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Please Note That Postings Below From Fellow Cruisers Are Listed in Chronological Order, Based on Publication Date
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…
Emerald Isle Bridge crosses the Waterway north of Bogue Inlet at statute mile 226, west of unlighted daybeacon #42.
NC – AIWW – NEUSE RIVER TO MYRTLE GROVE SOUND– NC SR 58 BRIDGE (CEDAR POINT TO BOGUE BANK) – BRIDGE FENDER REPAIR
Mariners are advised that Marine Contracting Corporation will be replacing the fender system at the Emerald Isle Bridge on SR 58 Bridge over the AIWW mile 226.0 between NC 24 and Emerald Isle, NC beginning the week of 14 MAY 2012 through 31 OCT 2012. There will be a tug, a crane barge, and a deck barge moored in the area, will periodically cross the channel, and will obstruct a portion of the channel while operating below the bridge. During periods of severe weather and/or sea conditions the floating equipment will be relocated elsewhere out of the waterway and display all required navigational lights. The crane barge and tug will monitor VHF channels 16 and 13. Mariners are requested to stay clear of the equipment, exercise extreme caution, and produce no wake when approaching, passing, and leaving the area. Chart: 11541.
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
Emerald Isle Bridge connects Cedar Point to Bogue Banks and lies between markers #42A and #44.
NC – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY (AIWW) – NEUSE RIVER TO MYRTLE GROVE SOUND- (CEDAR POINT TO BOGUE BANK)
Mariners are advised that Marine Contracting Corporation will be replacing the fender system at the Emerald Isle Bridge on SR 58 Bridge over the AIWW mile 226.0 between NC 24 and Emerald Isle, NC beginning the week of 14 MAY 2012 through 31 OCT 2012. There will be a tug, a crane barge, and a deck barge moored in the area, will periodically cross the channel, and will obstruct a portion of the channel while operating below the bridge. During periods of severe weather and/or sea conditions the floating equipment will be relocated elsewhere out of the waterway and display all required navigational lights. The crane barge and tug will monitor VHF channels 16 and 13. Mariners are requested to stay clear of the equipment, exercise extreme caution, and produce no wake when approaching, passing, and leaving the area. Chart 11541
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Emerald Isle Bridge
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
New River channel markers #16 and #17 are not part of the Waterway, but lie just to the west of marker # 72B in the Waterway. The Waterway classically shoals either immediately north or south of the four-way intersection with New River and New River Inlet. This intersection was dredged in April, 2010, and, as of now depths in the Waterway are still not a major concern on these waters.
NC – NEUSE RIVER TO MYRTLE GROVE SOUND – NEW RIVER CHANNEL – SHOALING
An ACOE survey conducted 15 March, 2012 indicates shoaling to a depth of 4.4 ft MLW between New River Channel Daybeacon 16 (LLNR 29750) and New River Channel Light 17 (LLNR 29760). Chart: 11542.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
We have had numerous earlier postings here on the Cruisers’ Net about shoaling along this “Problem Stretch” section of the AICW, south of Swansboro, but most of these reports have centered on the waters just north of marker #61. According to the notice below, cherry picked from the latest Notice to Mariners, it appears further shoaling has now occurred at markers #60 and 61A.
NC – NEUSE RIVER TO MYRTLE GROVE SOUND – BOGUE INLET – SHOALING
Shoaling to a depth of 4.5 feet MLW has been reported in the vicinity of Bogue Sound-New River Buoy 60 (LLNR 39217) and Bogue Sound-New River Buoy 61A (LLNR 39223). Chart: 11541.
We passed this area today 3/27/12 on a rising mid tide and had no problem with our 5’5” draft sailboat. High tide +2.66 feet, low tide .43 ft.
Captain RL
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. This intersection was dredged in April, 2010, and, as of now depths are still not a major concern on these waters.
Came through today(3/26/12) at 2 hours before low tide in our 5’5′” draft sailboat and had no problem at all. Just follow the nuns.
Captain RL
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
We posted an earlier message about shoaling at this AICW Problem Stretch intersection during January of this year. Capt. Smith confirms this earlier shoaling report with his message below.
Beware shoal at aicw/browns inlet–temporary marker #61 and its red temp red companion. We came thru there on 3/12/12 about 1 1/2 hour before low tide showed only 4.3′ midway between the temps. Trawler behind us bounced over the shoal. The shoal comes up real fast.
Click Here to View An Earlier Report About Shoaling at the AICW/Browns Inlet Intersection
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
The Bogue Inlet/AICW intersection has long been an “AICW Problem Stretch.” Not only is perennial shoaling a problem here, but the inland-most marker on the Bogue Inlet channel is often mistaken for an AICW aid to navigation. This mis-identification often leads to groundings.
Jan 18,2012
Just passed this section of AICW with no problem at mid low tide, following the net suggestions. We are a cat, Penelope, drawing 3 1/2 feet. Depth gauge measured 10 feet under us. Now we will watch the next warning at Browns Inlet and report back. This site [is] very helpful for peace of mind in the deep of winter.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
The intersection of ultra shallow Browns Inlet and the AICW, south of Swansboro, NC, has been on our list of Waterway problem stretches for several yearsnow. In spite of being twice dredged, it’s quite clear from recent reports such as below that shoaling is increasing here. Captains piloting vessels drawing 4 feet or more would do well to time their cruise through these waters for high tide.
