We continue to receive such positive comments about River Dunes Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! River Dunes is located in Broad Creek off the Neuse River north of Oriental.

Just spent two nights at River Dunes off the Neuse River in Oriental, N.C. and toured this fantastic facility with J.C. Cappelmann, Director of Marina Operations and our former Dockmaster in Oxford. Very upscale and well thought out.. if you’re traversing the ICW and are near Oriental this is worth checking out … it’s definitely got my 5 star rating ! This is, indeed, the Ritz-Carlton of Marinas and will become your favorite stopover for a little quiet R&R in a most beautiful & protected setting … give it a shot … you can Thank me later.

Captain John Wolfe

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For River Dunes MArina

This sounds like fun! Broad Creek is off the Neuse River north of Oriental. Click the chartlet below to view this area.

When staying at River Dunes or anchored in Broad Creek, take a dinghy ride up the north side tributary at marker #4 to Paradise Cove (252/249-2025), a blue building with cupola at the end of the first or second side channel to your right. It’s a hoot. Rose, the proprietor will keep you entertained. Ask about the huge (12 ft long) dinosaur bones on the wall. No food served, but on weekends the locals do a pot luck there and boaters are welcome to join in.
Alice and Phil Priemer, aboard M/V Wonderland, 49′ Gulfstar

River Dunes Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located off the AICW’s run along Neuse River, in Broad Creek between unlighted daybeacons #1 and #2.

We just spent another wonderful afternoon & evening at River Dunes Marina, ICW Mile Marker 173 up Broad Creek about a mile. Where can a cruiser find such a hospitable marina that for $1.25 per foot you can enjoy the outdoor pool & Jacuzzi’s, exercise room, laundry, two courtesy cars, bikes, and I’m sure other items I have yet to experience. If you’re there on the weekend you can enjoy the fantastic view from there top-notch restaurant. Since stopping there last spring, J.C. and his team have installed outdoor fire pits that are sure to be a hit this fall & winter! If you find yourself thinking about stopping in the Oriental, NC area, give River Dunes a try, you won’t be disappointed! And no, we have no affiliation with River Dunes…other than satisfied customers!
Todd & Brenda Lanning aboard Life’s2Short, 1985 40′ Oceania Trawler

When staying at River Dunes or anchored in Broad Creek, take a dinghy ride up the north side tributary at marker #4 to Paradise Cove (Tel
252/249-2025), a blue building with cupola at the end of the first or second side channel to your right. It’s a hoot. Rose, the proprietor will keep you entertained. Ask about the huge (12 ft long) dinosaur bones on the wall. No food served, but on weekends the locals do a pot luck there and boaters are welcome to join in.
Alice and Phil Priemer, aboard M/V Wonderland, 49′ Gulfstar

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For River Dunes Marina

Long a major center of North Carolina sailing, the weak economy seems to be taking its toll on this wonderful old town on the Neuse River.

Oriental is getting sadder each day, for boaters. Whittaker Creek we hear no longer sells fuel. Inland Provision Company is out of business due to personal reasons, and locals are not so sure about its re-opening. Oriental Hotel and Marina still sells fuel. Oriental Harbor Marina no longer takes transients unless you stay for a month or more. They do have an arrangement of some sort with Oriental Motel, we are told, for overflow on occasion. Fortunately, M&Ms and most shops are still there along with the neat Boating Consignment shop on Broad Street.
John and Sue Winter aboard Just Relax

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

River Dunes Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located west of the AICW on the southeastern shores of Broad Creek between unlighted daybeacons #1 and #2.

River Dunes, near Oriental that has been advertised and posted on many sites does have the $1.25/ft, and all the amenities that everyone mentions and is a must stop for R&R. HOWEVER, they told us this deal is only temporary in order to get more people in to look at property. Look for them to raise prices to the $1.75 range next year if they sell more lots/build houses. So, I caution your readers to call for pricing before making reservations and then be surprised. But, even at $2, if one wants hot tubs, swimming, etc. first class, then, the $2 would be worth it. After you go up the Broad Creek, turn sharp to port up a small canal. You will not see the marina from Broad Creek as you would think, and could possibly end up traveling a couple more miles to another private facility that you can see from marker 4 by accident.
John and Sue Winter aboard Just Relax

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For River Dunes Marina

The New Bern Grand Marina lies just inside the intersection of the Trent and Neuse Rivers, along the Trent’s northern banks between the low-level Trent River highway and railroad bridges.

