OK NJ Boaters...I'm down to two marina? Please help evaluate.

[davefin]

My top two choices for my 2008 NJ docking are Dillon's Creek Marina in Island Heights and Lighthouse Point Marina in Toms River.

Can anyone voice an opinion on these two to help me make a choice? I would like especially to hear from someone currently using these marinas.

As always, I really appreciate any information the members of this forum provide.

 

[ImpulseIII]

Davefin,

I was Dillon's Creek for about 8 years (and 3 boats) before we moved to the Chesapeake last Fall. You will not find a more attractive marina in New Jersey. The grounds are beautiful, and the deck and club house are first class. The marina manager, depending on who you speak with, is either the anti-christ or generally a decent enough guy. I had no problems with him so I am in the generally a good guy camp. I still have a lot of friends there and would be more than happy to discuss other aspects of Dillon's Creek with you offline (impulse56@comcast.net) or we can talk on the phone.

Just my $.02. Good luck with your decision.

 

[davefin]

Thanks Frank, for your response. I have a couple of questions that I will email to you.

 

[ImpulseIII]

Davefin,
I am on my way to the boat but I will answer your questions when I get back. Should be mid-afternoon.

 

[Bridog]

Come on guys, post it here. Maybe some others might be interested in a move someday too.

 

[rondds]

dave:
a group of us had contemplated Lighthouse Point a couple of years ago when green cove nailed us with a 20-something percent increase. we actually transiented there one night on our way back from beach haven ourselves just to check it out. we also went as a group (3 families) by car to stroll around and talk to management. we found it to be a great place. all brand new stuff. the pool is resort-like, office staff very friendly and helpful, park & set up a table behind your boat, no "no-wake" zones to plow through on your way out, very protected, cable tv. these were some PROS. .

as for CONS, the neighborhood is a bit "dismal" on that side of toms river and it would have been a longer drive from our house (extra 20-30min). we wound up NOT moving, partly for those reasons, but more so b/c for the savings, it wouldnt be worth it.

i think frank's recommendation speaks for itself. based on that, i'd strongly favor Dillon's Creek.

 

[davefin]

Thanks rondds, for the insight on Lighthouse Point. When my wife and I did the tour we too were concerned about the neighborhood. We also have a group of 4 boats trying to stay together as our bonds have grown quite strong over the past several years at our current marina. We are all going back to Dillon's Creek this weekend for a formal tour.

 

[ImpulseIII]

Dave,
Rronds is 100% right. The neighbor hood surrounding Lighthouse Point is far from desirable (unless you like an adult book store nearby so your kids have someplace to "hang"). The marina itself is well maintained and user friendly but you feel like you are going through a war zone just to get there. I have heard that the town fathers are trying to improve the area but who knows how long that will take.

We had a group of about 8 of us think about Lighthouse Point when it opened two years ago but the negatives far outweighed to pluses of DCM. The marina was nice and the management very accommodating but we opted to stay at DCM if for no reasons other than the deck and clubhouse!
Anyway, again just my $.02. Good luck.

ps....When you see Brian on Saturday, tell him he owes me!!!!!