Take marina van to Publix supermarket 5 miles away
LPG (Propane) Availability:
Available. Use marina truck for LPG tank exchange at Zip In convenience store 2 to 3 miles away, or LPG tank exchange at Plantation Hardware (912-756-3316) 4 miles away
Stayed at Ft McAllister Marina on the evening of 27-28 March 2013. Low tide at Hells Gate and Sea Tow advised not making the transit in our boat due to shallows. Trip up the Ogeechee River was nerve wracking. Hit bottom 4 times as the Marina did not provide the kind of directions that an unfamiliar skipper could follow. Markers were all white so no indication of which side to pass. Simple directions, e.g., stay to the north side of the river and when you see the marina sign on the starboard bank make a 45 degree turn to port and head slowly toward the marina, would have probably made this uneventful. Nice people, low rates and fuel prices, and the resturant at the marina is well worth a visit with ample portions, good food and low prices. Tom Callan oo/b Great Escape 53 DeFever POC
This Marina has been completely redone. Dew docks and bot lift. The boat lift is huge. Being new there is plenty of room to dock overnight. The staff falls all over you to help in any way they can. They have a big open patio and usually have a live band on the weekends. Butch Broom runs the restaurant “Fish Tales” http://www.fishtalesrh.com/ He is a great guy and lots of fun. our local sail club and power squadron have events there. You have to party with the locals as there is not much else to do in the area. You can walk to historic Fort McAllister just down the street. Krquinn
If you are cruising up the Georgia coast nearing Savannah, Marian and I recommend Historic Fort McAllister Park. It is 5 miles up the Ogeechee river from the ICW. You can dock at Fort McAllister Marina (and walk less than a mile to the Park. (http://www.fortmcallistermarinaga.com). The owners are Butch & Sherri Broome. They also own the best seafood restaurant on the Georgia coast, Fish Tales, at the marina. Ask Butch if you can use their golf cart to ride to the Park. Our boat is docked at Fort McAllister so if you decide to stop tell Butch or Sherri that Marian & Mike Warlick sent you their way. Michael Warlick
We were treated so well by everybody from John Henson or Hanson, the manager at West Marine, who echoed your thoughts on Marinas. To Chris and Rick at Isle of Hope. To the folks at Fish Tales, the restaurant at Ft. McAllister. We were amazed at the flow of current at Ft.McAllister and even stronger at Savannah yacht club. Looked to be 3 or 4 knots! We are use to zero on the Tennessee. 🙂 We did not talk to the owner at Ft.McAllister as it was just not what we wanted for a long term home. But for a short term look good. We thought the restaurant was good. It really does seem to cater to the fishing crowd. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts. Now, we just have to make the arrangements to truck the boat there early next year. Tim
The charts, both paper and Garmin and Navionics are not worth a tinker’s dam [in cruising to Fort McAllister Marina, up the Ogeechee River from the AICW]. Follow the markers until you get to the sign on the right bank that points across the river and says Marina. Then 90 degrees to port at sign and go within 100 yards of left bank where you turn upriver to marina. Now all your charts will tell you that as you cross the river you will run aground in two feet of water but if you continue straight at the sign it is deep water all the way. Nay, it is just the opposite. Alex at the marina saw us and called on the phone to warn me we were going to be in trouble. He saved us just barely. Call ahead and stay in touch with them as you go up. Great stop and great food. Very friendly folks. Current runs fast at dock. Rusty and Jan Carlisle
The river is well marked by green and red buoys all the way to the marina!we went in at low tide, it is much better if you draft over 4 ft to go in at slack tide or high tide, it is so worth the trip if your boat will take you there! Colleen, Stan and Maybea2
The Ogeechee River is an excellent example of a river that follows the “rules of a mud bottom channel”! Look at the chart up to Ft. McAllister Marina and you will see what we’re talking about. DO NOT GO UP THERE FOLLOWING THE CENTER OF THE RIVER!!!! Chuck Gorgen
Colleen, Stan, and Maybea2- April 13, 2012 - 5:07 pm
