We will be moving our trawler up the Tenn Tom in March/April and are looking for marinas where we can confidently leave the boat for a week to three weeks. Any recommendations? Norm Quiet Company GH GH47
Our intent once we get out boat we hope to use on the loop and rivers is to keep it at Aqua Yacht Harbor on Lake Pickwick for periods of time. Now we may leave it longer periods than you're talking of and were looking for a full service marina. A little south of them, Bay Springs has a good reputation but doesn't have the service capabilities. In March they both have highs around 60 and lows in the upper 30's. The reason we like that area is that you are one lake from Lake Kentucky and Barkley and heading up the Cumberland or Ohio to the Mississippi, but in the opposite direction you head up the Tennessee River and the third direction down the Tombigbee. As a caveat I have not been to these marinas, just researched, talked to others who have, and talked to them. We're two to three years away from using them.
Where on the Tenn-Tom depends on your plans. If you are intending to continue northbound, then any of the marinas from Demopolis northward would serve as a temporary base. If you are only looking to store during hurricane season, then return to salt, Iwouldn't waste fuel to go past Demopolis. Check Active Captain for specifics to see what marina best suits your needs. Be advised that March-April is high water season, with significant current and debris. if you could wait until late April or May, you'll have a better chance of avoiding high water. At trawler speeds plan on 2 to 3 nights at anchor prior to arriving at Demopolis.
Good point. I assumed by moving up he meant up toward the top. There are certainly some marinas along the way that would be fine or three or four weeks, depending on the size of his trawler. Demopolis has great capabilities. I just didn't think of them when thinking up the Tenn Tom. One thing to keep in mind too is that this summer the entire waterway will be closed for 30 days for lock maintenance.
Yes we will be moving north from Mobile to the Ohio River hence my question on reccomended marinas. You indicate the Tenn Tom will be closed for 30 days, do you know the closure dates? Thx Norm Quiet Company GH GH47
Since you are heading north, the choice will be based on how long you will travel before needing to stop. Realistically, at that time of year you could go all the way to Green Turtle and still not have to worry about freezing. As I mentioned, you will be in the high water season which will affect you all the way from Mobile to Pickwick. So you will have to judge how far you can go in the time you have once you see the river conditions. For my money, Demopolis, Columbus, Midway, Bay Springs, or Aqua would be good choices.
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