We were delighted to see that The James Franco was exactly like the photos here. We felt we really got an authentic boat experience, with just the right amount of Rockaway vibe. Ben, the host, was friendly and communicative. You can tell he takes a lot of pride in his vessel. We weren't sure what to expect from the bathroom situation, but between the bathhouse at the marina and the toilets on the boat, it was definitely doable for a couple of nights. The marina is private, peaceful, and easily accessible to the boardwalk. Our visit to The James Franco was just what we needed to relax from the pace of city life.