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Please Note That Postings Below From Fellow Cruisers Are Listed in Chronological Order, Based on Publication Date
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New River Channel - Click for Chartview
The Waterway classically shoals either immediately north or south of the four-way intersection with New River and New River Inlet. Dredging at this intersection was begun in November of 2012 and was to have been completed by February of 2013.
However, shoaling is once again beginning to rear its ugly head at this perennial AICW Problem Stertch. On 5/16/13, long-time contibutor and experienced captain, Bruce Franz, cruising aboard “Hemisphere Dancer,” took the time and effort to telephone the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net and pass along specific advice as to where the best depths are currently to be found at this intersection. The whole cruising community owes a debt of gratitude to Captain Franz!
May 15, 2013
At marker #72A and marker #72B on the west side of the Waterway, favor the red side.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 229 – who has spent a night or more at Caspers Marine Service in Swansboro? Please give us your impressions of this facility.
Responses follow:
We spent a night here on the way up the ICW. This marina is right in town and very close to all the restaurants. There is not a lot of dock space here and you’re right on the ICW so it’s a bit rocky during the day from wakes, but it calms down at dusk. The staff is very friendly and helpful and there is a nice marine store.
Larry Freedman
Spent one night here two weeks ago. Nice docks, clean, basic. Shower(one)good. Owners on site. Food nearby. Fuel reasonable
Windward
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Casper’s Marine Service
On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 229 – someone please give us some shoreside dining recommendations in Swansboro. Does Captain Charleys Seafood Paradise still have the best “fried” seafood on earth?
Responses follow:
I highly recommend Icehouse Waterfront Restaurant. It’s on a pier over the water, a short walk from either marina, and the food is excellent. I am a big fan of shrimp & grits, and theirs was the best I had on our trip up the ICW.
Larry Freedman
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Swansboro, NC
As part of a 5/9/13 North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 244.5 – who has anchored in Mile Hammock Bay, hard by AICW marker #67? What entrance and interior depths did you find? Were you troubled by any nighttime maneuvers on the Camp Lejeune Marine Base?
Responses follow:
We were there a few days ago with ten other boats. Plenty of room. The entrance is buoyed with red and green marks and we came in at high tide with plenty of water (17 feet or more). The anchorage was great – very secure and quiet. There were no maneuvers that night, only a few helicopters early evening. Recommended highly. Good holding in mud.
Tom Law
Very easy to enter. Depths 8 to 12 feet as charted. We recommend stopping earlier rather than later during the Spring and Fall migrations as it is a popular place that does fill up. The is a shallow area furthest in, but again charts are correct.
We have never been disturbed by night activity on Camp LeJeune. You may expect to see amphibious training or Blackhawk or Osprey aircraft during the day. We look forward to it.
Lastly, ALWAYS listen to VHF 16 when progressing further north for the occasional times when there is live fire across the ICW. Traffic is allowed only hourly then.
Stephen & Beth Deitch
Nightingale
We have anchored in Mile Hammock Bay many time, recently in April. Entrance depths are good – I can’t remember exact depths but I would say more than 7 ft. We were not bothered at any time by night maneuvers, though I remember a flight of heliocopers without lights in the early evening after dark several years ago – very ineresting. We have also seen during the day other interesting craft – a HUGE hovercraft and the Osprey which takes off vertically and flies horizontally. In April all was quiet. The big rusted ship is gone.
Jean Thomason
Usually stay there and did again 5/8/13. Entered at mid/lower tide and had 8′, favoring red side. Quiet night after noisy afternoon with practicing landings by helicopters and vertical lift airplanes. Interesting show though!
s/v Skye
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Mile Hammock Bay Anchorage
Located in Swansboro this marina is at the east end of Bogue Sound near the Bogue Inlet and the White Oak River. It is easily accessed but is fairly exposed in windy conditions. It has fixed docks with slips and one T-head. Fuel is available and there are several restaurants nearby.
NOTE: This stop is a convenient spot just before the ICW stretch going south that has five bridges with the names, heights and opening schedules shown below. Because the two that open only hourly are 22 miles apart, at trawler & sailboat speeds (with frequent no-wake areas for all boats) transiting this area often makes for a long day. Any boaters that can fold down their mast and antennas to go under a 20 ft bridge are well advised to do so.
