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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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SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina, lies on the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River, just above the downtown Wilmington waterfront. Not only is this a first class marina, but the on-site repair yard is second to none. BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THIS FACILITY’S FREE WEEK’S DOCKAGE OFFER AT http://cruisersnet.net/?p=112269!
The note below was copied from the AGLCA forum, and was in answer to a question about where one can find a good “hurricane hole” during the hurricane season.
Bennett Brothers Yachts has the best “in my opinion” on the east coast GAI am a member of the Cape Fear Marina and have two 50 foot slips. This Cape Fear/Bennett Bros. is a definite hurricane hole and well protected. Just my 2 cents. Come on up but make sure you call them ahead of time….. it can get populated fast….. 910-772-9277.
GM
Bald Head Island Marina - Click for Chartview
Beginning Thursday, May 24, Bald Head Island is hosting a full-blown, five day Memorial Day Celebration. From surfing lessons and paddleboard excursions, to a reptile roundup and a turtle trot, there is certain to be an activity for every member of your family. Evening events include a Howl at the Moon party and food booths of international cuisine. The celebration ends with a Memorial Day Observance on Monday. For the full schedule of activities, see the link below.
Of course, your best bet for a waterside view of the celebration is Bald Head Island Marina, found hard by the seaward mouth of the Cape Fear River, within sight of the “Old Baldy” lighthouse! Naturally, they are A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! What a great long weekend!
http://www.baldheadisland.com/uploads/2013MemorialDayBrochure.pdf
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bald Head Island Marina
We have visited with the Wilmington Marine Center on many occasions, and have always been impressed with the services available here. The problem is that visiting cruisers will have to undertake a fairly lengthy taxi ride to and from the dockage basin to the downtown Wilmington business and dining district.
Wilmington Marine Centrer is a good stop….about three miles from down town by Taxi or a long Dink ride up the river.
Very sheltered and safe during bad weather.
In town…..lots of places to eat and drink.
Slainte for Irish a few doors down from Front Street Brewey.
A block or so away is Hell’s Kitchen….very much a two thumbs up place for food and drink….was my favorite hang out.
Stay in the channel as it gets shallow fast.
Ralph Chappell
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wilmington Marine Center
On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Upper Cape Fear River – who has departed the AICW, and cruised upstream on the Cape Fear River to the Wilmington, NC waterfront? Did you stay at the city docks?
Responses follow:
We traveled up the Cape Fear River in Sept 2012 to stay at the Wilmington City Dock and enjoy the sights of this charming mariners city. Docked across from the Battleship North Carolina, the City dock is affordable with water and power, but no other services. Great location to tour the city (shops and restaurants). Loved the Front Street Brewery – great food and drinks. Only concern here is debris in the river. Pulled 3 TREES out from under and between my running gear so be careful. Worth the trip and would definitely go again.
Tom Callan
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Wilmington City Docks
Well, we cannot really comment intelligently on the upstream reaches of the NE Cape Fear River, upstream of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Bennett Brothers Yachts – Cape Fear Marina, as none of us have ever cruised that far upstream before. Hope to remedy that oversight in the future. In the meantime, anyone else who had explored these rather obscure waters, please let us hear from you!
We did go about 50 miles up the NE branch the next day – got within 2 miles of the head of navigation (bridge) when we were warned of underwater logs ahead. We had already seen a 4.5 ft depth, so we turned back. Spent the night at anchorage and returned down river and got to Carolina Beach the next day. The NE branch is a beautiful river and very doable with depths of 8-15 ft most of the way, as long as one stays in the outside curves and follows normal precautions in running rivers. Lots of snags on the sides. I could go into more detail if you wish -let me know. This is a real cruising adventure. Our draft is 3.5 ft.
Jean Thomason
On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Upper Cape Fear River – who has departed the AICW, and cruised upstream on the Cape Fear River to the Wilmington, NC, and secured dockage at Cape Fear Marina/Bennett Brothers Yachts, north of the Highway 133 bridge? Did you find this to be as first class a facility as we have always considered it to be?
Responses follow:
We always divert up river to this facility. The floating docks are very well maintained. Pumpout is routine on Fridays, or on request. Pricing is very attractive for dockage.
We rely on the expert yard for cogent recommendation and quality work.
