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Please Note That Postings Below From Fellow Cruisers Are Listed in Chronological Order, Based on Publication Date
Dowry Creek Marina is a fine family owned and family run marina. Off the AICW/Pungo River, north of Belhaven, NC, Dowry Creek Marina has long been a favorite among cruisers, as Jim and Talley attest below.
Cruising News:
We all tend to remember things being bigger, prettier, and brighter than they really were. Then we return to the best marina on the entire AICW, Dowry Creek Marina, and we see that it is just as big, just as bright, and Mary is just as pretty as we remember. Maybe even more than we remember. And, suddenly, the whole world is a good place to be, and Dowry Creek Marina is the best place to be. Wherever we cruise, we always measure how far we are from Mary, and how long it will take to get back to her.
Jim and Talley Powell
We totally agree! Dowry Creek is our favorite stopping place and Mary and her crew are tops!
Marshall and Patty Timm
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dowry Creek Marina
Alligator River Marina lies on the western shore of the mouth of the Alligator River/AICW, just north of the swing bridge and southwest of flashing daybeacon #12. This facility provides the ONLY readily available dockage and fuel along the patch of the AICW between Coinjock, Elizabeth City and Dowry Creek/Belhaven!
This facility has always inspired strong feelings from cruisers. Some, like Captains Jim and Talley below, really like it. Others have had different sorts of things to say here on the Cruisers’ Net. Speaking personally, we have always gotten along famously with “Miss Wanda,” but, then again, we’ve known each other for many years!
Cruising News:
The Alligator River Marina is the oasis we all try to find when we’ve been out too long. It is the fertile ground where new friendships spontaneously grow, and where old friends are glad to see you again.
Great fried chicken and hamburgers. Outstanding breakfasts. Clean showers and laundry facilities. Friendly staff.
The only reason we ever leave Wanda and the gang is so we can have all the fun of coming back again. And, we will. Again and again.
Jim and Talley Powell
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Alligator River Marina
This stretch of the Waterway is noted for “deadheads” and other floaters which hang around for days and weeks, sometimes causing considerable damage if hit at high speed. Thanks to Capt. Mustad, you have a specific zone in which to be extra cautious! Hopefully, the object will have drifted or been towed away before you arrive.
Cruising News:
Hit submerged tree just north of mile marker 120 with keel of 5-ft draft. Tide was near zero. The impact was about 15-20 feet green side of center. Advise staying red side of center through this area.
Arnstein Mustad
We came up the Alligator/Pungo Canal ( heading North) and saw this tree stump on starboard side of boat on inside of the channel to the south side..on May 12, 2012…if a boat had been passing at the time it could force a boat onto it…being at low tide it was very visable but think at higher tide it may not be…continue to be very cautious going through the area for about 1 to 2 miles north of mile marker 120 to avoid it and stay very mid channel…safe passage to you all
S/V Colleen Mae
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Mile 120
Belhaven/Pantego Creek Anchorage is found on the waters of Pantego Creek, off the Pungo River, west-southwest of unlighted daybeacon #8. The town of Belhaven is within easy dinghy distance, and there is NEW dockage available at the recently opened city dock. (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=81838)
Belhaven anchorage is much the same today as it was when we first read about it in your “Cruising Guide to Coastal North Carolina” – plenty of room to anchor in 10 ft but still having a couple of shallow places near G11. You can still anchor beyond the daymark, which is within rowing distance to the National Wildlife provided boat ramp, where we left our dinghys. Additional dockage for dinghies is provided by the city at mid-town, but it’s a higher step up to land. I’ve heard it said that Belhaven is not good anchoring because of the soft mud but in the several times I have anchored here there’s been no trouble in up to 20 knots of wind. River Forest Marina still has diesel, water and pump out and charges $1.50 per foot for dockage. At a separate location River Forest also has a full service yard with an excellent mechanic.
We ate out at the one restaurant we could find, Fishhooks, where we had cocktails and and excellent meal at very reasonable prices. An Ace Hardware is in the middle of town and has it’s own library (of all things) with very inexpensive used books for sale on an amazingly wide variety of subjects.
Fair Winds and Following Seas,
Brian Walter
Belhaven has new town docks in the center of town with no fee ! No electric or pumpout for free but nice.
