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 like-named Canal at Statute Mile 28.
The Dismal Swamp Canal State Park Bridge, with 0 ft vertical clearance, is small, pedestrian foot bridge that crosses the canal just south of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center. This span has malfunctioned, and cannot open at the present time. Until this situation is remedied, the Dismal Swamp Canal cannot be navigated north to south, or the other way around.
In a telephone interview on 2/28/14, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net was assured that repairs could be completed in plenty of time for the spring, 2014 transient season.
We will keep you apprised of this developing situation!

UPDATE 3/10/2014:
On Monday, March 10, 2014, The Hydraulic Corporation informed park staff
that between Tuesday and Wednesday they will come out and remove the
hydraulic frame, take it back to their corporation, rebuild the
hydraulic plate. Return on Thursday or Friday, reinstall the rebuilt
hydraulic plate, run a test on the installed equipment and the canal
should be open no later than Friday afternoon.
Both jobs to remove the old hydraulic frame and to reinstall the new one
will take a day each.
Sarah B. Hayward

March 5, 2014
The Dismal Swamp State Park Bridge is still inoperable. The hydraulic company came out again today to assess all the damage and informed staff that due to the condition of the hydraulic and the part that is needed to repair it (ordering/rebuilding the hydraulic) that it will be next Monday or Tuesday before our bridge is repaired. Therefore, unfortunately, the bridge will be prohibiting navigation on the canal until Monday or Tuesday.
As soon as the bridge is repaired, I will contact everyone via email that the bridge is fixed.
Again, we sincerely apologize for all of the inconvenience.
Sarah B. Hayward
Office Assistant
Dismal Swamp State Park
2294 US Hwy. 17 N.
South Mills NC 27976
Office: 252 771 6593
Fax: 252 771 9944

2/27/2014
VA & NC – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY (AICW) – ALBEMARLE SOUND TO SUNSET BEACH – ALTERNATE ROUTE AICW – GREAT DISMAL SWAMP CANAL
Mariners are advised that the Great Dismal Swamp Canal Bridge, at Alternate Route AICW mile 28.0, in South Mills NC, is closed to all vessels requiring an opening until further notice due to emergency hydraulic repairs. There is zero vertical clearance in the closed-to-navigation position. The alternate route for vessels transiting is the AICW, Albemarle Sound to Sunset Beach. Mariners should adjust their transits accordingly. Chart 12206 LNM 08/14

Funny how these new bridges malfunction. We are all aware of the Barefoot Landing Fiasco (they would sure like to make it a scheduled bridge). Watch for the next trick – the bridge at the Welcome Center goes on a schedule. The ACOE just keeps falling for it again and again; Little River, Socastee, Barefoot and now…
The Welcome Center is a wonderful feature of the ICW and the Dismal Swamp experience. What a shame it has been tarnished by the allowing of that bridge. When I first inspected it I knew it was a piece of junk and was going to cause trouble. Wonder why it didn’t break in the open position (or get put that way by the ACOE)…duh.
Hanley Clifford

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

Confirmation of dredging in the inlet near this Problem Stretch intersection is certainly welcome news. This dredging project is slated to include the intersection with the Waterway. For more news on the dredging projects in this area, see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=135383

Came thru Lockwoods Folly today and there was a dredge working at the inlet. It did not appear that they had gotten to the ICW problem yet. There was also a dredge at Shallotte inlet but the ICW problem was still there. Passed thru both areas within an hour of high tide heading northbound.
Jake Smith

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Shalotte Inlet Intersection

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

Lockwoods Folly/AICW Intersection – Click for Chartview

Confirmation of dredging in the inlet near this Problem Stretch intersection is certainly welcome news. This dredging project is slated to include the intersection with the Waterway. For more news on the dredging projects in this area, see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=135383

Came thru Lockwoods Folly today and there was a dredge working at the inlet. It did not appear that they had gotten to the ICW problem yet. There was also a dredge at Shallotte inlet but the ICW problem was still there. Passed thru both areas within an hour of high tide heading northbound.
Jake Smith

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Lockwoods Folly Inlet Intersection

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

Celebrate 2014 with us!

