Payne's Dock itself is not a bad place to stay (not top of the list). My experience is this (you decide whether you'd choose to stay here or not). - Called the day before arrival to inform them we were not going to make it for sunday stay but would be there Monday. Response was ok, no problem. Then Rudely stated "I don't have time to deal with that right now, Just come here tomorrow and we will deal with it then." I then sent a message immediately on Dockwa to ensure we were on the same page. - Arrived Monday morning per reservation change. - They do not monitor a VHF channel, you have to call them on the phone, I did. - Called Payne's phone, This is the vessel *****, I am here for my reservation. Can you tell me where I should go and also which side to set my lines and fenders? Response: "I don't even know what you have for a boat, how long you plan on staying or where I'm putting you, just pull over to the flag pole". - Pulled over to the flag pole (no lines or fenders ready for obvious reasons). guy yelling from the dock (couldn't hear him) telling me he doesn't have me on the reservation list. Also yelled that I need to go through Dockwa to reserve. See prior notes. I stated that we spoke yesterday and also did go through Dockwa and have the reservation as changed in Dockwa. He was EXTREMELY rude (complete opposite of Champlin's- a little more $$ but well worth it). - Told me where to go and worked with the other boaters to squeeze me into a spot, tied me up then walked away. Didn't say anything about the place, what I'm supposed to do for anything except where the power was. I could not believe the rudeness of this individual (even the other person who I was with asked if this is how marinas usually treat their customers, I said not that I have ever experienced). That is my experience with Payne's. I would stay there again if it was my only choice otherwise I will choose a different location next time. Hopefully the management reads this and does something about this individual and their process, neither is good.
The dock hands were AMAZING! fit my 40'er into a space like a glove and same on the way out. I never thought they could get me out. VERY well taken care of in that respect. Con: When I arrived and was put into the slip there was no welcoming, information, direction on amenities etc. I had never been there and was surprised with the cost of the dockage compared to others in the area that there wouldn't be more of a "service oriented" type of welcoming. The place was great but I had to figure out everything on my own with no direction on anything. Would be a nice addition for this higher end location.
We traveled with 7 boats and they were able to place us all on the same dock which made our stay much more enjoyable! The dock hands were fantastic and accommodating. The docks were clean and sturdy with water and power close by each boat. thank you! we will come here instead of Pickering!!!
Overall the marina is fantastic. We would return again. very accommodating over the phone and helpful over the radio on the approach. Once the slip assignment is made over the radio you are on your own. No staff awaiting your arrival at the dock to help or inform you of the amenities or anything else. Went to find trash location and young girl sitting in a booth (not sure where office was) and she told us OH, you came in, here is your welcome bag with some books. If you don't need anyone or anything, this is the place. If you are looking for a professional "Brewer's" service, this is not the place. Again, we loved it there and would return just no staff on the docks.