The best seafood we have had in a long time is 4 blocks from the dock at Georgies in Belhaven. Georgies is a great value too.
Keith and Joy Reising
aboard “Great Mates II”
44 Atlantic MY
We stayed at the new town dock at Belhaven, NC this last week.
Narrow entrance, but basin to turn around. Room for three to four boats depending on size. Tie to poles, no cleats. No water or power, No assistance unless someone is there.
Right in the middle of town, short walk down to Georgies Sports and Oyster bar, where the seafood is great. Sitting at the bar the guys will shuck your steamed oysters. We rafted up to companion boat comfortably for the night.
I would stay here again.
Mike and Gail Preston
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Pantego Creek/Belhaven Anchorage
Alligator River Marina flanks the western banks of the AICW’s run down broad Alligator River, immediately north of the Alligator River swing bridge.
Cruising News:
We have completed dredging the entrance to the Alligator River Marina and now have a depth of eight (8′)feet. We apologize to our boater friends for their inconvenience the last few weeks. We appreciate each and every one and look forward to your visits. We wish for you a joyful and safe summer and look forward to seeing you soon.
Ms. Wanda
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Alligator River Marina
Dowry Creek Marina is a fine family owned and family run marina. Off the AICW/Pungo River, north of Belhaven, NC, Dowry Creek Marina has long been a favorite among cruisers.
Dowry Creek Marina always has been a good stop. Mary and her crew are the best and the accommodations are fabulous!
Marshall
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dowry Creek Marina
Alligator River Marina lies on the western shore of the mouth of the Alligator River/AICW, just north of the swing bridge and southwest of flashing daybeacon #12. This good news comes from owner and operator, and our good friend, Ms. Wanda.
Cruising News:
We have completed dredging the entrance to the Alligator River Marina and now have a depth of eight (8′)feet. We apologize to our boater friends for their inconvenience the last few weeks. We appreciate each and every one and look forward to your visits. We wish for you a joyful and safe summer and look forward to seeing you soon.
Ms. Wanda
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Alligator River Marina
Alligator River Marina lies on the western shore of the mouth of the Alligator River/AICW, just north of the swing bridge and southwest of flashing daybeacon #12.
On a recent ICW trip we were unsure about stopping at Alligator River Marina after reading some reviews. On March 22,2012 we stopped and were met at the gas pumps. We ate in the grill and found all of the staff very friendly and helpful. Wanda went out of her way to help our overnight stay comfortable. We were in a small ( 19′ ) boat so our spending was limited to 20 gal. gas, slip fee, two meals in the grill. Very pleased, they had only been open one week after being closed for Winter.
James Truckner
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Alligator River Marina
The entrance to East Lake and South Lake anchorages lies along the AICW/Alligator River’s easterly shoreline, east of flashing daybeacon #10. We strongly suggest that you NOT attempt to access this anchorage without a well functioning GPS chartplotter aboard. A portion of the approach runs through a narrow, unmarked, neck-like channel. Easy to do with a chartplotter, but very difficult with DR navigation.
Heading northbound. Winds were howling today, gusts to 30 mph. Hopeful that the bridge would open. Great bridgetender. Went to the anchorage in Little Alligator River…nasty, crossed the river to the East & South Lakes. Followed our GPS to the middle of the South Lake. Five boats anchored here tonight in very calm water despite the 15 MPH winds. Will definitely keep this anchorage in mind the next time we are in the area. Our 5’5″ draft had no problem getting in here! (3/29/12)
Just noticed the statement for sufficient room for 38 foot vessels, every boat in here tonight is over 40 feet. Can’t believe the room back here. So much room, a beautiful anchorage.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of East and South Lake Anchorages
I just made an in-person visit to River Forest less than two weeks ago, and can verify Captain Loew’s info below. River Forest Marina continues to operate, sell fuel and accept transients, and the nearby repair yard under the same ownership. also remains open for business. However, the once popular restaurant and inn, which was located in the beautiful manor house sitting just behind the docks, has now been sold, and it would seem as if its future will revolve around private parties.
