The discussion below is taken from the Net's "Ask Your Neighbor" page, and originally copied from the MTOA List-serve. As you will see, there is much good advice about docking along the waterfront in downtown Savannah, though there is disagreement over how much a problem is produced by the wake of passing large ships. My experience is that bow waves from ocean going freighters is indeed sometimes a real problem, but infrequently.

Has anyone stayed overnight at river street market place dock? Southbound we stayed at a wilmington island marina and we're looking to be closer, the price is a wash after you figure in taxi service.
Thanks for any information,
Scott and Caroline McGonigle
1982 mainship trawler, SEASCAPE

Scott and Caroline,
We have gone up the Savannah last year and stayed at the River Walk docks. You can call the City and get info but it is first come, first serve there. they will not hold any space for you. The weekends are very full with many small boats. Our recommendation would be to try to go before the weekend and stay through the weekend. You have to walk into own and we believe ,if our memory is right go to the Chamber of commerce to ceheck in and pay. Good luck and enjoy. By the way there is water and 15 amp electric.
Dick and Elle Lassman

We spent a few days at the river street docks. We enjoyed it, but beware of a bouncy stay. It's not the big ships that cause the problem but the small boats that think no wake is what they produce just before going fast enough to plane.
Peter & Vickie Kidd

I have not stayed at River Street dock myself, but have been there many times.  I've been told that wakes from the container ships can roll you out of your bunk and may damage your boat.  If you go there I suggest you have plenty of big fenders.
Peter Colket

There are some wakes from the ships, its no different then tying up on the Riverwalk in Ft. Lauderdale. In Savanah the dock is floating so there is some give and wake protection. Your not banging against a cement wall.
Dick and Elle Lassman

We stayed there for 5 days and had a fantastic time. We didn't notice much wave action from the container ships. I guess some people just like to complain about everything.
If we do the loop again, we would spend more time there. Plus, the price is right for being right downtown.
James Taylor

We stayed there last November. Couple of add'l points on Savannah's dock:
* You should call the City Tax office — 912.651.6451 — they manage the dock and collect the fee.
* CTO is two and half blocks away. They will tell you how to find them.
* Bring a check — no credit cards. The fee is $1/ft/day.
* Unofficially, this one time payment for a day is all they will ask for. We were told, if we stay longer, not to come back for additional payment. This friendly approach may not be the rule.
* Not all (in best case only half) of the 15A outlets are hot. Be prepared to either move the boat closer to a working outlet, or have a long extension cord ready.
* We were told that in 2009 the docks will be given to the parking authority, meaning that a dollar a foot (or a free day) will become a thing of the past.
Raoul, Adria, Symbol

It is now 2.50 per foot, which includes water, electric, and wifi. No showers or laundry facilities, but there is a security gate with key code. Previously, we stayed in Thunderbolt. We think the River Street dockage is worth the price, to be right on River Street, not having to deal with the  travel back and forth (calling, waiting, paying for cab or bus). We'll let you all know how we make out!
Caroline & Scott McGonigle
M/V Seascape

I don't want to confuse anyone……but…..when we were there last year….. there are two city docks and they are next to each other. The one behind the gate with water & electric for $2.50 ft. the other city dock (about 100 ft. away) cost me $37.50 for the first night (water and 15 amp plug at street level) and was told I didn't need to come back and pay any more unless I wanted to stay a week. We stayed there 5 days for $37.50 compared to $525.00 at the gated dock.
It may have changed this year so check around.
James Taylor

It looks like Captain Quinn has the definitive info in his message below!

Subject: Savannah River Street Docks
Cruising News: You can disregard all other Postings before this date 3-20-09.  Here is the up to date poop on the Savannah River Street Docks.  Control of the docks has been moved from the City of Savannah Revenue Department and placed under full control of the City of Savannah Parking Services.  The "Go To Man" is Jim Tilliamsen.  Jim has taken over the operation, though he has only been in this position for four day as of 3-20-09.  You can call Jim on his direct line 912-651-2834.  To make a reservation you should call at least one day in advance.  The docking rate will remain at $1.00US per foot per day.  If you are only going to stay for lunch or under three hours there is no charge,  but it is still advisable to call ahead. There is water and 30amp service available.  Jim said he will be checking on the services that were reported not to be working.  Jim works for the City so if you call,  call early and call between 9:00Am and 4:00PM.
Kevin R. Quinn
SeaQuinns
Tybee Light Power Squadron
Administrtive Officer