Silver Lake Harbor Anchorage lies in the venerable shadow of the 75 ft. Ocracoke Light and is accessible from the NW via Nine Foot Shoal Channel or by Big Foot Slough Channel, which has been recently dredged, and from the south via the Ocracoke Inlet.

We made our annual trip to Ocracoke this past weekend and anchored in Silver Lake. Silver Lake has great holding, 10-foot depths and can hold a good 20 boats. The water is a good clarity enough so I could clean the hull and running gear, but still gets some sediment from the ferry traffic.
Last year, you could get free wifi in Silver Lake, but this year no longer. There is a “Silver Lake Harbor” site broadcasting, but it is password-protected, with no opportunity to access – free, paid, or otherwise. This was disappointing, but that’s life. 3G still works. Someone is missing the boat (pun intended) by not having a free log-on through an ad-sponsored portal.
Captain Ben Matthews

I came out of Silver Lake on 7/16/11 through Nine Foot Shoal Channel, concerned that it may have shoaled further over the winter at Red 8. I had good depths and showed 7ft for about a hundred feet right at Red 8, just like the chart shows, so it did not appear to have shoaled any further. Just call it Seven Foot Shoal Channel from now on.
Skipper Sam

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

Click Here To View A Photo of Silver Lake Taken by Capt. Ben

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ocracoke’s Silver Lake Harbor and Its Approach Channels

As Skipper Keith describes, the anchorage he used appears to lie northwest of marker #10 in the charted 7ft of water of Swanquarter Bay.
Now, with his GoogleEarth reference, Keith has solved the location mystery of the new “town docks” which lie at the northeasterly end of the southeastermost of two uncharted canals that lie just north of the NC Ferry Terminal channel at marker #5. These new facilities are NC Wildlife Resources Commission launch ramps and docks. If you have knowledge of a nav aid marking the channel’s entrance or recent knowledge of depths at the new docks, please follow the “Click Here To Submit Cruising News” link to the upper right, and share your information.

Cruising News:
I anchored off Swanquarter a few days ago and rowed in and strolled around town. I saw that there is a nice looking town dock where a person can tie up for free not far from town on the way to the ferry terminal. I was wondering if anybody knows what kind of depths will be found on the way to that dock. Thanks.
I have anchored in the same location in Swanquarter many times over the years. It is a great spot. The marshes protect you from the waves but allow a good breeze at anchor. You can also dingy into town if you would like, but I just usually use it as a jumping off point for Ocracoke when heading there from the Pamlico River.
For my anchorage, I go past the last marker in Swanquarter Bay, Fl R “10″. After R 10, I just continue into the bay and cozy up to a windward shore and never have seen less than 7 feet. According to my GPS, I was anchored at 35 24.20N 76 21.174W
As for the new town docks, they are not associated with the ferry and you take a different channel to get to them. Where the channel is I am not exactly sure, somewhere near marker 7 or 8 i would think. I do not know the depths, but there was a pretty good size work boat tied up there. The docks are new and substantial, and right outside of “downtown” Swanquarter.
Skipper Keith Sullivan aboard s/v Saga

The “town docks” in Capt. Keith’s posting were once a private marina/ramp but have recently been converted to a NC Wildlife Resources public access ramp and parking area. The chartlet included with Keith’s post shows a depth of 8 feet in 2003. I would be very suspect of this channel depth because there have been some weather events since the datum was posted.
Robert Castle

A little more info on the town docks in Swanquarter. The docks I mentioned are not in the same canal as are the marina and shrimp boat docks. They are located between the ferry terminal and the canal at marker 10.
You can see the canal of which I speak on Google Earth, coordinates 35 24′ 08.65 76 19′ 39 The image there is from 2006, so the docks are not in the image.
By researching online I learned that the docks are operated by the NC Wildlife Resource Commission. There are boat ramps there, but also very ample dockage. Next time there I will take a better look.
More info is available on the NC WRC website…I’ll send a link. On the page, move the pointer to Swanquarter and a photo and info will pop-up. I still do not know the depths, however.

http://216.27.39.120/mapbook/boataccess.aspx

Skipper Keith Sullivan aboard s/v Saga

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

Jim is speaking of the fish traps and crab pots which were, at least for awhile, blocking entrance into this popular anchorage just off the Adams Creek section of the AICW, between Neuse River and Beaufort.

