Big Foot Slough - Click for Chartview

Big Foot Slough Channel is the primary entrance from Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke and Silver Lake Harbor and is used by the vast majority of cruising craft and both Ocracoke car ferries. It is a narrow channel and caution should always be exercised. Based on Capt. Deharts’ observations, last year’s shoaling in the channel seems to have been alleviated by dredging completed last November, 2012. Therefore, we are cancelling the Navigation Alert posted early last year.

Cruising News:
No problems with Big Foot Slough channel into Ocracoke. Minimum depth I saw on a trip there last week was 14 feet. Still some shoaling on the green side just after you enter the channel, but these areas are well marked by cans. If you have never been there or haven’t been there in a while, remember it is green to starboard when approaching Ocracoke from the sound!
Sykes DeHart

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Big Foot Slough

Old House Channel - Click for Chartview

Old House Channel connects Pamlico Sound and Roanoke Sound and forms the main/bridgeless, non-AICW northbound route into Manteo, NC. Oregon Inlet is a most unreliable and downright dangerous passage from southern Roanoke Sound out into the briny blue. Despite recent dredging in Old House Channel (March, 2013), shoaling is re-occurring. Please see Note C on Chart 12205 regarding frequently shifted navigation aids in these channels.

NC – CURRITUCK BEACH LIGHT TO WIMBLE SHOALS – OREGON INLET – OLD HOUSE CHANNEL – SHOALING
Shoaling to a depth of 4.0 ft MLW has been reported in the vicinity of Old House Channel Buoy 11 (LLNR 28275). Chart: 12204.

Click Here To View the Earlier Dredging Notice

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Manteo

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Old House Channel

Wanchese, NC - Click for Chartview

If you do have mechanical problems anywhere from Elizabeth City to Oriental I cannot speak highly enough of the Bayliss Boatworks in Wanchese which is just south of Manteo on Roanoke Island. These folks were just a delight to deal with, and the quality of their work is the best I have encountered in over 23 years of boating. Although they do not have transit slips nor would I recommend them for sailboats, powerboats over 30′ or so can not find a better place to have repairs done or even a quality bottom job.
Doug Cordello

Bayliss can handle just about any Boatworks you may need. Our Gemini Cat has been in their yard this winter undergoing several upgrades, including installing and wiring a Lewmar windlass and several other electrical upgrades. Top notch tradesman–electrical, mechanical, fabricating, bottom work, you name it. While Sport Fishing is their Ace, they can field just about anything. Call ahead as they get booked up with Boats getting ready for the season.
Paul

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wanchese, NC

Oregon Inlet - Click for Chartview

Recent Local Notices to Mariners and our own on-site observations have reported severe shoaling in Oregon Inlet passage, which is now confirmed by this new Corp of Engineers survey. This passage, which cuts North Carolina’s Outer Banks south of Nags Head, and north of Hatteras, is NOT recommended for ANY mariner without very specific, up to date, local knowledge, and, even then, only for those piloting shallow draft vessels of less than 4 ft. We have had a Navigational Alert set for this inlet since June of 2011.

NC –CURRITUCK BEACH LIGHT TO WIMBLE SHOALS – OREGON INLET CHANNEL/ROANOKE SOUND CHANNEL – SHOALING
An ACOE survey conducted 19 February, 2013 indicates shoaling to a depth of between 5.5 and 2.6 feet MLW in the vicinity of Oregon Inlet Light 54 (LLNR 28193) ) and Oregon Inlet Lighted Buoy 55 (LLNR 28195). Chart :12204.

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the Oregon Inlet Bridge

Click for Chartview

The Ocracoke National Park Service Docks lie on the northern shores of Ocracoke’s Silver Lake Harbor, just east of its entrance.