While having my boat hauled out for a bottom job at the River Forest Shipyard, owner Axson Smith informed me that he had just sold the River Forest Manor (as of 3/19/2012) and ajoining grounds to a private party who intends to use it as an upscale wedding facility. So cruisers who have looked forward to this stop along the ICW for it’s restaurant and bar will need to look elsewhere from now on. The shipyard and TowBoat US services will continue as usual.
“S/V Footloose”,
Pungo Creek, NC
And we just received this good news:
The Restaurant will be reopening in July every nite serving steaks, seafood and a oyster bar. Yes the weddings will be offered as they have always been. I provided services for 11 weddings myself last year. It is not a fair statement to say boater will have to look elsewhere.
New bathrooms were built in 2010. Many new improvements have been made on the docks. We also have new golfcarts and expanded wifi available on the pier.
Capt. Axson Smith Jr.
cell 252-945-5579
axson@riverforestmarina.com
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of River Forest Marina
Jordan Creek lies well to the west-northwest of the Waterway’s flashing daybeacon #4, along Pungo River’s westerly banks. This stream plays host to the River Rat Yacht Club, one of the most fun loving organizations of its type to be found anywhere.
Cruisers sometimes anchor on the waters of Jordan Creek, and we do list this haven in our “North Carolina Anchorage Directory.” However, while we have always found 4 1/2 foot depths if this stream is carefully approached, the thin water reported below by Captain Beard is for real!
I have gone in here and anchored off the club. Entrance is marked but shallow, less than 4ft.
Earl Beard
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Jordan Creek
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jordan Creek
Construction on this municipal dock was begun this past fall and its completion is very welcome news for folks wanting to visit the charming town of Belhaven. Docking is free with a 24 hour limit and the dock also provides dinghy dockage for cruisers anchored in the nearby Pantego Creek Anchorage.
Just thought you might like to know the Belhaven Town dock has been finished. I have attached three photos of the 1st two boats to dock. The BYC (Belhaven Yacht Club) found and assisted the town of Belhaven in getting the grant to do this project.
Andy Fisher
Cruising News:
Had the opportunity to be the first boat docked at the ‘New’ Bellhaven Town dock. Spent the night of 28 December there while aboard a Pearson 424… found pleanty of water for the 6′ draft. We took soundings in the dingy before we went in, and found 8′ all the way in (stay close to the old pilings). The entry channel has good water just stay in the middle until you see the new dock (near the hospital). Stayed the night with a friend on a Southern Cross 31 and were joined by another sailboat the next day. Local paper came out and officially pronounced the dock “open” (we made the front page).
The dock was constructed with money from a grant, and while no signs are up now, there is to be a 24hour limit. Trash disposal is available, and there is a public restroom across the parking lot. Close to the hardware store, and restaurant… great stop!
S/V Faith
Great News! I will make it a regular stop. And if there is any $$$ left over, how about installing a HarborCam so I can see from the waterway if there is room at the dock? Just asking.
Roger Hitchner
Painter, Hershine 41
Amenities? I don’t see power hookups,etc.
Al Ross
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Belhaven, NC
The anchorage referred to below by Captain Anderson lies upstream of Dowry Creek Marina, a facility that many other cruisers have reported favorably upon.
While I agree that this anchorage is a very solid location to get out of strong winds, our experience at Dowry Creek Marina was an eye opening!
When I went in and spent money for fuel and ice I even asked if they wanted a fee for trash and water and was told no thanks. Later in the day, after we bought more fuel, (again by our dinghy) we were befriended by a fellow cruiser on the dock and were invited to the happy hour that night by him. When we showed up we were told by the marina that only docked boats could participate. Further they said they did not have dinghy facilities and that we would have to leave the premises! Next time the gentleman said, “take one or our docks!”.
Note that we sail a very low freeboard trimaran and the docks at the marina were not even considered by us. Too high to reach and facing the wrong way for the forecasted bag weather. Why would we want our boat pinned to rough pilings during the big wind when we can swing with the weather that was forecasted??
Right now we are at a dock (a beautiful floater) so we do spend money! I’ll anchor in Upper Dowry Creek perhaps again but will NEVER set foot at the marina. It has easily been the low point of our cruise south to date!!
Dick Anderson
Why would you expect to benefit and enjoy the amenities of the marina while anchored. It just makes sense to me that if you want to participate then pay the slip rate. I would resent you getting the same treatment as a paying customer.