–Onslow Beach Swing Bridge, 12 ft, opens on the hour and half-hour (mile 241)
–Highway Bridge, 65 ft (mile 253)
–Surf City Swing Bridge, 12 ft, opens on the hour (mile 261)
–Figure Eight Island Bridge, 20 ft, opens on the hour and half-hour (mile 278)
–Wrightsville Beach Bridge, 20 ft, opens on the hour (mile 283)
Ray Kurlak
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Casper’s Marine Service
New River Channel - Click for Chartview
The Waterway at New River Inlet was dredged in late 2012 and is currently shoal-free, but Capt. Ledoux is referring to the New River channel from New River Inlet/AICW intersection westward to Stones Bay near Sneads Ferry. If you’ve checked depths through this area recently, let us hear from you.
Has anyone recently made the run on the New River between day marks 13 through 18 on the New River? It was dredged a couple of years ago, but was shoaling in. I have not been up there since this past fall. Shrimpers were having trouble getting up to the fish houses in Sneads Ferry. Also between 28 and 29 tend to be shallow. Would be interested to know if anyone has been through these areas and how the current depths are.
Lance Ledoux
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New River Channel
Back on 11/13/12, the SSECN published an article (now deleted, as its info is outdated) reporting that dredging had begun at the AICW/Brown Inlet Intersection Problem Stretch, south of Swansboro, NC. As many of you know, this “Problem Stretch” was perhaps the #1 headache for cruisers during the fall, 2012 transient season.
This dredging project was slated for completion by 12/16/12. Now, thanks to the report by Captain Raymond Smith below, we know this project has indeed been completed, and, at least for the moment, depths are not a problem on these waters.
HOWEVER, if past experience is any guide, and it usually is, shallow depths will make a reappearance at this intersection sometime by mid to late 2013. Stay tuned for further developments!
Cruised through Browns Inlet problem area today on a rising tide. No problem, just follow the markers. 14 feet of water. Not bad!!!
Raymond W. Smith
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
The Waterway classically shoals either immediately north or south of the four-way intersection with New River and New River Inlet. Dredging at this intersection was begun in November of 2012 and was to have been completed by February of 2013. However, as Capt. Young reports, the work has been completed. Good news indeed!
Went through New River near Camp LeJeune on Monday. Never saw less than 12…dredging is done.
Steve Young SV Crossroads
Cruised through the New River Inlet problem area today on a rising tide. Follow the narks, no problem Plenty of water. 14 to 16 feet.
Raymond W. Smith
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Swan Point Marina guards the AICW’s western banks, immediately south of the AICW/New River/New River Inlet Problem Stretch intersection, just north of marker #4.
This facility changed hands about a year ago, and while we were sorry to see the former management depart, it is very gratifying to learn that the new owners are doing such a great job for visiting cruisers!
While traveling south we were unable to clear the fixed Topsail Bridge just south of Alligator Bay due to extremely high tides.
We spent the night at Swan Point Marina and were very pleased with the service. Under new ownership, this marina is a family owned operation with plans for a complete renovation. The owners were very kind and helpful in every aspect.
Vince Archetto
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Swan Point Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Swan Point Marina
Click Here To Read An Earlier Article Related To The Closing of Swan Point Marina
AICW Bogue Inlet Intersection - Click for Chartview
The Bogue Inlet/AICW intersection has long been an “AICW Problem Stretch.” Not only is perennial shoaling a problem for AICW cruisers at this intersection, but the inland-most marker (#20) on the Bogue Inlet channel is often mistaken for an AICW aid to navigation. This mis-identification often leads to groundings.
We passed through this area [on the AICW] at 1012 on 11/15/2012 (2 hours after high tide) and found no problems. The key to this is to stay close to the docks on the north [mainland - editor] or (southbound) starboard hand. Doing this we found 15-20′ most of the way.
Richard B. Emerson
We passed thru bogue sound inlet [AICW intersection] on 12/06/12 in a 6 foot draft power boat & found a minimum of 14 & mostly 15 to 16 feet of water between markers 45 & 46. Red marker 20 a floating nun buoy could be confusing, but as previously noted it is part of the channel & not an ICW marker. Also of note is there is a green 45, 45A & 45B. Marker 45B is south of red 46. We transited the area two hours prior to high tide.
Tim Carter
Bogue Sound Inlet Crossing. No problewm. Favor the main land side.