The marina at New Bern is now called “New Bern Grand Marina” if I remember correctly, hopefully they will not change their name anymore (Was Sheraton Grand). Still a fantastic place, but they no longer sell fuel, but do have pump-out. BOATUS. The hotel will take you for shopping for $5 each way. Dockmaster’s phone is 252/637-0318 (versus the hotel desk number in the book).
John and Sue Winter aboard Just Relax

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For New Bern Grand Marina

Matthews Point Marina is located in Clubfoot Creek off of the Neuse River just west of where the AICW turns south into Adams Creek.

Matthews Point Marina up the Neuse on Clubfoot Creek is a good haven per your book. Water depth is 5.5′, but it is easy to get in and out (N34.54.383, W076.45.804). Facilities are still about the same as described in your book. We recommend it for a stop on the way to/from New Bern/Trent River.
John and Sue Winter aboard Just Relax

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Matthews Point Marina

River Bend Marina is located off the Trent River departing at Marker #18 (35 04.488′N, 077 07.814′W). River Bend Marina sounds interesting if your draft doesn’t keep you away.

Took a couple days off work to move the boat out of Earl’s way. So I moved our “Sand Castle” way up the Neuse River into the Trent [River] and found “River Bend Marina”. This is a nice, pleasant establishment off of marker #18 on the Trent River hidden way, way back via canals in a neighborhood. Nice tavern there just getting started by friendly owner George. Good very helpful and accommodating staff. A few convenience/grocery stores in walking distance, and another sports-bar/tavern “Attitudes” which is pretty nice. I took our boat this deep inland to avoid any run-ins with Hurricane Earl, and thoroughly enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere of the marina and it’s surroundings.
If you want that “Heart of Darkness” feeling (NARROW waterways) of cruising and can tolerate the occasional – and unpredictable 5-foot depths of the Trent River, River Bend Marina is a nice place to stop on the way up the Trent however far you choose to go.
One more note about the Trent – depths average 8-20 feet most of the way, but early on, there are variable changes down to about 5 foot of water. I never kicked up mud in our 3-1/2 draft trawler, but got a little concerned a couple times nonetheless. You will also find some 30 foot holes. Not a river for 6+ drafts, but definitely out of the way, and probably best after bug season. Look hard at chart 11552, check fuel (no diesel past New Bern) and have a good idea how far you want to go. It’s remote. Enjoy.
Captain Ben

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Trent River Marker #18,

New Bern, NC is located 21 miles up the Bay River departing the AICW at statute mile 161. Neuse Starter and Generator Service, Inc. is located at 104 Duffy Street, New Bern, NC 28560 252-633-0719

Had a great experience with Neuse Starter and Generator Service in New Bern, NC. Two Thumbs up service!
Capt. Ralph Chappell

Click Here To View an Earlier Discussion on New Bern, NC

Eastern Propane is at 13588 NC 55, Bayboro, NC‎ 252-745-7346‎. Bayboro is at the head of the Bay River departing the AICW at statute mile 161, northwest of the Bay River/Neuse River/Pamlico Sound Junction at statute mile 166.

Had a delightful experience with Eastern Propane in Bayboro, NC. Two thumbs up to the folks there. Lots of hoses, regulators, fittings conveniently hung on the wall, no wait refills, and very nice folks!
Capt. Ralph Chappell

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

The mouth of the South River is on the south side of the AICW and directly across the Neuse River from Oriental, NC. via flashing red marker #2.