Make your Own History in
“One of America’s Prettiest Towns” says Forbes.com

 “Women’s History Month Walking Tours”
$10 per adult, $3.50 per child

Open as Edenton and Chowan County’s Welcome Center offering information,
exhibits, restrooms, maps and a book and gift shop. Guided

Trolley Tours leaving from this site beginning at 10:30 am, 11:30 am,
1:30 pm and 2:30 pm; Tuesday – Saturday

 

 

Edenton Coffee House
Friday Night Music
3/7 – Country Classic Band of Elizabeth City
3/14 – John Francis with good old songs
3/21 – Folk, Gospel and Americana with Jerry Morgan
3/28 – Instrumental Latin and Light Classical with the  Castigliones
7 pm – no cover charge – musicians play for tips; 252-482-7465

Rocky Hock Playhouse

“For God So Loved” by Gloria Emmerich

3/22 – 4/15

Dinner Theater at Nixon’s Catering Banquet Facility through April 15th, noontime.
Call for scheduled dates and ticket pricing, 252-482-4621

Chowan Arts Council

504 South Broad Street

Open Monday – Friday, 11 am – 4 pm; Saturday – Sunday, 10 am – 2 pm

252-482-8005

3/28

2-man Art Show featuring the art of Fred Saunders and Fen Rascoe

Exhibit Opening and Reception with exhibit running through mid-April

5:30 – 7:30 pm free and open to the public

Scientific Tours of an Eighteenth Century Home

3/28, 4/4, 4/11

Take a trip back in time as you journey through the science behind an 18th Century home.
How did colonial North Carolinians stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer, what technology
did they have to prepare their food and light their houses and what other ways did science play into
their daily lives?  The Historic Edenton State Historic Site is proud to offer this special series of tours
as part of the 2014 NC Science Festival at 10 am, 2 pm and 4 pm; $1 for adults, $0.25 for children;
252-482-2637

Chowan Golf and Country Club

1101 West Sound Shore Drive

252-482-3606
Waterfront Golfing/Event and Weddings

Canoe and Kayak Rentals 

Edenton Harbor Town Dock
Colonial Park South Broad Street
252-482-2832

Captain Kettlewell is responding to a lengthy discussion from last fall about NC’s attempt to require documented vessels to obtain NC state registration after 90 days in their waters. See http://cruisersnet.net/?p=123607 If you have any recent information about the new fees or answers to Captain Kettlewell’s questions, let us hear from you.

Has the NC registration fee come to pass and is it in force? Just curious, how much do the “ad valorem property taxes” amount to in reality for say a boat with a market value of $50,000? I realize the rates and assessments are different in different counties and towns, but I have never been able to get a straight answer as to how much average boaters pay in the end. Is there a source for that information by county? That could be a factor for people wishing to keep their boats in NC. I know that SC property taxes are quite hefty on boats.
John Kettlewell

A lot of us would like to know the outcome of this foreign vessel and crew saga (See http://cruisersnet.net/?p=132140 .)
If you can provide a postlude to the story, please do so!. Thank you, Captain Kettlewell, for asking!

Anyone have an update on what happened to Primadonna and crew?
John Kettlewell

Strange you should ask, today (2-26-14) Town Dock from Oriental, NC has an udated article as well as links to many back articles. http://towndock.net/
John Y Jackson

Highway 74 - Click for Chartview

The US 74 Bridge has a closed vertical clearance of 20ft [reduced to 18ft with repairs] and crosses the Waterway in the heart of Wrightsville Beach.

NC – NEUSE RIVER TO MYRTLE GROVE SOUND – NEW RIVER TO CAPE FEAR RIVER – WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH (S.R. 74 BRIDGE)
AIWW – BRIDGE RESTRICTIONS
Mariners are advised the S.R. 74 Bridge across AICW mile 283.1, at Wrightsville Beach, NC current rehabilitation has been extended to March 15, 2014, and vessel openings, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., will be provided if at least two hours advance notice is given to the bridge tender at (910) 256-4519 or via marine radio on channel VHF-FM channel. At all other times, the drawbridge has returned to and will operate in accordance with the regulations set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.821(a) (4). At the same time, a containment system positioned under the draw span reduces the available vertical clearance by approximately two feet until March 15, 2014. Vessels that can pass under the drawbridge without an opening may do so at all times and the drawbridge will be able to open in an emergency. Mariners should use extreme caution when transiting the area. Chart :11541. LNM: 08/14

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For SR 74 Bridge

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of SR 74 Bridge

Topsail Island Channel – Click for Chartview

Topsail Channel Anchorage lies northwest of the charted marsh island southwest of the Topsail Channel’s unlighted daybeacon #14.