To all you cruisers not in a hurry, this marina/stop is a must! Ft.McAllister Marina is a beautiful newer marina in Richmond Hill, GA. Ritchie Roberts (912) 727-2632 marina #, (912) 213-1368 cell#, is the manager and so nice and helpful! the cost here is very reasonable, just $1.00 foot, plus $5.00 for electric!!! you can afford to stay a few days and tour the historical Civil War Fort McAllister and the “Ford” museum, that’s Henry Ford. Ritchie will let you take his truck during the day sightseeing or go to the local supermarket for provisions. there is a restaurant on site, “Fish Tales” open Mon. – Thur. 4PM – 10 PM, Fri & Sat. 11 AM – 12 AM , Sunday 11 AM – 8PM. well worth the stop heading north in the spring or south in the winter… Just 8 miles up the Ogeechee River off the ICW on Ossabaw Sound! this just might be the New BEST destination. Colleen, Stan, and Maybea2 on the Power Cat, Next Endeavour
Matt Rollberg- August 15, 2011 - 3:57 pm
We stayed at this marina in August , 2011. Yes , there are markers , First 2 red , then 8 green and then 3 red to get you from the North shore to the South shore. Here we read depths of 4.5 to 5 feet at low tide ,flood rising. Our 4 foot draft , no problem. With a tide range of 6 plus feet, mid-tide or higher should be no problem for longer leg boats.Food and service at Fish Tales excellent. A visit to the Fort is a short walk . If you are a civil war afectionato, the well preserved earthwork fortification along with the museum is worth a visit.Hours 9 to 5 daily
Sharon ward- November 22, 2010 - 1:21 pm
Happily, The markers have been updated for easier access to Ft. McAllister Marina. This marina really is a gem; great, friendly service and the restaurant is terrific, and now has Sunday alcohol sales. The marina store is limited but they have a courtesy vehicle available and it is only a few miles into town where you can find plenty of everything. Repair services are available at the marina and there is even a Sea Tow onsite. Winter hours for the marina are 7AM till 6PM, 7 to 7 the rest of the year. The restaurant, Fish Tales, is open at 4PM weekdays and 11AM weekends, with live music on Saturday nights. The restaurant is closed Mondays. Ft. McAllister is worth the visit and is a great place for your yacht or fishing club event. Plus, you’ll see the most gorgeous sunsets on the ICW!
We are currently staying at Ft. McAllister Marina. Our boat draws 7 foot. we came in from the ocean and had no problem naviagating to the Marina. There are some navagation marker but mostly private ones. We had no problem following markers back. You can call the marina and they are more than helpful to give more detailed directions. I would not recommend coming in on low tide if you draw more than 5 foot. There is a shoal just east of the marina on the north side. The marina itself has a depth of 23 ft at low tide. The marina is well maintain full service marina. They can accomodate vessels up to 100 ft. The staff is very friendly and helpful. There are showers and free laundry. The resturant opened this past spring, “Fish Tales”. The food and staff is excellent. The menu varies in tastes and price. There is something for everyone. Just one downer …. no alcohol on Sunday. I would highly recommend this marina. Captain Sherry Eddy
Bob McLeran & Judy Young- October 30, 2009 - 6:07 pm
Now that we’re back home after five months cruising the ICW and Chesapeake Bay, I’d like to provide some navigation information for getting to the Ft. McAllister Marina on the Ogeechee River. It’s a relatively easy trip from ATON #96 until you get about 2 miles from the marina – then you need some local info or the waypoints I’ve provided here. As far as the river is concerned, intially hug the left bank (follow the green) and avoid the center just beyond the departure from the ICW, then in the charted 10 foot tongue cut across to the right side and hug the shore with the greens to port all the way to the first waypoint. Then cut back to the left side to the second waypoint. Then hug the shore again all the way to the marina. Water depths along the shore will run anywhere from 12-18 feet at MLW. Crossing between the waypoints at MLW you might see 7 feet. Tide runs about 8 feet, so if you’re concerned about the depth wait until mid-tide or higher. Don’t be afraid of getting too close to either shore – 50 to 100 yards is about right! Here are the two waypoints you’ll need: first (on the right bank) 31-54.1759N/081-11.2374W then cut to this one on the left bank 31-53.7890N/081-11.3404 (NOTE THE DEGREES ARE IN DEGREES AND MINUTES). You shouldn’t have any trouble if you use these waypoints to get back on the marina side of the Ogeechee. Avoid the stakes in the water near the marina – they mark a shallow area. There may be a red and green ball in the water where you cut across, but you can’t count on them being there or in the correct location. If you have any concerns call the marina by phone and they’ll find someone to guide you in when they can see you. It’s worth the trip!
