6-19-17 Stopped here and signed up for 4 days. Josh did an excellent job of getting our lines on the dock and secured in high winds and current. He also did a super job describing the facilities and the area. Crispy Crème’s donuts were on the deck of boat at 0700. This yard has major repair facilities and tradesmen on staff. Can’t say enough good about stopping here. They only have daily rates but not a problem. Chief Engr Bob onboard ALLEZ!
We cannot say enough about this marina! Easy in, easy out. FREE laundry! Awesome restaurant (Tuby’s) is just a short walk away. Immaculate shower/bathrooms. A true bargain! Will be back next summer, and every fall here out!
Had a stuffing box failure on the way north from Florida and was lucky enough to make it to Thunderbolt. Their yard treated me as if I was I was their only customer. Stayed at the marina after repairs were done and more than enjoyed the free donuts in the morning. Highly recommended Wayne Johnson svPaws
Thunderbolt Marina is only in walking distance to Tubby’s Tank House. However, they may still have donuts in the morning for transients. Out at Thunderbolt cabs would be my preference to get into town. They may have city bus service out there. I don’t know that they have a courtesy car. Don on “Monstruck”
There are several Marinas in Thunderbolt; we use Thunderbolt Marina for easy access, good facilities and daily Crispy Creme donuts delivered to the boat in the morning by 07h00. Both Isle of Hope and Thunderbolt Marina are good places to stop longer for a visit to the City of Savannah. Jim Healy
I spent 2 weeks at this marina [Thunderbolt Marine] and found it very pleasant and the personnel more than helpful. We dined at Tubby’s 7 times in a 2 week period. They have a great $5.00 lunch, but you need to get there before the 12 noon crowd. On Thursday night, there is an oyster roast for about 1hour outside the bar area and is supposed to be free, but donations are accepted. Happy hour beer is priced right all day long in the bar. Good spot. Philip W. Mullins (Phil)
We spent a night at Thunderbolt Marine on our way south earlier this year and plan to spend a couple of days there on our way north this Spring. The floating docks are easy to tie to and facilities are first-rate. You can hop a bus a couple of blocks away that will take you to Savannah. We had a very enjoyable lunch at Tubby’s, which is a very fun place with great outdoor seating. Captain Mary Intermezzo
Stayed at Thunderbolt Marina in early January. Stopped there with a radar problem. The yacht yard arranged for an electronics technician to be available to address our problem upon arrival. The technician was able to diagnose the problem but did not have parts to fix the problem that evening. The marina was well maintained and clean, had extremely helpful staff, and provided free donuts and a newspaper in the morning in time for our early departure. Ate a late lunch at Tubbies – a huge very good fish sandwich that was very good but bigger than both our appetites. Service was very slow. Howard Rockness Sequel Sabre 47
Were at Thunderbolt last year. Excellent service. Great bathrooms. Close to marine electronics store. Security guard on car park. Easy walk to bus but check that the office has given you the latest timetable. Buses stop around 6.30. Pam and Warrick Morning Star
We stopped here for fuel ($4.37 for diesel) and a night on the dock ($1.75/foot) on April 9th, 2012.
The current rages here and as I motored against the current alongside the gas dock for a port-side tie-up, I tossed a springline to the dockhand. Since my propwalk swings my stern to port and the 23 ponies laboring ahead down in the bilge couldn’t overcome the rush of water, I expertly backed my boat stern-in against the gas dock. Don’t use a springline to land your boat anywhere in Georgia.
After fueling, the dockhand backed us down the pier and we tied alongside the end of the long gas dock for the night. Other boats were tied alongside the inside of the gas dock.
We ate at Tubby’s, a nearby restaurant which has free appetizers if you order a beer before 5:00.
There is a shrimpdock nearby which sports a sign that reads “Open 10:00”. We didn’t try it but were tempted.
The marina has clean restrooms and laundry facilities.
We heard the sound of “bacon frying” all night which we have been told is the sound of shrimp flicking their tails against your hull to knock the grass from the bottom to score a tasty veggie snack.