Planning to visit Cedar Creek anchorage on Thursday May 26, 2011 on the way to Cape Lookout. Has anyone heard if the problem still exists. How far into Cedar Creek did Capt’n Chuck and Susan attempt to anchor.
Thanks for any comments and/or information.
Skipper Jim Wilson

Your neighbors reply:

Larry,
We anchored in Jonaquin Creek which is further back in the Cedar Creek anchorage. This too had floats in it but there was enough room for one boat to anchor.
Chuck

I anchored in Cedar Creek last Thursday and had no problems with crab pots or fish traps. Actually there were four boats that night anchored and there was room for four or five additional boats. This is still one of our favorite places to drop the hook overnight as we sail out of Oriental quite often.
Regards,
Captain Jim

Ceder creek bottom is soft mud, I’ve dragged here with my delta(20knt winds), but my fortress held firm.
Skipper Tom

We anchored in this spot June 30th [2011]. Saw zero crab pots. I was looking hard, arrived at night, left in the morning, came in here at about 2 knots, and anchored our trawler with two other sailboats already anchored. It was clear. Apparently the crab pots are moved around a bit.
Skipper Ben Matthews

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

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

Click Here To View Another Recent Article on the Cedar Creek Anchorage

Upper Goose Creek Anchorage lies due north of Pamlico River’s, Blounts Bay marker #8. Cruisers’ Net does not recommend that cruising size craft enter this creek. It has an unmarked shoal surrounding the entrance. Only adventurous captains using a GPS chartplotter should attempt entrance and ONLY then if they are willing to risk finding the bottom! Obviously Skipper Keith is a risk-taker who loves to explore. (See Swanquarter posting.) Do not confuse this Upper Goose Creek with the “Upper Goose Creek Anchorage” off the Neuse River as found in our NC Anchorage Directory.

I just took my 4 1/2 foot draft sailboat well up into Goose Creek State Park (between Bath and Washington) and never touched bottom even with the wind tide about 1 foot low. I anchored near a primitive campground which has a small dock that I could row to for water and a bathroom. It was a GREAT spot.
Y’all take care and thanks for the great website.
Skipper Keith Sullivan aboard S/V Saga

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Pamlico River’s Upper Goose Creek

We had an earlier notice here on the Cruisers’ Net that SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Washington, NC City Docks, is now a “Clean Marina.” Below, you will find the official press release announcing this new distinction.

N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Release: Immediate
Contact: Michele Walker
Date: July 6, 2011
Phone: 919-715-4074

Washington Waterfront Docks Certified as a North Carolina Clean Marina
RALEIGH – The Washington Waterfront Docks in Washington, N.C. is the latest facility to be certified as a North Carolina Clean Marina, a designation given to marinas that go beyond minimum regulatory requirements.
The Clean Marina program illustrates how marina operators can help safeguard the environment by using management and operation techniques that exceed environmental requirements. To earn the certification, the marina’s owners prepare spill prevention plans and conduct safety and emergency planning. Marina operators also control boat maintenance activities to protect water quality.
Clean Marina is a voluntary program that began in the summer of 2000. Marina operators who choose to participate must complete an evaluation form about their use of specific best management practices. If a marina meets criteria developed by the Division of Coastal Management, it will be designated as a Clean Marina. Such marinas are eligible to fly the Clean Marina flag and use the logo in their advertising. The flags signal to boaters that a marina cares about the cleanliness of area waterways.
Clean Marina is a nationwide program developed by the National Marine Environmental Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works to clean up waterways for better recreational boating. The foundation encourages states to adapt Clean Marina principles to fit their own needs.
The North Carolina program is a partnership between the Division of Coastal Management, N.C. Boating Industry Services, the N.C. Marine Trade Association, the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program, N.C. Sea Grant, the U.S. Power Squadron, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and N.C. Big Sweep.
For more information, contact Pat Durrett with the Division of Coastal Management at 252-808-2808.

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

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

Alex & Brett, Inc. is one block north of the famous Sanitary Fish Market at the corner of Arendell and 5th St and within easy walking distance of the four marinas along the Morehead City waterfront. Telephone: 252-622-4688. Enjoy!

