The long awaited remodeling and reopening of this fine facility has happened! The State Park entrance channel cuts off from the AICW, at the western end of Snows Cut, between markers #163 and #165.

Having stayed at Wrightsville beach on the way south and finding the noise from the bridge too much we decided to give Carolina Beach state park a try. On 18th May 2012 in our Beneteau 50′, 6′ draft we stayed on the A dock ‘T’ head. We were initially assigned the B dock ‘T’ head but found the draft to be less than 6′ MLW so moved to A dock for deeper water (~7′ MLW). The park offers great walks, a quiet night, power and water, just what we needed and all for $30. If you are skilled at handling your boat in tight places this is a good stop.
Andrew

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Carolina Beach State Park

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Carolina Beach State Park

The Isabel Holmes Bridge (Hwy133) lies north of the northernmost Wilmington Turning Basin in the northeast Cape Fear River and has a closed vertical clearance of 40ft. Wilmington, NC, off the AICW, is a popular side trip for many Waterway cruisers.

NC – AIWW – MYRTLE GROVE SOUND TO LITTLE RIVER – CAPE FEAR RIVER – NORTHEAST CAPE FEAR RIVER – DRAWBRIDGE CLOSURE
Mariners are advised that the Isabel S. Holmes Bridge, at mile 1.0, across Northeast Cape Fear River, at Wilmington, NC will be closed to vessels requiring an opening from 9 p.m. on Friday, June 1, 2012 through 5 p.m., on Monday, June 4, 2012 to facilitate mechanical repairs to the center locks. The available vertical clearance of the in the closed position to vessels is approximately 42 feet above mean high water. Vessels able to pass the bridge in the closed position may do so but should use extreme caution when transiting the area. Chart: 11537.

Click Here For an Earlier Posting of Ongoing Restrictions on this Bridge

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Isabel Holmes Bridge

Old Roanoke River Lighthouse Now Set In New Edenton Harbor Home

The historic community of Edenton, North Carolina lies near the western extremes of often choppy Albemarle Sound. Edenton is actually the state’s oldest town, though Bath, NC makes that claim based on incorporation dates. Edenton plays host to a wealth of historic homes and structures. We always feel that a visit to Edenton is like stepping back into America’s Colonial and Revolutionary past. And as Jim and Talley affirm, a visit to this city is well worth any cruisers’ time and effort.
Earlier, we reported here on the Cruisers’ Net that the historic Roanoke River Screw Pile Lighthouse had been restored, and was slated to be perched atop a series of pilings in the Edenton City Dockage Basin (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=81847). Well, as you can see form the photo on the right of this posting, taken 5/15/12, while it looks like some construction is still ongoing, this old sentinel has now been set atop its new home! How utterly appropriate that this historic structure has been returned to its natural habitat, perched atop a series of “screw pilings!”
And what are “screw pilings” you may ask. Well, they are simply pilings that have been “screwed” into the bottom strata!

If Manteo looks like Norman Rockwell, then Edenton looks like Walt Disney. This is the idyllic little town main street leading up from the simple little harbor. Something like you would expect to find forgotten in some New England fishing village. There are houses dating from 1750’s. There are monuments and statues celebrating battles before our countries revolution. Formal English gardens open to the public for all to see. There are a couple of back yards that go on forever. Everywhere you look you see residential architecture depicting taste and grandeur, not efficiency and mass production.
This little town is anxious for the cruising community to frequent. They are improving the harbor, and restoring the old light house. They’ve moved it to sit atop new screw pilings as it was designed to be installed. Maybe the last square light house to sit on screw pilings. There is a large light cupola at the top of the house. With a good light in there, you will be able to see it from all over the eastern end of the Albemarle Sound and Chowan River.
Great walk around town. There is a really outstanding hardware store. The dock master has a courtesy car if no one else is using it, and there is a Food Lion just a mile up the road.
Ya got to come see this town. It’s great!
Jim and Talley Powell