Try Thunderbolt Marine on the Wilmington River. Coming North go in via Wassaw Sound, but watch the buoys carefully. Huge facility. Used to be the refit facility for Palmer Johnson. If they can’t fix it, I’d be surprised. We had a turbo replaced there a few years ago. Watch out for the flying teeth, nasty little black fly thang’s that come out just before sundown. Check out Tubby’s Tank House Resturant a short walk from the marina. T
We purchased a classic motorsailor in Southern Georgia and had intended to motor her north. Unfortunately mechanical problems cut that plan short. The folks at Thunderbolt Marine were great. Ernie coordinated stepping the masts, putting us in contact with a trucker and hauled the boat. Less than 30 hours after making the decision to truck the boat we were on our way. As a bonus the bill was significantly less that the estimate due to things going smoothly. I can’t say enough about the way we were treated. Anthony at the marina was great, the complementary morning paper and Krispy Kreme donuts made a nice start to the day.
We have stopped here on a couple of occasions. In May 2008 we stopped and while there celebrated our anniversary at Tubby’s Tank House. A great experience. Because of predicted nasty weather, we stopped again for three days in 2009 (11/30-12/2/09). The facilites again were very good as were the Krispy Kreme donuts. We have not needed to us their yard services, but it’s a great stopover.
We have stopped at Thunderbolt Marina three different times and always found it a great stop with a wonderful dock master and great food nearby. Of course we love the Krsipy Kreme. Bob & Fran Fumanti
Here 4/1-3/2010. Nice docks and very helpful personnel. A taxi ride to Savannah proper is about $18. We had lunch at B Matthews and dinner at The Pink House. The Pink House was pricey but so was everywhere else in the down town area. Both had excellent food. Would recommend a visit to this lovely city.SV Aquarius
Stayed at Thunderbolt Marina at the beginning of July this year. Chose this marina because I had heard that it was a good place to get repairs done and we needed some work on our A/C unit. First the good news: Friendly and helpful dock hands. Easy on and off the ICW and a good place to fuel up. One of the employees has a great business delivering fresh produce and shrimp to your boat – just get an order form in the office and call her the day before. Your food will be delivered the next morning. Everything tasted great, especially the shrimp. Took a short walk to Tubby’s Tank for lunch. This will be a “must do” the next time we pass through. The not so good news: I felt as if the management was a lot more efficient at computing billable hours than actually fixing our mechanical problems. After staying over an extra day just to resolve our problem, we couldn’t even get a call back from our repairman. We did get the bill right on time, however. Shel Rabin (mv Evening Star)
We are currently in Thunderbolt Marina, Savannah, GA and we just wanted to say that it is a wonderful place. We have very few complaints about the marinas we visited but this on is so very acommodating in every way. We have had some repairs done and they have gone beyond expectation to be sure we were satisfied. It is a good location as well. We are pleased. Fair weather to all: Tex and Phyliss
We use Thunderbolt Marine. Their primary business is mega yacht type boats, but they do plenty of smaller boats too, including sailboats of every size and description. Their hourly rates are good, but a few notes: 1) they are very thorough, and don’t do things half baked, so those cheap hours mount quickly 2) they charge for everything: dockage, “yard fee” etc. On the other hand 3) they will give you a very thorough work order/estimate in advance, which tends to estimate on the high side so that “surprises” are minimized unless something is discovered once they open ‘er up. 4) They stand behind their work with the highest degree of integrity. Our most recent experience with them was pretty amazing in this day and age. The project manager for boats under 100’ is a younger guy named Phillip Howe. He was a QC guy (I think) with Mainship prior to Thunderbolt, so is familiar with trawler and simpler craft. He will not BS you, and will steer you away from unnecessary or ill advised repairs and projects. There is a “captain’s lounge” at the yard, and the marina across the basin, which is part of TMI, has very nice shower and laundry facilities. George
Spent the past week in the yard at Thunderbolt Marine in Thunderbolt, GA. Can’t begin to explain how nice it was (if being stuck for repair is nice) Great facility, Great people and Really good service. They fixed everything they promised to do and provided solutions for what would take longer than our stay allowed. Small marina attatched for transients. Wonderful place to spend a few days. Quiet safe and secure, Tranquil setting, but easy access to downtown Savannah without staying on the waterfront. Not an advertising plug, just a satisfied client. Mike Frazier Tortuga
Reviews from Cruisers (20)
Diesel fuel price today at Thunderbolt Marina Monday, May 30, 2022 was $6.26/gallon with the BoatUS discount.