Bob McLeran and Judy Young- October 22, 2009 - 8:41 am
We stayed in this marina for two nights in mid-October 2009 in order to be close to make a quick driving trip to our home in Florida. The marina is a jewel of a place to stay if you need access to the southern area of Savannah. It’s about 7 miles off the ICW, so may not be suitable for those just passing through the area. The rates are extremely reasonable. Friendly, helpful marina staff. You’ll need to consult them to find your way into the marina through the shoal water about a mile downstream of the marina, but it’s easy enough once you are told how to proceed. Former private ATONS washed away in the tidal current (up to 2.5 knots), but the Coast Guard is in the process of adding light-listed markers. Hopefully they’ll also conduct a bottom survey to update the chart of the area. The Maptech chartbook of the area does not cover the Ogeechee River beyond the ICW, but electronics charts on a laptop and chartplotter did; however, they were not accurate by any stretch of the imagination within 2 miles of the marina – that’s where you need to call for local knowledge. In the lower river, the charted 8 foot shoal extending from the north bank extends much further than shown. Stay close to the south bank (port side when going upstream) until past the 8 foot tongue and then move to the north (starboard) side the rest of the way up the river until coming around the last broad bend to port when you’ll need to switch to the port side of the river (and call for local knowledge). Close to the outer banks on both sides the depths run 12-16 feet at low tide. The on-site casual restaurant specializes in seafood and has a commanding view of the river and docks. Try the shrimp and grits – they’re great!
Subject: Fort McCallister Marina Cruising News: We spent the last 3 days at the Fort McCallister Marina with the district 26 power squadrons and this marina handled our needs with efficiency and first class service. The restaurant on site is excellent and all the staff were right there to fulfill our needs. Vicki Swierkowski
Claiborne, We just spent the weekend at Tybee Island on a Power Squadron cruise and rendezvous and we had about quite a few boats at Ft. McAllister Marina. I understand it has been there a long time, but was recently purchased and upgraded a great deal. They have a large hoist, lots of docks, great restaurant and catering service and the friendliest dockhands around. I had checked my cruising guide before the event and did not find them listed. When I checked with Toby regarding any visits from you; he was all in favor of my contacting you. I will put a link to their site in this email and hopefully, you will be able to recommend them. http://www.fortmcallistermarina.com/ The only weak link was the restroom facilities, but perhaps they will be in the next upgrade phase. Most of the boats were large enough that they probably used their own facilities. Hope all is well with you, Kathy Redford
Cruising News: I recently (6-10 thru 6-12-09) spent several days at the Fl McAllister Marina. The experience was great. It is located 6.1 nm up the Ogeechee River. Getting there is easy and well charted and marked. The only exception is when crossing the river from N bank to S Bank just 1.1 nm E of the marina. This crossing is well marked and has 4.0′ depth at .0′ low tide. The marina is well run by Toby Hansen who has a wealth of knowledge (fishing, cruising) not only local area but from the Pacific to the Atlantic. The restaurant at the marina, Fish Tales, has excellent local cuisine at fair prices. Historical Ft. McAllister Park is a short walk. For provisioning, there is a strip shopping within 6 mi with liquor store and Publix. Currents at the marina are parallel to the docks and the marina staff is very willing and able to get you safely secured to the dock. This area is a great wk end destination for local GA boaters and a great place to cool your heels for several days if moving on the ICW. Charles Wilsdorf
Reviews from Cruisers (14)
Stayed at Ft McAllister Marina on the evening of 27-28 March 2013. Low tide at Hells Gate and Sea Tow advised not making the transit in our boat due to shallows. Trip up the Ogeechee River was nerve wracking. Hit bottom 4 times as the Marina did not provide the kind of directions that an unfamiliar skipper could follow. Markers were all white so no indication of which side to pass. Simple directions, e.g., stay to the north side of the river and when you see the marina sign on the starboard bank make a 45 degree turn to port and head slowly toward the marina, would have probably made this uneventful. Nice people, low rates and fuel prices, and the resturant at the marina is well worth a visit with ample portions, good food and low prices.