Raymond W. Smith
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
These firing schedules appear regularly in the weekly Local Notice to Mariners, but if this is your first time through the Camp LeJeune area, you may be unaware of the possible delays. Normally, if firing is underway, you will stopped by very courteous, but armed, Marines aboard small vessels, Range Control Boats. We hope you aren’t delayed, but, if so, log it as another of the many wonderful experiences of traveling the ICW!
NC – NEW RIVER – FIRING EXERCISES
1. The Commanding General, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (MCIE-MCB CamLej), North Carolina, has advised that the area in the Atlantic Ocean between a point approximately 4.5 miles east of Bogue Inlet to a point approximately 10 miles southwest of New River Inlet, North Carolina, within the existing danger zone (depicted as 334.440) as shown on National Ocean Service Chart 11543, will be hazardous to navigation because of field firing exercises during the periods and times stated below. Firing will be up to 15 nautical miles seaward.
Vessels are urged to avoid the above area during the periods stated except for the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, where mariners traveling through this area can expect a delay of about one to four hours during the below times. Range Control Boats, MCIE-MCB CamLej North Carolina monitor Channel 16 VHF-FM (156.8 MHz) and the working Channel 82 VHF-FM (161.725 MHz). Range Control can be reached by phone at 910-451-3064 or 4449.
5. Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Inland Waters in the Browns Island Inlet area between Bear Creek and Onslow Beach, may be closed for firing exercises during the following periods:
Live Fire Operations:
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm Daily (USS Ship-Naval Gunfire)
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 pm Daily (Ranges)
Non-Live Fire Operations:
12:01 a.m. to Midnight Daily (Boat-Maneuvering)
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Onslow Beach
Here’s another excellent report from our strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, owners and originators of On The Water Chart Guides. This article concerns the “AICW Problem Stretch” found at the intersection between the Waterway and shallow Bogue Inlet, hard by the community of Swansboro, North Carolina.
The real surprise here is that Diana and Mark discovered one stretch (see below) that promises only 6.3 feet at MLW. Sure, that’s barely enough for most cruising craft now, but what if more shoaling occurs. Clearly, this stretch bears close monitoring as time goes forward!
Hi Claiborne,
Diana and I transited northbound by Bogue Inlet, NC June 21st, near high-tide and rising. The relevant tide station, Bogue Inlet, has a Spring Tidal Range (STR) of 2.6 feet. Our plan was to transit, strictly surveying the Magenta Line, but honoring any navaids.
The screenshot shows the approach with slightly varying, but good depths (15-19 feet at 1.7 feet above MLLW).
Near the ICW-Bogue Inlet junction there was a rapid drop before G45A to under 10 feet (at 1.7 feet above MLLW).
Transiting the junction soundings quickly climbed and held varying but good depths (13-20 feet at 1.7 feet above MLLW).
Past the junction, there was another slight dip in depth (12-13 feet at 1.7 feet above MLLW), followed by increasing and more consistent depths (15-19 feet at 1.7 feet above MLLW).
Our course line was steady, along the Magenta Line, presumably marking the deepest water.
A few observations on the ICW-Bogue Inlet junction:
1. There currently appears to be only one shallow spot along the Magenta Line portion of this area, as shown in the screenshot.
2. This shallow spot, near G45A, (around 8 feet at 1.7 feet above MLLW) will be a bit of a nail-biter for keel boats or power boats with deeper draft.
3. However, with all of the other soundings above 12 feet, at this height of tide, Bogue Inlet currently seems to be a reasonably safe area to transit, along the Magenta Line, even near low water.
Again, no recommendation being made here. Just sharing data. Captains are responsible for their decisions and outcome.
Best and see you On the Water,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
On Saturday 19th May 2012 we spent an overnight at Caspers on our Beneteau 50′. The proximity to the local town makes this an ideal stopping place. The marina staff go out of their way to be helpful from the dock hands on arrival to the ride to Piggly Wiggly for groceries. The docks are fixed and in good condition and as the tidal range seemed small no extra tie up measures were necessary. The Ebb tide brings a strong current but it is in line with the docks and therefore isn’t a problem. The one both positive and negative is Caspers lies more or less directly on the ICW and unfortunately not everyone slows to a no wake speed!
