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