Rick Bearden
Sorry You had a bad experience there, it has been one of our favorite stops, and always been friendly, of course we did pay for dockage, so I guess that’s why. I know the Lady lost her husband and is having a hard time keeping the place going. I am still a bit surprised that they treated You that way, and understand Your post. They seemed to be real sail friendly when we were there, did the marina change hands? Do You know?
Captain Clay
We’ve stayed at Dowry Creek marina at least four times, the most recently 11-3-11. They are the most friendly and accommodating people we’ve had the pleasure to meet. They have very nice facilities (restrooms, showers, pool, boaters lounge.) They go out of their way to assist anyone paying for a slip, with hands always ready to help with lines. I saw them out in driving rain and winds on 11-4-11 assisting boaters dock. Later that evening, well after dark they stayed after hours to assisted a small sailboat dock in nearly 30kts winds.
No they don’t have floating docks or a dingy dock for boaters that don’t want to pay for a slip. If you chose to anchor do so just don’t expect to use a nearby marina’s facilities.
Lamar
I bought a boat from a man who owned a slip at Dowry Creek Marina a couple of years ago. I stayed on the boat for about 3 days getting it ready to move. She knew she would not be getting any slip fees from me. Mary was nice and accommodating. Not overly friendly, but it was a good experience over all. But, while I was there, I was buying ice, chips, candy, soda, a couple extra things from the store. I don’t know her or her business plan, and I can understand her frustration of people sailing by and anchoring within sight of the marina. But if she would have let him stay, he might have spent some more money. (I know I would have probably bought more!) I own a retail store, and ANY customer is a good customer.
Mark s/v Windbag
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Upper Dowry Creek Anchorage
We present the report below without prejudice or further comment, except to say that over the years many cruisers have written to praise Alligator River Marina and its proprietor, while others have reported just the opposite. There doesn’t seem to be any middle ground in regards to cruisers’ feelings towards this facility.
Well, I’ve never before posted negative comments concerning a marina… but after 40 odd years of cruising, Captaining and being in the marine industry, our experience at the Alligator River Marina merits commenting…
We were heading North during Mid/late August 2011, called ahead during the late afternoon to see if a slip was available. A very pleasant young lady advised that there would be space available and to tie up on the south dock and come inside to register. We called again just prior to arrival and ordered food, as the store/restaurant closes at 1930.
Upon arrival we found the staff (gas station attendant and grill cook) to be pleasant, accommodating and rather friendly for being at the end of a days work. Our food was ready, we filled out the dockage form- paid for the slip and food and tipped the clerk and cook well for their kindness.
There was only one other transient boat at the marina, the place was essentially empty.
In the morning we took on almost $1,400.00 in fuel and bought breakfast for our crew of three. Between the prior night’s dinner, dockage, breakfast, and some odds and ends from the store, we spent near $1,700.00.
Our main concern was staying ahead of Hurricane Irene, as she was about 4 days behind us when we arrived. Our destination was Long Island.
In fairness, the marina is an adequate, no frills facility, with clean hot showers, laundry, a lounge with TV and internet access, all in a good location. The owner, Ms. Wanda on the other hand is someone we won’t soon forget…
Shortly after departing, we had a minor mishap and damaged one propeller. We telephoned the marina and asked (as their welcome package indicated) if they could arrange for a diver to change the prop. Ms. Wanda indicated that she would arrange for a diver to come to the marina, took our phone number, and said to come back.
Upon returning to the marina, she advised (with a smile) that the diver would not be available until the following afternoon. I explained that we would explore other options, as we wanted to stay ahead of the Hurricane, and that I wished we had known about the diver’s availability prior to returning.
Her displeasure (actually anger to near the point of rage) over our electing to explore our options was evident in her tone of voice, facial expressions and posture….
She simply said, “I doubt you’ll find another diver”. We telephoned a local marine surveyor friend and were able to arrange for a diver who could have been there in two hours. I advised Ms. Wanda that we had located a diver who would be there by late morning, thanked her for calling her diver, and asked that she please cancel his appointment for the following day.
