A solid three-star, middle of the road rating they earned during my season here in 2014. Yes there is a restaurant and bar, yes there is a boat yard, but this is not a resort. There is no clubhouse, no captains lounge, no swimming pool. The restrooms are small and the toilets did not flush well, and the lack of their pump out working from before Memorial Day on really gave a beating to the restrooms. Super high tides filled the parking lot with water, and the bands played loudly and into the wee hours on the weekends (1-1:30 am). Docks are in mediocre shape with the noted good exception of the floating portion of "A" dock which was in good shape. Covered slips had tattered covers in many places. Boat yard prices were too high for that area, and levels of service received had been complaints I had heard about, but had no direct experience with. The restaurant building was in poor shape and the floors were not level, but the food was good and the service friendly. Twice during the season the shore power to the dock pedestals was cut in half, resulting in only 60 volts, causing a loss of air conditioning and refrigeration aboard my boat. Wi-if service is practically unusable. The people were nice as were the marina staff, and Colonial Beach has some nice things to offer.
Simply outstanding experience! I spent from May until August 2013 there and, to a person, not a single unfriendly moment. The facilities are solid, the marina bathrooms are top notch and clean. The docks are showing some wear, but are still quite good. Many are due to be replaced, and routine plank replacement is underway on an ongoing basis. Maintenance work quality seems high. The work done on my boat was top-line, completed by a thoughtful (experienced) tech. Pool, fuel dock, water taxi, pump-out, dock staff, marine store, ice cream shop, event tent and bed & breakfast were all incredible.
From the Connecticut/Rhode Island border to Manhattan, and from Lake Champlain to Washington DC this is the poorest marina I have docked my boat at. I had visited previously about 4 years ago when it was owned by the previous owner. At that time I found a bustling, energetic, and friendly locale. I spent August through the end of September/beginning of October there in 2013 and was really disappointed in how it had changed in the intervening years. The marina was ghost-like and the docks deteriorating, the bathrooms and showers dirty and poorly cared for. The focus seems to be on the restaurant by the current owner, as it has been difficult to purchase fuel or a pump out on subsequent stops there.
Great dockhands, very friendly staff, outstanding setting, great convenience, but no country club. Gets very crowed during the season. Definitely worth a visit, but a slip reservation is recommended, especially during the 4th of July.
Beautiful setting, and good location to cruise to for breakfast after just a walk up the hill. A bit on the pricey side for my tastes considering what is delivered for the dollar--this holds back a higher recommendation.
I always stop at Lock 12 Marina. The service is outstanding and the hospitality is warm. Facilities are clean and in good repair. I have always felt at home when stopping or staying at Lock 12 Marina, free from the drama you may experience at other nearby facilities. While there may be newer places to trade my business with in the area, none are more genuine. This place is a "must-do" while doing the Champlain Canal . . .