We were in Morehead City this weekend and discovered a wonderful bakery..Alex & Brett. They are located near the waterfront at 513 Arendall back in the corner of the shopping center. Their fresh bread and deserts are wonderful. They sell many items that are “boat” friendly. We were not disappointed with any of our selections.
Capt. Janet Childers

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Downtown Morehead City Waterfront

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Morehead City Yacht Basin

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

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

Hmmmmm!

Cruising News:
Hi All,
Passed Carolina Beach State Park/Marina Yesterday, July 12-Its [been] restored at millions of dollars facility that I have enjoyed many times over the years-one small boat docked out of perhaps 60 slips-Last fall I stopped there after hours with my 43ft Trawler and pulled up to the T dock,as I always have, checked into the office in the AM to register-as normal.
A totally empty marina-not a boat anywhere-basically the same situation as on July 12.
CBSP, has been the only marina that I have stayed in that requires “proof of ownership”, Documents or Registration-I accept that/fine.
Last fall, I was asked/told that docking on the T head was no longer permitted, and I should move my boat to a slip —I pulled out instead-I had called in advance and asked if they could accomidate 45ft boats-sure a the T head I was told by the phone operator. Now I am told to slip in and if I stick out a bit-well thats no good either-in a totally empty marina.
Methinks some of the problem is with the “Ranger on Duty”, the kind in a green uniform with a gun on their hip-and a bit of an “attitude”—like walking with your dog down the dock and being addressed on the loudspeaker about leashes being reguired-again in a totally empty marina–There may be some other issues at CBSP-all new and rebuilt–but its a shame that a great public facility is
EMPTY.
Kevin Kearney
JOLIE-northbound

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

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

Elizabeth City has been known as one of the most welcoming ports of call for many, many years. The late Fred Fearing used to greet cruisers with a rose for all the female members of the crew, and an incredibly warm welcome for everyone aboard. Sadly, Fred passed away a few years ago, but the “Rose Buddy” volunteer efforts he pioneered, live on in Elizabeth City, as evidenced by the message below, copied from the MTOA List-Serve.
And, let’s not forget, Elizabeth City is a much valued SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

We have just had the best experience in Elizabeth City. On one of the hottest 4th of Julys ever, the water pump for the air conditioner gave up the ghost. I disconnected the pump and took it into the little ships store here at Pelican Marina. Everyone wanted to help, but what do you do with a 22 year old pump? Finally the managers, Josh & Mike, said to take it to “Electric Motor Rewind Co” on Poindexter Street. I did, and the owner said to leave it with him for about an hour, and go eat at the Colonial Restaurant, 3 blocks away. After a great breakfast, we returned to the Rewind company and found our air conditioner water pump all fixed and ready for installation. $24.89 was all he charged us.
Then, walking back over the bridge to Pelican Marina, we met the Bridge Master, Jack Brothers, who said if we needed a ride he would let us use his pickup truck.
Everyone here in Elizabeth City has been really great to us. Must be something in the water.
We’ll be back, and we’ll be recommending Elizabeth City to everyone we meet.
Skipper Jim Powell

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

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Elizabeth City Waterfront

A short hop south of Norfolk, VA, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway divides, in one of only two instances between Norfolk, VA and Miami, Florida. The westernmost branch of the AICW is known as the Dismal Swamp Canal Route, as this passage runs through the heart of the Great Dismal Swamp, that straddles the North Carolina – Virginia state line.
During the summer months, a featherlike, green growth often appears on the tranquil waters of the canal. The locals call this growth, “Duckweed.” I have never heard of even heavy growths of Duckweed impeding cruising craft, but it sure does make for interesting views from the cockpit or flybridge.
Thanks to Captain Jim Powell for sharing these images!

We are told Duckweed loves hot weather and lack of rain. Hopefully with recent rains here at the Swamp it will make a difference. Several boaters tell us they have to clean their filters, but otherwise this nuisance has not caused major problems. Come visit us at the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center. We are here daily!
Donna Stewart

Northwest Creek Marina and Fairfield Harbor are south of New Bern, NC on Northwest Creek off the Neuse River and due north of marker #17 below Hampton Shoal.