Just off the ICW with an easy entrance and exit. We found 10 foot of water at one hour before high tide. As you enter stay pretty close to the markers until you get up to the docks, at that point favor the dock side. We anchored just south of the charted shoal between the marker and the line of crab pots to the west. There is some high speed traffic past this point, but that stops when the sun goes down. You can hear the ocean surf. 4 bars on Verizon Air Card. If you are northbound, this is a good place to stay and than catch the Surf City Bridge opening, 3 miles north, the next morning.
Dave Boxmeyer

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

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

Bridge Pointe Marina – Click for Chartview

Bridge Pointe Marina, a new SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, flanks the southern banks of the Trent River (off the Neuse River), opposite the downtown New Bern, NC waterfront. This fine facility re-opened last Fall after more than a year of rebuilding their floating dock system which sustained major damage in hurricane Irene in August of 2012. As you can see from the comments from Skipper Fay and Mike, the rebuilding has been a big success!

Bridgepoint is a gem. Jessie the dockmaster is outstanding as is the staff at the hotel. Very helpful. Unless you can caught a ride with the “crowd at dock” taxis’ do not seem to be regulated very well, as you never know how to prepare for charges as they are private and not metered. New Bern lacks dinghy docks which is sad for the downtown merchants, walk or bike across the bridge. Beautiful town.
Fay and Mike

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

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

Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Crisis
How Did We Get Here And What Can Be Done
A MAJOR Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Editorial
by
Claiborne S. Young

Fellow cruisers, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway faces a maintenance crisis, the likes of which we have not seen since the mid 2000’s. Portions of the AICW in South Carolina and Georgia are now all but impassable at low tide for the vast majority of cruising sized vessels. Something must be done about this state of affairs, and done SOON!

Of course, all of us at the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net are well aware that the Waterway has shoaling problems. A goodly portion of every day is spent researching, geographically cataloguing and publishing reports from members of the cruising community about waters along the AICW which have less than ideal depths, sometimes grounding depths. Four weeks ago, however, we discovered that we were missing the forest for the proverbial trees, or, put another way, we weren’t really in touch with the big picture of Waterway problems. Now, all that has changed, and changed in a big way!

This process began wtih a telephone call from Skipper Chase Fields, dockmaster at SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Isle of Palms Marina, located directly off the Waterway, north of Charleston, SC. Chase expressed concern about low water depths along the AICW stretch which passes just north and west of his facility. And, with good reason!

As reported in an earlier SSECN posting (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=125717), the latest US Army Corps of Engineers survey shows 2 ½ foot MLLW depths on portions of the Waterway channel as it passes north of the Isle of Palms and east (you can think of that as “north”) of the Ben Sawyer Bridge. Yikes

Skipper Chase asked us what the chances were of getting this stretch dredged in 2014. This was our “call to action,” not only to answer Chase’s question, but also to discover how the Waterway had come to this point.

And so, we set off to interview Brad Pickel, Executive Director of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association, various officials in the USACOE, and other US Congressional sources who have asked us not to reveal their identity.

What we learned is not only very interesting, but it is also VITAL KNOWLEDGE for each and every cruiser who ever intends on cruising the length of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Let’s start with how the Waterway got into this condition.

Prior to 2008, the AICW was also having some real shoaling issues. Then, along came the “stimulus package” which the first Obama administration was able to push through Congress. Whatever you may think of this bill, it did funnel more moneys than had been available for years into the USACOE coffers, and the AICW received a whole raft of much needed dredging. Except for two trouble spots in southern Georgia (Little Mud River and Jekyll Creek are special situations), the Waterway was, all of a sudden, in the best shape it had enjoyed since at least the early 1990’s!