Management: Tricia Bennett, Owner and Steve Wallace GM are immediately available if questions occur with which people at the operating level may need help.
Although there is no useful public transportation nearby, an Enterprise facility a couple of miles away has good pricing, and weekend specials. Wilmington itself has every level of store needed, including Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot. Many Department Stores and Specialty shops are also there.
It’s a great stop.
Stephen Deitch
Nightingale
We went up to Wilmington for repair work at Bennet Brothers. We have a cat 23.5 beam. They have a 24 foot travel lift. The work was professional and price for repair work were given before the work. Two issues are when you go up the Wilmington River is try to plan it with the tides, and the bridge to Bennet Brothers opens 6pm to 6 am on demand, then at 10 am , and 2 pm.
John Pholeric
We stayed one night at Bennett Brothers in early April. The facility was fine. If the current is strong, it might be a little tricky getting into the slip. We talked with a gentleman who works at the marina about continuing up the Northeast Branch of the Cape Fear. He was very helpful.
Jean Thomason
We keep our boat in Southport and brought it to Bennett Brothers for some pre-cruise work in January of this year. I have to say that the quality of service was excellent – both technically and for the project management. Steve Wallace is an outstanding Manager. In short – friendly folks, great service at a reasonable price and without unhappy surprises. Before we departed south Steve told me to contact him if we had any questions or problems on out trip. I did so on a couple of occasions and he came through with solid information and, in one case, a source for a failed pillow-block. I highly recommend them.
Hank
S/V Haanli
On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Upper Cape Fear River – who has departed the AICW, and cruised upstream on the Cape Fear River to the Wilmington, NC waterfront? Did you stay at the city docks? Did you find any good places to dine or shop ashore? How about a recommendation for any Wilmington sightseeing attractions?
Responses follow:
Visited by rented car from Southport. Really enjoyed Dock Street Oyster Bar. Best raw oysters. Took tour of the Coast Guard cutter Diligence. Many nice shops and restaurants along the river. Take the carriage tour and see some of the many interesting buildings in old Wilmington. New marina being constructed. Could be a great stop when finished but don’t look for it in 2013.
s/v Skye
Loved the Front Street Brewery – great food and drinks.
Tom Callan
In town…..lots of places to eat and drink.
Slainte for Irish a few doors down from Front Street Brewey.
A block or so away is Hell’s Kitchen….very much a two thumbs up place for food and drink….was my favorite hang out.
Ralph Chappell
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wilmington City Docks
On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Off the AICW, at the mouth of Cape Fear River – who has docked at Bald Head Island Marina lately. Please give us your impressions of this marina. Did you have any problem with up and down motion at the docks due to tidal surge? Did you find anywhere good to dine ashore?
Responses follow:
We spent two nights tied up at the Bald Head Island Marina. Marina staff were excellent. We rode our bikes and also rented a golf cart for a few hours. The Marina restaurant was excellent. On the negative side, there can be a significant surge inside the marina . We were at C dock and danced around for two days. We did have a great time and will return .
Tom and Melesia Goodman,
Monk 36 “Journey” on the “Great Loop”
Claiborne,
We are here at Bald Head Island Marina on the end of A dock. Made “reservations” by phone. Entrance had a crane working on the S side of inlet as we came in and were able to dodge it. The current was ebbing but didn’t note it as I was trying to miss the crane. Went to fuel pier first, Will helped us there and loaned, us an adapter (50 to 30 amp) for the power. He ran around to help us tie up and plug in. Good friendly service, floating dock so goes up and down with the tide; so did not notice any current in the marina. The marina appeared less than 50% full, but was told that those slips were owned. The marina is busy with the ferries, vehicle and passenger. We bumped at the slip, but that was the wind. Most people did not seem to be on their boats so the small restrooms were not a problem.
We ate lunch at MoJo’s the dock side restaurant, pot roast sandwich, excellent ( I ordered it out of curiosity) My wife had grilled chicken sandwich with bacon, very good, for dessert we split a creme brûlée cheese cake, out of this world! We were too full to go back for dinner. For lunch the next day we had chicken caesar wrap at the Maritime Market, best we ever had. However this is about a 3
mile walk, one way.
In general a friendly, laid back place would come again.
