Port Of Call – Donovan’s Shady Harbor Marina

As cruising boaters know, marinas come in all shapes and sizes… from simple, with just the basics, to super-fancy with every possible amenity with most falling somewhere in between.  It’s only natural that the longer you boat, the more you know about what you like in a marina.  The right balance of great docks and dockhands, plenty of amenities, welcoming personalities, a great restaurant, and stunning scenery can be hard to find in a marina.  Every so often we come across one that checks off all the boxes and strikes us as a real gem.  Donovan’s Shady Harbor Marina on the Hudson River in New Baltimore, New York is one such gem for many of those reasons and some unique ones as well.

Shady Harbor lies 129 statute miles north of the Battery (which is at the mouth of the Hudson in New York City), thirteen miles south of Albany, New York.  As you travel north on the river there are dozens of marinas along the way, many with decent docks and amenities and their own unique charm.  But none have as much of a feeling of being a quality destination unto itself as Shady Harbor.  In our opinion, it is the finest marina on the Hudson.  Owners Kathy and Brian Donovan have everything to do with that, not simply because they are good business people, but because they are passionate, long-time boaters.  They currently own a 75′ Motor Yacht which they have traveled extensively along the east coast and to the Bahamas.  They have high standards in what they like and expect in a marina and have done everything possible to create a place that they would want to visit on their boat.  And that approach will always win out over a committee of non-boaters running a place with what they imagine boaters would want.

If you read reviews of the marina you will invariably see high marks for the staff, whose level of training belies what you might expect from an upstate New York marina — again because of the Donovans’ high expectations.  Their ship’s store is also wonderful because they know what boaters on the move really need and want.  From food and beverage items including local meats and cheeses to an extensive inventory of boat parts and accessories, lots of t-shirts, boatware, gifts and myriad sundries – it’s just not what you’d expect in this neck of the woods.

With their 35-ton travel lift and full mechanical services, they specialize in helping boaters who come in with a problem and will do whatever they can to solve their issues and get them moving again as quickly as possible (but why would you want to leave?).  If you need to do some more extensive provisioning or hit West Marine there is a loaner car available.  Its convenient proximity to Albany International Airport makes the marina a popular spot for travelers to leave their boats for a spell to head home, confident in knowing that it will be looked after in their absence.

The Donovans have also put a great deal of energy into their wonderful on-site restaurant, The Boathouse Grille.  With its varied menu, lively indoor/outdoor bar and enormous deck with one of the best views on the river, it’s no wonder boaters and non-boaters alike pack the house, giving it a warm and festive energy.

And while all of this reads like a great list of features for any marina to have, what really makes the place is its vibe.  It has a fun and friendly environment that is fostered by the Donovans and resident boaters which makes every boater, whether stopping by for a night or a season, feel welcome and a part of someplace special.

If you find yourself at Donovan’s Shady Harbor Marina, be sure to tell them OLOH sent you – and be sure to ask Brian or Kathy about Little Beers!

www.shadyharbormarina.com

Dockage reservations can be made through Dockwa or by calling Donovan’s Shady Harbor Marina at 518.756.8001.