I came through here on Dec 29th. Went hard aground in 3ft of water in mid channel on high tide. You have to be almost up against the “red” marker for 5ft of water ( I draw 5’4″) So much for the recent dredging! I spoke with Towboat US in Swansboro and Capt Tim said it had become a real problem all over again.
Capt Jack Coulter
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Dudley’s Marina lies northeast of the Waterway near unlighted daybeacon #46A, and just a hop, skip and jump from downtown Swansboro, NC. Those cruisers who are willing to hike or take the Dudley’s courtesy car across the bridge and causeway can find some of the best FRIED (NOT broiled) seafood in the world at Captain Charley’s Seafood Paradise!
We stopped by Dudley’s on 11/23/11 on a short Thanksgiving cruise to Beauford, NC. A thank you from the Halifax Crew to Dudley’s for keeping the dockage fee and the price of gasoline/fuel affordable so we can continue to boat. Very friendly staff and helpful with docking. I recommend them and wil stop in again. Easy walk over the bridge to town from their location.
Doyle and LaVisa (Halifax)
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
Dudley’s Marina lies northeast of the Waterway near unlighted daybeacon #46A, and just a hop, skip and jump from downtown Swansboro, NC. Those cruisers who are willing to hike or take the Dudley’s courtesy car across the bridge and causeway can find some of the best FRIED (NOT broiled) seafood in the world at Captain Charley’s Seafood Paradise!
Make no mistake about it, Dudley’s is a great local sport fisherman’s marina with dockage for cruisers. We love the service and the helpfullness of the staff and it’s working boat yard atmosphere. It’s a great value for the cruiser at 75 cents a ft., electric, water and courtesy van included. Their facilities are “seasoned” and more than adequate.
Bob & Lynne aboard Traveller
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
On 11/20/11, I asked for help from the cruising community concerning the report below by Captain Jerry, that the Bogue Inlet channel aid to navigation, hard by the AICW/Bogue Inlet intersection, has changed its numbering from #21 to #20. I’m glad to report that Captain Eilenn has responded!
This is a BIG DEAL, as the Bogue Inlet/AICW intersection has long been an “AICW Problem Stretch.” Not only is perennial shoaling a problem here, but the inland-most marker on the Bogue Inlet channel is often mistaken for an AICW aid to navigation. This mis-identification often leads to groundings.
And, the important point is that this newly numbered marker #20 is NOT an AICW navigational marker. Ignore it, and follow ONLY the Waterway buoys and daybeacons!
The mark to be ignored at Bogue inlet is “20″, not “21″. It floats between “45″ and “45A”.
Jerry on Suncatcher
Cruising News:
Definitely a red nun #20 between 45 and 45A
Admiral Eileen
ANKERS AWAY
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Last night, 10/6/11, we received the following communication from Captains Sharon Bower and Bill Fay:
Cruising News:
Dredging was being done around mile 238, R60 and G61A (Brown’s Inlet area). We passed through with no problems (we draw 4′).
Sharon Bower & Bill Fay
on “Cat’s Paw”
Hurried telephone research this morning (10/7/11) reached commander Bob Keesler of the US Army Corps of Engineers. He confirmed that the Corp’s own dredge, the “Snell,” is currently doing “spot dredging” between the Waterway’s juncture with New River, and the intersection with Browns Inlet. Captain Bob stated this project will probably last “ten to fifteen more days,” giving a completion date somewhere between 10/17/11 and 10/22/11.
Clearly this dredging is GOOD news for all who will be traversing the AICW through coastal North Carolina this fall. Watch for dredging equipment if your passage of these waters falls between the dates listed above, but otherwise, navigation should get easier along this section of the Waterway for several months at least.
In the “less than good news” department Captain Keesler informed the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net that there was no more money left in this fiscal year’s budget to dredge this problem section of the AICW, and even next year it will be “tight.”
Stay tuned, and PLEASE SEND US REPORTS OF WHAT DEPTHS YOU FIND, AND WHAT DREDGING EQUIPMENT YOU SPOT, IF ANY, AS YOU TRAVERSE THE WATERWAY BETWEEN BROWNS INLET AND NEW RIVER!!!
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
The warnings from the Local Notice to Mariners below concerns waters in the almost always shallow Bogue Inlet channel, NOT depths at the Bogue Inlet/AICW intersection. Of course, this intersection is a perennial problem stretch on the AICW, so proceed with caution here as well.
LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week 02/11
Shoaling to a depth of 3.0 ft MLW has been reported encroaching into the channel in the vicinity of Bogue Inlet Buoy 4
(LLNR 29510). Chart: 11541
LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week 21/11
Shoaling to a depth of 2.0 feet MLW has been reported in approximate position 34-38.8N, 077-06.8W, extending into the channel 100 yards south of Bogue Inlet Buoy 8 (LLNR 29535). Mariners are advised to transit this waterway with caution. Chart: 11541.
LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week 40/11
Shoaling in Bogue Inlet has been reported in the following locations:
A. 3.7 feet MLW between Bogue Inlet Buoy 3 (LLNR 29505) and Bogue Inlet Buoy 5 (LLNR 29515).
B. 4.5 feet MLW west of Bogue Inlet Buoy 8 (LLNR 29535) and encroaching into the channel.
C. 3.3 feet MLW south of Bogue Inlet Buoy 15 (LLNR 29560) and encroaching into the channel.
Chart : 11541
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
"Ladys Island Swing Bridge Opening for Sailboat (Beaufort, SC)"
by: Bob Schwerzel
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Emerald Isle Bridge