Tom Callan
oo/b Great Escape
53 DeFever POC
This Marina has been completely redone. Dew docks and bot lift. The boat lift is huge. Being new there is plenty of room to dock overnight. The staff falls all over you to help in any way they can. They have a big open patio and usually have a live band on the weekends. Butch Broom runs the restaurant “Fish Tales” http://www.fishtalesrh.com/ He is a great guy and lots of fun. our local sail club and power squadron have events there. You have to party with the locals as there is not much else to do in the area. You can walk to historic Fort McAllister just down the street.
Krquinn
If you are cruising up the Georgia coast nearing Savannah, Marian and I recommend Historic Fort McAllister Park. It is 5 miles up the Ogeechee river from the ICW.
You can dock at Fort McAllister Marina (and walk less than a mile to the Park. (http://www.fortmcallistermarinaga.com). The owners are Butch & Sherri Broome. They also own the best seafood restaurant on the Georgia coast, Fish Tales, at the marina. Ask Butch if you can use their golf cart to ride to the Park. Our boat is docked at Fort McAllister so if you decide to stop tell Butch or Sherri that Marian & Mike Warlick sent you their way.
Michael Warlick
We were treated so well by everybody from John Henson or Hanson, the manager at West Marine, who echoed your thoughts on Marinas. To Chris and Rick at Isle of Hope. To the folks at Fish Tales, the restaurant at Ft. McAllister.
We were amazed at the flow of current at Ft.McAllister and even stronger at Savannah yacht club. Looked to be 3 or 4 knots! We are use to zero on the Tennessee. 🙂
We did not talk to the owner at Ft.McAllister as it was just not what we wanted for a long term home. But for a short term look good. We thought the restaurant was good. It really does seem to cater to the fishing crowd.
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts. Now, we just have to make the arrangements to truck the boat there early next year.
Tim
The charts, both paper and Garmin and Navionics are not worth a tinker’s dam [in cruising to Fort McAllister Marina, up the Ogeechee River from the AICW]. Follow the markers until you get to the sign on the right bank that points across the river and says Marina. Then 90 degrees to port at sign and go within 100 yards of left bank where you turn upriver to marina. Now all your charts will tell you that as you cross the river you will run aground in two feet of water but if you continue straight at the sign it is deep water all the way. Nay, it is just the opposite. Alex at the marina saw us and called on the phone to warn me we were going to be in trouble.
He saved us just barely. Call ahead and stay in touch with them as you go up. Great stop and great food. Very friendly folks. Current runs fast at
dock.
Rusty and Jan Carlisle
The river is well marked by green and red buoys all the way to the marina!we went in at low tide, it is much better if you draft over 4 ft to go in at slack tide or high tide, it is so worth the trip if your boat will take you there!
Colleen, Stan and Maybea2
The Ogeechee River is an excellent example of a river that follows the “rules of a mud bottom channel”! Look at the chart up to Ft. McAllister Marina and you will see what we’re talking about. DO NOT GO UP THERE FOLLOWING THE CENTER OF THE RIVER!!!!