Good sailing,
Bob
Not a cruiser any more (cruising is how I discovered this place!) but live here full time. There are lots of choices on where to eat. Here’s the list during full season. Off season, many will close or reduce their hours. It’s too early to tell right now.
Here goes:
Open to everybody:
At the Marina:
Delphina (Opened 5/3 for linch; Should open 5/17 for dinner): Mexican, Southwestern, Cuban. Full Liq. Everything under $14
SandPiper cafe: Great Premium Ice Cream and Super coffee/ cappuccino.
Mojo’s at the Harbor: Full Menu, Full Liq. Could be great cruisers bar but not. Pricey! Soft serve and and Snow cones.
Will ‘O the Wisp: At the sail shop on the marina. Self serve beer and wine. Also have Luna Pops (a fruit based popsicle known in Mexico as Paletas. Outrageously addicting and refreshing! Best place to hang out and socialize.
Elsewhere on the island:
Peli: At the Bald Head Island Club; by the Tennis courts. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. Open to everybody and you do NOT need to be a member. About 1mi from marina.
Maritime Market cafe: At the market mid island. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Market is slightly more expensive than mainland markets ans has most everything. Good selection of Beer and wine. About 2 mi from marina.
Mike’s Bites: at the east end of the island. Take away only. Mostly premade sandwiches. We do expect changes this year but are not known just yet. About 4mi from marina.
Available with temporary membership to transients (temporary memberships are available at the marina and are about $20. Rates may have gone up):
Bald Head Island Club: Two dining rooms, great food and full use of facilities: Pool, tennis, croquet, exercise room. Golf is extra. About 1mi from the marina.
Shoals Club. East end of the Island. Dinning room and Sandbar Grill. About 4+mi from the marina.
That’s it. If I can supply any more information please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Brewse Barnard
formerly of S/V Integrale
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bald Head Island Marina
On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 307 – anyone who has frequented Deep Point Marina, north of AICW/Cape Fear River marker #20, recently, please give us your impressions of this facility.
Responses follow:
Deep Creek Marina: I had to hole up in this marina last spring to wait out a storm, facilities were above average, free use of the washer dryer, nice pool and a great friendly bunch of people. The staff was great, helpful and friendly. Fuel; available at a decent price. Only drawback was the very busy ferry terminal next door. I would highly recommend this stop to anyone AND the prices were reasonable.
Bill
S/V “Resolute”
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Deep Point Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Deep Point Marina
On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 309- anyone who has spent a night or two at Southport Marina, please share your experiences with us. What was your overall impressions of this marina and its facilities?
Responses follow:
We stayed there about a week ago. It is a class A marina. The dock master and dock hand were very good at giving us directions and catching our lines. We don’t use shoreside facilities, so I can’t say anything about shower and bathrooms. However, the docks and grounds are very neat and clean. The marina is within walking distance of the main part of Southport and restaurants.
I would rate it very highly and recommend it to others. It is also very easy to access, right off the ICW.
Tom Law
Spent 4/30 to 5/6/13 at Southport Marina. This was our first visit and won’t be our last. We stayed several days longer than planned due to weather. Marina employees are great. The facilities are very good and kept clean. The marina is a short walk into town. Nice farmers market on Wednesday. Numerous restaurants and shops. Marina has very good outside help for any boat problems (Snyders Marine). We rented a car for 3 days and took ferry to Fort Fisher and the NC aquarium. Overall, a great stop-over.
s/v Skye
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina
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Southport Marina - Click for Chartview
Southport Marina – A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! – lies just west of the Cape Fear River along the northern banks of the Waterway hard by flashing daybeacon #2A.
This newly renovated marina is in the heart of downtown Southport. It is within walking distance of the commercial fishing harbor and many restaurants and stores. The entrance is directly off the ICW on the north shore just after passing the fishing harbor on the starboard side when headed south.
Water depths need to be watched here. Transient boaters are usually docked on the face dock that forms a long T-head with the dock office in the center. Water depths are fine in that area, but elsewhere low tide causes some very shallow spots. Fuel is available and there is a small ships store.
Southport is also a quaint southern town reminiscent of Beaufort, SC, and is well worth a visit. The marina is well maintained and conveniently located.