And, for the next year or two, some additional dredging took place courtesy of what’s known as “earmarks.” These are, or more precisely, “were,” additional funding appropriations which were inserted into bills which had nothing whatsoever to do with the projects that were funded.

Then, as part of the so-called reform movement in our Congress, earmarks were abolished. Now, the Waterway had to sink or swim on specific bills introduced and passed to maintain its depths. Quite simply, no such bill has ever made it through either the US House or Senate since the abolishment of earmarks!

Needless to say, we asked, “Why?” and were somewhat taken aback by the answer. From sources whose identity we will exercise our First Amendment rights to protect, we were told that the lack of funding for the AICW is an up close and personal example of the total, partisan gridlock now logjamming the US Congress!

We’ve all heard about this sorry state of affairs on the news, so amply sponsored by BOTH political parties, but, WOW, talk about bringing a situation to light in a venue that really HURTS; that’s just what we have front and center with this lack of Federal funding for AICW maintenance.

Furthermore, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net has been informed that there is 0% CHANCE OF BREAKING LOOSE ANY FEDERAL MONEYS FOR WATERWAY DREDGING DURING 2014, AT LEAST! And, the future of any Federal Waterway funding seems problematical, to say the very least!

So, we have the following “AICW Problem Stretches” which are simply going to get worse and worse:

AICW Channel South of McClallanville, SC to Awenday Creek (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=56218)

AICW North of Ben Sawher Bridge to Isle of Palms Bridge (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=101792)

Ashepoo – Coosaw Cutoff (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=5480)

Intersection of Wright River and Northern Fields Cut (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=5487)

Fields Cut (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=5479)

Hell Gate (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=5478)

Little Mud River (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=5477)

Jekyll Creek (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=5476)

AICW Channel Through Cumberland Dividings (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=36781)

Now, those who are very perceptive may have noticed that none of the “Problem Stretches” listed above reside in the states of Florida, or North Carolina. Herein lies HOPE for the future of the AICW!

Since the 1930’s Florida has had a state agency known as the “Florida Inland Navigationa District (or “FIND”), which is funded by a portion of the taxes collected from all state citizens. Put in its simplest terms, where the Federal government does not dredge the Florida portion of the Waterway (and other coastal waters such as inlets), “FIND” does!

Far more recently, my home state state of North Carolina made a bold move in 2013 to improve both maintenance of the AICW and inlets along the Tar Heel coastline. A new bill was passed by the legislature in Raleigh which diverts a portion of the revenues collected by both boat registration and taxes paid on marine fuel purchases, into a fund to dredge coastal waters. Along with some Federal hurricane relief moneys courtesy of Hurricane Sandy, this new law has resulted in currently underway dredging projects which will address ALL AICW Problem Stretches along the North Carolina portion of the Waterway. A completion date for all this dredging activity is slated for early April, 2014 (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=135383).

Unfortunately, as I have been preaching for the last 15 years (at least), if the AICW becomes unnavigable in one place, that disrupts the entire semi-annual “snowbird migration” cycle. And, the entire Southeastern USA pleasurecraft industry, including marinas, repair yards, boat manufacturers and equipment suppliers, is predicated on this twice a year movement of vessels north or south on the AICW.

So, no matter how good the condition of the Waterway in North Carolina and Florida might be, there are still two other states in the middle. If the AICW deteriorates in SC and GA, the migration will be disrupted, and we are back to proverbial “square one.”

What must be done is to convince the state legislatures in South Carolina and Georgia to undertake a similar plan of action as that adopted by North Carolina in 2013. Until and if the situation in Washington is straightened out, our sources tell us this is the only viable plan of action.

How can members of the cruising community help? First, as you are cruising south or north on the Waterway, or just doing some in-state exploration of your home waters, and you observe depths that are less than what is expected on the AICW, SEND THE SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET THAT INFORMATION AT YOUR EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY. We will not only make sure fellow cruisers share in your observations, but, working through the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association, we can use this data as “ammunition” with the South Carolina and Georgia legislatures.

