AICW/Mason Inlet – Click for Chartview

The SSECN has had a “Navigation Alert” for the intersection of the AICW and Mason Inlet posted since August 5, 2013 and a warning has appeared concerning these waters in a USCG Local Notice to Mariners (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=120325). We have had also several additional reports of shoaling on these troubled waters since our Nav. Alert was issued (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=127818). See http://cruisersnet.net/?p=134413 for the most recent reports.
Fortunately, Mr. Stewart of Southwind Construction Corp brings good news about the scheduled dredging of this intersection in April. He also updates the dredging currently underway in several other Problem Stretches. Until then, the need for extreme caution in any passage through the Waterway/Mason Inlet intersection is warranted.

FYI, our firm is currently under contract to dredge this intersection 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

Mr. Stewart added further clarification today:

Our contract with the Wilmington Distict includes dredging of Shallotte Inlet Crossing and Lockwood’s Folly Inlet Crossing. The USACE Wilmington District has advised me that Weeks Marine will be doing some beach nourishment at Ocean Isle Beach so that’s likely what you saw in the LNM. I’m not really sure where Weeks Borrow source is for the nourishment project but it could very well be Shallotte Inlet itself. Again we will be dredging the Crossing there which is only confined to the limits of the AIWW.
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

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

This discussion of mechanics and boatyards comes to us from our friends at Trawlers Forum (http://www.trawlerforum.com/) and, while the list contains both pros and cons, it does not reflect the opinion or endorsement of Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net. However, we invite you to add your favorite NC mechanic or boatyard to the list!

For diesel repair, we have had a lot of great results with Coastal Diesel in New Bern. Prompt, on-time scheduling and a team of very good mechanics. They are basically a mobile service and will come to you. It can be pricey, but once it’s done, it’s done. They just rebuilt my mechanical injector pump last week and rebuilt my genset last year. Good bunch of guys.
Deaton Yachts in Oriental is a good all-around yard. The complaints we’ve heard from there was that their time management isn’t that great. They have trouble meeting work deadlines. In disclosure, we have used their mobile service, but have not hauled out there. They have an onsite parts department and that’s a huge plus.
Wayfarer’s Cove in Arapahoe, NC is a good general yard. It’s a bit isolated from civilization and the yard, with its dirt lot instead of gravel, leaves you boat very dirty, plus, power hook-us are spotty. They have one of the best fiberglass guys in the area that works there. Tom runs the place quite well and is an honest guy. He will quote you a price and stick to it. If he falls short anywhere, it’s that he’s a bit edgy and sometimes hard to get in touch with. No email either.
I have called Bach Marine on several occasions, but have never used them. They always came in with the highest quotes and Kenny, while very knowledgeable, I have felt that I would have the same issues that I have with Sailcraft. Just a bit too “old school” with billing and communication.
Our new guys are True World Marine and Lightning Yachts. Both are boat builders (or former). They are both located in the marine industrial park where Jarret Bay is. True World is a very neat and well kept yard with good power and new facilities. Lightning Yachts is a repair place just up the road that can do about anything with boats. Both respond quickly to emails and will take the time needed on the phone to make sure all bases are covered.
Chuck Courtney is a mobile guy (Power and Sailboat Repair). He’s a good honest guy, but is very busy. I have used him a couple of times and he’s been good. I don’t think he’s the best engine guy (I would use Coastal for that), but he’s an good electrical guy.
If you want to do some snooping around, go visit Morehead City Yacht Basin and see who’s working on the boats there. Ask Mike (dockmaster) and ask for some recos.
Hope this helps.
Tom & Bess Beaty
m/v Skinny Dippin’

AICW/Mason Inlet - Click for Chartview

The SSECN has imposed a “Navigation Alert” for the intersection of the AICW and Mason Inlet since August 5, 2013, and a warning has appeared concerning these waters in a USCG Local Notice to Mariners (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=120325). We have had also several additional reports of shoaling on these troubled waters since our Nav. Alert was issued (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=127818). Below, Captain Sonia and crew confirm the need for extreme caution in any passage through the Waterway/Mason Inlet intersection.