For those of us who sail out of Oriental, South River is by far the most favorite anchorage. Once you get inside the mouth, the depth is good pretty much from shore to shore and you can pick either side depending on whether or not you want bugs and no waves or no bugs and a little chop! My favorite spot is Southwest Creek which further up stream or you can just keep going up the main channel and anchor in the middle where it gets narrow.
Capt. Sykes DeHart

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For South River Anchorage

The discussion below is copied from the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) Mail List. The two messages I have copied were in response to a query from Captain Jim about whether he would need to winterize his boat if it was left in New Bern during the winter months. However, as you will see, there is MUCH more to these messages than just winterizing.

Jim wrote,”But would I have to winterize my boat if it were in New Bern in January?”
Nope. We spent the winter of ’06-’07 there and only put a 60W light bulb in the engine room. No problems.
Its a delightful town. Cindy stayed aboard for two weeks while I flew back the following spring and thoroughly enjoyed her time there. But like an earlier poster pointed out, this is the south and either you accept and enjoy its slow and gracious lifestyle or do yourself a favor move along quickly. Or, as one bumper sticker admonishes, “Get your (picture) heart in Dixie or get your (picture) ass out!” VBG!
Regards,
Randy Pickelmann
MORNING STAR
lying in Clearwater, FL

New Bern is a wonderful town, to be sure, but be careful of the personal property tax laws in North Carolina. In the city of New Bern, both the county and the city will impose a substantial personal property tax on a boat that’s moored there on January 1st of the year. Across the Trent River, outside of the city, your only liability will be to the county. The rules are vague – although I guess have gotten somewhat better documented in that last few years. If your boat is going to be there on January 1st, make sure you take steps to document with the two tax offices that you are a non-resident
transient and claim exemption from the taxes ahead of time. Tell them when you plan to leave, and make sure to tell them when you do leave. On this subject, caveat emptor applies. Fighting this after the fact is a PIA, and not what cruising is supposed to be.
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
Currently at Rock Creek, Pasadena, MD

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Galley Stores Marina

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Galley New Bern Grand Marina

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Bridge Pointe Marina

Offhand, I cannot think of a single marina in North Carolina that has consistently garnered more praise here on the Cruisers’ Net than River Dunes, and that’s not just because they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR.
This marina is surrounded by an ever evolving, sumptuous housing development that is one of the most unique entities of its type that I have ever witnessed. You kind of have to see this one for yourselves folks, from the Wilson, NC tobacco barn planks which line the interior walls of the clubhouse, to the “steam showers” in the marina’s state of the art shower and laundry building. Trust us, don’t dare miss this place, and tell dockmaster J. C., we sent you!

Good Afternoon All,
We have spent the past 5 days at River Dunes Marina and are loving this place! River Dunes is located at M.M. #175 on the ICW, up Broad Creek on your port side.
The Director of Ops, “J.C.”, and his team have gone above and beyond to make our stay an enjoyable one. For a $1.25 per foot you have use of all the facilities here at the marina. A wonderful pool, 4-star dining at very reasonable prices, exercise room, laundry, pump-out, courtesy car, and use of a golf-cart to tour the property. They even had “movie night” here on Sunday night for all the guests, complete with free popcorn!
Life’s2Short is not used to staying in such a nice place and being pampered but the Admiral wanted some non-cruise time to get caught up on boat projects, as did the Captain. Boat projects in the morning and pool time in the afternoon, it just don’t get much better than this!
I would highly recommend River Dunes if you are still headed north or perhaps this fall as you are headed south, you won’t be disappointed!
Now if I can just convince the Admiral to untie the lines so we can head to Ocracoke!
Todd & Brenda Lanning
Life’s2Short

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For River Dunes

New Bern has always had a warm welcome for the cruising community, and, now, with the multitude of special activities associated with their 300′th anniversary, we think ALL captains should consider leaving the familiar confines of the AICW and setting their course up the Neuse River to New Bern’s waterfront.

