Click Charlet Above to Open a Chart View Page Centered on Oriental

The owners of Inland Waterway Treasure Company in Oriental are seeking to determine the location of a vessel that until recently was anchored in Oriental Harbor and subsequently was towed to Morehead City. The red sailing vessel, PrimaDonna, has since left the Morehead City area and its whereabouts are unknown. If you can assist in locating this vessel, do not contact SSECN, but please contact Pat or Laurie Stockwell directly at 252-249-1797.

Oregon Inlet - Click for Chartview

Shoaling has been steadily increasing in the main channel of Oregon Inlet for several years (http://cruisersnet.net/?p=52021) prompting SSECN to recommend that cruisers with a draft over 3ft avoid the inlet and that shallow draft vessels should attempt the inlet only with very exact local knowledge. Shoaling has become so severe that it is undermining the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge over Oregon Inlet resulting in the closure of the bridge to road traffic.
This dredging project has been ongoing since October (see LNM below) and has become critical with the weakening of the Bonner Bridge. SSECN suspects that the dredging will continue beyond the 12/31 date given in the LNM. The article below is taken from Dredging Today, http://www.dredgingtoday.com/

Oregon Inlet Dredging About to Begin (Posted 12/6/2013)
Plans are currently underway for dredging to begin at the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge on N.C. 12 over the Oregon Inlet in Dare County.
The N.C. Department of Transportation and Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co. LLC have come to an agreement for the Dredge Alaska to begin dredging sand from the main navigation channel of the Oregon Inlet and deposit it on the area underneath the Bonner Bridge where scour caused the department to close the bridge earlier this week.
Crews this morning began preparing for the dredging operation, which is currently expected to begin Friday afternoon at the earliest and last two days, weather and current permitting.
Once dredging operations are complete, NCDOT crews will then perform additional scans and inspections of the piles to determine the next steps necessary in reopening the bridge.
North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory declared a State of Emergency due to the closing of the Bonner Bridge.
“This declaration will give us the flexibility we need to get the repairs done as quickly as possible,” said Governor Pat McCrory. “However, safety will be the sole factor in determining when the Bonner Bridge reopens to traffic.”
NCDOT earlier this week awarded a $1.6 million contract to Carolina Bridge Company Inc. of Orangeburg, S.C. for emergency repairs on the bridge. NCDOT and the contractor are working together to develop a timeframe for the repairs to be complete.
As part of this emergency repair project, crews will use sandbags and four-foot tall A-Jacks to provide support to the bridge pilings. A-Jacks locked together will be placed in a perimeter around the support structure of the bridge. Crews will then fill the perimeter with sandbags to provide support to the pilings. An additional two layers of A-Jacks and sandbags will then be placed on top of the base layer for a total of 10-12 feet of protection. This will allow sand to collect over the sandbags and A-Jacks, providing additional support to the structure.

NC – CURRITUCK BEACH LIGHT TO WIMBLE SHOALS – OREGON INLET – DREDGING
The Dredge ALASKA will be conducting dredging operations in Oregon Inlet from 20 October until 31 December, 2013. Dredge material will be transferred with floating and submerged pipeline to the Pea Island beaches. Dredging equipment will be staged south of Wanchese and offshore north of island “C”. The dredge and assisting vessels Survey Boat SWIFT RUNNER, tugs BOBBY ANN, KAJUN, and LITTLE BRUTUS will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. 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 eachside 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. Dredgingprojects are usually conducted twenty-four (24) hours a day seven (7) days a week, all fishnets, crabpots and structures in the general area mustbe removed prior to commencement of any work. A NO WAKE transit is requested of all vessels passing the dredge. Chart: 12204. LNM:43/13

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

R E Mayo Seafood Docks - Click for Chartview

In June of 2012, I cruised to R. E. Mayo Seafood Docks, one of our newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS. It was a very interesting visit indeed, and I think I can say without any fear of telling an inaccuracy, this is one of the most unique facilities that has ever chosen to support our web site.

