The Charleston Maritime Center is located will north of the AICW’s passage across Charleston Harbor, on the western (Charleston) banks of the Cooper River. Personally, this has never been our choice of “the” spot to coil our lines in Charleston, but we certainly have been getting many positive messages about this facility here on the Net within the last several months. Looks like Captains Larry and Suzi had a mixed experience (see below)

A friend recommended this marina. I agree with the comments and add that is is the best located marina in Charleston. It is one of the lowest priced marinas with your BostUS card. It is rocky, but its a boat! The view is the new bridge, Patriots Point, and all the great ships.
There is a bakery and deli a couple of blocks away and Market Street is about a 8 blocks walk. We enjoyed the convenience.
Judith Richardson

We were at the Maritime Center end of Oct 09, rates were $1.60 ft with BostUS discount. The staff was great but we found the rolly situation very uncomfortable. The laundry is free but there is only one washer and dryer so don’t plan on getting all your laundry caught up unless you are there a long time. The walk to town is easy and Harris Teeter is wonderful. Great wine selection there as well.
Larry and Suzi

We’re currently tied up at Charleston Maritime Center. Yes, it can be occasionally rolly and current can be an issue, but the location is better than most others, that rely on a water taxi or hourly van to get to the center of the city. And the price is hard to beat. Also, the laundry is FREE!! There’s one home washer and drier and NO quarter bandit. Whatta deal! Finally, a big Attaboy to Jeff (dockmaster) and Alex of CMC for getting us tied up without a surprise or ding.
Rick Emerson

We just left Charleston Maritime Center, stayed 3 nights. It’s our 2nd stay. We stayed previously at City Marina aka: MegaDock on the other side of Charleston last year, nice facility, but too rich for our blood. Lots of big high end boats if you like walking the docks. The Maritime Center is more low key, less expensive, and only blocks away from things. There’s a Harris Teeter close by, an easy walk to a terrific grocery store. They have one of those RedBox DVD vending machines, my 1st encounter with one, and I’m hooked. A buck for a DVD rental.
The Center may be a bit more exposed to passing wakes, and has more fetch in a NE wind, can get a bit rocky, but not always, and is much
closer to town and the historic section, many restaurants if that’s your thing. We travel with dogs, and we found the folks there to be dog friendly, and there’s a huge field/park across the street, little traffic. Next door to the Aquarium, lots of interesting neighborhoods and beautiful old homes to see within easy walking.
Staff was very accommodating, always offered to help with lines. BTW, best approach is in slack tide, second best is flood, ebb can go pretty
quickly, and I’ve witnessed some folks having trouble with the current during docking. They’ll help you, there were 2 guys there to take our
lines, and they were very helpful.
Saw police on bike, by car at least once a day in the area during our stay, there are always lots of cruisers coming and going, so I’d guess
it’s pretty secure, although not gated.
4 stars from me.
Steve Sipe
Solo 4303
lying Ashepoo River by Fenwick Cut

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Charleston Maritime Center

The Cooper River Marina is a Charleston County owned and operated facility. It is located well upstream on Cooper River from the Charleston’ downtown/historic district, on the grounds of the old US Navy Base. While the dockage is pretty good, even if somewhat unsheltered, and the shoreside support buildings are very acceptable, you will be docked a long way by land from most Charleston attractions.

We docked at Cooper River Marina during the month of November last year and were very pleased with the cleanliness of the facility and the very friendly and most helpful staff. We hope to stay at Cooper River Marina again the next time we’re in Charleston. It’s very cool watching huge ships traveling up and down the Cooper River…nothing boring about this marina.
Ginny Walsh

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Cooper River Marina

I would add to Captain Arnold’s recommendations below for cruising Charleston Inlet and Harbor (apparently he is speaking about nighttime passage of these waters), to have a well functioning and very visable GPS chartplotter aboard. There are so many lighted aids to navigation in Charleston Harbor, it’s very easy to become confused. And, there has been more than one tragedy in these waters from vessels trying to navigate after dark.
Personally, we never cruise these waters at night. If you choose to do so anyway, please proceed with the greatest of caution!