Secondly, we urge you to spend a whole, whopping $25.00 and join the Atlantic Intracoasal Waterway Association (“AIWA,” http://www.atlintracoastal.org/join-aiwa). These good people are taking the LEAD in lobbying the Palmetto State and Peach State legislatures to do their part in taking care of the AICW. THE AIWA DESERVES THE SUPPORT OF EVERY CRUISER WHO PLIES THE WATERS OF THE ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY!

Finally, and on a personal note, so my late Mother told me, I have been cruising the Waterway since I was 2 years old (really don’t remember that first trip or two), and I grew up making the semi-annual trek from North Carolina to Fort Lauderdale in the fall, and then reversing the process come spring time. I can’t imagine Southeastern USA cruising without the AICW, and I bet you can’t either.

Let’s all do our part to preserve this magnificent resource, and save it for future generations of cruisers.

Thanks so much for your time and attention. Good luck and good cruising to all!

Great article. Thanks for bringing this important issue to light. We are Florida residents and understand the positive impact that FIND has had on maintaining the intracoastal waterways for use by all.
For the last 20 years, FIND has been very proactive by purchasing land for dredge material management sites that will be needed in the future to provide for proper maintenance of the ICW. The taxes are actually collected only from residents of the 12 counties located on the east coast of Florida. The board of FIND is comprised of a member from each county. FIND has been doing great work, and is an excellent example of how government agencies, when properly run, can have positive benefits.
Thanks again for your article.
Lenny Schelin

Claiborne,
On behalf of the AIWA Board of Directors (who are copied on this email), we truly appreciate your efforts to raise awareness of the challenges facing the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in your major editorial (link #1 in the alert below). We also appreciate our partnership in spreading the word in other emails and newsletters.
Please let me know how I can be of further service to you and our waterway cruisers.
Respectfully,
Brad
Brad Pickel
Executive Director
Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association

What used to be somewhat lovingly called “The Ditch,” is rapidly become “a ditch.” Where I grew up, that was wadin’ water.

We no longer bother going north of Brunswick and once we can get insurance in FL we probably won’t even go that far north. We would rather pay the outrageous premiums than persistently endanger the boat traveling farther north. We don’t expect the waterway to be an amusement park tunnel of love, but we do expect national infrastructure to be managed for national benefit. At this point a new magenta line is moot unless it comes with the caveat, “use only at highest tides.”
Chris

We had planned to go from New Bern to Cumberland Island, and return in March and April. It now looks like it will be trouble than it is worth. A few trips to Ocracoke and other “local waters” will probably be it.
Sorry South Carolina and Georgia will get no revenue from us this spring.
John and Georgie

We sail from Fernandina to Beaufort, skipping all the problem spots. Taking all our money with us.
Ted

Suggest you also submit your letter to several boat magazines to see if one or more might publish them. Southern Boating comes to mind as well as Soundings.
Tom Wemett

Claiborne, excellent article and I hope the powers that be pay attention to it, but as one who does the ICW twice yearly at a minimum, the ICW is not (yet) impassable, despite comments such as I see here from others.
With proper planning, the trouble spots in SC and GA are easily passable, even by deep draft boats. It shouldn’t require this level of caution, no – but for those such as John and George, or Chris, above- perhaps it’s better that they remain in their local waters and spare the rest of us the difficulty of saving them when their lack of navigational skills lands them in trouble.
Regardless of all this, SC and GA do need to ‘get on board’ and dredge their waters as required.
Wally Moran

Joined AIWA today…great suggestion.
Wonderful eulogy for Jack Dozier…he was one hellva good guy.
Jim Schofield
BoatU.S. (retired)

There is a huge difference in the support for maintaining the ICW between Florida and Georgia and the Carolinas because of the fact that the ICW is what gives millions of Floridians waterfront property. Anyone who has traveled the coasts of Florida’s knows that much of it is a channel between rows of waterfront homes. Those homeowners provide lots of political clout and lots of tax dollars for maintaining their lifestyle, whereas there is no significant political or monetary constituency for the Little Mud River area in Georgia. You’ll note that the more populated the area the better maintained the ICW is, in general. In the past the ICW was much more of a commercial highway for barge traffic. As recently as the 1980s, when I first started doing the ICW, a lot of the excitement was dodging enormous barge strings. That business has gone away, and with it the political clout those large businesses had. Sportfishing is still big business, but many of those folks are much less concerned with shallow channels than cruising boaters, which are such a tiny group that they have no political clout. Not sure what the solution is.
John Kettlewell