6-19-17 Stopped here and signed up for 4 days. Josh did an excellent job of getting our lines on the dock and secured in high winds and current. He also did a super job describing the facilities and the area. Crispy Crème’s donuts were on the deck of boat at 0700. This yard has major repair facilities and tradesmen on staff. Can’t say enough good about stopping here. They only have daily rates but not a problem.
Chief Engr Bob onboard ALLEZ!
We cannot say enough about this marina! Easy in, easy out. FREE laundry! Awesome restaurant (Tuby’s) is just a short walk away. Immaculate shower/bathrooms. A true bargain! Will be back next summer, and every fall here out!
Had a stuffing box failure on the way north from Florida and was lucky enough to make it to Thunderbolt. Their yard treated me as if I was I was their only customer. Stayed at the marina after repairs were done and more than enjoyed the free donuts in the morning. Highly recommended
Wayne Johnson
svPaws
Thunderbolt Marina is only in walking distance to Tubby’s Tank House. However, they may still have donuts in the morning for transients. Out at Thunderbolt cabs would be my preference to get into town. They may have city bus service out there. I don’t know that they have a courtesy car.
Don on “Monstruck”
There are several Marinas in Thunderbolt; we use Thunderbolt Marina for easy access, good facilities and daily Crispy Creme donuts delivered to the boat in the morning by 07h00. Both Isle of Hope and Thunderbolt Marina are good places to stop longer for a visit to the City of Savannah.
Jim Healy
I spent 2 weeks at this marina [Thunderbolt Marine] and found it very pleasant and the personnel more than helpful. We dined at Tubby’s 7 times in a 2 week period. They have a great $5.00 lunch, but you need to get there before the 12 noon crowd. On Thursday night, there is an oyster roast for about 1hour outside the bar area and is supposed to be free, but donations are accepted. Happy hour beer is priced right all day long in the bar.
Good spot.
Philip W. Mullins (Phil)
We spent a night at Thunderbolt Marine on our way south earlier this year and plan to spend a couple of days there on our way north this Spring. The floating docks are easy to tie to and facilities are first-rate. You can hop a bus a couple of blocks away that will take you to Savannah. We had a very enjoyable lunch at Tubby’s, which is a very fun place with great outdoor seating.
Captain Mary
Intermezzo
Stayed at Thunderbolt Marina in early January. Stopped there with a radar problem. The yacht yard arranged for an electronics technician to be available to address our problem upon arrival. The technician was able to diagnose the problem but did not have parts to fix the problem that evening. The marina was well maintained and clean, had extremely helpful staff, and provided free donuts and a newspaper in the morning in time for our early departure. Ate a late lunch at Tubbies – a huge very good fish sandwich that was very good but bigger
than both our appetites. Service was very slow.
Howard Rockness
Sequel
Sabre 47
Were at Thunderbolt last year. Excellent service. Great bathrooms. Close to marine electronics store. Security guard on car park. Easy walk to bus but check that the office has given you the latest timetable. Buses stop around 6.30.
Pam and Warrick
Morning Star
We stopped here for fuel ($4.37 for diesel) and a night on the dock ($1.75/foot) on April 9th, 2012.
The current rages here and as I motored against the current alongside the gas dock for a port-side tie-up, I tossed a springline to the dockhand. Since my propwalk swings my stern to port and the 23 ponies laboring ahead down in the bilge couldn’t overcome the rush of water, I expertly backed my boat stern-in against the gas dock. Don’t use a springline to land your boat anywhere in Georgia.
After fueling, the dockhand backed us down the pier and we tied alongside the end of the long gas dock for the night. Other boats were tied alongside the inside of the gas dock.
We ate at Tubby’s, a nearby restaurant which has free appetizers if you order a beer before 5:00.
There is a shrimpdock nearby which sports a sign that reads “Open 10:00”. We didn’t try it but were tempted.
The marina has clean restrooms and laundry facilities.
We heard the sound of “bacon frying” all night which we have been told is the sound of shrimp flicking their tails against your hull to knock the grass from the bottom to score a tasty veggie snack.
Try Thunderbolt Marine on the Wilmington River. Coming North go in via Wassaw Sound, but watch the buoys carefully. Huge facility. Used to be the refit facility for Palmer Johnson. If they can’t fix it, I’d be surprised. We had a turbo replaced there a few years ago.