We had a great charter out of Washington on In Concert, a Saga 409 that we bareboated from Carolina Wind.
Made it to Ocracoke the first day for two nights including dinner at the Back Porch and lunch at Howard’s. Then we were off across the sound to Adams creek to follow the ICW south to Beaufort and and a wonderful two nights anchored in Lookout Bight. Back up the ICW for a quick stop for wine in Oriental, a night anchored in Bonner Bay before the final leg back to Washington.
I do believe coastal North Carolina is the best cruising area on the east coast – I was very impressed!
As you asked, I visited the public docks in Ocracoke to assess the dinghy dock. The office was closed and the only floating dock appeared to be in association with the adjacent ferry dock and locked behind a dock fence. A sign (see photo) hung in the office window regarding its use, but again, it appeared locked and unavailable.
I’ll make a couple phone calls back to the village and if I get more details will let you know.
Your info and cruising guide were right on it’s with many thanks for your efforts that we had a great trip.
Cheers,
Mike Alyea

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Ocracoke National Park Service Docks

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ocracoke National Park Service Docks

Big Foot Slough - Click for Chartview

Big Foot Slough Channel is the primary entrance from Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke and Silver Lake Harbor and is used by the vast majority of cruising craft and both Ocracoke car ferries. It is a narrow channel and caution should be exercised in the vicinity of dredge equipment. Because of shoaling in the channel, we have had a Navigation Alert posted since January of this year (see link below). Hopefully the dredging, scheduled to be completed by November 13, 2012, will alleviate the problem.

NC – PAMLICO SOUND/BIG FOOT SLOUGH CHANNEL – DREDGING – UPDATE
The Dredge Richmond will be conducting dredging operations in the Silver Lake Entrance and Big Foot Slough between Big Foot Slough Channel Light 14BF(LLNR 29087) and Big Foot Slough Channel Buoy 9AA (LLNR 29057) and the entrance to Silver Lake. Dredging operations have been extended to 13 November, 2012. Mariners are cautioned to stay clear of dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine construction operations. Operators of vessels of all types should be aware that dredges and floating pipelines are held in place by cables, attached to anchors some distance away from the equipment. Buoys are attached to the anchors so that the anchors may be moved as the dredge advances and the location of the submerged pipelines are marked by buoys on each side of the channel. Mariners are cautioned to strictly comply with the Inland Rules of the Road when approaching, passing and leaving the area of operations, and remain a safe distance away from the dredge, booster, buoys, cables, pipeline, barges, derricks, wires and related equipment.
Owners and lessees of fishnets, crabpots and other structures that may be in the vicinity and that may hinder the free navigation of attending vessels and equipment must be remove these from the area where tugs, tenderboats and other attendant equipment will be navigating. Dredging projects are usually conducted twenty-four (24) hours a day seven (7) days a week, all fishnets, crabpots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to commencement of any work. A NO WAKE transit is requested of all vessels passing the dredge and if necessary to clarify a SAFE PASSAGE contact the dredge on the appropriate VHF-FM channels. Chart :11550.

Cruising News:
Good news! As I write, they are dredging Big Foot Slough channel now at Ocracoke.
Capt. Sykes DeHart

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position on Big Foot Slough Channel Near Marker #10B

Thanks to “Captain Parky” we have learned that Shallowbag Bay Marina, in the community of Manteo, North Carolina, on Roanoke Island, is under new ownership and management, and is now once again welcoming visiting cruisers. Coupled with SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Manteo Waterfront Marina, this community can now lay claim to marina facilitates second to none in the Tar Heel state!
Shallowbag Bay Marina is accessed via a marked channel, running south from Shallowbag Bay channel marker #10. This passage can be a bit tricky for first timers. Give super-friendly dockmaster, Rita, a call at 252-305 8726. She can give you the latest tips for safe entry!

I’m at Shallowbag Bay Marina (http://www.marinasouterbanksnc.com) – a first class facility at reasonable rates. Grocery stores, pharmacies, a liquor store and a great little family restaurant called TL’s are all within walking distance. Manteo is a bike ride away – but with plenty of things to do and see. And the Outer Banks themselves (Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills etc) offer just about every experience you need for a holiday or stopover visit – including good fishing, good sailing and endless beaches.
So much so, I’m thinking of wintering here so that next year I’ll easily have both Chesapeake and the Outer Banks wihin easy reach.
Cap’n Parky
MV Pisces

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Shallowbag Bay Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Shallowbag Bay Marina

Croatan Sound Channel Bridges

Croatan Sound connects Albemarle Sound to the north and Pamlico Sound to the south via a broad channel crossed by two sets of fixed bridges. The older, northernmost span has a vertical clearance of 45ft, and has LONG been the bane of sailors who must use the far more difficult Roanoke Sound – Old House channel to cruise south from the AICW/Albemarle Sound to Pamlico Sound, or the other way around. The southernmost twin Highway 64 bridges feature 66ft of vertical clearance, and one might thing with their installation a few years ago, the older span would have been removed. For whatever reason, this has not come to pass.