Andrew
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Casper’s Marine Service
We are very pleased to report that Swan Point Marina, located just south of the AICW/New River/New River Inlet intersection has reopened under new ownership/management. According to a telephone conversation I had this morning (5/17/12) with co-owner, Jason, transient dockage is available, complete with 30-50 amp power hookups and fresh water connections. Overnight transient dockage rates are a very reasonable $1.50 per foot, per night. Mean Low Water depths on the entrance cut run to 4 1/2 feet, but the interior dockage basin has just been dredged to 6 1/2 foot MLW soundings. One nearby restaurant will dispatch cars to retrieve cruisers from the marina, and then return them to the docks after dining. Note that neither gasoline nor diesel fuel is sold here now.
So, all in all, it’s a really good thing that another transient friendly marina is now to be found between Swansboro and Wrightsville Beach. Stop by and give Jason some business, and tell him that you read about his newly reopened facility here on the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net!
If anyone has had occasion to spend a night or two at this new iteration of Swan Point Marina, PLEASE share your experience by clicking the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below!
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Swan Point Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Swan Point Marina
Many cruisers do not appreciate the fact that the AICW passes through a portion of the huge Camp Lejeune US Marine Base, just north of its intersection with New River and New River Inlet. From time to time, the USMC closes down the Waterway to facilitate artillery practice, firing at targets located on the ocean side shores. Sometimes, as happened to Captain Brooke (see below) these sorts of maneuvers take place without closing the Waterway. Either way, if you happen to be docked or anchored nearby, it is a MEMORABLE and noisy experience!
We transited Camp Lejune April 19 and they were having live fire exercise. And we felt the shock waves THROUGH OUR HULL as the rounds impact explosions shock the ground and ICW. Very strange to feel your hull jump with each impact. These were not dangerously close and they did not close the ICW. But they were powerful explosions for sure.. The next day at Beaufort, NC you could hear them too.
Brooke Smith
For those of you on the ICW… Sometimes Camp Lejeune (north of Sneads Ferry / south of Swansboro) will close the ICW for several hours to practice “live firing” ….you can callin advance of your trip in that area to see if there is any closureplanned…that number is: 910 451 3064…
Dudley’s Marina lies northeast of the Waterway near unlighted daybeacon #46A, and just a hop, skip and jump from downtown Swansboro, NC. Good reviews of Dudley’s Marina are frequent here at SSECN and, as Capt. Miller points out, it’s people and their skills that make for a good visit to any marina.
We tied up at Dudley’s on April 26. The fixed piers are still rough so get out your old lines and fenderboards.
But Dudley’s is still $0.75 per foot and they are generous with their courtesy car and their hospitality. There is a Walgreens Pharmacy and a grocery in town (too far to walk). I didn’t see a West Marine but Dudley’s has more parts and fishing supplies that I have ever seen in a West Marine and at reasonable prices.
Folks here in Swansboro are proud of their seafaring and boatbuilding history. One of the Dudleys published a pictoralhistory of the town. They have a copy in the office. They might let you view it.
The wind was blowing a 30-40 the day we arrived. Every hand from the marina was on the dock landing boats. Each of them, mechanics, yard workers, and all, knew how to handle a line and tie a clove hitch.
One sailboat ran aground when entering a slip and the dock boys brought the towing skiff around to pull him off. The senior Mr. Dudley stepped aboard, took the helm, and, with a near gale blowing, impressed us with as fine a demonstration of boat handling as I have ever witnessed.
Max Miller
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Dudley’s Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dudley’s Marina
Swan Point Marina was closed to business on September 30, 2011 BUT we are glad to announce its re-opening. Swan Point Marina in Sneads Ferry, NC, overlooks the Waterway’s western banks just north of unlighted daybeacon #4 south of New River Inlet.
Swan Point is open under new management. The store is not open yet but the marina will accept transients and the full service boatyard is open mon-sat. 910 327 1081.
Steve
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Swan Point Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Swan Point Marina
Click Here To Read An Earlier Article Related To The Closing of Swan Point Marina
It’s not surprising that Captain Rice’s evening anchored in Mile Hammock Bay was a bit disturbed by nearby military activity. This body of water is within the bounds of huge Camp Lejeune Marine Base, and artillery fire and aircraft activity are SOP!
We began our Loop in Florida a month ago and are anchored out tonight at Mile Hammock in the midst of Camp LeJeune, NC. Interesting noises outside (artillery and helicopters and Osprey).
Cathryn Rice
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Mile Hammock Bay Anchorage
"Blue Run Springs Park Manatees – St. Johns River"
by: Glen and Jill Moore