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For the Edenton City Docks

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

We are very pleased to report that Swan Point Marina, located just south of the AICW/New River/New River Inlet intersection has reopened under new ownership/management. According to a telephone conversation I had this morning (5/17/12) with co-owner, Jason, transient dockage is available, complete with 30-50 amp power hookups and fresh water connections. Overnight transient dockage rates are a very reasonable $1.50 per foot, per night. Mean Low Water depths on the entrance cut run to 4 1/2 feet, but the interior dockage basin has just been dredged to 6 1/2 foot MLW soundings. One nearby restaurant will dispatch cars to retrieve cruisers from the marina, and then return them to the docks after dining. Note that neither gasoline nor diesel fuel is sold here now.
So, all in all, it’s a really good thing that another transient friendly marina is now to be found between Swansboro and Wrightsville Beach. Stop by and give Jason some business, and tell him that you read about his newly reopened facility here on the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net!
If anyone has had occasion to spend a night or two at this new iteration of Swan Point Marina, PLEASE share your experience by clicking the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below!

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Swan Point Marina

The new Sunset Beach Bridge with a fixed clearance of 65ft MHW replaced the old pontoon bridge. The correction noted below is the result of comments from cruisers regarding the accuracy of the clearance gauge (see article below). Our thanks to Mr. Gregory of the USCG and to Mr. Carroll of the NCDOT!
Mr. Gregory,
We have adjusted the vertical clearance gauge to show the vertical clearance to the bottom of the Navigation Light. The tide was near low and at the time of measurement, just less than 70′ of vertical clearance existed. Thanks for making us aware of the situation, feel free to inform us of any other issues that come up.
Trevor Carroll
NCDOT Division 3
Bridge Maintenance Engineer
5501 Barbados Blvd
Castle Hayne, NC 28429

Excellent to see Cruisers’ Net has the ear of those able to make changes. Thank you!
Ed

Click Here To Read a Recent Posting Re Sunset Beach Bridge

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Sunset Beach Bridge

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sunset Beach Bridge

We heartily recommend a visit to Manteo, NC, with is really GOOD restaurants, plentiful shopping and access to multiple historical attractions. And, you simply can’t do better than to coil your lines at SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Manteo Waterfront Marina. Tell Captain Carl we sent you!!!

Cruising News:
What a swell place to spend a couple of days. All of the docks are in good repair, and most of the city has recovered from Hurricane Irene. There is an excitement in the air as if something was about to happen. Children actually play in the streets here. The waterfront invites residents and tourists alike to walk along its length. BBQ pits and picnic tables! Park benches! I keep looking over my shoulder to see if Norman Rockwell is drawing all this, or is it really happening. Someone should make a list of the best Cruisers Restaurants and put the Full Moon Restaurant and Brewery at the top of that list. Their shrimp and crab enchilada is the best in the whole world. Come tie up here. Eat here. You’ll like it here.
Jim and Talley Powell

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

Dowry Creek Marina is a fine family owned and family run marina. Off the AICW/Pungo River, north of Belhaven, NC, Dowry Creek Marina has long been a favorite among cruisers, as Jim and Talley attest below.

Cruising News:
We all tend to remember things being bigger, prettier, and brighter than they really were. Then we return to the best marina on the entire AICW, Dowry Creek Marina, and we see that it is just as big, just as bright, and Mary is just as pretty as we remember. Maybe even more than we remember. And, suddenly, the whole world is a good place to be, and Dowry Creek Marina is the best place to be. Wherever we cruise, we always measure how far we are from Mary, and how long it will take to get back to her.
Jim and Talley Powell

We totally agree! Dowry Creek is our favorite stopping place and Mary and her crew are tops!
Marshall and Patty Timm

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dowry Creek Marina

Oriental Marina is located on the eastern banks of inner Oriental Harbor off the Neuse River and is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

Cruising News:
The Oriental Marina in NC continues to provide great accommodations and a wonderful stop. We are so glad that some fine things remain consistent.
Here and Now

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

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

Alligator River Marina lies on the western shore of the mouth of the Alligator River/AICW, just north of the swing bridge and southwest of flashing daybeacon #12. This facility provides the ONLY readily available dockage and fuel along the patch of the AICW between Coinjock, Elizabeth City and Dowry Creek/Belhaven!
This facility has always inspired strong feelings from cruisers. Some, like Captains Jim and Talley below, really like it. Others have had different sorts of things to say here on the Cruisers’ Net. Speaking personally, we have always gotten along famously with “Miss Wanda,” but, then again, we’ve known each other for many years!

