Oakland Marinas

First I'm going to disclose in all honesty that I am an employee at the Oakland Marinas Office. I'm a recent hire as the maintenance supervisor.

Prior to my arrival, I will admit that the docks have been not maintained well at all. Horrible! Fortunately they hired me and I am dedicated to getting the docks back in great order. A company has been hired to completely revamp the docks in Jack London Square

I am not going to lie there are and remain many problems but the company is dedicated to her solving those and providing great slips for not a lot of money

It's going to take time but we will get it done and we just ask your patience

My dad has a boat here, and you can read all about our adventures here.
http://www.7bamboo.com/cms/?q=node/384

Let's get to the Marina though.

Almar Marina can be Unlawfully good, or Chaotically evil depending on your character alignment (Old Dungeons and Dragons Reference). Question isn't is it good or bad, the question is are YOU good or bad? Quoting Obi Wan Kenobi from Star Wars:

"Mos Isley spaceport, you will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy, we must be careful."

This particular Marina is situated across the street from the Oakland Harborside pot club, behind a motel 6 that seems to be running a prostitution ring. I know this for a fact, because the hookers are always trying to get guys that walk by to come into their rooms, and one of my friends actually followed a pair of them in one day! I just kept walking, and waited for him by the car because I'm a good boy, and the thought of some pimp waiting in the closet to come out and beat my ass when my pants are down doesn't appeal to me. My friend said the hookers hoo hoo smelled like Mike Tysons armpit.


All of this is in plain sight of the coast guard island. Thing is, stuff like this doesn't bother me one bit. I actually enjoy some of the character it adds to the place. I *HAVE* to walk past the hookers on my way to the boat. The hookers all know me now, and they know I won't touch them so they leave me alone.

The Marina facilities themselves are nice enough, with power and water hookups, keycard gates, and a really good staff. Even without the people watching entertainment, it's a solid 4. I've had a few times where I forgot my key, they just called my father to confirm I had access to the boat and to let me in.

The liveaboard neighbors are really cool too once you get to know them. (Liveaboard = lives on their ship for you landlubbers) My father and I are full on boating noobies, and every neighbor out there has helped us at twice on several occasions.

So if you're slipped around a bunch of snobs, or you just happen to like your marina and neighbors a bit on the grey side, Oakland Marina is for you.

Electrical system is dangerously unmaintained, ditto the water.
Gangway rails broken.
Docks dangerously unsteady in many areas.
Office staff has two modes of communication... curt or rude!
Most recent water outage (there have been many due to breaks or Not Paying The Bill) was IGNORED FOR FOUR DAYS even with repeated calls from slip renters who were without working rest rooms!

Showed up at 2:10 to fuel up turns out they go to lunch from 2 to 3 (?) Disappointing but ok. Called to make sure they would be open at 3. Informed attendant would be there at 3. At 3:15 called where is attendant oh she will be there shortly. 3:20 she shows up with husband and 2 kids, who make themselves comfortable and start watching TV. Thread my way through family circle to get fuel.

Just called the marina and got a busy signal. In 2013 that's weird!
Why only one other review tor this marina? Is it listed under another name. If so, the reviews should be consolidated.