Some 48 hours ago, we put up a posting (linked below) about River Dunes Marina hosting the Coastal NC 2011 Leukemia Cup Regatta (6/4/11 to 6/5/11). Soon after this article appeared, we received the following inquiry:

Is the approach to River Dunes still a maze of crab traps? I tried a few years ago and it was impossible to figure it out.
Tedd Greenwald

Now, the “approach” to River Dunes from the AICW/Neuse River is by way of Broad Creek, which cuts into the Neuse’s northern banks, near AICW/Neuse River marker #4. Personally, we’ve never had an unusually bad problem with crab pots on this stream, though we have certainly seen plenty of these pests on here over the ears. Anyway, I forwarded this above inquiry to Director of Operations, J. C. Cappelman, at River Dunes, and received the following reply.

There probably will be a fair amount of pots in the creek.They do however leave room for passage.By June 1st they have to be in shallower water anyway,so this tends not to constrict the channel.
J.C. Cappelmann,
Director of Operations, River Dunes

Click Here To View An Earlier Article About River Dunes and the Coastal NC 2011 Leukemia Cup Regatta

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of River Dunes Marina and Broad Creek

Captain Jones exposes his sailor’s soul as he cuts corners to shorten the distance traveled. Such tactics do have advantages for the slow boat, BUT keep a sharp eye on the chart and on your depth finder!

AICW Shortcut Around Maw Point Shoal – Bay River into Neuse River:
I see no point in going all the way out to the Neuse River Junction marker when it is easy to take the hypotenuse from #1 off Deep Point to #2 marking Maw Point Shoal. The minimum depth between these markers is 8 feet approaching #2. Moon River said he didn’t want to have to explain to his insurance company why he was out of the channel when he ran aground. Point taken, but the purple lines drawn on the chart are meant for powerboats who hardly notice the few extra yards. I guess it’s the racer still in me which refuses to take the long way around.
Captain Ted Jones

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bay/Neuse Rivers Intersection

Not only a great marina, but great food as well! River Dunes is located off Broad Creek that departs the Neuse River between AICW markers #4 and #6 and they are A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

Please be aware that while the main dining room in the Harbor Club is open only on weekends,there is a chef prepared family style dinner served downstairs in the gathering room Sunday -Thursday. This is a great venue and has become a big hit.The fireplaces will be roaring and the wine a’flowing
J C Cappelmann

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of River Dunes Marina

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’Ž 252-745-7346’Ž. 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