There are also no clearance boards on either of the bridges that cross the Croatan Sound.
Keith s/v SAGA

Note that both the NCDOT and the USCG have been apprised of the missing tide boards in Roanoke Sound and Croatan Sound. See article linked below.

Click Here To Read an Earlier Posting on Missing Tide Boards

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Croatan Sound

Click for Chartview

This wonderful report is in response to an earlier posting on dining in Ocracoke, NC. (See link below). Between this these two reports, there isn’t much not covered by these veteran visitors to this popular destination on Pamlico Sound off the AICW.

We were anchored in Ocracoke August 6th through 9th. It’s been about a year and a half since we were last there on our own boat. A few notable changes:
1) the dinghy dock at the park service docks is completely gone. We went over to the emegency ladder to get up and dispose of our trash. Rangers had no ETA on replacement.
1A) it has been difficult for awhile to access the dinghy dock at the Community Store due to the presence of a houseboat; now it is virtually impossible due to the same house boat and some small boats inside. We negotiated an arrangement for the week with the fellow that runs the paddle boat concession right there to use that dock. One could also try negotiating with one of the inns to use their lightly used docks. This was never an issue in the off season when we’d go for Thanksgiving.
2) The Community Store itself is closed, a major tragedy, no one knows if and when it will re-open, they have a little flea market with interesting local wares on Wednesday.
3) AT&T has finally put a cell tower up replete with 3G data a major plus for us at least. I would imagine T-Mobile subscribers can roam on it.
4) We went to the Flying Melon, one of favorites on Monday, found it closed on Mondays. We had an excellent lunch (blackened chicken sandwich and shrimp poboy accompanied by great house made curly fries) and watched the Olympics on multiple screens at Gaffer’s Sports Pub just down the road. More of a “locals” place and a very nice alternative to Howards for bar food. We ended up going back there again one afternoon for a beer and some good crab dip and watch more of the games.
5) Hit the Flying Melon for brunch on Tuesday, as good as ever.
6) Patronized the Ocracoke Seafood co-op store every day for sensational yellow fin tuna and spanish mackerel each of which was converted to sashimi.
7) Finally tried Dajio’s for breakfast per some posts here. Very nice atmosphere, creative food well prepared. Lovely!

By the way, the Corps of Engineers did a new survey of Silver Lake earlier this year. The handy “chart” is available here as are fairly frequent surveys of most of the inlets in NC:
http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/nav/inlets.htm
[Open to "Ocracoke Inlet", then "Silver Lake Harbor"]

We have always had good holding in Silver Lake, at both ends, it seems a storm always comes through at least one night of every trip. This time we were a little on the north side, straight out from Anchorage Marina’s southern “gazebo” dock just off the “shoal” created by the ferry back wash but still a good distance from the ferries.
As ever, one of our favorite “town” stops anywhere in the US.
PS: I left off Zillie’s wine bar and gourmet store about a block behind the Anchorage Inn. This has become a popular spot to enjoy a glass of wine or beer on the porch, plus they have an outstanding selection of top notch wines and beers from around the globe to take with you, amongst other treats. We fond a good bottle of sake, along with the wasabi, to go with our sashimi. Perhaps a little “Nantuckety” for budget minded cruisers but very pleasant nonetheless.
George and Ann
Hatteras 56MY

Click Here To Read An Earlier Report on Ocracoke

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ocracoke.

Entering Ocracoke's Silver Lake Harbor

Captain Rick is responding to the comments below by Captain Ben and then adds a detailed dining guide to several other eating establishments – which he obviously enjoyed! – in Ocracoke.

On a separate note we had an decent if unspectacular meal at Jolly Roger’s Pub, a bit overpriced in my humble O for average fare (lots of fries with my humble mackerel). We figured we made up for the average fare with a very nice view. Not bad food, just ok. Probably next visit would just order appetizers and beer. Ocracoke beautiful as always.
Cheers,
Capt Ben and his Motley Crew.