A short while later she came to the boat… banged on the hull and said, “Make sure your diver gives me a certificate of insurance naming me and my marina”…. I called the diver and relayed her message… he said it was not a problem, and that he had dealt with “Wicked Wanda”(His characterization…not mine!) in the past. He then asked that I give her the phone…
This is where it got rather interesting… Ms. Wanda repeated the issue about the insurance and then told the diver that he would have to see her upon arrival, and pay her $30 “for the pleasure of diving from her dock”… an argument ensued between the diver and Ms. Wanda…she returned my phone and said, “I told you you wouldn’t find another diver”
I would have gladly paid the additional $30 to be on our way and ahead of the hurricane.
As I walked back to the boat she turned and said, “I guess you’ve got a real problem now”…
Throughout this situation I chose to maintain my self on the high road and was nothing less than polite… I simply responded, “Well Ms. Wanda, I must tell you, never will I spend $1,700.00 at anyone’s establishment to be treated this way… you have a nice day, we’ll be leaving shortly”
Before I could hit the start button she had us untied and free of the dock….simply unbelievable!
We got underway and arranged for the diver to meet us at Coinjock later that evening. Upon arriving at Coinjock we learned that she had called ahead… we assume in an effort to get us shut out. As always, Coinjock was a pleasure with Louis’ pleasant staff, excellent food, and live music.
Unfortunately, the diver was unable to remove the prop… we limped up to Portsmouth, VA where we were hauled by Full Throttle Marine at Tidewater Marina. It is without reservation that I recommend Full Throttle. They were prompt, friendly, courteous, and quite reasonable for the short haul and changing of both propellers.
Later we were told (but could not confirm) that Ms. Wanda had actually requested the diver to come the following day… If that is true I find it unconscionable that she would attempt to delay us by more than a day in the face of a hurricane for a few paltry dollars in dock fees and food from her store.
Would I stay there again?…Likely not, but anything is possible while on the water! Granted her fuel prices are as good as you’ll find in NC… but whoever you buy fuel from, she gets a piece of the pie… she is the local marine fuel fuel distributor!
Capt. Jerry
We, too, have had a very bad experience with the Alligator River Marina. It was several years ago, we were traveling south and needed fuel. We, of course, did the usual callings and everyone was polite and nice.
Upon arrival at the fuel dock, the wind was blowing very hard (~25k) directly away from the pier. We tried to approach normally but could not. So I called to the dock attendant that we would approach nose on and asked if he could take a line from us and tie it off so we could then use the prop wash on the rudder to force the stern in. He used some choice words about my bad seamanship and told me if I didn’t know how to bring a boat in properly I shouldn’t be boating. He started to walk away. I called to him that I really needed his help and he turned back to us. When we got the bow of the boat near the pier, Suzi tossed him a line and indicated the cleat where we would like him to tie it. He ignored her and short tied the bow to the pier so tightly that there was no way we could bring the stern in. And again he walked away, ignoring our protests. Another boater volunteered to help and we got tied up.
Then, the dock attendant came up to us carrying the fuel pump nozzle and laid it next to our boat, gave me what I would consider a dirty look and walked away. A few moments later I picked up the nozzle and started to fuel our boat. After pumping several gallons the dock attendant came back cursing at me and saying he had not told me to pump yet, and that he was in charge and I wasn’t to do anything until he told me to. I apologized (probably not too sincerely) and he said that he wasn’t finished taking the reading from the last boat which had taken on fuel and that since I had pumped before he zeroed it out, I was going to have to pay what the pump showed was owed and that the previous boat had taken on over a thousand gallons. I explained to him that that was simply not going to happen. We were quite low on fuel or I would have paid for the 3 gallons which I pumped and left. We had intended on taking on over 100 gallons. As it was, we took 30 and went in to pay.
I told the lady inside that her dock attendant was extremely rude. She said, rather coldly, “That’s my husband.” I said, “I’m sorry.”
We will never go back there.
Larry MacDonald
Your timely posting is appreciated. We have not “done the ditch” in about 3 years and will be in that vicinity this weekend. We were discussing whether we should stop in the event that there was new management, but now that we know that WWW is still there, we will–as has been our custom–plan our stops accordingly.
Sharon
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Alligator River Marina
Captain Jones passes along a warning of obstacles along the AICW’s trek down Alligator River at Statute Mile 99.5, north of the Alligator/Pungo Canal .