I’ve worked out of Mayo’s many times in the past. Their ships store is not a “West Marine”, but rather more of a commercial fishing marine supply. It has always had what I needed to get the job done (ships husbandry-commercial diver). I highly recommend them for what your BOAT needs!
Catfish Younce

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For R E Mayo Seafood Docks

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Dismal Swamp Welcome Center - Click for Chartview

The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, is located on the east shore of the Canal at Statute Mile 28. For the Center’s winter hours, see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=128131

I have now been retired 3 years, after 23 years as Director of the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center. I want to thank each and everyone who choose to travel the Dismal Swamp Canal. I realize the dockage is small but most the time it will meet your needs. It is the only place where you can witness nature at its best and learn of its history. Bike rides are available, clean restrooms and grounds. Try it once and I promise you will return……..”Happy Cruising”
Penny Leary-Smith

The Welcome Center has provided so much needed respite over the years while cruising. The staff certainly are always very informative, and encouraging no matter what time of the day we have visited. Its great to have ‘the Dismal Swamp’ available to us; such a blessful experience – its like riding down a country lane viewing nature in its natural sitting. For me its a ‘slice’ of America, kinda like Yellowstone (a piece of history that I wish everyone could experience). My husband as well as fellow cruisers we know, are praying that tax dollars don’t ever allow it to go away. We encourage everyone to try it – along with a stop by to talk with Robert Peak & say “Hello” to his pal, “U-Turn”; since he’s an extremely sweet pet, you might wish to have a doggie treat ready.
Ginger Thompson

Penny,
Thank you for all you have done. This applies to all your staff as well. It has always been one of our favorite stops.
Jim and Sandy Davis
S/V Isa Lei

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

The charming, historic river village of Southport, NC has been making quite an appearance in the SSECN Cruising News section lately. We just published an in-depth article about this community, authored by our strategic partners, Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=128381). Let it also be noted that Southport provides extraordinary support to the cruising community, by way of their outstanding support for the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net. This small community boast no less than FOUR SSECN Sponsors:

Southport Marina
Zimmerman Marine
Deep Point Marina
Carolina Yacht Care

Now, as we learn below, Southport is inviting the cruising community to their “WinterFest 2013.” Read on; sounds like a really FUN event!

SOUTHPORT Invites you to join us for WINTERFEST 2013 – December 6th through the 14th

Southport, always a great place to stop, has a lot going on in December for late season southbound cruisers. ..Including 9 days of holiday oriented activities culminating in our annual Southport Flotilla along the downtown waterfront on the 14th.
Winterfest is an opportunity for locals and visitors to enjoy the holiday spirit in this historic city. There are several events to appeal to young and old. Some include:

Christmas Musical Revues
Craft Fair
Fire Engine Rides for the kids
Christmas Tree Lightings
Annual Cookie Contest
Christmas Movie on the Lawn
Annual Christmas Tour of Beautifully Decorated Historic Homes
And more…

Of course, Southport offers some wonderful small shops to enhance your holiday shopping experience and some fine restaurants when it’s time to take a break from the galley.
Events, shops and restaurants are an easy walk from Southport Marina and a convenient shuttle from other area marinas.While there, check in with Hank from Carolina Yacht Care, (910) 742-0083, for the latest on local events.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Hank Pomeranz
Carolina Yacht Care
910-742-0083
hank@CarolinaYachtCare.com

Dismal Swamp Welcome Center - Click for Chartview

The recent closure of the Great Bridge Lock, which temporarily made the AICW Dismal Swamp Canal Alternate Route the only inland option, has prompted discussion of the Dismal Swamp’s cruising characteristics, good and less than good.

I am curious as to why our members are concerned about the Great Bridge Lock being closed. There is enough water and the locks are open on the Dismal Swamp Canal and the passage is prettier than the Chesapeake and Albemarle Canal. We have traversed both many times and prefer the Dismal.
It’s true that there are more marinas on the C and A and you may have to run a generator at Elizabeth City or at the anchorage above the E. C. bridge but the distance is the same for each passage. True the lower Pasquotank River is open to the wind but then so is Currituck Sound.
Jim Bertch

Jim, rarely do I disagree with you, but this time I do! It cost us a pretty penny last time we went through and we’ve been there and done that, and we now prefer the Virginia Cut. OHH and BTW it appears that the Great Bridge Lock is open again. No word on whether it is permanently fixed or what, but right now they are operating on a normal schedule!
Hans

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

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Dismal Swamp Welcome Center - Click for Chartview

The recent closure of the Great Bridge Lock, which temporarily made the Dismal Swamp Canal AICW Alternate Route the only inland option, prompted this discussion of the Dismal Swamp versus the North Carolina – Virginia Cut (a. k. a. the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal) on the AGLCA Forum.