Carol & I bought our boat (Whitby 42) in February ’11, local to New Bern. We berthed her here at the marina intending to stay a month. The marina and marina staff and the staff of the Hurricane hotel/restaurant were so pleasant and helpful and the work we got done was done so well and promptly that we extended to 3 months. Then, in addition to the friendliness of the people (staff and berth-holders) we decided that we should really be cruising here while we had the chance… extension to 6 months!
We have lived-aboard in many marinas up the east coast but we totally agree that this is the most enjoyable one we have stayed at (although not live-aboard). We live in Florida and have to feel confident that the boat will be well taken care of; and we are. The staff are excellent at the marina.
We know it’s a long chug or sail up to New Bern but this place is well worth a visit at least and if you are leaving your boat for a while, this is one of the most reliable places to do so. If you want work done on the boat, there are people who will set a schedule and actually stick to it (what a concept!) and do a great job (am I allowed to mention Harvey Smith, a very local diesel expert who does tremendous work at an excellent rate?).
Carol and Fergus

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Northwest Creek Marina and Fairfield Harbor

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Northwest Creek Marina and Fairfield Harbor

The intersection of the AICW and Lockwoods Folly Inlet was dredged in February of 2011, and, thankfully, the Waterway channel seems to be holding as of September, 2011. The notice below refers to LOCKWOOD FOLLY INLET, NOT THE INTERSECTION BETWEEN THIS PASSAGE AND THE WATERWAY, BUT one shoal often follows another!

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week 26/11
Shoaling has been reported throughout Lockwoods Folly Inlet to a depth of 4.2 feet at mean low water. Mariners are requested to transit the area with caution. (Chart 11534).

Cruising News:
A safety note on Lockwoods Folly Inlet. [We] came into this inlet off a short ocean run from Shallotte Inlet. It was dead low tide, and even staying dead in the center of markers, knocked the barnacles off my keel( 4 ft draft). Wind was on shore if that matters on depth. very scary experience and lucky as the 130 jib that was flying gave me a good bit of help when used to heel over a few degrees. the day before had asked a local, and was assured there would be enough water even at low tide to make it safely. guess a call to sea tow prior to entering would have been a smart move on my part.
Capt Mike,
Wilmington nc

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 The Location of Lockwood Folly Inlet

This is welcome news to those of us who have tried to find dockage in Oriental during the busy seasons. Cruisers’ Net would like to hear your opinions on the proposed town dock. Oriental harbor lies northwest of flashing green marker #1 in the Neuss River.

Cruising News:
A second Town Dock has been proposed in Oriental. For details of the proposal, and a map showing the location, go to:
http://towndock.net/news/second-town-dock-proposed-for-oriental-harbor
Richard Ross

Good news. This is one of our favorite waypoints. The deli (now called the Bistro) [I suspect this is SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSOR, the Village Food Emporium - Editor] has the best Rubin sandwiches in the world.
Jim Powell

I think another town dock would be great as the current one is always full every time we have tried to use it.
Larry & Margie Ross aboard Wanderin L&M Hampton 55

We stayed at a private dock once in Oriental. Other than that, we’ve had to pass by Oriental because there was no place to over-night. We’ll be hoping to visit Oriental for a few days this fall to visit friends … if we can find dockage. We certainly encourage the town to create more space for cruisers.
Greg & Marian Riach aboard S/V Muskoka Moon

Current town dock has room for only 2 vessels. Anchoring space is very limited. Marinas there are relatively expensive. We like the town, but space is currently too limited…another place to tie up, or mooring balls would be a great improvement.
Terry

Oriental would certainly benefit by the addition of another town dock. The only limitation to a significant increase in visitors is dockage/anchorages. We skipped Oriental because of a lack of sufficient overnight space.
Douglas Paddock

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

This notice is referring to shoaling at the Waterway’s narrow channel leading from Albemarle Sound into the North River via the VA-NC Cut. A sharp watch should kept between markers 168 and 173.

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week 25/11
Shoaling to a depth of 5.3 ft MLW has been reported in the vicinity of Great Bridge to Albemarle Sound Light 170 (LLNR 37810). Mariners should use extreme caution when transiting the area. Chart : 12206.

