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

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

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

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

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

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

South of Coinjock, in the NC-Virginia Cut route, Broad Creek lies just off the AICW to the west of quick flashing red marker #164 and green marker # 163.

Anchored near the “9″, just above the anchor symbol on the chartlet, on a friend’s 49 DeFever, 4.8 ft. draft, in late July, 2010. Spectacular location, beautiful, very protected, no problems holding at all with a 66# Bruce. Don’t miss this beautiful place.
Capt. Norman Mason aboard Peggy Sue, Monk 36

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Broad Creek Anchorage

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

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

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

Elizabeth City is known as one of the most welcoming ports of call on the AICW, and these good people are also a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! If your cruising takes you to the Dismal Swamp Canal Route this September, check out some of the great activities described below.

May – October 30, 2010
Downtown Waterfront Market
Running every Saturday & Tuesday.
Location: Mariners Wharf
9:00 am – 1:00 pm, Sundays
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Tuesdays
Admission: FREE
Denise Richards: 252-338-0169
downtownwaterfrontmarket.com

August 10 – September 28, 2010
Music on the Green
Running every Tuesday.
Shop, enjoy the music, and stay for dinner in downtown!
Location: Mariners Wharf
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Admission: FREE
Deborah Malenfant: 252-267-6920
www.musicatmarinerswharf.com

September 1, 2010
Monthly Wine Tasting
Location: The City Wine Sellar
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Admission: $15.00 (Reservations Required)
252-335-1163
www.citywine.blogspot.com

September 3, 2010
Harbor Night: Summer Send Off
Grab the family, your picnic blanket and enjoy an evening on the water.
Band: Toe tapping fun with Out ‘n the Cold
Location: Mariners Wharf
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Admission: FREE
Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce: 252-335-4365
www.elizabethcitychamber.org

September 18, 2010
Classic Moth Boat Regatta
Location: Elizabeth City waterfront
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Admission: FREE
Greg Duncan: 252-335-5530
www.mothboat.com

September 19, 2010
223rd Constitution Day
Location: Museum of the Albemarle
3:00 pm
Admission: FREE
Mary Ann Converse: 252-330-5667 / 252-330-2004
Museum of the Albemarle: 252-335-1453

http://harborofhospitality.blogspot.com/2010/08/september-2010-celebrate-us.html

September 26, 2010
Albemarle Historic Roundtable
MOA Guest Speaker: Marvin T. Jones
Presenting a “The Carolina Genesis” Lecture and book signing
Location: Museum of the Albemarle – Gaither Auditorium
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Admission: FREE
252-335-1453
www.museumofthealbemarle.com

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

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Pelican Marina in Elizabeth City

If you have taken advantage of this source of refund on fuel taxes, let us hear from you! Thanks for the Heads-Up Greg!

I came across the following when looking around for sales taxes on http://www.boatus.com/gov/state_taxrefund.asp
It lists state that will refund sales taxes for off road use and specifically describes boat use. VA will refund .18 and NC .16 per gallon. Has anyone heard of this or gotten a refund? All one has to do is fill out a form and send original receipts.
For VA use http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/pdf/ts216.pdf.
Greg and Susan Han aboard Allegria, Krogen Whaleback #16

An excellent suggestion from one of the leading authorities on the AICW. This recommendation should also work south of Deep Creek Lock in the Virginia portion of the Dismal Swamp Canal. Thank you John!

My choice would be to get inside the Dismal Swamp Canal past the first lock {South Mills Lock, mile 33.2}. Then you don’t have to worry about storm surge, just the wind and there would be no fetch.
John Kettlewell, Editor of The Intracoastal Waterway Chartbook

Click Here To View Other Suggestions on Hurricane Holes in NC

Captain Charleys Seafood Paradise (no kidding, that’s this establishment’s full name) has been our choice for the best fried seafood and crab casserole anytime, anywhere, since 1976. And now, Skipper Fowler tells us they’ve added delectable home-made desserts. Be still my beating heart!
Do be careful when you anchor at the foot of White Oak River off the Swansboro waterfront. The tidal currents in this anchorage are fierce!