Came through here [Green 33 and 35] on 11/3/11 and saw a huge stump to the right of the channel. Stay close to Green and then go straight and you will avoid this snag.
Ken Christian
The only other item was many stumps in the Alligator River between 33 and 35 green. I did not see any but most other boats either hit one or saw one. I hit one last year and bent a blade. It was announced on 22 by CG. We have 59 x 46 5 bladed Rolla props so what we hit was significant. I never saw anything and we were watching.
Captain Ted Jones
If anyone can answer Captains Mark and Emily’s question below, please click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information.
I was just wondering if any of the reporting captains had any guidance on how to avoid the stumps? If they are submerged, it would seem the only way to avoid them would be a better description of where they are. Or, did I miss a post somewhere?
Thanks,
Mark & Emily Little
M/V Grand Adventure
Dowry Creek Marina is a fine family owned and family run marina. Off the AICW/Pungo River, north of Belhaven, NC, Dowry Creek Marina has long been a favorite among cruisers.
Cruising News:
What can be said after everyone has already sung the praises of Dowry Creek Marina? Only that this is the nicest facility we have ever been to. This isn’t just a bunch of cruisers. It’s family. Every evening you miss the ones that sailed on, and welcome the ones that just came in. You search the room for familiar faces, and always smile when you see Mary.
Jim and Talley Powell
Made our first visit to Dowry in early Nov 2011. Will be back. Mary is a great host, the folks around the marina are a good group of cruisers who enjoy what we are all doing. Clean facilities, good staff and a very nice daily social gathering each evening…quick easy on / off the AICW.
Doug Jacoby..m/v CHANGER
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dowry Creek Marina
There has been a lively discussion about Alligator River Marina taking place on the MTOA List-Serve. We have secured permission from the authors to copy several of their messages below. Capatins Jim and Talley’s missive was sent directly to the SSECN.
Alligator River Marina lies on the western shore of the Alligator River/AICW, just north of the swing bridge and southwest of flashing daybeacon #12.
Cruising News:
Alligator River Marina is just in the right place, 42.5 miles from Dowry Creek Marina and 32 miles to Elizabeth City or 31 miles to Coinjock. Good dock hands. Nice store and personnel. The Grill closes PROMPTLY at 7:30pm, so they encourage you to be in no later than 7pm. They give you an informative handout with souvenir pen in a baggie. Nice touch. Nice place. Week Verizon coverage, but it works. We’ll make this a regular stop on the ICW north and south.
Jim and Talley Powell
What y’all may not know is the Alligator Marina restaurant is “Known” for its N. C. BBQ. I know boaters that call there by VHF to order some BBQ and then just do a touch and go to pick up the food. Also, the diesel fuel prices are very competitive and sometimes even better than in Coinjock.
Don R,
m/v Andante
Hi, would love to try Alligator marina…it all sounds so great… passed by it twice because I was worried about ‘skinny’ water. We draw 5’6”… any issue?
Michelle and Doug Jacoby
CHANGER
Changer… you parallel the bridge to the west to enter the marina. I don’t believe that 5’6” would be a problem, but the area is very influenced by wind/weather. You would need to ask the marina about depth in the approach.
Don R, m/v Andante
Glad to hear that things have changed so dramatically at this marina when we experienced some of the worst customer service…no, make that THE worst service we have encountered up and down the east coast….that is in 5 years of cruising. There were no dock hands because “it was raining” the service was curt and definitely not helpful. We felt unwelcome and could not leave fast enough the next day when things were no better. We are polite, nice people and easy to deal with. We took the high road with our manners but left as soon as we could.
I suppose in a fix we would stay there again, but it is doubtful.
Sami and Bari
I have stayed here a number of times over the last few years. It provides the only fuel on the 75 mile stretch between Elizabety City / Coinjock and Dowry Creek / Belhaven. It also provides a rest stop before or after you cross the Albemarle Sound and on a bad day, you are going to be glad it is there.
Entrence is easy via a well marked channel just north of the Alligator River bridge. However the passage thru the breakwater can be a bit tricky during high winds. Once in the marina, protection is pretty good.