We grounded there with a 5,5ft draft. While our rudder was free, our keel was stuck and our depth sounder showed 5 ft. We could however not move. We were towed by Seatow and fell onto our side and was towed for about 60 feet on our side before stabilizing. Our rudder was bent and our boat twisted, which resulted in serious damage. As we understood from both Seatow and Boatus, the barges create pockets with walls over an extended area. Be very careful and pass within 20 feet of the docks [red side].
Sonia

Not having been there I can’t speak for this particular grounding, but in many similar situations I have seen and been involved in on the ICW the best course of action when aground is to put an anchor out towards deep water and wait for tidal help before trying to get off. Near Mason Inlet there is usually at least 3 or 4 feet of tide. Many times I have pulled my own boat off of groundings with no damage by doing this. Often you can pull the bow around towards deeper water as the tide helps and then winch yourself in the right direction. Generally, within the ICW you are sheltered from wave action and there is no great danger in simply waiting. On the other hand, trying to tow a boat off that is hard aground often leads to damage. Of course if the boat hit near high tide and/or you are in an exposed location that would alter your choices.
John Kettlewell

We came through this area, southbound about one hour after low water on 1/23/2014. We were aware that this was a problem area and were moving very slowly. As we proceeded the depth started to decrease very rapidly. We kept moving towards the red side and finally found enough water, we draw about 3 1/2 feet, to get thru. We did kiss the bottom once. This is not the place to be at low water.
David Boxmeyer

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

Belhaven Waterfront - Click for Chartview

These reviews of Spoon River restaurant come to us from our friends at Cruisers Forum (http://www.cruisersforum.com/). Spoon River Restaurant has only been in business a little over a year and is open seven days a week. They are located just off the waterfront and are listed as:
Spoon River Artworks and Market
263 Pamlico St, Belhaven, NC ‎
(252) 945-3899
And their Facebook address is:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spoon-River-Artworks-and-Market/471584979558789

My wife and I just had dinner at Spoon River restaurant in Belhaven, NC.
It was one of the top 5 meals I have ever had a chance to sit down to. To put things into perspective, I regularly eat at the finest chophouses and seafood restaurants in the world entertaining clients and enjoying the fruits of our sales channels…. on the company dime… DC, NY, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Philly, DC, London, MX City, Paris, Nairobi, Dar Es Salaam, Dubai, etc… So, we spare no expense. I am a snob and this makes me highly qualified in this regard
The encore to this awesome meal was the pricing which BLEW us away. For 2 person meal that would have easily cost us 250 in DC, including a very good bottle of wine, full meals, and deserts that were so big we could not finish them…. 75.
So, we highly recommend the unexpected pleasure in Belhaven.
Zboss

We live nearby and can second that report.
We had lunch there this fall and were quite impressed both with the food, and with the reasonable prices.
My only suggestion would be for an improvement in the wait staff. The young gentleman that served us could certainly have been more attentive.
Still highly recommended!
redsky49

We had three meals at Spoon River (northbound in the spring and back in the fall) and we are just constantly amazed by the quality, presentation and service they provide. Small town, BIG surprise. We will be back.
Win Benbow

Whitaker Creek - Click for Chartview

Sailcraft Srvice Boatyard is a full service boatyard located at 1218 Lupton Dr, Oriental, NC 28571, (252) 249-0522. www.sailcraftserviceboatyard.com/
The yard lies on the western side of Whitaker Creek, just east of Oriental Harbor.‎

I have traveled down the AICW for the past four years from Northport ny to fla. I have a catalina c 400 2005 sail, mystical paradise… I stop by every trip to have all my maintenance work done at sailcraft service in whittaker creek oriental nc. the service provided and the facilities are fantastic. from the owner manager Alan to the mechanics and office crew Shannon etc, the quality of service is phenominal.. it is a full service or do it yourself yard. prices are fair quality is tops. THe yard is walking distance of everything in town. They occasionaly lend a support vehicle in extreme cases. Tony Pozun NY

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

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

Oriental Harbor, on the Neuse River, is a very popular cruisers’ destination.

April 11-13 The Oriental Rotary Club presents the largest in-water boat show between Savannah and Annapolis. Expect to find 100 exhibitors showing new and used watercraft of all types – sail and power, yachts to kayaks, cruising and fishing – with many in the water for sea trials. A large array of maritime and nautical goods and services will also be presented. 2014′s show will again feature a Nautical Flea Market and a free water taxi to and Oriental’s town dock. New this year will be a Down East craftsman who will build a 14 foot rowing and sailing skiff on-site. The skiff will be given away at the show.
Paul Olson

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

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Oriental Harbor

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

If you have any recent information about NC’s log requirement, let us hear from you. Apropos to this discussion is the new Key West regulation requiring a pumpout log (http://cruisersnet.net/?p=133955). And apropos to both situations is this ongoing discussion on Trawler Forum concerning a pumpout log requirement – or lack thereof – in NC. Got to: http://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/s27/nc-pumpout-log-13076.html

