This marina provides professional staff and courteous service. The marina store is well stocked with top quality products to maintain your boat. I have used them for two projects that worked out very well. Eric and his crew hauled my 43' full keeled sailboat out for bottom paint and prop treatment. They did an excellent job. My costs were as quoted. I next had Tim upgrade my electronics with new Garmin equipment. He helped me choose the right units and installed them flawlessly. It was expensive, but the electronics are exactly what i needed and they work perfectly. Well worth the money. I am very satisfied. The facilities are top of the line. I love my boat and i want it safe and secure. Thats why I choose to keep my boat at Barber Marina. I cant see me keeping my boat anywhere else. read more

Barber Marina - Marinas Near Me - Elberta, Alabama

We had our boat at this marina for almost 18 months. The first year went fine with no issues. For context we own a 22 ft center console fishing boat. My husband is the primary boater and just recently turned 70 and has developed knee issues (total knee replacement surgery). We were no longer able to get in and out of the boat safely without falls so the time came to sell the boat. At this point our boat had been at Barber for 18 months with never a problem. We pulled the boat, told the marina we were cancelling and fully expected to get hit with at least one months charges for a "30 day notice". That is not what happened. They told us since we did not cancel at the one year mark the contract automatically rolled over for another year - we were never informed it was an auto renew. My bad for not catching that but still we gave them 30 days notice. They then told us we would have to pay the monthly rate for the time it had been in the boatel AND they kept our security deposit. When we asked them why we weren't getting at least our security deposit back we were told that was the policy since we did not cancel at the one year mark. That's crap. This place is just looking for ways to separate you from your money - go some place else. Lastly, there's nothing out there. No restaurants, no shops, no nothing. Just this really crappy marina. read more

Barber Marina has lots of good reviews by visitors citing the pristine grounds, the statues, the clean, pristine grounds... and that is all true. The staff are friendly & professional when you first walk up. But when it really comes down to it, to money, to the opportunity for actual integrity and fair business beyond cheap talk, friendly tones, and smiles, that's when things get a little uglier. I chose their advertised "Bottom Job" at the published per-foot rate -- about $3,500 for my boat, paint included. It was presented as a normal, defined service: prep the bottom, paint it, put the boat back in the water. Nothing made it clear that the price could multiply several times over, or that the boat could, as result, end up trapped in the yard while daily fees just kept running indefinitely. Once they hauled it, they said they would only put ten hours into it. When that did almost nothing, it became $150 an hour per guy. The "flat rate" job was suddenly heading toward $15k-$18k, realistically, if they were to complete their 'Bottom Job like they were supposed to for $3,500'. I brought people in and we put over 100 hours into that bottom ourselves. Still didn't do shit. So I rented sandblasting equipment, fully wrapped the boat in tarps, and was just about to start. One of their guys came over acting innocently curious and interested in what I was doing... then, without saying or implying I wasn't allowed to sandblast, went and reported me. They said I couldn't sandblast because the sand could travel. Fair, but I'd just... enclosed my boat. "Yeah, but liability" Of what... sandblasting equipment is safe compared to other things I've been doing... "Yeah, but, rules are rules". They said they could move me soon but not yet so I had to rent the several hundred dollar / day equipment through the weekend and finally after delays they moved me to their "sandblasting booth" for another $1,400. It was outdoor, three (not four) metal walls with no roof and that let sand blow all throughout the yard, incomparably more than my tarps would have, if at all. I literally watched the sand blow throughout much of the yard on multiple occasions, onto peoples boats. They hurried me out of the spot because someone else was supposed to move in before I was able to finish. I then said I needed to go back in and finish it, and they said I wasn't allowed to sandblast, and that one of them had just let me do it as a favor even though they weren't supposed to. (Someone who knows how to incorporate integrity and fairness into business, who unfortunately was not in the management position.) They randomly said I had to pay $2,500 upfront before they'd blast it. Even though I'd already taken most of the coating off, they still charged $3,500. It was also two weeks before they were able to put me in, when it was only supposed to be a few days. When I asked if they would be charging me for all those daily rates while I was waiting to be sandblasted, they said "of course", like it was unreasonable that I'd ask. They stopped while big sections still had coatings I could easily and widely flake off with my fingers, then said they were finished and weren't doing anything more. Finally, they said they'd finish sandblasting, but only if I bought the rest of the material (+$400). The whole time the $80-$90 a day storage fees just kept adding up. By the end I was looking at around $15,000. That's the best their staff can do as a "favor.", and they had to break the rules to do it. I was already thousands over the original quote just trying to finish the job they were supposed to do, and the "favor" was not charging me even more after they stopped me. This is the real problem: if you authorize what looks like a defined bottom job at a published per-foot rate, and the cost jumps several times higher, you may not be able to pay the boat out, finish the work, or get it back in the water. The boat ends up stuck in the yard -- not because you wanted to store it there, but because the bill got so high you can't get it out. Then the daily fees just keep compounding, way past the original price and past what the boat is even worth. That's exactly what happened to me. From the day they hauled it, I was already trapped. Barber Marina, unlike any boatyard I'm aware of, also does not offer yearly rates, so their daily fee (around $80 for me), which would not have been a problem if the bottom job only took a few days like they said, adds up quite quickly over a span of your vessel being stuck there. These are my raised points of confusion and concerns about their business model, their shady practices, their handling of customers, and their misleading advertising. If you're thinking about doing any bottom work here, just understand that their 'Bottom Job' service, may not render your boat in any sort of condition where it's ready to be hauled, short of a difference up to several times the fixed, per foot rate they advertise. read more

