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I really wanted to give this more stars. The dock is very nice. Power and water, one other boat with some really nice folks, very convenient to downtown. However there are apparently folks NOT staying with Erwin Marine who have the gate code. I didn't think too much of this at first. We arrived at the Bluff Dock to find homeless people under the ramp going from the east end of the dock. Not a huge deal. I try not to deal judgment too fast. The problem was the gate on that end (the secluded end under Chattanooga's Maple Street Bridge) was literally hanging wide open when we arrived at the dock. After securing our boat to the dock I walked over and closed the gate. The gate over next to the main riverfront area was closed so I really didn't think too much at this point. While sitting and enjoying being at dock though we saw some folks come through who were not on the one other boat on the dock. I watched them leave through the previously mentioned gate and promptly close it behind them. Fast forward two days (the day we left) and upon waking that morning I looked out and saw the same gate once again hanging wide open again. I got off of our boat and walked over and closed the gate again. Within about 5 minutes a man came up to the gate (again not someone staying on the dock) and appeared pissed the gate was shut. Not sure how many folks have this gate code, but I'd be willing to say the code RARELY gets changed. We typically prefer staying at anchor and this just brought home why. On Erwin Marine's behalf, they are VERY reasonable in terms of cost, and very flexible on accommodations (we were originally booked for the Ogliati Dock and asked to change so we were closer to the Maple Street bridge, they obliged with no complaint at all). Chattanooga's a great town, but like all cities it has its shady element. I'd suggest Erwin Marine take the time to frequently change the gate codes. Not something that would take a great amount of time I suspect.

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