We are at Galley Stores right now as we visit the lovely NC Mountains for a break from cruising. Mark has been very helpful by keeping a watch over Allegria. The new floating docks break up the chop on the river. The facility is top notch in every category.
New Bern is a wonderful stop and well worth the 20 mile side trip. We had visited several years ago by car but ths is the first trip up the river by boat. The town has a lot to offer. We took the trolley tour to see all of the historic homes in this colonial era capitol city.
The restaurants are great too. Pollock St Deli is a block from the marina and it serves very fresh and tasty breakfast, lunch and dinner(?)
The Chelsea restaurant nearby should not be missed. Great Food.
Greg and Susan Han aboard Allegria

Get MUCH more information at
http://www.newbern300.com

Located on the southeastern shores of Broad Creek (off the AICW’s track down the Neuse River, east of Oriental, NC) between unlighted daybeacons #1 and #2, River Dunes Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) has received numerous words of praise, justly so as noted by Captain Litchfield and in the comments from your fellow cruisers in the link below.

Submitted on 2010/05/22 at 4:54pm
We stayed 2 nights in early May. It’s a great facility with floating docks in a very protected basin. They have a great clubhouse, deck pool, and steam showers to die for. The restaurant was only open on weekends when we visited. They also have a courtesy car for trips to Oriental although shopping is somewhat limited there. The staff was very helpful and accommodating. Watch the approach depths in Broad Creek if the winds are blowing the water out. Lots of crab pots in Broad Creek.
Captain Dick Litchfield

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For River Dunes Marina

On the waters along South River’s northeastern banks, southeast of Big Creek, South River indents the southern banks of the Neuse River, 4.5 nautical miles south of the ICW’s flashing daybeacon #6.

Anchored just North of the Lukens Cemetary in about 5ft. The other writer is correct about the sticky, dense mud. I was bringing about 5 ft of chain at a time and wiping and washing it. Blech! I wish I could bring a bunch home and use for topsoil in my garden. It’s pretty rich stuff. Keep your deck hose handy, you’ll need it!
Captain Ben

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For South River Anchorage

As you will quickly discern, the message below was copied off the AGLCA mail list. Wherever it came from, Captains Ed and and Linda have discovered just what a wonderful facility River Dunes is for all cruisers. And I am not saying that just because these good folks are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! Give this facility a try! You won’t be sorry!

For all you Loopers heading north after the Rendezvous there is a good stop about 8 miles beyond Oriental at a new marina, River Dunes, on Broad Creek. At $1.00/ft. & elec. it’s a great stop. New floating docks, pool, exercise room, $1.00 washer/dryer, courtesy car to go to Oriental – very nice. Very protected harbor.
Best to look them up on the Internet and call to get directions, http://www.riverdunes.com
Ed & Linda Brennan
Shore Thing

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For River Dunes Marina

Captain Ehlen has been kind enough to share a “Letter to the Editor” that he recently dispatched to the New Bern newspaper. As you will see, the subject is a proposal to charge tolls to all boats that pass through the new Trent River bridge. This is a really BAD idea, and, as Captain Ehlen notes, very probably a violation of Federal law!

To the Editor:
Let’s see now. Motorists have two means of crossing the Trent River to/from New Bern. Boaters have only one means of moving between the Trent and Neuse Rivers. I’m a boat owner and the following has a direct impact on me and most other boaters in the area, not to mention the marinas and boat yards on the Trent River, the New Bern Yacht Club and the East Carolina YC.
A few years ago, articles in the Sun Journal reported that the old Cunningham Bridge was deemed in dire need of repair. In fact, I think it was in 2002, one of your headlines stated that the bridge was “The least safe bridge in North Carolina.” Lead paint and other issues over the years led to the decision by the state to remove the bridge.
North Carolina, according to your articles, at first said the bridge wouldn’t be replaced as there was already a new high bridge over the Trent River.
New Bern’s government and downtown merchants, I read, wanted a new high bridge or draw bridge or tunnel to replace the old Cunningham Bridge because they felt that the bridge brought them customers/visitors/money from the James City area.
The compromise reached was that the state would build the new bridge and turn it over to the city.
Now that the new bridge is completed and open, the city wants to back out of its commitment and let the state pay for its upkeep.
Then, your editorial of April 11 suggests that maybe BOATERS should pay a toll ($2/ft.?) to have the bridge opened. Are you nuts? Boaters don’t need the bridge; it’s a convenience for the city, merchants and motorists.
I’m sure federal laws prohibit blocking navigable waterways, hence draw bridges have to open for boats.
On the other hand, maybe the editorial was just a late April Fool’s joke.
Wade Ehlen