I sail over to Ocracoke 3 or 4 times each year, and I sailed to Ocracoke the week after Capt. Ben was there. I tend to agree about the Jolly Roger. It is really more of a spot for beer and music on the waterfront – and the food is pretty average.
A better bet for beer and burgers is the bar at the docks of the Anchorage Inn & Marina. Great burgers, and if you go there in late afternoon you get to watch the headboats come in to unload and weigh their catch, and the pelicans congregate to get the scraps.
I find the Back Porch Restaurant to be the best restaurant on the island; I’ve never had a bad meal there and the Crab Bignette are to die for.
Another good bet is Dajio; the food is great (though I think the lemmongrass vinnegrette would be better than the Balsamic Vinnegrette on the Dajio Salad (which has chirozo, fried parmesan cheese bits, and grilled scallops). Dajio also has an outdoor bar and music 2 or 3 times each week.
For breakfast/brunch try the Flying Melon Cafe. The Panne Perdu (really light and fluffy New Orleans style french toast) with blueberries is to die for. I thought my girlfriend would want to go there every morning before we sailed home.
Rick Brass
s/v Imzadi

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Anchorage Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ocracoke.

Captain Parky offers thanks for the many folks that cruisers encounter who just know how to help when and where they are needed.

Subject: Help When You Need It
Cruising News:
We cruisers are always grateful for the kindness of strangers. Those who take us to the nearest grocery store or library. Those who give us good advice on local attractions or events not to miss. Those who will help us repair our engines no matter where we are and those who will find a badly needed part at reasonable cost. In these days of “Buyer Beware” America, the following gentlemen in the Hampton Roads and Outer Banks area would be on my personal list for a Congressional Medal of Honor.
1) Robert the Lock Keeper at Deep Creek Lock who never fails to give up to date advice about the Dismal Swamp and offers a cup of fresh made coffee and cake to start off your day at the 8.30am opening.
2) At Manteo City Marina – kind and friendly Dockmaster Carl Jordan who helps all boaters find what they need to make their visit a pleasure. See www.manteowaterfront.com or call (252) 305 4800.
3) Bob McBride, Owner of Mile Marker ”0” marine store at Portsmouth City Dock seven days a week. Bob will give you a ride to Walmart or find that badly needed part within four hours. See www.marinesuppliesportsmouthva.com or call (757) 673 4816.
4) It’s not often that a fully experienced diesel mechanic will travel 50 miles to fix an engine or quickly polish your diesel fuel for reasonable prices. Based in Coinjock, Ken Moore does that and much more no matter where your boat is. See www.marinepro.com or call (252) 457 0016.
These people will help you avoid the more prevalent outfits who think boat owners are made of money and cannot do without their national chain stores and overpriced marinas. We all know who they are!
Cap’n Parky
MV Pisces

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Virginia Bridge Directory Listing For Deep Creek Lock

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Deep Creek Lock

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Manteo Waterfront Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Manteo Waterfront Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Mile 0

Click Here To View Our Full Port of Call Entry for Coinjock, NC

Nine Foot Shoal Channel

Nine Foot Shoal Channel has been slowly losing its depth for the last year or so. As you consider using this route into alternate route to Ocracoke, keep in mind that this channel is named a “shoal channel”! Note too, that the primary entrance from Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke and Silver Lake Harbor is the Big Foot Slough Channel, which the vast majority of cruising craft and both Ocracoke car ferries use! However, Captain Ben seems to have found a route through Nine Foot Shoal Channel.

Cruising News:
Hi Claiborne -
I type this sitting in Silver Lake on the hook at Ocracoke. Glum overcast day, but relaxing none the less. We came through a whopper of a storm on the Pamlico to get here, but not the worry as we all came across ok. Just a little annoying following sea to bully the boat around. Lightning is the only scare on the Pamlico in a storm and we were fortunate in that regard.
Anyway, on to the report of the title. Nine Foot Slough always worries me a bit because who knows what you’re going to find. But I think I found a good strategy. Reports of 5-1/2 feet concerned me from other cruisers. I am happy to say our lowest was 7 feet at low tide.
We came through at around 430pm on Saturday, July 21 at low tide. From #8 to #6 I measured 7 feet of water this is lowest we saw. From #6 to #5 I saw the water increase in depth from 8 feet to 13 feet. At #5 it was 10 feet. From #5 to #4 I saw the water go steady around 10 feet. At #4 it was 9 feet. Between #2 and #1 it was 10 feet then increasing to 11 feet. In the main channel the water increased to 17 feet.
The strategy is this: At the #8, I could see the water tower dead ahead, middle of the channel near #4 I plugged that into the autopilot or, when I was piloting manually I headed straight for it. My depth readings are based on that path and we had no trouble at all. Hopefully no fall hurricane disrupts that path, but in this occasion, it worked for us.
On a separate note we had an decent if unspectacular meal at Jolly Roger’s Pub, a bit overpriced in my humble O for average fare (lots of fries with my humble mackerel). We figured we made up for the average fare with a very nice view. Not bad food, just ok. Probably next visit would just order appetizers and beer. Ocracoke beautiful as always.
Cheers,
Capt Ben and his Motley Crew.