Cruising News:
The Alligator River Marina is the oasis we all try to find when we’ve been out too long. It is the fertile ground where new friendships spontaneously grow, and where old friends are glad to see you again.
Great fried chicken and hamburgers. Outstanding breakfasts. Clean showers and laundry facilities. Friendly staff.
The only reason we ever leave Wanda and the gang is so we can have all the fun of coming back again. And, we will. Again and again.
Jim and Talley Powell

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

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

Captains Jim and Talley Powell included some really neat photos with their recent posting concerning a visit to Swanquarter, NC, off southwestern Pamlico Sound (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=87218). This port of call remains one of the most isolated on the Tar Heel coastline, with only one small marina (mostly geared towards commercial fishing craft) and very little in the way of shoreside dining or amenities. Nevertheless, a visit to Swanquarter is like stepping back in time, and many cruisers will find it to be a memorable experience!
Click the link below to check out these superb images!

I just visited Bath Harbor Marina in April of 2012, and, while the grounds could use a little straightening, I agree wholeheartedly with Captains Jim and Talley, that you will not find a warmer welcome anywhere!

Cruising News:
Bath Harbor Marina, just at the bridge crossing Bath Creek, feels like coming home again. Paul Minor and his lovely wife do everything to make you feel “right at home.” Paul met us and helped tie us up in the pass through slip at the end of the pier. Everything here is just what you expect and hope for. There is a large cabaña with a couple of BBQs and lots of shade. It is the coolest place with its gentle southern breezes and pleasant conversation. Water and electric included in the transient fee. Clean bathrooms and showers. Well worth the trip up the Pamlico.
Jim & Talley Powell

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bath Harbor Marina

Recommendations from fellow cruisers for good mechanics and marine technicians, are some of the most valuable that any of us will ever discover! Sounds like Ken Moore would be a good port in a mechanical storm if your vessel lies anywhere between Deltaville, VA to Myrtle Beach, SC!

Today we had the misfortune of having an engine heat up and the alarm sound as we crossed the Albemarle Sound. We made it to Coinjock Marina on one engine and told the dockmaster of our situation. He indicated that a very good tech lived not far away and called him for us. He arrived very quickly, diagnosed the problem, fixed it. We talked to him about other minor issues we had and he was very knowledgable about all boat systems. He noticed some hoses did not have enough clamps. He had the clamps on his truck along with a lot of other marine supplies, including an impeller, if we had needed one. While talking to him, he indicated he worked from Myrtle Beach to Deltaville, VA. and he does not have a travel time rate. All in all, a good day and great service. His card indicates he is trained
in Yanmar, Catepillar, Cummins, Ford Lehman, Honda, Mercury, Kohler, Perkins, and a lot more. He offers complete electrical, mechanical, and plumbing repairs. His company is MarinePro (http://www.marinepro.co). His name is Ken Moore 252-457-0016 (ken@marinepro.co). We recommend him to anyone. His rate was very fair, $90 per hour. We have no association with MarinePro except that we are very pleased with his work.
Rick Johnson
Rick ‘ Roll III

When I saw the report below from Captain Ed, we immediately telephoned Bridge Pointe Marina to find out what was up. Dockmaster Ron Cox answered my telephone call, and when I asked if his docks were empty, he replied, “Yes, they are much easier to manage that way.” After a mutual chuckle, Dockmaster Ron told me that all vessels had been moved out, in preparation for a complete dock replacement project. All new floating docks and power pedestals will be installed. Projected completion date is July of this year, 2012!
So, between today, 5/10/12, and the above described project’s completion, look to tie up elsewhere in the old Colonial Capital of North Carolina. You might consider SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Galley Stores Marina (follow links below)! Later this summer, we can all look forward to a new iteration of Bridge Pointe Marina!