Ray Kurlak
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport Marina
Well, of course, Bald Head Island Marina is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, as well as being an AGLCA sponsor!
This facility is found hard by the seaward mouth of the Cape Fear River, within sight of the “Old Baldy” lighthouse! Give them a try – you won’t be sorry!
Bald Head Island is at the mouth of the Cape Fear River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. When going south down the Cape Fear River it is located further southeast past the point where the ICW leaves the river at Southport. The inlet to the marina is on the west end of the island, or equivalently the east side of the river. It is well marked and framed by two short rock jetties. The current on the river runs fast and entrance into the inlet must take that into account. Additionally, the inlet channel shoals and is routinely dredged to maintain ferry access to the island. Transiting at mid to high tide is prudent.
The marina has floating slips and T-heads and good space for transient boaters. There is one restaurant and a ship’s store in the marina plus restrooms and showers. Fuel and a pump out are available. Kayaks and golf carts can be rented to use on the island (there are no cars allowed).
This marina is an excellent jump off point for boaters going offshore headed south. It’s only a short 30 mile trip to the Little River Inlet at Myrtle Beach.
Ray Kurlak
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bald Head Island Marina
Deep Point Marina lies in the Cape Fear River via a marked entry channel northwest of Cape Fear River/AICW marker #20 and is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
This marina is located on the western shore of the Cape Fear River just north of downtown Southport. Deep Point has floating docks with slips and T-heads and is the operating terminal for the Bald Head Island Ferry. This marina is just a bit south of the NC State Ferry terminal for the Southport-Fort Fisher ferry. It is near the Cape Fear River channel Red marker 20 (nun buoy).
Fuel is available and, seasonally, there is a café in the ferry terminal. Travel into Southport requires a taxi or a car ride. Taking the ferry to visit Bald Head Island is a convenient option when stopping here.
Ray Kurlak
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Deep Point Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Deep Point Marina
“Death and Taxes”…what can you say? Our sympathies Captain Chappell. Fortunately, this situation was resolved.
RE: New Hanover County (Wilmington, NC)
They not only are zealous but are quite bloody minded in the way they deal with People. They continued to bill me for two years after the boat was sold, and just will not accept the fact the boat was not in their County during the next year after I made the mistake of staying over January 1st the Year before.
As I was cruising south….and did not take up a slip or mooring anywhere and thus had no Marina Bill to show…they continue to insist I owed them for the full year despite not being there.
They freely admit the Marina documented my departure date but despite having that information….continue to ignore what that statement said….”Departed!”
My advice to all….pass right on through New Hanover County….do not stop…do not buy a single thing in New Hanover County….go on into South Carolina where you are welcome and do not have the burden of dealing with the New Hanover County Tax Office.
Their comment to me, “Tax has to be paid every year on your boat!” sums up their attitude. They refuse to accept that Boaters only have to comply with the laws for the Tax Jurisdiction they find themselves within. Which for them means a great many of New Hanover County boaters cross the SC State Line for a couple of weeks, pay for a Slip and escape paying taxes to New Hanover County….which saves a lot of money for the Boater.
If I had known the Tax problems I would have with New Hanover County (Wilmington, NC)….I would never have stopped there. As people have noted….New Bern Tax folks are quite pleasant and helpful in the way they conduct their business of collecting taxes….which is not the case in New Hanover County.
Ralph Chappell
Cruising News:
I posted earlier about dealing with the New Hanover County Tax Office re Tax issues on my boat. My earlier post was not very favorable about that organization.
Upon reaching a Supervisory level staff member we quickly worked out a resolution that was quite fair and not at all problematic.
Perhaps there is hope after all.
I believe the secret is as always….only deal with a person who has the authority to actually make a determination and not the low ranking clerks who have no decision making authority.
My comments about the North Carolina Tax law re Cruising Sailors remains unchanged. The State drives off way too much business and thus creates a great hardship on businesses that would otherwise enjoy trade with those traveling about on their boats.
The other advice unfortunately remains….be a pack rat with receipts, bills, logs, notes, journals, photographs, and bar tabs….to prove exactly where your boat was at any given day, date, and time. Seems a pity it has to be that way.
