Can't wait for the boating season to begin, but in the meantime, I'd like to start thinking about a marina for the upcoming season. I have used the public launch in the south side over the past two summers for my 18ft bowrider; however, I'm looking to make the move to a marina this year. I work/live in the south hills, so proximity is my number 1 priority. Outside of that, I'd like to meet some fun/new people! I have read some recent forums and it seems like Branchport is no longer an option. I'm considering Station Square (although, I'm hesitant that it is more of a rental spot...not a lot of permanent leases available) and Peggy's, which seems to have very positive reviews. I'm weary of getting too far up the Allegheny, which would go against my top priority of distance from home (but Lock Wall One seems like a great spot). Any other south hills natives, or anyone for that matter, that can offer some good advice/recommendations?? Thanks!
Station square does not have any rest room facilities, you must go to the bars and restaurants. Peggy's is a great place to dock. Nice restrooms, showers, and a full service marina.
Go south. Get away from the city. I live in brentwood and dock at the beach club in monongahela. It takes me 25 minutes. There is not all of that craziness of the city.
More positive review of Peggy's...seems like a can't miss spot if I decide to stay in the Pittsburgh Pool.
To be honest though, I'm not sure why I have only considered the Pittsburgh Pool. It would be less boat traffic and from some quick research, less expensive for the summer if I decided to head further south. I would add to my commute, but that could be outweighed by the pros. I count 2 locks to make the trip to the point - is this correct? If so, feasible in a day in a smaller boat? It is nice to catch a Pirate's game on the occasional Sunday afternoon.
Any reviews on the following 3 marinas - Beach Club, Carousel, Castaway Keys? They seem to all be close...forum member reviews would helpful. Thanks!
Beach club is a great place. You are right with the 2 locks. I made it to the city in about 2 hours. The pool there is about 18 miles from elizabeth to charlroi. Beach club is full service with shower facilities, gas and full service repair shop.
You can make a trip through two locks for a game or just to hang out at the point. It can get a little slow if you have to wait on a barge. You could look at McKees Point Marina. It would only be one lock. Fox Chapel is supposed to open a marina at the South Side Works this summer. I will believe it when it happens. The best thing to do is find a place that fits your needs. That is what I did. I live in Cranberry and I dock at the Crows Nest. It would be quicker for me to dock on the Beaver, but that isn't what I am looking for. The best thing to do is keep your options open. There are a lot of great marinas out there. Good luck.
McKeesport point is a nice marina, but it is in a very small pool. It is almost have the size of the next pool up. It also has a lot of industry around the clairton coke works.
I agree that navigating the trek from the Pittsburgh Pool through two locks would be challenging at times. As Cableguy said, I need to figure out what is most important to me. Being this will be my first marina experience, I'm sure I will learn a lot this summer. At this point, I'm leaning towards McKees Point Marina. Fairly close to home, only one lock down to the Pittsburgh Pool or one lock up to the larger pool with less boat traffic. The tough part is deciding if the one lock and time spent is worth the incremental cost (I would save $400 by choosing McKees Point over one of the marinas in the Pittsburgh Pool). How is Lock 2 on the Mon? I've never been up past Sandcastle.
Peggys is great, I have been there for some years now. Like already mention they are full service, but the people there make the difference. Starting with Peggy and her whole family and crew, they really take care of you and your boat. One other good note is they don't tolerate trouble. They did get pretty full last year.
lock 2 is one of the newer locks. had no trouble getting through. i called ahead and they had the gates open. one thing i might suggest is to check out the different rules at the marinas. all depends on what you are looking for.
Keep in mind that lock 2 is broke and is only working at 1/2 power. I don't see them fixing the lock until it completely fails. We used lock 2 every weekend no problems until the river side pumps failed. Now it takes twice as long and they only let boats tie shore side of the lock. Also this year it will close at 10:30 pm so that is going to be a nightmare for anyone trying to get home after an event.
We always launched it harmar and locked down, not anymore. I waited 3 1/2 hours to lock up! (delay not from a barge)
The hours usually arent posted until late February or March. According to the plan, Lock 2 on the Allegheny is supposed to be open until midnight from what I understand. That was supposed to take effect in October, but we went through a few times in Nov. and December and it was still operating 24 hours.
I'm going to give my perspective on docking locations, take it for what its worth to you. It all comes down to what you're looking for in boating. If you like ball games, fireworks, concerts, going out to dinner, tailgating, and other events then the Pittsburgh Pool is the place to be! There is no way I would want to lock thru after fireworks or any other event for as many as we attend during the boating season. That being said some people don't mind the locking thru regularly. There are plenty of great places to dock in every pool, just consider what is most important to you. Just keep in mind prices will balance out...... cheap docking in other pools means more traveling to PGH so more money spent on gas. Good luck and if you have any specific questions just ask. This is a great site for boating info.
I appreciate the insight and couldn't agree more. It is a tough act trying to plan out my summer in January! If you don't mind me asking (and since you are a South Hills native), where do you dock?
I did speak with Peggy, she seemed very nice and clear on what to expect if I were to choose her marina. My only gripe...no summer trailer storage, unless I were to keep my boat/trailer there for the winter as well (Brady's Bend has been too good though!).
I dock at Newport marina which is the first marina on the Ohio river, next to Peggys, its a friendly and fun place to dock. I live in Brentwood as well and it takes me about 15 minutes to get to the marina in normal traffic. The only downfall is that the docks do not float, so when a big flood comes you gotta pull your boat out, but with an 18 footer that shouldn't be a major problem. Good Luck......let me know if you have any other questions.
You are smart to do your planning now, some docks are already filling up since the Allegheny Marina shut down last year it has made for less space at other docks in the Pgh pool.
The Pgh pool is great, I would like to be back in it this year if my budget allows for it, it costs more but then you won't spend as much on gas getting to and from it. Last year I was at Mckees Point, nice dock, very close to my house but as others had said, it's a very small pool. People are nice there, lot's of parties if that is what you are into.
Peggy's is nice, she is a nice lady, her son in-law is the mechanic down there, him and his wife are very nice to deal with. Only thing with Peggy, she is TOTALLY against ANY dogs on the docks whatsoever.
Lock Wall One is a great dock, lots of nice people, 1.7 miles to the point, Terry gave me my start there, they all taught me a lot about boating and Terry is very knowledgeable about boats and is always willing to help when he can.
Chuck
Originally Posted by pec2402
I appreciate the insight and couldn't agree more. It is a tough act trying to plan out my summer in January! If you don't mind me asking (and since you are a South Hills native), where do you dock?
I did speak with Peggy, she seemed very nice and clear on what to expect if I were to choose her marina. My only gripe...no summer trailer storage, unless I were to keep my boat/trailer there for the winter as well (Brady's Bend has been too good though!).
I am in the same situation. I absolutely want to be in the Pittsburgh Pool this year. Was at Mckee last year and it was great, but locking thru when you want to is a nightmare. Any good ideas would be appreciated, I am looking for a social aspect as well.
First Marina - need advice!
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2007 Rinker 246 cc
Originally Posted by pec2402