Charleston Bay area generally is notorious for shifting shoals, low depths at low tide. Keep very carefully to main channel markers and particularly if entering Shems Creek or at the top entrance to the ICW – can’t tell you how many boats I’ve seen stuck there – even small center cockpit fishers drawing only 2ft. (At one time one of them was me 🙂 And for sure stay clear of the “jetties” and go either side of them through the green and red markers. When approaching Charleston in the main channel (to starboard coming in) which the big ships use, you can see a spotlight on one of the downtown buildings and aim for that always keeping it in sight (if you stray out of the channel the light in effect dissapears)
Best wishes
Arnold

I penned the first edition of my “Cruising Guide to Coastal South Carolina and Georgia” in 1985, and have been researching the waters around Charleston ever since. However, even I have never cruised upstream of the “bridge” on upper Wando River. Below, Captain Arnold certainly does make it sound like an appearling prospect, however, at least by dinghy (on the uppermost stretch).

The prettiest area of Charleston’s waterways is the upper Wando River – it has good depth all the way up to the old bridge – and the only DIY very well equipped yard in the Charleston area is up there – I forget it’s name alas. Dinghy up further to see some very pleasant marshlands and wildlife. You can moor in a small creek west of the new Charleston Bridge, just east of the container dock facility, which goes behind the town of Mount Pleasant – around 8 ft of water in the middle – and a nice little beach as bonus. As a matter of interest the only two people to lose their lives – boatowners – during Hurricane Hugo, decided to moor as far up the Wando as they could get. Theoretically they were correct – but Hugo barreled straight up the Wando for about 20 miles. One last message from one captain was that he could see nothing but white water on the windscreen – and logs rushing past…….. Then his VHF went dead.

On 9/1/09, as part of a “South Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

23. Has anyone docked at the City Marina on the Ashley River side of Charleston? Please tell us what you found!

Responses follow:

Charleston City Marina is a great facility that has everything needed for a night or a permanet slip.Docking on the outside of the Mega Dock in winds above 20 knots can get rough & there are strong currents. Good power, clean rest rooms, fair fuel prices, great staff & management that helped revise the Charleston boat tax time limit from 60 to 180 days per year.
Tim Carter

We’ve stayed there several times. After several negative experiences at the anchorage just off the marina (including being dragged for a half mile by our anchor chain when a trawler grabbed a hold of it) we usually end up staying there. Most often, transients get put on the 1/4 mile long Megadock. I would suggest that you ask to be put on the inside of the Megadock if you go to this marina for the reasons Tim mentioned – higher winds can make the outside pretty rolly. The good of the marina – private individual shower rooms, free courtesy shuttle to anywhere in town that you want to go, nice people, fuel at your `slip’, cable, etc. They also run a special – stay 6 nights and get your seventh free. The bad – very expensive, LONG 1/3 mile walk down the Megadock (did I mention long?) to shore (so 2/3 mile round trip to your boat if at the end of the Megadock, which is where we often get put).
Chris
S/V Pelican

Yes we have stayed there on a number of occasions recently. It is an excellent marina, although for us (41′ sail) the outside of the mega-dock can be uncomfortable in a strong wind out of the west or south-west. Shuttle to take you to and from downtown, groceries, West Marine.
James Lea
S/V Estelle

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Charleston City Marina

On 9/1/09, as part of a “South Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

22. If anyone has recently docked at Charleston Harbor Marina, on the Mount Pleasant side of Charleston Harbor, please tell us about your experience.