Obviously each boater makes their own decisions but the Dismal is my absolute preference over the Va Cut. that said I am a shallow draft boat (3′) and have keel protected props. I have found that there are different risks for both routes depending upon your individual boat. We always thump something coming thru the Dismal but so far no damage, and also the Pungo for that matter. The Va Cut bridges are difficult for us to time, as we are a slow boat so we are often waked badly by inconsiderate captains on large yachts transiting the Va. Cut making a schedule. There is commercial traffic on the cut as well and the long narrow channel reach across the Carrituck Sound in weather can be a real bear. I also find that the approaches to the bridges on the upper end of the Virginia Cut has it’s dangers with the stumps lining that narrow channel. Often not visible until they poke out from a wake trough.
So for us the very protected easy relaxing transit of the Dismal is the attraction and it has many more anchoring/docking options than the cut. When weather blocks the crossing of the Albemarle we often hang out at Elizabeth’s (sometimes referred to as Robert’s) Dock between the Swing bridge and the deep creek lock chamber. Deep water extremely protected free dock with easy walking to the town that has everything the cruiser could require in the adjacent shopping Center. No electric and sometimes you can get water if the tap is on. We prefer this spot to trying to jam into Elizabeth City among a backlog of boats trying to wait a weather window.
Again the decision is of course dependent upon your situation and boat.
cruise safe, stay warm but have fun

We agree whole heartedly in preferring the Dismal Swamp route over the Dreadful Currituck Sound route. In our dozen cruises along the east coast we’ve visited the canal 10 times (leaving 2 for the Dreadful route). Same reasons mentioned in the above article, plus the canal and the river leading to it from Elizabeth City is beautiful and unhurried. We’ve never had an issue with our four foot draft. The new nature center is worth a visit.
Bob McLeran/Judy Young

Absolutely agree with the comments above. Add that a visit with Robert Peak, lockmaster at Deep Creek is one of the pleasures of the trip. For a small adventure, take the dinghy, canoe or kayak up the feeder ditch, use the marine railway to get it to lake level and enjoy the almost perfect roundness and natural beauty of Lake Drummond (just be sure to note a landmark so you can find your way back off the lake).
If you visit the state park and walk or bicycle on the trails, take seriously the warning about Lyme disease carrying deer ticks. We didn’t and had multiple tick bites resulting in a round of antibiotics when we reached home a few days later.
Jean Thomason

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

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There is NEVER a dull moment at this SSECN Sponsor!

December 4, 2013
Museum of the Albemarle presents History for Lunch: Holiday Traditions
Learn the stories behind the traditions of decorating in the U.S. and make an ornament for your tree.
Location: Museum of the Albemarle
12:15 pm – 12:45 pm
Admission: FREE
252-335-1453

December 6, 2013
First Friday ArtWalk
Various Locations around Downtown Elizabeth City
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Admission: FREE
Arts of the Albemarle: 252-338-6455
Page After Page Bookstore: 252-335-7243
Serenity Studio Arts: 252-331-2940
Museum of the Albemarle: 252-335-1453
Kelly’s Color Studio: 252-202-1597
Elizabeth City Yoga: 252-435-3202
Two and a Half Women: 252-339-3868 or 252-267-3839
Floor 2 Ceiling Designs: 252-562-6681

December 7, 2013
2nd Annual Holiday on the Harbor
Arts & Craft Holiday Gift Show. Come out and do a little holiday shopping from many of the Downtown Waterfront Market Vendors. Baked Goods, Jams and Jellies, Honey, Handcrafted items, and gifts.
Location: Museum of the Albemarle – Portico
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Admission: FREE
Courtney Birdsall: 252-267-8329

December 7, 2013
Meet the Author @ Page After Page Bookstore
Featured Author: Valerie Bogues
Author of: “Recollections of Innocence”
Location: Page After Page Bookstore
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Admission: FREE
252-335-7243

December 7, 2013
Jaycees Christmas Parade
Location: Downtown Elizabeth City
5:30 pm
Admission: $30.00/participants
Jan Willingham, EC Jaycees Member: 252-562-8063