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marker 170

Oregon Inlet is the northern-most inlet in North Carolina and is an important passage for the Outer Banks’ famed charter fishing fleets and commercial fishing vessels between Pamlico Sound and the briny blue.The shoaling is found astride the center span of the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge. It should be noted that the presence of STRONG tidal currents and constantly shifting shoals over the years have prompted Cruisers’ Net to recommend that this inlet NEVER be used by cruising craft.

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week 24/11
Shoaling to a depth of 5.0 FT MLW has been reported Oregon Inlet Channel Buoy 30 (LLNR 28097) and Oregon Inlet Channel Buoy 32 (LLNR 28110). Chart: 11555.

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week 21/11
An ACOE survey conducted 16 May, 2011, indicates shoaling to a depth of 6.3 feet MLW , 50 yards east of the navigational span of the Bonner Bridge. Mariners should use extreme caution when transiting the area. Chart : 12205.

The Coast Guard is reporting severe shoaling to 3ft. under the center span of the Oregon Inlet bridge. Both power and sail boaters should take notice!
http://coastguardnews.com/coast-guard-warns-mariners-of-shoaling-at-oregon-inlet-nc/2011/02/25/
Captain George Barr, Manteo Waterfront Marina

More from Captain Barr:
The USACE just completed the survey on the 23rd. I help out at the Manteo Waterfront Marina and heard the security call on the VHF and checked it out. Also note that there is a pdf of the survey available here :
http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/nav/MANTEO-OREGON/Oregon_Inlet/oi_bridge.pdf
which shows just how bad it is if you just zoom in on the center span of the Bonner bridge.

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

If you are interested in historic preservation or just a nostalgia buff, you might want to get involved with this group. As you will remember, the last parts of the old pontoon bridge were removed this past spring.

I am sure that all boaters were happy to see the last of the Sunset Beach floating [pontoon] bridge on the ICW just north of NC/SC state line. Now there is a society dedicated to preserving the old bridge, fortunately in a park in Sunset Beach. Anyone interested in learning the fate of the old bridge can visit the web site
http://www.oldbridgepreservationsociety.org/Site/Welcome.html.
Skipper Richard Ross aboard Chez Nous

Richard! Thanks for the mention of OBPS. Our plans are to keep her out of all boaters’ way and safe in her new home on land. We welcome you all to visit her at 109 Shoreline Dr. if only to shake your fist at her one last time!
Chris Wilson

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

Photo Courtesy of Captain Gregory Han

Big Foot Slough is the primary conduit from Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke, one of the North Carolina coastline’s most popular ports of call.

As of 15 June 2011 the problem shoal described below has received maintenance dredging. Depths of 10 feet at high tide were observed from 10B to 12 mid channel. The shoal right at 10B is now clearly out of the channel.
Gregory Han

Click Here To View the Original Posting on Shoaling in Big Foot Slough.

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To Nine Foot Shoal Channel, Big Foot Slough Channel, Silver Lake and Ocracoke

What a great report from Captains Greg and Susan concerning one of the North Carolina’s most popular ports of call. Note that this cruising duo note the same shoaling in the Big Foot Slough Channel, on which we reported last week, but they also reflect a later report of dredging here. Follow the link provided below to check out this earlier article.
Even if you don’t plan on visiting Ocracoke this summer, Greg and Susan’s account of the “movie” in Ocracoke, plus the offshore research trip, is well worth a read!