Wow! If $2/ft is even being CONSIDERED, I’ll be parking at the town docks or the Galley Store from now on. In fact, it may end up with us moving our boat from the New Bern area all together. Downtown merchants need boaters to visit. We spend a fair amount in downtown on a regular basis. How will they handle the idea that the town’s two largest marinas will basically be locked behind this toll bridge?
If I had to guess, it was only a proposal or idea just thrown out there as a possibility. I seriously doubt it would make it much further than that.
Tom Beaty

Many thanks to Captain Dayo for his brief report below on this new Neuse River facility near New Bern, NC. Can someone else please provide some additional details about this new marina, and particularly a telephone number. If so, PLEASE click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information. Many thanks in advance!

Subject: new marina in Bridgeton, NC
Cruising News: There is a new marina in Bridgeton, NC, on the Neuse River. It is a short distance up river from New Bern on the Bridgeton side of the River. It is the Bridgeton Harbor. It is located immediately down river from the railroad crossing.
Ed Deyo

My Google Map does not have the name of the river that is to the east of New Bern, NC, but if you look it up, you will find rt. 17 bridge that crosses this river to the right. If you look left on the approaching shore you will see sailboat mast up a-ways. This is Bridgeton Harbor Marina, 252-349-1194, http://www.brigetonharbor.com, dockmaster@bridgetonharbor.com., and his name is Tom. This is apparently a 5 Star marina that was built before the condos were and they aren’t getting done until the economy improves so there it sits. It has, floating docks, marina, car available, 5 washer/dryers, 5 seat type shower that never run out of hot water and it was $300 a month dockage last summer for a 50′ boat. Plus the man who told me about this Ted, who is now in Core Creek like we are, said there was a great breeze all the time at this place that stuck out in the water. So, put that in your places to check out book.
This is from my sister Sarah and is second hand from me. But, she consorts with a salty crew, so there probably is some truth to her advice.
Clint and Lori Wadsworth

Ask and you will receive …… something
I had just sent this information to my brother Clint Wadsworth heading south on ESCORT, yesterday. We are on ACADIA and soon to head south, but are hauled out in Beaufort, NC.
Two days ago I heard from a fellow “yard-bird”, who had been at this marina for the summer and couldn’t say enough nice things about it. He said it was a beautiful 5 Star type marina and that he had been there for the summer. His monthly was very reasonable, the floating docks jutted out far enough in the river to catch a breeze, no bugs and the tie ups were accessible and large. There is a huge shop building, I am not sure who runs that. There are 5 gorgeously tiled showers with benches in them, lots of hot water plus 5 washer/dryers and a car to borrow. The dockmaster’s name is Tom 252-49-1194, http://www.brigetonmarina.com , dockmaster@bridgetonharbor.com
Sarah Schroeder

The only real problem we have ever had while berthing at Whittaker Creek, is that downtown Oriental, with all its wonderful dining attractions (including, Tucans and Village Food Emporium, both SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS) is a bit far for walking.

Shopping marinas to put our boat. We like Whittaker Creek, for a good neighborly feel, but here’s what we saw in March 2010. Piers in rougher shape than average. Some disaster happened to the clubhouse/pool, can’t figure what. Also, Whittaker seems to be specializing in selling really badly-treated boats. There are many of them about.
Knute (bright spot) is very friendly, but the poorly treated boats that sprinkle the marina are a bad omen. Seems like a marina in decline. I’d repair some boards in the piers and segregate the bone-yard boats away from the general population. Not sure when the clubhouse gets wiped clean or rebuilt. Very friendly place, friendly boaters there though. We thought they were priced higher than the market for long term slips and their general condition.
Ben

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Whittaker Creek Yacht Harbor