December 14, 2013
2013 Christmas Tour of Homes
Tour 8 area homes and our sanctuary, all festively decorated for the season.
A light lunch will be offered at First United Methodist Church 12 pm – 2 pm ($5 Donation)
Location: First United Methodist Church
1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Tickets: $15 Available at Arts of the Albemarle, Kenyon Bailey, Shay Leslie and First United Methodist Church
252-335-1771

December 21, 2013
2nd Annual Holiday Flashmob with Page After Page
Dance & Sing like nobody’s watching!
Free refreshments at Page After Page following the Flashmob!
Location: Page After Page Bookstore & Mariner’s Wharf Park
10:00 am
Admission: FREE
252-335-7243

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Mariners’ Wharf City Docks

Southport, NC, which plays to three SSECN sponsors, Southport Marina, Zimmerman Marine and Carolina Yacht Care, is a delightful riverside community with which I have long lasting, personal ties. It was on the banks of the “Old Basin” that I had the good fortune to live aboard my parents 48-foot wooden sportsfishermen during the summer months, between the ages of 10 and 15. Talk about an idyllic existence.
My father had a good friend and local skipper here, Captain Sonny Potter. If Captain Sonny couldn’t find where the fish were biting, it was time to return to the dock. We had many a rare day fishing off the Frying Pan Shoals at the mouth of the Cape Fear River.
While today, Southport is far more frequented by visitors than was true during my boyhood days, this delightful community’s charms remain very much intact, and it is one of my very favorite personal ports of call.
And so, when SSECN strategic partners, Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, filed their delightful article below, it was with much pleasure that I set their account up to be published here on our web site.
We are once again greatly indebted to Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com) for providing the superb, in-depth article and copious photographs, set below! THANKS CHUCK AND SUSAN!

Southport Town Dock - on the Old Dockage Basin

Southport, NC by Chuck Baier and Susan Landry
Southbound from Wrightsville Beach, it can be an easy run down the AICW and the Cape Fear River if you have the right wind and tide conditions. On the day we made the trip, it could not have been better. It was anchor up at 0730 in Wrightsville and we were tied to the town dock in Southport at 1045. Light winds and the outgoing tide made for a fast, comfortable trip and as we entered the basin at Southport, it was like seeing an old friend once again. The basin is just off the AICW channel as you make the turn off the Cape Fear River. This is a small basin with room to anchor a few boats, and several free docks available at some of the restaurants: The Provisioning Company, Fishy Fishy Cafe and The Yacht Basin Eatery. They allow overnight dockage if you eat at their establishments. There is no power or water at the docks and these are floating docks. The tidal range here is about 5 feet.

Southport Visitor's Center

At the end of a long dock at the west end of the basin is the town dock where you can tie up for free for 48 hours. There is water on the dock and a 20-amp power outlet if you can make it work for the boat. Depths at the town dock can be 4 feet at low tide and with the tidal range, climbing onto the dock at low tide can be a challenge. Boaters do offer to allow others to raft up at the dock and it is much deeper even just a boat width off. Don’t be surprised if you get a visit from Bob and Kay Creech, a very nice couple that lives across the street from the town dock and offers to provide any service you might need. Bob and Kay are Port Captains for MTOA (Marine Trawler Owners Association) and have their boat docked inside the basin. They are very knowledgeable about the area and are also very experienced boaters.

We have eaten at many of the restaurants that surround the basin at one time or another, including the newer Frying Pan, and found them to be excellent. The atmosphere ranges from funky outdoors to the magnificent view at The Frying Pan. The menus are typical fresh seafood, burgers and sandwiches to steak and salad dishes. One important establishment is Flava’s Ice Cream Shop. We never miss it when we stop here. They were, however, about to close for the season on November 1st and had a limited number of flavors. They will open again in the spring.

Southport Shops Along Howe Street

Just a couple of blocks walk from the waterfront is downtown Southport. You will find another typical historic Carolina waterfront community with many shops, restaurants, galleries, antique shops and boutiques. From the town dock or anchorage, walk down Yacht Basin Drive to either Bay or Moore streets, and then head east. You may want to make your first stop at the Fort Johnston/Southport Visitors Center to pick up information before you set out on foot to explore. The friendly ladies at the center will assess your needs and provide you with brochures and pamphlets to guide you on your exploration of Southport. The beautiful building that now houses the Visitor’s Center, built in 1810, provided living quarters for military officers and belonged to the U.S. Army until 2006.