Hello Claiborne:
We took your advice and anchored off the Swansboro waterfront, then dinghied into the handy city dock and treked the two blocks to Captain Charleys. The crab casserole and fried shrimp were just as good as you described them in the North Carolina guide. Then, we got a real surprise when we learned that the manger, “Linda” is now making home made desserts for the restaurant. We both had a piece of “cookie dough pie,” which was to die for. We groaned our way back to the boat, bursting at the seams, but very satisfied.
Skipper Fowler

Recently re-opened this past spring, Pungo Creek Marina located in Pungo Creek just south of Belhaven, NC, continues to make upgrades to a fine facility.

I am the new owner of Pungo Creek Marina, formerly Bayside Marina. I have made significant upgrades, new ramp, fuel and day dock, laundry, clean restrooms and showers, club house, and a good family atmosphere. We have pot lucks on Saturday evenings. Thank you for making the changes and letting the cruisers know we are here.
Randy O’Neal

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

Onslow Beach Bridge crosses the ICW at Statute Mile 241, northeast of flashing daybeacon #64, 34 34.364 North/077 16.306 West. If your vessel requires more than 12 feet clearance, you will be unable to request an opening from 9/8 through 9/14.

Local Notice to Mariners, dated 8/17/2010
Mariners are advised that urgent mechanical repairs will be performed at the Onslow Beach Swing Bridge across the North Carolina Cut, at AICW mile 240.7, at Camp Lejeune, NC. To facilitate repairs, the swing span will be closed to vessels requiring an opening beginning at 1 a.m. on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 through 11:59 on Tuesday, September 14, 2010. The available vertical clearance in the closed position is approximately 12 feet, above mean high water. Mariners able to pass under the closed span may do so, should adjust their transits accordingly and exercise caution when transiting the area.

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

The Roanoke Sound Channel runs along the eastern side of Roanoke Sound and, as mentioned in earlier posts, requires constant vigilance to markers in the narrow channel. Captain Brian seems to have managed very nicely.

On August 13, 2010, we headed for Ocracoke, NC by way of the Roanoke Sound channel. No problems with depth, however we did notice some shoaling into the channel around marker 16, the entrance into Mill Landing Creek. The entrance buoys have been moved slightly into the channel and accurately reflect the good water.
Captain Brian Campbell

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Mill Landing Creek

Shallowbag Bay is essentially Manteo Harbor. While less than 5 feet in many spots, there are good anchorages as Brian points out. The channels into Shallowbag Bay are narrow and require vigilance as Claiborne warns with these comments:
“A word of caution, one of the two approaches for vessels northbound on Pamlico Sound, and the far shorter of the two, is by way of the Old House Channel from the Pamlico, to southern Roanoke Sound, and then north on the Roanoke Sound channel. There is NOTHING easy about this passage, and I do not recommend it for vessels drawing 5 feet or more.
The other, far deeper and navigationally easier route is by way of Croatoan Sound, and then a southerly cruise through northern Roanoke Sound. The caveat for this route is that you must pass under a fixed bridge with 45 feet of vertical clearance, plenty for almost all powercraft, but not enough for many sailboats. The safest and easiest route to Manteo is by way of the AICW to Albemarle Sound. Then, a turn to the east will lead to northern Roanoke Sound, and then a quick trip to Shallowbag Bay and Manteo. However, you get there, Manteo is worth the effort!”
Claiborne

I have gained great knowledge in reading others posts on this site and thought it was time to return the favor. On August 12, 2010, we visited Manteo, NC aboard Tranquility. Tranquility has a tall mast and 6′ draft. We had no problem entering Shallowbag Bay and anchoring just east of the charted sewer outflow. Holding was good as a pretty severe thunderstorm rolled through with 30 mph gusts.
Captain Brian Campbell

Click on the Chartlet Below for a Chart View Window for Shallowbag Bay.

Good News for cruisers using this main channel into Silver Lake Harbor in Ocracoke. Dredging has been underway for about five days and should be completed soon. Past shoaling in this channel prompted a recent Navigational Alert. Check the links below for more information.

As we entered the Big Foot Slough Channel, we observed that it is actively being dredged. While we gave the red side more distance, it looks like the Red 10B issue is being addressed. We had no problem with the entry into Ocracoke, NC Silver Lake. Hope this helps those who follow.
Captain Brian Campbell

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the “Alert” Section of Ocracoke’s Big Foot Slough Channel

Click Here To View An Earlier Posting on Big Foot Slough Channel

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Silver Lake Harbor

The city of Washington, a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, has, for several years now, offered greatly improved city docks, right in the heart of the downtown business district. Now, with all the special events detailed below, stretching from late summer to fall, 2010, cruisers have more reason than ever to set their course upstream on Pamlico River to this fine port of call.

