Savannah - The Hull Truth

ceesfishing · 09-12-2006, 05:52 PM

Considering taking the family (all adults) on a cruise from HH to Savannah. We would like to dock near the waterfront, walk around and eat lunch then head on back. What is available as far as public docking for a few hours and the cost involved. Is there any where I can make reservations in advance.

JiminGA · 09-12-2006, 06:13 PM

There is a public dock right on River Street. It's located in somewhat in front (downriver) of the paddle boat as I recall. It's not signed, but I was able to radio one of the commerical tour boats operating in the same dock area and he directed me to the public part of the dock. Very easy and its on a first come first served basis. There's no charge. Suggest you make sure you have a couple of extra long dock lines available (suggest 25 feet MINIMUM), especially if your boat is a 22 foot class like ours. The cleats at the public dock are VERY widely spaced. It makes for a fun lunch outing and the trip to the Savannah River past Daufuskie Island and then via the ICW is really beautiful.. very scenic and NOT developed. Have fun!!!

Wolakrab · 09-12-2006, 07:29 PM

If you do tie up on the public dock, don't forget the fenders.....this area is subject to heavy large boat traffic.....and they don't slow down.

Scrambler1 · 09-12-2006, 09:52 PM

The public dock is right before you get to the large hotel on Riverstreet that is on both sides of the street. The left gangway has orange fencing on it as it is a ferry/tour dock, the public dock is the right gangway. We did this same trip about a month ago, a nice ride and a good day. Remember a rope or two for a spring line, the current can be pretty swift depending on tide. We used to ride from HH and tie up there, take a cab to the Sandgnats game, and take the boat home. Also alot of fun.

surveyingdawg · 09-12-2006, 10:04 PM

Wolakrab, how bad is it for overnighting. We are thinking of riding up in a week or two and staying at the Hyatt. I only have a 22'. Will I be ok leaving her all night with the traffic, or does it slack up some on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings?

Tireless · 09-12-2006, 11:33 PM

I would check with the Westin, across the river, and see if you can tie up on the inside of their docks if you stay with them. IMHO, the Sav public dock isn't a good place to leave any private boat........no security, potential big wakes, etc.

surveyingdawg · 09-12-2006, 11:35 PM

10-4. But how do we get back from an evening at Wet willies and a few rounds of Call-A-Cabs

Are there water taxis?

Tireless · 09-12-2006, 11:40 PM

Yes, it drops you off at the Westin docks.......it takes about 5 minutes to make the trip.

savgeorge · 09-12-2006, 11:47 PM

Native speaking here. Avoid leaving your boat on the the Savannah River if possible. Try Bull River Marina on the Bull River(of course) or Hogan's Marina on Turner's Creek. Ship traffic on the Savannah River does not generally create wakes but strong surges when passing are the norm. Harbor tugs and tug/barge combos wreak havoc though. Savannah is small enough that taxi fares are cheap from either marina besides the fact that you will see the beautiful side of Savannah that most tourists don't. Believe me, I make my living on the Savannah River but won't spend a moment in the industrial harbor if I can avoid it. Hope y'all come and enjoy every minute.

pirate36 · 09-13-2006, 12:22 AM

Tireless and Savgeorge's advice are right on. If you do opt to dock on the River, take Tireless' advice and call the Westin. Good luck and enjoy Savannah.

606zpx · 09-13-2006, 08:39 AM

Another Savannah person checking in. Echo the above comments. The Hyatt doesnt allow any boats below 25' and will run you off if you even approach the dock in a smaller boat (at least that was my experience). I offered to pay transient fees but that was not an option. Called the Westin and they were very gracious. They were pretty informal and said that if I was there for a couple-three hours then no charge. If I needed to stay there longer just see the folks inside. They have more protected space and there is always space available it seems. There are some private docks over by the market area (eastern end of River Street) but their minimum charge was $25 even if I were there for 1 hour....moreover the guy I talked to was kind of rude. So, when I am just going to River St. for a few hours and there is no public dockage available then I just tie up at the Westin and take the free ferry.

ceesfishing · 09-13-2006, 09:58 AM

thanks everyone, just the type of responses i was looking for. hopefully the weather will provide us with a nice day. i did take a trip a couple weeks ago around the back of dafusskie (sorry for spelling) and i agree it was a great trip. might even go that way coming and going just because its so much more scenic and better water.

thanks again