Sugar Barge guest slip info request

P

Patrick Griffin

Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2000
RO Number
2910
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108
Any of you stayed at Sugar Barge marina in the guest docks? I am looking for some information like, security, noise from the restaurant, boat wakes going by, showers, etc. We are planning a trip with friends staying in the RV park. So getting a slip at the marina would be very convenient. Any info would be welcomed. I really don't like their no cancellation policy because it's tough to pay for 5 nights 6 months in advance but oh well.
 
Patrick, although I've never stayed overnight at the dock, my slip is fairly close nearby and I think I can answer your questions.

First, this is the very best [and expensive] place to stay at Bethel Island as far as public docks/RV parks go. They try to make everything "first class". The No Cancellation policy is because they are in high demand in the summer. However, I'd suggest speaking to the dock manager, different then the RV manager, I believe, to see if he'll refund if someone else rents your space. Get it in writing!

Security is as good as they can make it: locked docks; personnel with their eyes open; cameras and alarms. However, access to the docks from the water is where thieves, who like Sugar Barge as a target, can gain access. Ask your neighbors to keep an eye on your boat and you'll do the same for them. I have a motion sensing device from Radio Shack for $15 that sets off a shrill alarm. Works really well with no false alarms!

Noise from the restaurant can be very loud if they are having entertainment on the outside deck! However, they shut that down after 10PM and most music is in the daytime. Inside the restaurant and bar can be very noisy but they have done a good job of containing it to inside, so the docks remain quiet after 10PM and until 9AM or so. They strictly enforce the rules at the RV park and the docks.

Boat wakes can be a problem and most wakes will hit broadside, but most boaters know that entire end of Piper Slu is a "No Wake Zone". However, they are near the seawall opening so a lot of traffic comes and goes.

They have very well maintained, clean showers which require a combination to access. Again, this is a first rate resort!

Have fun and let us know how your visit was after you return!
 
Thanks Flutterby. Other than the No Cancellation policy I was ready to at least pay for the first nights stay but I have never heard of full payment for 6 months in advance. The first night with full payment due 30 days or so before would be acceptable. What other marinas are there that are close to the RV park at Sugar Barge. Something within a short walk.
You mentioned about thieves from the water. Is that a common occurence? I don't plan on leaving the boat except for visiting our friends in the RV park. I hope I don't have to much of an issue with things walking away. I normally lock the cabin when away from the boat anyway. Thanks again for the info.
 
Patrick, I have been a Sugar Barge dry storage customer for 7 years and have not had anything stolen from my boat at the docks. In fact the Contra Costa County sheriff's boat is in a berth at Sugar Barge adjacent to the launch ramp. There is no longer a separate manager for the Marina. They do fill up in the summer and on the holidays so if you don't want to move you might want to reserve for your full visit in advance. If you want to check out other places this web site shows what is along that shore http://www.margaritamile.com/ Enjoy your stay. Dawg
 
Dawg, when Sugar Barge first started renting the dry storage area, it got ripped off big time! That is when the owners upgraded their security, not only for the dry storage area, but for the entire complex. They do take their security seriously which is very good. Yes, the Sheriff's boat is docked there, but the Sheriff is only around when they are going on patrol. They sure don't have time to hang around the docks and rarely patrol after dark.

Patrick, don't leave things laying about the cockpit or on the dock and keep everything out of sight. A most popular items for thieves is fishing gear. And most of the thievery is done by kids and young adults who don't want to work to pay for their drugs!!!! Last summer the yacht clubhouse was broken into and they hauled out a big old safe. Fortunately for us, no money is ever left onsite, but we did loose the original charter documents from 1948. If you are a member of a yacht club, you can stay at our docks free for the first two nights and a small fee per night after that. Call the club for info: 925-684-9985.
 
Thanks for the info on berths at the yacht club but we are not members of any club except our local waterski club. We are still looking into some other areas that will accommodate an RV and slip for my cruiser. We stayed at Tower Park last year but did not like the way the marina was run at all for guest slips. But, we will probably stay at Sugar Barge and pay the money up front.
 
Russo's is nearby. Not as fancy as Sugar Barge but they have both RV and docking. Docking is included in price of RV. However, they have Professional Bass Tournaments almost every weekend and it gets very busy! Management gives priority to the tournaments. http://www.russosmarina.com/index.html
 
When I got my first boat, the first time we took it out we launched at Sugar barge and stayed at the guest dock. This was almost 10 years ago, but we really enjoyed it. Not sure what the restaurant is like these days, but back then it was fantastic. The restaurant has changed a number of times over the years including this past year.
 
Paradise at Sugar Barge, as it is now known, is very good. The same folks operate a couple of Sports Bars in Brentwood. They have an extensive menu and are willing to make substitutions you may request. They are expensive. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Breakfast may be weekends only depending on the season. Make reservations for dinner for weekends.......
 
The last time I was there was a couple years back and it sucked. Worst ribs I've ever had. I haven't been to Paradise yet, but I'll have to try it.
 
Paradise replaced that terrible rib place. He closed after just one year. Paradise is a BIG improvement! They know how to run a restaurant and don't need to make a profit here. They signed a 10 yr lease when they took it over, so they are in for the long haul. If the prices don't scare you away, it is well worth the money and they do have a few items for under $10-15 per person.
 
As always, good info from you. Thanks! I always forget about that discount "thingy".......
 
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