Claiborne,
I went into New Bern a couple of days ago, over the new draw bridge (via car). When I went by Bridge Point Marina, there was not a single boat at the docks. The docks appeared to be fine.
I do not know if they are fixing the docks or are closed or some other explanation.
The New Bern Grand looked especially full.
Ed

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Galley Stores Marina

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bridge Pointe Marina

Hatteras Inlet lies well off the Waterway, on the eastern edge of Pamlico Sound. This narrow, unstable seaward passage cuts the southern reaches of Hatteras Island and the northern strands of Ocracoke Island. For years and years, we’ve been advising that no-one attempt to make use of this inlet channel without very specific local knowledge!

NC – CAPE HATTERAS – HATTERAS INLET – SHOALING
Shoaling has been reported in the vicinity of Hatteras Inlet Channel Buoy 12B (LLNR 28732.2) and Hatteras Inlet Channel Buoy 12C (LLNR 28732.3). Shoaling may be restricting the channel width. Strong winds and falling tides may make safe navigation critical. Chart: 11555.

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

This unusually high tide could be because of the Super Moon condition we are finding both high and low tides along the east coast. The bridge and its gauge are relatively new and should be accurate. This new bridge replaced the old pontoon bridge to Sunset Beach.

We’re seeing a 62′ reading on the tide gauge on the new bridge at Sunset Beach at high tide this morning May 7. Is the tide three feet higher than normal? Perhaps the gauge is inaccurate?
Ed

As a follow up…4 boats went thru and radioed back reports of 62′ readings on a 65′ bridge. I don’t think the super tides were 3′ off! 2 sailboats waited a few hours before risking it. One sailboat just had their mast measured after recently clipping apparatus. The tip of their antenna is at 65′. The board was reading 63′ and nothing touched.
This height board is different than most in that you cannot tell for sure if the depth is above, in the middle or below the number. If 63 is showing, we assume that is the height.
So, APPARENTLY, the board is 1 to 2 feet off.
Ed

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Sunset Beach Bridge

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sunset Beach Bridge

Read Captains Jim and Talley’s newsy note below, and you will discover more reasons than ever to leave the familiar confines of the AICW, and journey upsteam on the Pamlico River, to the Washington downtown waterfront. This SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR has sooo much to offer the cruising community. Tell them we sent you!

Cruising News:
So much fun coming to Washington N.C. by boat, rather than so many times by car. This little town is just on the edge of renascence, and they want cruisers to be part of it. The Dock Master, Guy Blackwell, also works at the local West Marine, and is full of information and local history. The city merchants have put together a “Welcome to Washington” bag stuffed full of coupons, business cards, flyers and advertisement for businesses all within a four block walk of the docks. We even ran into people we know. Charming town full of friendship, promise, great restaurants, and art galleries. Come here. You’ll love it.
Jim and Talley Powell

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For the Washington City Docks

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Washington City Docks

Bath Harbor Marina is located on the eastern shores of Bath Creek, north of flashing daybeacon #4.

Cruising News:
Bath Harbor Marina, just at the bridge crossing Bath Creek, feels like coming home again. Paul Minor and his lovely wife do everything to make you feel “right at home.” Paul met us and helped tie us up in the pass through slip at the end of the pier. Everything here is just what you expect and hope for. There is a large cabaña with a couple of BBQs and lots of shade. It is the coolest place with its gentle southern breezes and pleasant conversation. Water and electric included in the transient fee. Clean bathrooms and showers. Well worth the trip up the Pamlico.
Jim and Talley Powell

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bath Harbor Marina

This stretch of the Waterway is noted for “deadheads” and other floaters which hang around for days and weeks, sometimes causing considerable damage if hit at high speed. Thanks to Capt. Mustad, you have a specific zone in which to be extra cautious! Hopefully, the object will have drifted or been towed away before you arrive.

Cruising News:
Hit submerged tree just north of mile marker 120 with keel of 5-ft draft. Tide was near zero. The impact was about 15-20 feet green side of center. Advise staying red side of center through this area.
Arnstein Mustad

We came up the Alligator/Pungo Canal ( heading North) and saw this tree stump on starboard side of boat on inside of the channel to the south side..on May 12, 2012…if a boat had been passing at the time it could force a boat onto it…being at low tide it was very visable but think at higher tide it may not be…continue to be very cautious going through the area for about 1 to 2 miles north of mile marker 120 to avoid it and stay very mid channel…safe passage to you all
S/V Colleen Mae

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Mile 120