Alternately, you might also consider berthing at nearby McCotters Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) on Broad Creek, and making use of their generous courtesy car to visit the events outlined below in Washington.

Every Saturday morning in the summer (8:00-12:00)-Farmer’s Market (on the waterfront)

Saturday-August 14th -Pickin on the Pamlico(5:30-10:00) All you can eat-crab,shrimp,chicken & more-$40.00 per person-cash beer & wine bar-music & beautiful sunset

Friday-August 20th (3rd Friday every month)-Music in the Streets (on Main St.)-6:00-9:00

Sunday-September 12th-Beach Music Festival(12:00-7:00/right on the waterfront)-4 major beach bands $20.00 per person-bring your own food & beverage (no glass containers)

Saturday-October 16th-9:00 a.m.-Black History Walking Tour (starts on the waterfront) Narrator takes you step by step as the slaves came ashore

Friday & Saturday-October 22nd-23rd-Smoked on the Water (pig roasting competition/on the waterfront) – all BBQ will be sold after the competition in bulk or as sandwiches

Wow, Manteo Waterfront Marina, which is clearly “the” place to stay in Manteo, is offering some great promotions and special events for the remainder of the 2010 summer. I suspect some of these special will continue on into the fall months. We’ll check on that, and update this posting ASAP! And, let’s not forget these good folks are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

1st Friday of every month in August, September, October, November – FESTIVAL- Live Bands, shops open later (8:00 or 9:00), wine & food in some participating shops.

On this Friday of every month the marina has a special rate for transients, 2 nights dockage for the price of 1 night.

Every Thursday- Wine Festival $20.00 per person to participate (in open air mall)
Carl Jordan
Dockmaster

Intracoastal Yacht Sales is a valued SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

Come Cruise with INTRACOASTAL YACHT SALES to
Bald Head Island
September 10-12th!

All our Customers are invited to crank their engines and cruise with us!
Enjoy our Docktail Party on Friday night, and relax on the island or the beach all day Saturday!
For More Information or to sign up, please contact
Ric Stanley at 910-297-4444 or email at rstanley@intracoastalyachtsales.com
Capt Bobby Gregory at 843-412-6587 or email at bgregory@intracoastalyachtsales.com
Doug Ford at 843-340-0080 or email at dford@intracoastalyachtsales.com

This is an excellent question considering the forecast for the hurricane season. Please let Mary and all Salty Southeast Cruisers know of your recommendations for riding out the worst! Please include latitude/longitude!

Are there any generally recognized hurricane holes in North Carolina? We’re spending the summer at New Bern. Easy season so far but who knows what the next several weeks will bring. Thanks.
Mary Foxworthy aboard sv Sea Fox

Responses:

We stayed at Wilmington Marine Center on the Cape Fear River. It is a surge free hurricane hole at Buoy 59 about 12 miles from the ICW and a couple miles before Wilmington.
Alan LLoyd

River Dunes Marina [on Broad Creek off the AICW/Neuse River, downstream of Oriental, editor]: Probably the best hurricane hole in North Carolina.
Cliff Kisby

My choice would be to get inside the Dismal Swamp Canal past the first lock. Then you don’t have to worry about storm surge, just the wind and there would be no fetch.
Captain John Kettlewell, editor, The Intracoastal Waterway Chartbook

Location and facilities certainly make a difference in remembering a marina stay, but so often it is the personal effort of the staff that makes us want to return, as David attests. This new facility is located just off the Cape Fear River portion of the AICW, north of the Waterway’s sharp turn to the west at Southport.

Deep Point Marina was one of our best stops on our south bound trip from Stoney Point, New York to Fernandina, Florida! They were still under construction at the time we were there, but the hospitality we received was unmatched. These people really care about their customers. The dockmaster (Rob Gandy) even loaned us his personal vehicle to go to the local grocery store. We will always make Deep Pointe Marina one of our stops when traveling up and down the east coast.
Captain David Johnson

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