as the Dockside in Port Royal]) that has reopened the restaurant right next to the Lady’s Island Marina. Same excellent food. Easy access if staying at the Lady’s Island Marina or a walk/bike across the “swing bridge” from Beaufort.
Emil
Lady’s Island marina is open to transients, but has limited services. The marina converted to private ownership dockominiums some years back. Owners who don’t have a boat in their slip rent spaces through the on site manager. The marina doesn’t have a ships store or fuel. On the plus side, it’s in a well protected location and there is a nice seafood restaurant adjacent to the marina.
Rapid Roy, S/V “Gideon”
Response to the above posting by “Rapid Roy” from the management of Lady’s Island Marina:
One of the reviews (Rapid Roy s/v “Gideon”) said our slips are individually owned (as condos) and are rented by LIM. That’s not accurate, tho I can understand the confusion. Only the slips in 3 of the 5 docks that make up the marina are individually owned. LIM manages those docks/slips for the condo ass’n.
LIM itself owns all slips in the 2 docks that are next to the boathouse and manager’s office and these are the slips that we rent out to transient and longer term guests.
Since one of your readers mentioned it I wanted to clarify the situation. Thanks.
Kelly Ryan
Rock Chalk stayed at LIM on April 13th. The people were great- loaned us 2 bikes to cross bridge into Beaufort. We ate at Dockside restaurant and enjoyed our meal- typical port food. Our only complaint was the incredible number of no-see-ums! The pilot house was
covered in the morning and we had so many bites. Not sure the marina can do anything about that.
Shelley Colby on Rock Chalk
Tied up at Lady’s Island Marina from 4/19 to 4/25/13. Small marina, average facilities, good protection. Ernie, dockmaster, is the only marina person but gets help from other live-aboards to assist in docking. Entrance to creek is shoaled on north side. Stay close to causeway and south shore going into creek. Good, very busy restaurant on site but only open for evenings. Walking distance, 5 blocks, to almost any shopping or service you desire, including numerous restaurants. Our overall choice for a Beaufort marina, but not an easy choice to make.
s/v Skye
Anchored close to Ladys Island Marina next am engine overheated so dinked over Marina talked to Dockmaster Ted Alcorn who started the ball rolling with getting me into a slip with the help of Ernie his assistant and talking with mechanic Jim Dehart. In the the four weeks of repair to a cracked cylinder head the staff left a lasting impression of people pulling together to help and making a bad moment into good memories . Ted and his wife Shari are seasoned sailors and know how to make your journey a good one
Just wanted to give a shout-out to Claiborne and the SSECN, re: Lady’s Island Marina.
When you’re travelling through Beaufort, SC, consider stopping at Lady’s Island Marina on Factory Creek (STM 535.9).
And if you’re considering cruising to Panama and the San Blas Islands, it just became a must stop—or you’re missing a great resource!
What’s the connection?
The dockmaster at Lady’s Island Marina, Ted Alcorn, and his wife Shari, cruised extensively on their boat s/v Mystique, including four years in the San Blas Islands. During their time there, they were intimately connected with the indigenous community and invited to cultural events rarely attended by outsiders. They’ll generously share their knowledge and pictures of that experience.
But even if your cruising plans don’t include the San Blas Islands, you’ll still want to view the incredible display of molas (fiber folk art) in the marina office.
We had a great 3-day stay at the marina with its mix of liveaboard and cruising boats. The facility has private shower suites and on-site washer/dryer. Lots of practical services are nearby, including two supermarkets—and of course an assortment of restaurants, pharmacies, auto parts, paint and liquor stores, etc.
We didn’t have a chance to eat at The Fillin’ Station, next door to the marina, but we hear the inexpensive steak specials on Friday night are to die for.
Next time!
Best and see you On the Water,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
A little more on Lady’s Island Marina. The canvas repair closed. Besides Groupers, a new barbeque joint: The Smokey Chef opened adjacent to the marina. The complimentary 2 hr. dockage is in effect for boaters going to Groupers.
We’ve taken our 5′9″ draft sailboat in and out of Factory Creek multiple times this spring, and haven’t had a problem at mid- to high tide. We wouldn’t try it at low tide. Stay well away from Factory Creek’s green #1 as that’s where it’s shoaled.
Mike Cannady