One of the pamphlets provided allows you to take a self-guided tour of historic Southport. The Visitor’s Guide points you toward major historic sites and the innumerable shops and restaurants along Howe, Moore and Nash streets. It also lists the many events that occur annually in the seaside village including the Southport Spring Festival held every Easter weekend on the Friday and Saturday before Easter Sunday. Also, the Waterfront Farmers Market is held every Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (between May and September) on the grounds of the Visitor’s Center on the Garrison Lawn at Fort Johnston. Southport holds 3rd Fridays between May and August from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with music and food. Stores also stay open during those hours and the atmosphere is quite festive. Other local events include a wooden boat show in late September, tours of historic homes, fishing tournaments and a Christmas boat parade. A recent claim to fame for Southport is being the location for the filming of the popular television series “Under the Dome,” based on a Stephen King novel.

Fishy Fishy Cafe and Docks

If the anchorage and docks in the basin are full, Southport has a couple of great marinas available. Southport Marina is just to the west of the town basin in its own protected basin. It only takes one a few minutes longer to walk from there to the downtown area. They also have a service yard if you are in need of repairs. A bit farther down the waterway is South Harbour Village Marina, where we have stayed on occasion. We have always been offered a ride to the store or a vehicle to use while there. They also have a couple of eateries on site if you don’t feel like cooking. Unfortunately, downtown is not walking distance from South Harbour Village. Other than major provisioning, which will likely require a cab, loaner car or long bike ride, Southport is truly a walking town. We enjoy our visit each time we stop here and have difficulty passing it by.

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

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

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Town Creek Anchorages - Click for Chartview

Town Creek is east of the south end of Gallants Channel in Beaufort, NC, east of unlighted daybeacon #1.

I anchored in town creek. It is a nice location. It is crowded and there are some long term boats there (and some sunken boats). They are on multiple anchors. When I pull my anchor I had picked up someone’s rode. I was able to easily free it with the boathook.
Galen

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Town Creek Inner Anchorage

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Great Bridge Lock - Click for Chartview

As of 11/24/2013, the Great Bridge Lock has returned to A normal opening schedule, as noted below in the notice from the Corp of Engineers. Our thanks to Officer Scussel for this good news!

Latest Openings Update as of 11/24/13:

From: “Scussel, Joel F NAO”
The damaged chamber valve to the Great Bridge Lock in Chesapeake, Virginia has been isolated. Lockings have returned to the normal opening schedule 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The width of the lock has been temporary reduced from 72 feet to 70 feet due to the installation of a coffer dam on the north east lock wall. Vessels shall proceed at a low speed and provide a wide berth at the coffer dam. The coffer dam is marked on the lock wall with an angle iron structure and yellow paint.
Great Bridge locks open on demand, but works in conjunction with the Great Bridge Bridge openings. Vessel operators may contact the Great Bridge Lock at 757-547-3311 if additional locking information is required. Lock and bridge operators will monitor Channel 13.
Joel Scussel
Army Corps of Engineers

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s NC-VA Bridge Directory Listing For Great Bridge Lock

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Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

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Dismal Swamp Welcome Center - Click for Chartview

Our thanks to Sarah Weeks of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) for this update on the Center’s hours.

Greetings,
The winter schedule at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center starting Dec. 1st is as follows:
Monday – Saturday 9am- 5pm
Closed Sundays
Thanks,
Sarah M. Weeks
Assistant to the Director
Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
2356 Highway 17 North
South Mills, NC 27976
Phone: 877.771.8333 ~ Fax: 252.771.2055
Web: www.dismalswampwelcomecenter.com

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

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Captain Hipple’s comments are in response to recent widely varying points of view concerning the Beaufort Municipal Docks in Beaufort, NC. See http://cruisersnet.net/?p=126312