Chuck Gorgen
To all you cruisers not in a hurry, this marina/stop is a must! Ft.McAllister Marina is a beautiful newer marina in Richmond Hill, GA. Ritchie Roberts (912) 727-2632 marina #, (912) 213-1368 cell#, is the manager and so nice and helpful! the cost here is very reasonable, just $1.00 foot, plus $5.00 for electric!!! you can afford to stay a few days and tour the historical Civil War Fort McAllister and the “Ford” museum, that’s Henry Ford. Ritchie will let you take his truck during the day sightseeing or go to the local supermarket for provisions. there is a restaurant on site, “Fish Tales” open Mon. – Thur. 4PM – 10 PM, Fri & Sat. 11 AM – 12 AM , Sunday 11 AM – 8PM. well worth the stop heading north in the spring or south in the winter… Just 8 miles up the Ogeechee River off the ICW on Ossabaw Sound! this just might be the New BEST destination.
Colleen, Stan, and Maybea2 on the Power Cat, Next Endeavour
We stayed at this marina in August , 2011. Yes , there are markers , First 2 red , then 8 green and then 3 red to get you from the North shore to the South shore. Here we read depths of 4.5 to 5 feet at low tide ,flood rising. Our 4 foot draft , no problem. With a tide range of 6 plus feet, mid-tide or higher should be no problem for longer leg boats.Food and service at Fish Tales excellent. A visit to the Fort is a short walk . If you are a civil war afectionato, the well preserved earthwork fortification along with the museum is worth a visit.Hours 9 to 5 daily
Happily, The markers have been updated for easier access to Ft. McAllister Marina. This marina really is a gem; great, friendly service and the restaurant is terrific, and now has Sunday alcohol sales. The marina store is limited but they have a courtesy vehicle available and it is only a few miles into town where you can find plenty of everything.
Repair services are available at the marina and there is even a Sea Tow onsite. Winter hours for the marina are 7AM till 6PM, 7 to 7 the rest of the year. The restaurant, Fish Tales, is open at 4PM weekdays and 11AM weekends, with live music on Saturday nights. The restaurant is closed Mondays.
Ft. McAllister is worth the visit and is a great place for your yacht or fishing club event. Plus, you’ll see the most gorgeous sunsets on the ICW!
We are currently staying at Ft. McAllister Marina. Our boat draws 7 foot. we came in from the ocean and had no problem naviagating to the Marina. There are some navagation marker but mostly private ones. We had no problem following markers back. You can call the marina and they are more than helpful to give more detailed directions.
I would not recommend coming in on low tide if you draw more than 5 foot. There is a shoal just east of the marina on the north side. The marina itself has a depth of 23 ft at low tide.
The marina is well maintain full service marina. They can accomodate vessels up to 100 ft. The staff is very friendly and helpful. There are showers and free laundry. The resturant opened this past spring, “Fish Tales”. The food and staff is excellent. The menu varies in tastes and price. There is something for everyone. Just one downer …. no alcohol on Sunday. I would highly recommend this marina.
Captain Sherry Eddy
Now that we’re back home after five months cruising the ICW and Chesapeake Bay, I’d like to provide some navigation information for getting to the Ft. McAllister Marina on the Ogeechee River. It’s a relatively easy trip from ATON #96 until you get about 2 miles from the marina – then you need some local info or the waypoints I’ve provided here.
As far as the river is concerned, intially hug the left bank (follow the green) and avoid the center just beyond the departure from the ICW, then in the charted 10 foot tongue cut across to the right side and hug the shore with the greens to port all the way to the first waypoint. Then cut back to the left side to the second waypoint. Then hug the shore again all the way to the marina. Water depths along the shore will run anywhere from 12-18 feet at MLW. Crossing between the waypoints at MLW you might see 7 feet. Tide runs about 8 feet, so if you’re concerned about the depth wait until mid-tide or higher. Don’t be afraid of getting too close to either shore – 50 to 100 yards is about right!