I could be wrong but have felt that South Carolina and Georgia have also been parsimonious on the waterway marker expenditures. In so many spots it is just an educated guess as which side of the ditch to favor.
Beverly Feiges

Highway 74 – Click for Chartview

The US 74 Bridge has a closed vertical clearance of 20ft [18ft with construction] and crosses the Waterway in the heart of Wrightsville Beach.

NC –NEUSE RIVER TO MYRTLE GROVE SOUND (AICW) – NEW RIVER-CAPE FEAR RIVER – WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH BRIDGE RESTRICTIONS
To accommodate the 2014 Quintiles Wrightsville Beach Half and Full Marathons, mariners are advised that the S.R. 74 Bridge, across AICW mile 283.1, at Wrightsville Beach, NC will remain in the closed position to vessels requiring an opening from 5 a.m. through 10 a.m., on Sunday, March 16, 2014. Mariners able to pass under the closed span (20 feet above MHW) may do so, and should adjust their transits accordingly. Chart: 11541. LNM: 50/13

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For SR 74 Bridge

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of SR 74 Bridge

Morehead City Harbor – Click for Chartview

Morehead City harbor is a busy place that includes the intersection of Beaufort Inlet and the Waterway. This Local Notice to Mariners is not very location specific, but this project is probably an extension of earlier dredging between the harbor and the inlet completed in July of last year, see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=116675

NC – MOREHEAD CITY HARBOR – BEAUFORT INLET – DREDGING
The Dredge C. R. McCASKILL will be conducting dredging operations in Beaufort Inlet from 14 February until 14 April, 2014. Dredge material will be transported to the beach at Atlantic Beach through a combination of submerged and floating pipeline. The dredge and assisting vessels 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 must be removed prior to commencement of any work. A NO WAKE transit is requested of all vessels passing the dredge. Chart: 11547. LNM: 06/14

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Morehead City Harbor

Hatteras Inlet – Click for Chartview

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. We have had Navigation Alerts posted in this inlet for some time (http://cruisersnet.net/?p=76962 and http://cruisersnet.net/?p=76962) and, despite recent dredging (http://cruisersnet.net/?p=123320), we still advise that no one attempt to make use of this inlet channel without very specific local knowledge!

NC – CAPE HATTERAS – HATTERAS INLET – SHOALING
Shoaling to a depth of 2.0 feet MLW has been reported between Hatteras Inlet Buoy 2 (LLNR 28645) and Hatteras Inlet Buoy 4 (LLNR 28650). Chart: 11555. LNM: 06/14

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

Lockwoods Folly/AICW Intersection – Click for Chartview

Dredging at this Problem Stretch is certainly welcome news at this perennial shoaling area. For more news on the dredging projects in this area, see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=135309

NC – MYRTLE GROVE SOUND AND CAPE FEAR RIVER TO CASINO CREEK (AIWW)– LOCKWOODS FOLLY – DREDGING
The Dredge WILKO will be conducting dredging operations at the Lockwoods Folly Crossing on the AIWW from 11 February until 23 March, 2015. The dredge and assisting vessels MISS LEANNE and PROUD MARY will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. A floating and submerged pipeline will traverse southwesterly along the west shoreline of the Inlet to the Holden Beach Fill Replacement Area. Mariners are cautioned to stay clear of dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine
construction operations. Operators of vessels of all types should be aware that dredges and floating pipelines are held in place by cables, attached to anchors some distance away from the equipment. Buoys are attached to the anchors so that the anchors may be moved as the dredge advances and the location of the submerged pipelines are marked by buoys on each side of the channel. Mariners are cautioned to strictly comply with the Inland Rules of the Road when approaching, passing and leaving the area of operations, and remain a safe distance away from the dredge, booster, buoys, cables, pipeline, barges, derricks, wires and related equipment. Owners and lessees of fishnets, crabpots and other structures that may be in the vicinity and that may hinder the free navigation of attending vessels and equipment must be remove these from the area where tugs, tenderboats and other attendant equipment will be navigating. Dredging projects are usually conducted twenty-four (24) hours a day seven (7) days a week, all fishnets, crabpots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to commencement of any work. A NO WAKE transit is requested of all vessels passing the dredge. Chart: 11534. LNM: 06/14