Watch out for the flying teeth, nasty little black fly thang’s that come out just before sundown.
Check out Tubby’s Tank House Resturant a short walk from the marina.
T
We purchased a classic motorsailor in Southern Georgia and had intended to motor her north. Unfortunately mechanical problems cut that plan short. The folks at Thunderbolt Marine were great. Ernie coordinated stepping the masts, putting us in contact with a trucker and hauled the boat. Less than 30 hours after making the decision to truck the boat we were on our way. As a bonus the bill was significantly less that the estimate due to things going smoothly. I can’t say enough about the way we were treated. Anthony at the marina was great, the complementary morning paper and Krispy Kreme donuts made a nice start to the day.
Mike Lochner
We have stopped here on a couple of occasions. In May 2008 we stopped and while there celebrated our anniversary at Tubby’s Tank House. A great experience.
Because of predicted nasty weather, we stopped again for three days in 2009 (11/30-12/2/09). The facilites again were very good as were the Krispy Kreme donuts.
We have not needed to us their yard services, but it’s a great stopover.
We have stopped at Thunderbolt Marina three different times and always found it a great stop with a wonderful dock master and great food nearby. Of course we love the Krsipy Kreme.
Bob & Fran Fumanti
Here 4/1-3/2010. Nice docks and very helpful personnel. A taxi ride to Savannah proper is about $18. We had lunch at B Matthews and dinner at The Pink House. The Pink House was pricey but so was everywhere else in the down town area. Both had excellent food. Would recommend a visit to this lovely city.SV Aquarius
Stayed at Thunderbolt Marina at the beginning of July this year. Chose this marina because I had heard that it was a good place to get repairs done and we needed some work on our A/C unit. First the good news: Friendly and helpful dock hands. Easy on and off the ICW and a good place to fuel up. One of the employees has a great business delivering fresh produce and shrimp to your boat – just get an order form in the office and call her the day before. Your food will be delivered the next morning. Everything tasted great, especially the shrimp. Took a short walk to Tubby’s Tank for lunch. This will be a “must do” the next time we pass through. The not so good news: I felt as if the management was a lot more efficient at computing billable hours than actually fixing our mechanical problems. After staying over an extra day just to resolve our problem, we couldn’t even get a call back from our repairman. We did get the bill right on time, however.
Shel Rabin (mv Evening Star)
We are currently in Thunderbolt Marina, Savannah, GA and we just wanted to say that it is a wonderful place. We have very few complaints about the marinas we visited but this on is so very acommodating in every way. We have had some repairs done and they have gone beyond expectation to be sure we were satisfied. It is a good location as well.
We are pleased.
Fair weather to all:
Tex and Phyliss
We use Thunderbolt Marine. Their primary business is mega yacht type boats, but they do plenty of smaller boats too, including sailboats of every size and description. Their hourly rates are good, but a few notes:
1) they are very thorough, and don’t do things half baked, so those cheap hours mount quickly
2) they charge for everything: dockage, “yard fee” etc.
On the other hand 3) they will give you a very thorough work order/estimate in advance, which tends to estimate on the high side so that “surprises” are minimized unless something is discovered once they open ‘er up.
4) They stand behind their work with the highest degree of integrity.
Our most recent experience with them was pretty amazing in this day and age. The project manager for boats under 100’ is a younger guy named Phillip Howe. He was a QC guy (I think) with
Mainship prior to Thunderbolt, so is familiar with trawler and simpler craft. He will not BS you, and will steer you away from unnecessary or ill advised repairs and projects.
There is a “captain’s lounge” at the yard, and the marina across the basin, which is part of TMI, has very nice shower and laundry facilities.
George
Spent the past week in the yard at Thunderbolt Marine in Thunderbolt, GA. Can’t begin to explain how nice it was (if being stuck for repair is nice) Great facility, Great people and Really good service. They fixed everything they promised to do and provided solutions for what would take longer than our stay allowed. Small marina attatched for transients. Wonderful place to spend a few days. Quiet safe and secure, Tranquil setting, but easy access to downtown Savannah without staying on the waterfront.
Not an advertising plug, just a satisfied client.
Mike Frazier
Tortuga