Several posters have recommended that you anchor out rather than use
marinas. I completely agree but worry about making that happen. The
cruising guides with which I am familiar tout the marinas (probably
because they are the ones who buy ads in the guides). The guides seem
to rarely tell about very many good anchorages and, importantly, where
you can land your dingy. Can anyone recommend guides for the East
Coast and the Bahamas that emphasis anchoring or at least give it fair
coverage?

Lee Huddleston
s/v Truelove
lying Sea Gate Marina
Beaufort, NC