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Lockwoods Folly Inlet Intersection

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

Washington City Docks – Click for Chartview

Washington, NC, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is one of the most delightful ports of call on the North Carolina coastline. The town is located off the direct path of the AICW, but it’s usually a pleasant 30 mile cruise upstream on Pamlico River from the Waterway’s passage across this body of water to the Washington City Docks.

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net 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

Southport, NC – Click for Chartview

Cruising with our pre-teen daughters in a small trawler with limited refrigeration meant that ice cream was the most sought after commodity whenever we went ashore, regardless the time of day. I wish we had had the recommendation offered by Skipper Susan Landry, co-owner of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com)
After you come down the Cape Fear River, preferably not in rolling, breaking waves with wind and current opposed, and you pull into the Provision Company for some nice fresh seafood, why not top off your meal with, wait for it, ice cream! All you have to do is walk out the front door of the restaurant, which by the way has great food and service, turn left and you will see ICE CREAM, in big letters at Flava’s. You can’t miss it. This day’s selections would be Rocky Road for the hubby (chocolate all the way) and Birthday Cake for me. I have a confession to make. I really have a thing for Birthday Cake ice cream. You get the painfully sweet icing part, usually blue, little bits of yummy cake and, if you are lucky, some crunchy bits of brightly colored white chocolate. My granddaughter and I share this passion. I tried their Birthday Cake and it was good. A nice end to a seafood meal.
Susan Landry

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

AICW/Mason Inlet Intersection – Click for Chartview

The wonderful message below contains some of the BEST news it has been our pleasure to post on the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net in quite some time. As you will see, the AICW/Bogue Inlet intersection, the AICW/Lockwoods Folly Inlet intersection and the AICW/Shallotte Inlet intersection, ALL of which are SSECN designated “AICW Problem Stretches,” are either being dredged, or will be dredged soon, and all this work is slated for completion by early April, 2014, just in time for the spring, 2014 transient season! Additionally, the developing shoal at the intersection of the Waterway and Mason Inlet, north of Wrightsville Beach, NC (280) will also be dredged.

AICW/Lockwoods Folly Intersection – Click For Chart View

FYI, our firm is currently under contract to dredge this intersection [AICW and Mason Inlet] of the AIWW in April of this year. We are presently dredging Bogue Inlet Crossing for the Wilmington District USACE and will relocate to Lockwood’s Folly Inlet Crossing late next week and subsequently end up at Shallotte Inlet Crossing. Mason Crossing will be completed after our USACE contract is complete for the Figure 8 Island Homeowner’s Association.
Darrell Stewart

AICW/Shalotte Inlet Intersection – Click for Chart View

We are now finished at Bogue Inlet Crossing and according to USACE surveys we have achieved all grades to at least -13′ MLW. We will be moving to Lockwood’s Folly Inlet Crossing this Friday and stringing pipeline to Holden Beach early next week. We are contracted to pump 80,000 Cys from Lockwood’s Folly Crossing to Holden Beach and subsequently thereafter we are to pump another 100,000. Cys from the adjacent widener to Holden Beach for the Town (See attached). At this juncture, our schedule shows us to be at Shallotte Inlet Crossing around mid March and from there we will end up at Mason Crossing during the first part of April.
I will post a LNM tomorrow for Lockwoods Folly Crossing indicating our intended arrival.
Thanks, Darrell