Date: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 12:41:17 -0500
I have been stopping at the Beaufort Town Docks, along with just about every other marina along the AICW, for over 25 years. I have done this in everything from a 30 foot cruiser to the 130 foot motor yacht I currently operate. During all those years I have never experienced anything other than professional, knowledgeable and pleasant service from the entire dock crew at the marina.
While it is true that the laundry and showers are of no consequence to us on this boat, they were for many years but were never a major problem. I been there for an overnight stop and have also spent a month there rebuilding an
engine.
The docks may not be state of the art but they are strong and safe. I have ridden out 2 tropical storms there. One on a 70 foot Hatteras and the other on the 130 foot tri-deck motor yacht without any problems. All the dock guys were there to assist in securing the boats and some stayed through the night to help if needed. They were there along with TowBoat US to remove this sail boat that broke loose from its mooring, before it damaged, or sunk the trawler it got tangled with.
Some of the power pedestals are indeed made of wood but who cares? The power is good and reliable. This is one of the few marinas along the coast where we can get 2, 208V 3 phase power outlets on several docks, while there are still 50 amp and 30 amp outlets for the smaller boats. This is something you will not find in most marinas, even the “state of the art” ones. The Charleston City Marina’s Mega dock is great but 90% of the time we can’t get electric.
The water is good and fuel is available in most of the slips. The Wi-Fi works fine and is free.
The location is among the best on the coast with shops and restaurants across the street. Anything else you desire is easily reached by one of several courtesy cars that the marina makes available at no cost.
As for cost, $1.95/ft. and $6 for electric described in the article, is in the range of similar stops, many of which do not have amenities like loaner cars or Wi-Fi___33. Moorhead City Yacht Basin is $2.00/ft. or $1.80 BoatUS, Oriental Marina and Inn is $1.90/ft., River Dunes is $1.50/ft. and $5 for electric, Beaufort SC is $1.85/ft. and $6 electric.

I consider the Beaufort Docks one of the best stops on the East coast and I look forward to our next visit in the spring.
Captain Bill Hipple
M/Y Lady Kath

There is a lot less current at the marinas in Morehead City and a lot more protection. And the “Praise” comments mentioned the cheapest, under 35ft rate or $1.95, not the $2.30 rate that applies to boats over 36ft. While the dock crew is indeed good in Beaufort, they have to be because the location is swept with current and the channel occupied by untended boats on moorings, none of which exist at the other options available in the area. Beaufort simply overcharges for a less attractive boating experience. If that appeals, great.
Roger Arrowood

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Beaufort Municipal Docks

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Belhaven Waterfront - Click for Chartview

Belhaven Town Dock is just west of Belhaven Waterway Marina on your starboard side of the Pantego Creek channel. For questions about docking at the Town Dock, contact Les Porter, Harbor Master at Belhaven Waterway Marina, as well as Dock Master of the Town Dock, at 252-944-0066.

Stayed at Belhaven town docks 11/9/2013. The entrance is directly above the Waterway Marina. You must navigate between a group of old pilings to reach the long face dock. The first length of dock has a low wooden fence and we were told it is for short tie ups only (a pump out is in this area). As you continue in the basin there are electric & water connections. Looks like there may be space for five or six vessels. We saw depths at the seven and eight foot levels.
Earlier we had attempted to phone the dock master but couldn’t contact anyone. Shortly after we finished docking the dock master came over and said we should expect a few more vessels and should be ready for tight quarters. The fee was $1.00/ft and included electric and water. Self operated pump out was via a $5.00 token. The dock master said the town had yet to post any signs or entrance aids at this dock.
The docking was fine although no other vessels ever showed up. The dock master mentioned the “new free” docks so we thought we would check them out as we took a walking tour of town. We walked the river front all the way out of town till we reached a fenced commercial facility about 1/2 mile out of town. We took several grassy paths out towards the river but never located these new docks.
The town itself appears a little down on its luck as though “its time had passed”. The few people we encountered on the street were friendly as was the dock master.
Jim Murtha

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Belhaven Town Dock

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Belhaven Waterway Marina

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

Click Charlet Above to Open a Chart View Page Centered on Oriental

We are grateful to Carol Small for sending us this article from Town Dock, Oriental’s waterfront news source. See http://towndock.net/. At least one of the “homesteading” boats which have been the source of much discussion and debate over the last few months have now departed. See http://cruisersnet.net/?p=125893

Wednesday November 13, 2013
There’s more space for visiting boats to anchor in Oriental’s harbor now that the French-crewed sailboat, Primadonna, has been towed to Morehead City. Primadonna has been anchored in Oriental’s harbor since it arrived last November. It was one of four such homesteading boats taking up space normally used by many cruisers on their annual treks south and north. The other three boats continue to homestead in the anchorage.
Carol Small

Oriental Harbor - Photo by Town Dock - "Look at all the available space!"

