Don't be put off. There are plenty of shore hards around the Athens area. Three on the North of Aegina, one at Poros, two on Salamina, and one just south of Chalkis, the bridge joining Evia with the mainland. All are well connected with Athens by frequent ferries or buses. Lavrion boat yard has superb faicilities if you need any work doing.

Broadly, avoid the marinas around Athens. Only some have hards, but prices are high for what you get.

The more ethnic you get, the cheaper it is - pulling out on a wooden sled is quite fun, but needs nerves of steel. Just make sure you can get a metal cradle - they survive earthquakes better . . .

Don't reject Levkas or Kalamata; respectively 6 hours and four hours by frequent buses from Athens.

You'll find all this stuff buried in my website - I think!