Now, I was always taught from the earliest age, to never look a proverbial gift horse in the mouth, or, in other words, we should just rejoice in the news of this happy dredging, and not wonder why all these projects are taking place in North Carolina, and not on some AICW Problem stretches in South Carolina and Georgia, which are even worse!
Flying in the face of that maxim, we looked into this matter, and with the help of Skipper Brad Pickel, Executive Direction of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association (http://www.atlintracoastal.org/), we learned there are two reasons. First, in 2013 North Carolina passed an unusually wise piece of legislation which diverts moneys from NC boat registration and boating fuel taxes into funds for dredging. And, NC had some hurricane damage in 2013, making the Tar Heel state eligible for Federal disaster relief dollars.
These combined sources of revenue have resulted in these superb dredging projects, but, one must ask, what is going to happen to the Waterway in South Carolina and Georgia. Be advised that we are hard at work on a MAJOR article/editorial which will address the future of the Palmetto State and Peach State sections of the AICW. We plan to publish this story sometime during the week of February 17-22. STAY TUNED!

Excellent coverage Claiborne…thank you.
Wally Moran

When NC raised the boat registration fee and added the requirement to also register federal documented boats they told us that the money would be used to “dredge the shallow water inlets”. As with most statements from our elected officials, I took the “I will believe it when I see it” attitude. Well, congratulations, it appears that they are keeping there word. We are just completing a trip from Beaufort, NC to Charleston, SC and return. We have passed dredges at Bouge, Lockwoods Folly and Shallotte Inlets. Each had plenty of water as you followed the markers. Carolina Beach Inlet was also no problem.
This is great news and makes the trip a lot less nerve racking. There are still a number of places where the water can get real skinny and hopefully they will also be fixed.
It is just great that this dredging is going on. However, a one time approach will not solve the problem. These areas will just fill back in. Hopefully the state will continue to maintain the waterway in the future and not loose sight of where these funds come from and there appointed use. Only time will tell.
Dave Boxmeyer

Please note that this dredging project is in the inlet proper, not the Waterway intersection. However, dredging of the Inlet/Waterway intersection is scheduled to begin soon, see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=135309

NC – CAPE HATTERAS TO LITTLE RIVER INLET – SHALLOTTE INLET/OCEAN ISLE INLET – DREDGING/BEACH NOURISHMENT
The Dredge E. W. ELLEFSEN will be conducting dredging operations and beach nourishment at Shallotte Inlet from 14 February until 31 March, 2014. Dredged material will be transported to the beach via a submerged pipeline. The dredge and assisting vessels will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and16. Mariners are cautioned to stay clear of dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine construction operations. Operators of vessels of all types should be aware that dredges and floating pipelines are held in place by cables, attached to anchors some distance away from the equipment. Buoys are attached to the anchors so that the anchors may be moved as the dredge advances and the location of the submerged pipelines are marked by buoys on each side of the channel. Mariners are cautioned to strictly comply with the Inland Rules of the Road when approaching, passing and leaving the area of operations, and remain a safe distance away from the dredge, booster, buoys, cables, pipeline, barges, derricks, wires and related equipment. Owners and lessees of fishnets, crabpots and other structures that may be in the vicinity and that may hinder the free navigation of attending vessels and equipment must be remove these from the area where tugs, tenderboats and other attendant equipment will be navigating. Dredging projects are usually conducted twenty-four (24) hours a day seven (7) days a week, all fishnets, crabpots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to commencement of any work. A NO WAKE transit is requested of all vessels passing the dredge. Chart: 11520. LNM: 05/14

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Shalotte Inlet Intersection

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Motts Channel - Click for Chartview

The Motts Channel cuts into the southeastern/eastern flank of the AICW, a short hop south and southwest of the Wrightsville Beach Bascule Bridge, just past the host of marina facilities which congregate south of this span. This channel is often used by cruisers heading for Seapath Yacht Club, and on their way to and from the very popular anchorages on the Banks Channel, which comprises the eastern extreme of the Motts cut.
Over the years, the west end of the Motts Channel, near markers #25 and #23, has shoaled and periodic dredging has been required. Captain Booke’s advice is in response to an earlier Navigation Alert for this channel, http://cruisersnet.net/?p=105878

There is plenty of water coming off the ICW into Motts Channel if you put your boat against the southern shore. Mid Channel is usually shallow.
Henry Booke

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