Responses follow:

Charleston Harbour Marina is a first class facility as can be seen by “Millionaires Row” – though expensive to dock. You can dinghy in for a limited time. Virtually all the marinas in Charleston are expensive compared to marinas north above Georgetown – $4 a foot for overnight, $13 per ft a month plus power is typical……. You can moor out opposite the City Dock in the Ashley River – but a strong current and a reputation for nightime stealing . Go further up the Wando or Wapoo Cut for more restful and secure locations.
Best wishes
Arnold

Often, always a good experience. Easy to get to fuel dock and pump out. Many transient slips available.
Melissa Priola

We stayed here two years ago and enjoyed it. There is a water taxi or a hotel shuttle to take you downtown. But the currents in the marina can be fierce when docking. Ask about them before entering if you’re not sure.
James Lea
S/V Estelle

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

On 9/1/09, as part of a “South Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

21. Has anyone run the Shem Creek channel, on the Mount Pleasant side of Charleston Harbor, tied up to RB’s and had lunch or dinner here? How was it?

Responses follow:

Shem Creek is great – RB’s too – great fish and chips – packed out at weekends which often means rafting out. Friendly pelicans and dolphins everywhere. Be careful getting in there – shoals everywhere.
Best wishes
Arnold

All the time, it is the jewel of Mt. Pleasant. We often tie up at RB’s, Water’s Edge, or Red’s Ice House for lunch. You can usually find parking at one of the three restaurants.
Melissa Priola

On 9/1/09, as part of a “South Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

24. Please give some restaurant recommendations in Charleston. The more the better, but there are just too many potentially wonderful dining attractions in this fair city for me to mention them here individually.

Responses follow:

Jestines’s in Charleston SC is a must. Shrimp & Grits to die for and fried green tomatos too. Don’t miss it.
251 Meeting St., Charleston, SC
843-722-7224

The best restaurant on the Charleston waterfront – though unhappily you cannot moor there, even a dinghy – is The Fleet Landing. Just a great location with an outside dining deck – terrific view of the bay, good food, not too expensive. You can get a dinghy to the City Dock and Yacht Club and walk to the Fleet. Downtown of course are so many restaurants but beware – Charleston is now a heavy duty tourist town catering to cruise liners – and many places are rip offs. Go to the older restaurants that have been in business for years. If you want to see the most beautiful chic young women of Charleston – go to Henry’s on a Friday night – it warms an old sailors heart good……..
Best wishes
Arnold

I recommend Circa 1886 Restaurant. They are only open for dinner. They are now offering 3 courses for only $42. Truly a Charleston culinary experience.
Melissa

We unreservedly recommend Gaulart et Maliclet (http://www.fastandfrench.org/G&M/G&M_index.html) a French bistro in the middle of the old part of Charleston.especially good for lunch!
Best,
Michael Porter

Our two favorites are The Peninseula Frill ($$$$) and SNOB (Slightly North of Broad, $$$).
James Lea
S/V Estelle

There is currently an ongoing discussion on both the AGLCA mailing list and MTOA List-Serve, about marinas in Charleston, South Carolina. Both strings were begun by a question posed by Captain George Grafter (see below). As you will see, this ended up being a string mostly about the Charleston Maritime Center, which is located on the western shores of Cooper River, near the heart of downtown Charleston.

I’M PLANNING ON SPENDING A FEW DAYS IN CHARLESTON SC IN MID SEPT. I’M FAMILIAR WITH THE CITY MARINA. DOE’S ANYONE HAVE OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS AT A REASONABLE COST & CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN?
THANKS FOR THE HELP,
GEORGE GRAFER
TIME OUT

Last time we were in Charleston we stayed at the maritime center on the north side of the city across from patriots point and loved it. Closer to the city and $1.40 FT in April 09. GREAT grocery store nearby within walking distance, (Harris Tweeters). Close to bus line and much closer to walk to the city than the city marina.
The docks are susceptible to waking but not bad most of the time. We will go back.
Summering in Old Saybrook CT
Ray and Linda

We stayed at the city marina in Charleston when we were there this spring, but other loopers stayed at the Maritime Center which is on the other side of the city right downtown and a few blocks from the Market. I believe it was much more reasonable and close to everything.
Barbara Benjamin
Golden Lily – Nordic Tug 42