Ralph Chappell
The combined enterprises of Bennett Brothers Yachts and Cape Fear Marina guard the easterly banks of the Northeast Cape Fear River, just north of the 42-foot Isabel Holmes – Highway 117 bascule bridge, and only a hop, skip and jump from the downtown Wilmington waterfront. These good people are one of our oldest and most valued SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS!
Well, fellow cruisers, hold on to your proverbial hats! Just today, 4/17/13, we received the message below from President Patricia Bennett. In all my 30+ years as a cruising guide author, I can’t ever recall a better or more GENEROUS spring dockage special. This is really one for the books.
Now, BOTH northbound snowbirds, and year round North Carolina cruisers, have an incredibly good reason to abandon the familiar confines of the AICW and cruise upstream on the Cape Fear River to Wilmington, NC, and Cape Fear Marina/Bennett Brothers Yachts, in particular.
Tell Tricia we sent you!
BENNETT BROTHERS YACHTS and the Cape Fear Marina is offering a week of complimentary dockage from now until June 1, 2013. Come on up the river and enjoy our southern hospitality at one of the prettiest historic cities in the south! Outstanding restaurants, museums, beaches, shopping just minutes away! The marina is a deep water marina with heavily built docks and a very safe haven should the weather get ugly. On site spanky restrooms and laundry facilities – free ice and free wifit! Electric and pumpout available at every slip. Electric charges are $11.25 for 30 amp and $20.00 for 50 amp per week. We are 5 minutes to the Wilmington International Airport and I-40.
Please call/email Tricia Bennett for further details and to make your reservations – 910-233-1463, tricia@bbyachts.com
We look forward to seeing you around the docks!
Many thanks, Claiborne. Just let me know if you have any questions.
Tricia
Southport Marina - Click for Chartview
Southport Marina lies just west of the Cape Fear River along the northern banks of the Waterway hard by flashing daybeacon #2A. The following points of information just arrived from this SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
* Monthly $7.25 per ft per month with annual agreement
* Advance Annual Payment $7.00 per foot per month
* New $0.20 cents per gallon fuel discount for slip-holders
* Basin fully dredged March 2012
* Full Service Boatyard
* Excellent Marina Customer Service
* In town location on ICW
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport Marina
As a boy, I spent many a summer living aboard in the old Southport Harbor. I still have many fond memories of this delightful village!
Much of the dockage Captains Kay and Bob speak about below is located in the older, easterly basin, while modern Southport Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, lies just next door, and within easy walking distance of all the old harbor’s dining attractions.
Really, folks, don’t miss a stop in Southport! Those who just cruise on by are missing one of the great ports of call along the AICW!
We are from Southport, NC, and think that Bald Head and Southport are both great stops. Bald Head does charge a “day Dockage” fee for docking and dining but last summer it was $20. Their overnight dockage is between $1.50 and $2.00 per foot, and again a great stop. There are several restaurants that offer free dockage, no power or water, if you dine with them, [Yacht Basi] Provision being one of the most popular, plus the City of Southport offers one free dock for overnight, with 15 amp. power and water, in the back of the Yacht Basin.
Also, Southport Marina is just next to the Southport Yacht Basin, $1.75 per foot, and an easy walk to the restaurants and downtown.
We have seen the movie Safe Haven, filmed in Southport, and think that it is great, and accurately reflects our town.
Make Southport and Bald Head Island a stop on your travels!
Kay and Robert Creech
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Southport Mairna
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport, NC
Well, of course, Bald Head Island Marina is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, as well as being an AGLCA sponsor!
This facility is found hard by the seaward mouth of the Cape Fear River, within sight of the “Old Baldy” lighthouse! Give them a try this spring. You won’t be sorry!
This is Janice posting from [AGLCA] Lieutenant Sponsor, Bald Head Island. This is a beautiful marina and you should be sure to stop by when you’re doing the Intracoastal in North Carolina. Ben and Doug say “Hello” to all of you!
Safe cruising,
Janice Kromer
We think Baldhead is also a great stop, with a lighthouse within walking distance of the marina that you can go up in and have a great view. Most of the other North Carolina lighthouses are well off the path of loopers, so this is a good reason to stop at Baldhead as well.
Betsy Johnson
Rick ‘n Roll
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For
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"Blue Run Springs Park Manatees – St. Johns River"
by: Glen and Jill Moore