Allegria is spending and extended weekend at the USNPS docks in Ocracoke, NC. This idyllic village on the outer banks is the perfect place to enjoythe summer’s heat with a cooling breeze. The docks were only half full and we got a great spot along with enough power to be comforable with our A/C. Since we are over 62 years old we can use our Golden Passports here to get a 50% discount on the dockage, quite a bargain. The channel entering the Silver Lake anchorage was extremely shoaled with barely 6′ on the green side and seabirds walking around on the red side. Fortunately, there is an USACOE dredge working there right now.
Last night in Ocracoke, there was a feature movie played right behind our boat on a big inflatable screen, of a Disney from 2009 entitled Oceans. It had some of the most spectacular wildlife footage I have ever seen. One scene in Alaska had a pod of grey whales herding bait fish into a ball using air bubbles. Then a dozen full grown grey whale exploded to the surface en-mass from deep down. The slow motion showed their mouths, which sieve out the fish from the water, bloated and distended with their catch as they fell back. Truly do not miss this film, it is unlike anything else I have ever seen. See some clips at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0765128/
There is an 85′ NOAA research vessel in residence which is working on a project to locate and photograph wrecks that are offshore from the Battle of the Atlantic, the extended battle between U boats and merchant and US Navy ships that resulted in dozen of sinkings in the early part of WWII. They have a sophisticated free ranging, self propelled side scan sonar device that they release to run track lines along the bottom. When retrieved, the data can be downloaded and reviewed. This is much easier than towing the device behind a ship and running track lines. The National Geographic has a film crew documenting the project so look for a future piece on TV and in print. This is related to the Marine Sanctuary program of NOAA surrounding the Monitor archeological site just offshore.
Greg and Susan Han
USCG 100GT Master, Near Coastal
Key Biscayne, FL
Allegria — Krogen Whaleback #16

Click Here To Read An Earlier Article About Shoaling and New Dredging on Ocracoke’s Big Foot Slough Channel

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Ocracoke’s National Park Service Docks

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ocracoke’s Silver Lake Harbor and Its Approach Channels

Cypress Cove Marina, formerly International Yaching Center, formerly Sawyers Marina, sits on the banks of the beautiful Scuppernong River, near the tiny river town of Columbia, NC.

Cypress Cove has a nice lift, and nice “ramp” area for boats to sit on the hard for maintenance or storage. Something important to me personally is toilet and shower facilities; I rate Cypress Cove’s facilities above average. My experience is getting a bit dated; I was there over the Winter 2007/2008. The maintenance was first class. Very small staff, but it is/was plenty, professional and proficient. Other than being careful of wind/water depth, I rate this marina at excellent. It is best to call ahead since dockage was almost full. When I was in the water I was tied to a temporary end-of-pier spot; which was very adequate since the marina is in a very protected cove. Unless someone has recently moved or is out cruising, I doubt there are any empty slips. They are a dealer for power boats, so the lean may seem a bit toward the power yachter, however, that is where the money is so I see no problem there. Can’t see anyone staying in business in this region if they specialized in sail. The maintenance “person” was knowledgeable of both power and sailing craft.
Skipper Mark H.

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

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

Click Here For An Article on Columbia, NC

Elizabeth City and the Rose Buddies have been charming cruising visitors to the City Docks since 1983. Over 15 years ago, my family and I were privileged to meet the original Rose Buddy, Fred Fearing, who passed away in 2007, and we got the same warm greeting and assistance as did Ken and Francie. Isn’t it wonderful that some things do not change! The city docks are officially called Mariner’s Wharf City Docks and dockage is free for 48 hours, although we were once allowed to stay for three days when high winds prevented the Alligator River Bridge from opening. We are proud to report that Elizabeth, NC is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

Elizabeth City has major improvements for boaters since our last stop a few years ago, thanks to former mayor Atkinson who now owns a trawler. Enjoy Saturday morning farmer’s market at mariner wharf May – October. Farm Fresh market, a great new grocery store, picks boaters up at the wharf with a phone call. We enjoyed First Friday gallery walk and new art center downtown. The new library and Albermarle museum exhibits are terrific. We highly recommend Elizabeth City to anyone cruising the area.
Capt. Wendy Young aboard “Blue Crab” 32′ Island Gypsy, Punta Gorda FL

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Elizabeth City Waterfront

One of the Cruisers’ Net’s newest sponsors, Deep Point Marina keeps racking up the good reviews. This facility’s marked entry channel lies northwest of Cape Fear River/AICW marker #20.

We just left . . . the Deep Point Marina.WHAT A GREAT STOP. We recommend the Marina.The docking price is right $1.14 a foot,with free laundry and swimming pool.Their organization donated hundreds
of dollars worth of door prizes to the southern [MTOA] rendezvous.Please stop and say hello.Located of the Cape fear river at red marker #20,next to the Bald Head Island ferry.The bald Head Conservatory has been very kind to MTOA.Try and support them.
George Kay

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

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