We were in Charleston last month and the Maritime Center is the best deal downtown. The tall ships were in town and so the Maritime Center was unavailable to us at the time. Still, it’s right downtown and reasonable, as mentioned in another post, any of the other reasonable marinas require a car. Golden Lily is right on, and it’s good to hear from Golden Lily again (Joe Wheeler the last time).
Don & Rebecca,
m/v Andante, Monk36

We second the comment regarding the Maritime Center, which we stayed at last Nov. Very convenient to the downtown market, restaurants, etc. (means walking distance for senior citizens) with a grocery mid-way between the market and the MC. It was a pleasant stay. A tour boat docks there and the working port is nearby – those are the only distractions we can recall.
Bob Baker

We just spent a week at the Charleston Maritime Center, had planned to stay a day or two. Fantastic location and service, even free laundry.

The location is so good that we were still discovering great places within a couple of blocks until the day we left. Everything from Blockbuster to bike rental to decent tours is right at your dockstep. The breakwater dosn’t stop many of the rollers from the bay, but it is worth it for the location and price.
Hal and Cheryl Baker

We just spent a week at the Maritine Center, the rate is great by day and for a week you get two days free. Fantastic location, we were still finding great places within a two block walk the day we left.
Try the East Bay Deli and the Bakery right across the street.
Hal and Cheryl Baker, onboard Mas Bueno in N. Myrtle Beach

Click Here For More Information Concerning the Charleston Maritime Center

Captain Bob, author of the posting below, used to be the MTOA Port Captain for Charleston. I don’t think anyone knows more about Charlestonian waters than Captain Bob.
This message was extracted from an ongoing discussion on the MTOA List-Serve, about whether it’s best to cruise south (or north) via the AICW, or go outside in the briney blue, or some combination of the two. Bob’s review of the Charleston inlet situation is one of the best I’ve seen on these waters, so I have take the liberty of reproducing it here.

Charleston is a real bear – at high tide the jetties are just below the surface.
John Is correct: The rock jetties are underwater at High Tide and has snagged a few Sailboats and Recently a MainShip Cruiser. These folks try cutting the channel or just are not paying attention.
With all the Commercial traffic Charleston Harbor has to be one of the best Marked Harbors Going. Especially at night the multitude of Range Lights are superb.
Daylight approaches keep a watch over your shoulder for a tanker or container ship for inbounds and keep an eye out for the outboard traffic At all times Stay in the Channel and pay attention.
The last guy on the jetties called Towboat U.S. for an escort in at night but got impatient and before Towboat U.S. got there the owner put his nice Mainship on the jetties.
Save Cruising and Ya’ll come to Charleston.
Capt Bob
M/Y ALLEZ! MT50 WB

I just thought I’d post my concurrence on how well marked Charleston is and also how accurate the charts are. I find it hard to believe that anyone who has taken the time to review a chart could end up on the jetties. We’ve entered Charleston twice and exited Charleston twice thus far. The first entry was in dense fog and the harbor was closed down to commercial shipping traffic. We couldn’t see any of the buoys and we were within 50 feet of them. If I could post pictures, I would. Our radar overlay on the charts of the area was so accurate I was actually able to perfect our calibration and alignment. The jetty returns and the buoy returns exactly lined up with the chart. I was amazed! We were able to get all the way to the anchorage off of the Megadock without any issue. The other entrance, and both exits, were done in the dark, and the number of lights and marks was excellent – not too many to make it impossible to figure out where you are, and enough that you could line up your course without having to worry. I can’t think of any other inlets we’ve entered or exited on the US East Coast that have been so well marked, and we’ve been through many since we mostly run on the outside.
Chris
S/V Pelican

I have always found the staff at Charleston Maritime Center to be very courteous and responsive. However, the inner part of the harbor is VERY shallow. The outer section has sufficient depths for most any cruising size craft.
While Captain Wright is quite correct is saying many Charleston attractions are within walking distance, one disadvantage of this facility versus the Charleston City Marina (a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) is that it is not near the “Variety Store Restaurant (located at the Charleston City Marina). This is one of the best dining buys in town!