Here are the two waypoints you’ll need: first (on the right bank) 31-54.1759N/081-11.2374W then cut to this one on the left bank 31-53.7890N/081-11.3404 (NOTE THE DEGREES ARE IN DEGREES AND MINUTES). You shouldn’t have any trouble if you use these waypoints to get back on the marina side of the Ogeechee.
Avoid the stakes in the water near the marina – they mark a shallow area. There may be a red and green ball in the water where you cut across, but you can’t count on them being there or in the correct location. If you have any concerns call the marina by phone and they’ll find someone to guide you in when they can see you.
It’s worth the trip!
We stayed in this marina for two nights in mid-October 2009 in order to be close to make a quick driving trip to our home in Florida. The marina is a jewel of a place to stay if you need access to the southern area of Savannah. It’s about 7 miles off the ICW, so may not be suitable for those just passing through the area. The rates are extremely reasonable.
Friendly, helpful marina staff. You’ll need to consult them to find your way into the marina through the shoal water about a mile downstream of the marina, but it’s easy enough once you are told how to proceed. Former private ATONS washed away in the tidal current (up to 2.5 knots), but the Coast Guard is in the process of adding light-listed markers. Hopefully they’ll also conduct a bottom survey to update the chart of the area.
The Maptech chartbook of the area does not cover the Ogeechee River beyond the ICW, but electronics charts on a laptop and chartplotter did; however, they were not accurate by any stretch of the imagination within 2 miles of the marina – that’s where you need to call for local knowledge.
In the lower river, the charted 8 foot shoal extending from the north bank extends much further than shown. Stay close to the south bank (port side when going upstream) until past the 8 foot tongue and then move to the north (starboard) side the rest of the way up the river until coming around the last broad bend to port when you’ll need to switch to the port side of the river (and call for local knowledge). Close to the outer banks on both sides the depths run 12-16 feet at low tide.
The on-site casual restaurant specializes in seafood and has a commanding view of the river and docks. Try the shrimp and grits – they’re great!
Subject: Fort McCallister Marina
Cruising News: We spent the last 3 days at the Fort McCallister Marina with the district 26 power squadrons and this marina handled our needs with efficiency and first class service. The restaurant on site is excellent and all the staff were right there to fulfill our needs.
Vicki Swierkowski
Claiborne,
We just spent the weekend at Tybee Island on a Power Squadron cruise and rendezvous and we had about quite a few boats at Ft. McAllister Marina. I understand it has been there a long time, but was recently purchased and upgraded a great deal. They have a large hoist, lots of docks, great restaurant and catering service and the friendliest dockhands around. I had checked my cruising guide before the event and did not find them listed. When I checked with Toby regarding any visits from you; he was all in favor of my contacting you. I will put a link to their site in this email and hopefully, you will be able to recommend them. http://www.fortmcallistermarina.com/
The only weak link was the restroom facilities, but perhaps they will be in the next upgrade phase. Most of the boats were large enough that they probably used their own facilities.
Hope all is well with you,
Kathy Redford
Cruising News: I recently (6-10 thru 6-12-09) spent several days at the Fl McAllister Marina. The experience was great. It is located 6.1 nm up the Ogeechee River. Getting there is easy and well charted and marked. The only exception is when crossing the river from N bank to S Bank just 1.1 nm E of the marina. This crossing is well marked and has 4.0′ depth at .0′ low tide. The marina is well run by Toby Hansen who has a wealth of knowledge (fishing, cruising) not only local area but from the Pacific to the Atlantic. The restaurant at the marina, Fish Tales, has excellent local cuisine at fair prices. Historical Ft. McAllister Park is a short walk. For provisioning, there is a strip shopping within 6 mi with liquor store and Publix. Currents at the marina are parallel to the docks and the marina staff is very willing and able to get you safely secured to the dock. This area is a great wk end destination for local GA boaters and a great place to cool your heels for several days if moving on the ICW.
Charles Wilsdorf