I originally came out to Barber Marina to see the Lady In The Bay, but she was removed when I searched for her. I asked a staff member and I think she was out for refurbishment. She is supposed to be in Bay La Launch. The drive out here is pretty nice. Good thing for me (and you) is that there are other sights you can visit while out here. On your way in on Barber Parkway, you will pass Bamahenge, Dinosaurs In The Woods, Giant Sundial, and Knights In The Woods. Some are a little hidden, but if you know to look for them, you can find them! Everything is free to enjoy as long as you can find them! The marina is very well kept! On the way in, there is a large fountain at the roundabout. I was greeted by one of the resident cats! On the steps by the shop were a couple more cats. I loved petting the one and watching the other two take their cat nap! On the deck of the Ship Store, there are some intricately carved "Crab" chairs. All around the area are dolphins, pelican, and seahorses sculptures, too! I'm not sure if I'll make another special drive out here just to see the Lady In The Bay although I really would have liked to have seen her! read more

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I enjoy leaving my boat here. I keep in the dry storage and use the app on my phone to request when to have it pulled. Once I check in the boat is in the water in minutes even on a busy day. They take care of being careful with my boat and the staff are awesome. They are also accommodating to place the boat on the racks outside and provide me time to clean the inside. They will wash down the outside as well as flush out the motor. I highly recommend using this marina. read more

Barber Marina - After a day on the water placing my boat on the rack for cleaning. - Marinas Near Me - Elberta, Alabama