We are leaving Charleston this morning after four nights at Charleston Maritime Center. It is very nice and $1.20 a foot with BoatUS vs $2 at the municipal. It is also much closer to sights and provisions. It is a block from the aquarium where the trolley picks you up and takes you thru the historic area and the visitor’s center where you can get other trolleys to anywhere in town. It is 2 blocks from a big grocery (Harris Teeter), produce store,and hardware store. It is 3 blocks from a pharmacy (RiteAid). The washer and dryer are free for boaters and the staff is very nice. It is also the water taxi stop to take you over to the USS Yorktown or on a harbor tour and the dock for the tallship, Spirit of South Carolina.
Wright

Subject: Charleston Maritime Center
Cruising News: I believe you are overstating the depth issue. We are currently at CMC at the innermost slip and we have around 5\’ of water at low tide (further out it is deeper). The inner half of the harbor is shallower, but there are no slips in the inner half. I\’d second the awsome service and great location. The only downside is if there is a good wind out of the northeast, the breakwall is not effective and it gets a rolly. FYI: $6/ft/week BUS (but check as they said new rates may be coming out soon).
Mike Scheuer

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

Entering Charleston Harbor at night has always been a bit tricky. With all the commercial traffic, not to mention the bevy of lighted navigational aids, the water often resembles a Christmas Tree, and it can hard to decide what's what. Captain Lourie gives some good advice below when entering from Charleston Harbor Inlet at night.

Entering Charleston Harbor at night was slightly different.  The Fort Sumpter Range has blinding red range lights.   There is no way to get lost.  Stay slightly outside (north of) the marked channel to give berth to commerical traffic.  Charleston Harbor Marina is (as always) generous, well appointed, and a great place for a shower.
Lourie Salley
S/V "August Moon"

The Charleston Maritime Center is located on the Cooper River side of the Charleston peninsulla, almost opposite Charleston Harbor Marina in Mount Pleasant (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR). The Martime Center is, in my humble opinion, one of the least desirable places to berth in Charleston, even though it’s within walking distance of many attractions and restaurants. There are some shallow water problems, and the entire operation has never struck me as being well managed. But, hey, that’s just my opinion. Obvously, (see below) Captain Bob had a much happier experience!

The Docks at Charleston Maritime center are floating concrete, the cost is 1.20 per ft. (they may have a discount for longer term) and it is closer to town and only two blocks from Harris Teeter (great grocery store) and the staff are great. That’s where we stay every time we are in Charleston.
Bob

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

Glad to include the short note below about North Charleston’s Dolphin Cove Marina. These good people, and Diane in particular, have LONG been a supporter of the Net, and they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUSIERS’ NET SPONSOR! It’s a bit of cruise up the Ashley to reach this facility, but you will find a warm welcome and improving docks.

I have not until today had knowledge of anyone going up the Ashley River that Far to Dolphin cove Marine. Price definitley was right. For the others who may consider this location, You need to clear a 14 ft air draft to get up river as they do not want to open the two Old Draw Bridges. We have plenty of Marinas in Charleston and the near by area. It all depends on what amenities your want and how close to downtown Charleston You want to be. We enjoy life at the City Marina. Best Regards….Ya;ll come see us now Hear.
Capt Bob

Bob,
They were opening the drawbridges, I think on the hour upon request.? There were boats waiting for them to open so they could go through.? We are about 15 ft. (with our canopy?up) and the bridge tender said the bridges were 18 ft. at high tide.? We had no problems going under.? You have a beautiful city and wonderful restaurants.? I am sorry we only had enough time to sample a few of them!? Today we are going to Beaufort and plan to anchor out and dingy in. Also, we are thinking of toping off our fuel before we leave S.C. Everyone tells us S.C. has the best fuel prices.?
Ben and Barbara Falmlen
Two Cats Too

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

There’s some really good advice about marina facilities in the Charleston area contained in Captain Key and Lynn’s message below. Anyone planning on visiting the “Holy City” should take heed to their works. I’m pleased to see that the two marinas which fare best in their report are Charleston Harbor Marina and Charleston City Marina, both of which are SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS!

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

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