Both gas and diesel fuel are available at reasonable prices. The slips are a bit narrow with short finger piers on one side. The slips have both electric and water. Showers and a lounge are just a short walk away as is the main building with its small restaurant. Food in the restaurant is limited, but what I have had has been very good.
This is a marina, not a resort. They provide ll of the basics at a very reasonable price with no frills. Most of the staff is friendly and will help you, if you ask. They are not thrilled with pets, but I have never had a problem. One thing to keep in mind is that they may be closed during some winter months. It is always a good idea to call ahead and get the current conditions.
Dave Boxmeyer
My favorite “Miss Wanda” story, talking about “terse”, was I fueled up oneSunday morning and had an early BBQ lunch. I went to pay the fuel and lunch bill and her employee ran my credit card. He said it didn’t work! I thought that was strange so I gave him a second and then a third. No joy. He asked for cash and I told him I didn’t have that much cash, but if he called Miss Wanda she would be able to process the card on the phone with her bypass code since his machine was obviously broke.
He said if he called her she would be pissed. I asked him if he would take a check? He said no, Miss Wanda doesn’t allow checks. I asked him if she would be more pissed if I cast off and promised to pay her on the way back north in the spring? He decided to call her and get her out of church.
She arrived, over 6′ and dressed to the nines, processed the credit card charge and then began to tear the poor guy a new cloaca. Bottom line is don’t mess with Miss Wanda!
Regards,
Phil “TrawlerPhil” & Aven Rosch
M/V “Curmudgeon” MT-44TC
I have been there three times, usually for a berth and fuel. The first time we could not get to the fuel dock as a large sport fisher was hard aground at the dock waiting for a tow. I fueled up the next morning. The second visit was uneventful. The third was a touch-and-go for soda, ice and bread. I stayed with SAOIRSE; one of the crew went to the store and spent about $30.00 and the first mate went to the marina bathroom. The marina owner asked me if I needed fuel and I told him we topped off earlier that morning and were good. He then intercepted the first mate as he was coming back from the bathroom and demanded that he pay $5.00 for the privilege. I asked the marina owner why? He surely recognized me and the boat from previous visits. He did but got angry and told me that he was not running a free toilet facility. I looked around for the Candid Camera crew but did not see it. I looked for a grin on the owners face but no joy there either.Then I got angry. I handed him a 5-dollar bill but he would not accept it and said I had to pay it at the store. I left SAOIRSE, went to the store, and told the cashier I had to pay $5.00 because one of the crew had used the toilet. She laughed and said she never heard of such a thing. She said that people using the gas station used the bathrooms all the time. I assured her that her boss had required the payment and requested a receipt. That receipt is now pinned to SAOIRSE’S bulletin board and I wave it every time I pass the Alligator River Marina bye!
Ed Powers
M/V “SAOIRSE” 40′ MT Sundeck
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Alligator River Marina
Cricket Cove Marina is the first marina south of the NC state line and is located on the ICW’s northern banks, immediately east of flashing daybeacon #11. Oriental Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, is located on the eastern banks of inner Oriental Harbor. The Alligator River/Pungo River Canal extends from statute mile 127 to mile 105 in the Alligator River. Great Bridge Lock in Great Bridge, VA was damaged during hurricane Irene, but has returned to normal operating schedule as reported by Capt. Bob.
We just finished our transit from Cricket Cove marina SC to Kent Island via the AICW Coinjock route. The damage was apparent in Oriental Marina- they have just re-opened the restaurant and we were told the water was over 9 feet up the oak tree in front of it. On another note their was some debris in the various waterways but less then we expected, especially in the Pungo Canal where there are still a few large logs floating. Also the marker Northbound after “S” is gone – storm damage I guess – there are as well some nav markers in the approaches to the Pamlico that are torn off. The trip was uneventful and the locks at Great Bridge were operating normally – as usual this route is tiresome and slow, but the bridges and lock are OK as os the 9th of September.
Capt. Bob Viola aboard the MV “Lady T”
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cricket Cove Marina
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Oriental Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Oriental Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Alligator-Pungo Canal
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s NC-VA Bridge Directory Listing For Great Bridge Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Great Bridge Lock
"Ladys Island Swing Bridge Opening for Sailboat (Beaufort, SC)"
by: Bob Schwerzel