It cost me $1200 to re-learn a few important lessons about Marina/Boatyards here.... 1) Take detailed photos of the boat when they pull it/before you leave the yard. 2) Document work orders/quotes in writing. 3) Physically check on the work in progress frequently. I took my boat here to have the bottom painted, was quoted a fair price on the phone by Hannah and set the date/time for haul out. Arrived at prescribed time, they were ready and waiting....all good so far. Hauled boat and after quick inspection (mistake #1 - should have taken photos), was quoted $40/ft for compound/wax hull sides (mistake #2 - should have had price and work request in writing). They indicated the boat "might" be ready in 4 days....no problem, I'm not in a hurry...but they do charge a yard fee for every day, so shorter is certainly better. No word from anybody, so on day 4 (Friday) I call just before noon to check on progress. Hannah says "let me check and call you back". (Mistake #3 - should have gone out for physical progress checks) About 1:30, I get a call back from Hannah and yard manager Dale. They sent some photos of hull damage sent by text. They've cut away a 4"x12" piece of fiberglass and tell me it was damaged when I brought the boat to them....hmmm. I ask why was I not called when this was discovered...and before someone started cutting on it? Their reply was "It wasn't noticed until after it was pressure washed, and the guy who noticed doesn't speak good English". Never mind the pressure washing commenced when the boat was still wet and in the slings on day 1.....this is now day 4. I wonder, did the guy cutting away the fiberglass also have communication issues??? I go out to see the damage first thing Monday (they're closed on the weekend). Since the fiberglass is cut away, so is the evidence of what might have happened.... Dale insisted they did not cause the damage. No sense arguing, they hold all the cards at this point so I agreed to pay for repair. Tuesday afternoon, boat is ready and I go pay the bill. Surprise again....hull compounding is now $45/foot (vs. $40 quoted)...seems quotes are variable here. Hannah says they can adjust price if they want to. Anyway, the work looks decent (time will tell), but overall experience left a sour taste. Not even a "thanks for your business" after a $7000 bill. Don't be fooled by this place. Most positive reviews are about the setting...it's in the middle of nowhere and has a bunch of weird dinosaur statues, ornate statues, and a giant lady in the water. Great place for a drive by with the kids (if you are looking for something to do in Josephine, Alabama) but nothing special about the boatyard or Marina. read more

Barber Marina - Marinas Near Me - Elberta, Alabama

This place was eh! We stopped here during our road trip and we were not impressed. Definitely Not a tourist spot and so anti climactic read more

Everything is top shelf . A total class act for the boating public. Full service and fully appointed.

Love taking a drive out here thru all the gorgeous trees..some bama billionaire built what he calls bamahenge,along with dinosaurs and lady of the lake sculptures..we wanted to get out but too many people sightseeing so I didnt get all the pictures I would have liked, we will take another trip out there once all these tourists go home..it was a beautiful day ,very breezy nice to get out .. read more

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Barber is a whimsical, beautifully maintained marina with a full service staff, great facilities, and the obligatory perfect marina kitty! Sculptures, fountains, and surprises dot the grounds and one could easily spend a day just finding them all. The restrooms are air conditioned, there's a well stocked marina shop, and we found carts (All in good condition.) for easy boat loading. The docks themselves are mostly floating concrete and I loved the boat wash down stations. There's a fuel dock and maintenance, making this truly a one stop shop. If you are a large boat there are a limited number of wet slips but there's a don of dry storage indoors for medium sized and small vessels. All in all, I consider this one of the premier marinas in our area and love visiting whenever I can! read more

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We don't have a boat - yet. We simply went to see the Lady in the Lake. The Lady is a fifty foot sculpture of a lady who appears to be bathing in the Bayou La Launch. It's just a super cool, free, roadside attraction. I would suggest going through the roundabout and taking the far left road and heading down to the Ship Store and seeing her from that pier for the best view. In addition to the Lady, there are several other smaller sculptures, an impressive fountain in the roundabout, a gorgeous marina with a nice Ship Store, clean restrooms and even a little laundry room. While you're there, you may as well admire all of the big nice boats. It's my understanding that the Lady is not always in the lake. It's sensible that she would be removed at times. If you're going just to see her, call first to verify that she's out there. If you like big boats and sculptures, it's still worth seeing. read more

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We are new to Elberta so we went for a drive to explore. This marina is beautiful and full of surprises. We've visited 6-7 times now just to walk around the grounds, enjoy the water and look at all the beautiful boats. Definitely worth the drive. Great family photo ops throughout the grounds and bama hedge. A wonderful place to get some exercise and enjoy the peace and quiet. We'd love to have a boat and slip there some day. read more