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McCotters Marina - Click for Chartview

McCotters Marina and Repair Yard is located on Broad Creek (off the Pamlico River), a few miles downstream of the Washington, NC waterfront. McCotters is one of the largest marinas in North Carolina, and its repair capabilities are impressive. Of course, they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

As a circumnavigator I know boating embraces all manner of people and places. If you want the Hilton, McCotters Marina isn’t it. However, if you want a laid back, easy to work with marina with old fashioned values, this is it. Mark Henley was responsive and responsible, and took care of our trawler when we weren’t around. Most of all he was honest, that rarest of traits in a now-we-see-you-now-you’re-gone business world. The facilities are simple, the environment at the marina, serene. Overall it’s quiet and relaxing. Serenity and simplicity mixed with quality service when you need either one.
Lee Gunter

My family kept our Post sport fishing boat at McCotters back in the 60′s and 70′s, many great memories as a kid around that dock in those days. I remember a character with a boat named “So Good Foamy”. Boat never left the dock as far as I can remember although he was there every weekend in the summer with the hatches up working on the engines, cold one in hand! That was his therapy, what’s yours?
Matt Richter

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Swansboro, NC - Click for Chartview

We are once again greatly indebted to Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com) for providing the superb, in-depth article and photographs, contained in the article below. THANKS CHUCK AND SUSAN! Please read on!

Swansboro, NC
Located directly on the Intracoastal Waterway is Swansboro, NC. Rich in history, Swanboro was established in the 1730s but not incorporated until about 50 years later. It initially thrived via its shipbuilding industry which lasted until after the Civil War. After the decline in shipbuilding, the town then changed its focus to the fishing industry which, along with tourism, now supports the local economy.

Swansboro Waterfront

Swansboro doesn’t get nearly as many visitors as its nearby cousin of Beaufort, NC, but it is a little town with a big personality, and a great little place to stop by and visit. You can cover the downtown area by foot in just a few minutes. Although small in size, Swansboro has a lot to offer. If a marina is what you are looking for, both Dudleys and Caspers are available. Dudleys is across the bridge and a bit of a walk from downtown, but the price is right (75 cents a foot, includes power). It is not fancy, but the staff is friendly and the marina even provides a courtesy car. Just beyond the shops and restaurants downtown, close to the ICW, is Caspers. They, too, are reasonably priced. Or, you can anchor just south of the bridge near R “4” in 14 feet of water and dinghy in to the town dock at the park toward the north end of town and the bridge.

Swansboro Anchorage

A number of restaurants are available if the crew wants to dine ashore. Captain Charley’s Seafood Paradise is the boater’s choices for fried seafood. Icehouse Waterfront Restaurant, just next to the bridge in Swansboro, comes highly recommended by locals. Saltwater Grill, also with a very good reputation, is a bit pricier, but also a good choice. Saltwater Grill offers dock and dine slips for customer with power at some docks. Church Street Irish Pub gets rave reviews. Yana Mama’s has been around forever and has unique décor and 50s memorabilia. A unique find on the waterfront is Bake Bottle & Brew, a second story waterfront shop that sells coffee, beer, wine and ice cream. Enjoy watching the ICW traffic while sipping your favorite brew or nibbling that sweet treat. For such a small town, you sure won’t go hungry. And, there are even more restaurants available than listed here.

Bake Bottle and Brew

If shopping is on your list, Lighthouse Boutique and Tidewater Gallery sit on the waterfront and tempt visitors with their wares. The Olde Brick Store, an historical landmark dating back to the early 1800s, houses a number of shops. Poor Man’s Hole, back on the waterfront, carries handmade furniture. The Cigar Shop, behind the Harry Pugliese Pavilion, is a popular spot for the gents to hang out and swap a few yarns. The Mercantile carries nautical gifts. And don’t forget Russell’s Olde Type Shoppe for those handmade gifts. Many more shops with a variety of wares line Water and Front Streets as well as the neighboring side streets.
After all of that eating and shopping, take a stroll down to the end of Water Street to Ward Shore Park, for a front row view of the ICW. The sunsets from here are spectacular. We like this sleepy little town and would encourage boaters traveling along the Intracoastal Waterway to stop, spend some time, and have a closer look.

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