I sail over to Ocracoke 3 or 4 times each year, and I sailed to Ocracoke the week after Capt. Ben was there. I tend to agree about the Jolly Roger. It is really more of a spot for beer and music on the waterfront – and the food is pretty average.
A better bet for beer and burgers is the bar at the docks of the Anchorage Inn & Marina. Great burgers, and if you go there in late afternoon you get to watch the headboats come in to unload and weigh their catch, and the pelicans congregate to get the scraps.
I find the Back Porch Restaurant to be the best restaurant on the island; I’ve never had a bad meal there and the Crab Bignette are to die for.
Another good bet is Dajio; the food is great (though I think the lemongrass vinnegrette would be better than the Balsamic Vinnegrette on the Dajio Salad (which has chirozo, fried parmesan cheese bits, and grilled scallops). Dajio also has an outdoor bar and music 2 or 3 times each week.
For breakfast/brunch try the Flying Melon Cafe. The Panne Perdu (really light and fluffy New Orleans style french toast) with blueberries is to die for. I thought my girlfriend would want to go there every morning before we sailed home.
Rick Brass
s/v Imzadi

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To Nine Foot Shoal Channel, Big Foot Slough Channel, Silver Lake and Ocracoke

As Keith attests, Nine Foot Shoal Channel has been slowly losing its depth for the last year or so. As you consider using this route into Ocracoke, keep in mind that this channel is named a “shoal channel”! Note too, that the primary entrance from Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke and Silver Lake Harbor is the Big Foot Slough Channel, which the vast majority of cruising craft and both Ocracoke car ferries use! However, this channel can shoal from time to time as well, as you can see in earlier comments we’ve received, BUT, due to the car ferries, the state will usually dredge the Big Foot Slough Channel fairly regularly.

Cruising News:
I have been sailing out to Ocracoke for almost 20 years and almost always enter via Nine Foot Shoal Channel.
I chuckled last year when I read a review on this site where somebody correctly stated that it should be referred to as Seven Foot Shoal Channel. I want to say that as of this summer, it should now be known as 5 1/2 Foot Shoal Channel. I used the channel about a week ago and found 5 1/2 feet of water between markers 8 and 6 at low water.
The rest of the channel held depths of at least 10 feet, but what does that matter if you can’t get over the hump?
I draw less than 4 1/2 feet, so for now, I’ll continue using this shortcut and keep y’all posted.
Keith s/v SAGA

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To Nine Foot Shoal Channel, Big Foot Slough Channel, Silver Lake and Ocracoke

Old House Channel and Oregon Inlet Channel connect Pamlico Sound and Roanoke Sound and form the main/bridgeless northbound route into Manteo, NC. Please see Note C on Chart 12205 regarding frequently shifted navigation aids in these channels.

Old House channel was a piece of cake but knowing the marking convention ahead of time, prevented confusion. [Northbound Old House Channel is Red to Port until Marker #36 where Red becomes Starboard into Manteo]
Chase

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Old House Channel

The Manteo/Doughs Creek Anchorage lies east of the Manteo, NC cottage/screw pile lighthouse monument, and well northwest of Shallowbag Bay Channel marker #10.

The Doughs Creek anchorage is a great spot for a NE blow. It blew 20-25 kts over the past two days and there is little fetch and holding is good. My Crealock 34 is riding to a 35 lb CQR and a 33 lb Bruce, but the Bruce is probably not necessary. The dock is a short ride in the dink and everything you could need is at your feet, including the outer banks. It is mid-June, and the beaches are closed to swimming, it is a heck of a nor’ easter for this time of year.
Chase

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Manteo/Doughs Creek

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Manteo/Doughs Creek Anchorage

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Old House Channel