I kept a sailboat in a wet slip for several years here and was always pleased with the costs and quality of services. The infrastructure was great before Sally and presumably will be again after reconstruction. The grounds are interesting for those who need a break from sitting on board and would like some exercise, there's a small but clean laundry, the restrooms with showers are well-maintained and the dock store prices are reasonable. There's also a service shop that often has the odd part or hose you need. There are easily accessible bay beaches for walking in either direction as well. No, there are no ramps to roll carts down to the boats from the parking area. That would be a nice addition. The concrete floating docks are very convenient and electricity is individually metered. The folks who keep boats and are around the marina often are a good crowd. It's a bit off the beaten track, but if the Wolf Bay Bridge is ever built it won't be! Worst exposure is winds from the southeast but generally it's pretty calm in the marina. Wet slip capacity was greatly reduced after Sally, so call ahead if. you're considering that. read more

This is one of "ROADSIDE AMERICA's" local attractions and since I am a sucker for giant rocking chairs, movie props and vacuum cleaner museums, we had to visit this Elberta attraction. There are no signs; no advertisements or directions. GPS will get you to the marina but its up to you to keep your eyes peeled for the 20' T Rex (and other dinosaurs); the stone henge replica; giant metal spider; Lady in the Water and other garden sculptures. The dinos have seen better days and are in need of repair. The spider is WONderful as are the rest. This is a free attraction and worth the visit. read more

Its not a resort so if you are looking for tennis a swimming pool and lots of amenities, forget it. But if you want reasonable dockage, professional staff, rock solid Bellingham piers, Professional[Hatteras] dealership with quick work that is spot on. AND secluded enough to see deer every evening and QUIET! Come on down, there are plenty of slips. This is a gem . Sure to grow quick. 10 bucks a foot. I am not looking forward to Ft Lauderdale fees..... read more

The Barber Marina is a great place to visit for many reasons. The location makes it "on the way" or "near by" or just a fun day trip. On the way up to the Marina, or saved for the way out, you'll have the opportunity to visit Bamahenge and discover the four dinosaurs along the way. At the end of Neptune's way you'll come up on to a fountain as beautiful as any you'd find in the grand gardens of Europe. At the actual Marina you can spot the alligator on your way to the waterfront to see the spectacular boats docked. Walk along the docks and there she rests in the Marina! The lady in the lake looks so peaceful resting near the edge of the Marina. We missed seeing the knights on land near the lovely lady and also the giant spider on the other side of the dry dock. What a lovely visit we had! read more

We had a great time today checking out the dinosaurs and Bamahenge. Even enjoyed searching and finding the knights. Beautiful property. Everything was clean and well manicured. Lady in the water was neat and we loved seeing all the boats. Perfect for children and free! A hidden gem! read more

To far out to get a cab or an Uber and they have no courtesy car! No way to get to a store or go to a restaurant unless you rent a car and have it delivered to you at the Marina! Floating docks are nice and bathrooms as well. When there is lots of ICW traffic it gets pretty rolly, knock you off your feet if you are caught by surprise. read more

We have had 3 boats dry docked at Barber Marina, everything from a 32 foot, 26 foot and now a pontoon boat. They have always been good to work with, yea summer and holiday weekends get a little crazy but after being at another OB marina and having our boat hit three times because the docks are so tight you will appreciate Barber Marina. The bath facilities are very nice and well kept and they even added a bench in the shower at my request so you don't have to sit your bag on the wet floor. So we are still there and I think if you try other marinas you will find this one is about as good as there is to offer in our area. read more

If you need a place for work to be done on your boat, consider Saunders, they do quality work at a good price and don't charge you for every paper towel they use and the people are nice too. Matt at Barbers is so arrogant and full of himself, that people can't stand to be in the same room with him. I don't know about you, but I can find a better environment then that...I love my boat and I want the best work done for my money and not over charged. read more

Beautiful marina. HORRIBLE staff. They are unbelievably rude. They have very little traffic but talk frequently about how "slammed" they are. They make customers feel like crooks. They treat people trying to do business with them like they're doing THEM a favor. It's really unbelievable that a business that carries the Barber name is so poorly run. They aren't busy for a reason. And it isn't their remote location. read more