Bald Head Shoal - Click for Chartview

“Reach Three” is a series of markers indicating the Cape Fear River Entrance beginning at Marker RW”CF” and continuing to Marker #10 at Bald Head Shoal in the mouth of the Inlet. This dredging project does not intersect the Waterway and should affect only offshore traffic.
NC – CAPE FEAR RIVER –BATTERY ISLAND/SOUTHPORT CHANNEL/BALDHEAD SHOAL/REACH 3 WILMINGTON HARBOR ENTRANCE – DREDGING
The Hopper Dredge BAYPORT (call sign WCZ 4240) will be conducting dredging operations at the entrance of the Cape Fear River/Southport and at Wilmington Harbor from 20 January until 31 March, 2014. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM channels 13, 16 and 66. Dredge material will be transported to the Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Zone. 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: 11537. LNM:02/14

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bald Head Shoal

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 all of us who have visited the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center by water or by land, the Center is definitely worth fighting for. So click on the link below and register your support for continued funding for this wonderful Waterway service. Center Director, Donna Stewart, asks your support.
January 24: Captain Evans brings good news at bottom of posting!

I would like to say Happy New Year to each of you and thank you for the support you have provided to us over the past at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center/Rest Area. As budgets continue to tighten, we are aware our state legislature is having to make hard decisions on how available funds will be used. Our facility is dependent on state funding. If you feel value in this request, would you be willing to share this link for comments to the NC Department of Transportation with your boating communities? Perhaps some of the boaters who have used this facility in the past will provide feedback to NCDOT, which we hope will help our legislators realize the value of our operations.

https://apps.dot.state.nc.us/contactus/PostComment.aspx?Unit=PIO

We love sharing the great things North Carolina has to offer with our travelers in serving both highway and waterway traffic.
Thanks for your help.
Donna Stewart, Director
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
2356 US Hwy 17N
South Mills, NC 27976
Phone ~ 252-771-8333
www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com

Sent to NCDOT

Over the past years my wife and I have always enjoyed our stops at the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center. We have made over a dozen trips into North Carolina and have always selected the Dismal route. I have taken the Coinjock route once and that was enough.
While there are no restaurants or stores convenient, the atmosphere is always friendly and the staff willing to go out of their way to be helpful. The camaraderie between the visiting boats, the staff and “sightseers from the highway make this a truly welcome stop. Please insure that the Welcome Center continues to be just that.
I will add that my concern is two fold. I see the Welcome Center and the Canal itself as intertwined and complimentary. If one shuts down, the other will also disappear. This would be a real loss due to the historic nature of the Canal, business in Elizabeth City and the warm welcome freely given by the staff.
Jim Davis

We have been thru “The Swamp” many times and plan on many more. We have always stopped at the Welcome Center, and it is one of the highlights of the ICW. This allows us to visit the museum, walk and bike the trails, and we usually stay two days. If it were shut down, we would survive, but we sure would miss Donna and everyone there along with the use of the great dockage and museum.
John Winter

And now this good news from Captain Doyle Evans:

I did contact the State about this and here is the answer I received back:
Dyle Evans
Sent By: Contact Us Administrator Date/Time: 1/23/2014 9:15:50 PM
Comment:
Dear Mr. Evans:
Thank you for your support of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center/Rest Area. First, let us assure you the NCDOT has no plans to close the facility.
The Department is undergoing a major change on how it determines the allocation of its funds across the state, and that involves all modes of transportation and related facilities, including rest areas. That way we can ensure we are making the most efficient use of our transportation budget to provide the maximum benefits to our state, its residents and our visitors.
With that in mind, we will continue to partner with the Camden County government, which helps operate the welcome center, to ensure the continuation of the fine service it provides to motorists and boaters.

And this response to Michael and Jane Tigar:

Sent By: Michael & Jane Tigar Date/Time: 1/16/2014 7:55:46 AM
Comment:
Keep the Dismal Swamp Visitors’ Center well-funded. We moved to NC years ago. When we lived in Annapolis and made our first trip down the ICW, the Center was our introduction to NC. Hundreds of boats and boaters come there, and enrich the economy of our state. Because it is usually impossible to transit the canal in a single day, the Center is a necessary part of the entire system — a safe, welcoming place to stop. Also, by encouraging people to use the canal, you contribute to the economic health of Elizabeth City, a place we would not have discovered without the Canal.
Thank you.

Sent By: Contact Us Administrator Date/Time: 1/23/2014 8:19:10 PM
Comment:
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Tigar:

Thank you for your support of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center/Rest Area. First, let us assure you the NCDOT has no plans to close the facility.The Department is undergoing a major change on how it determines the allocation of its funds across the state, and that involves all modes of transportation and related facilities, including rest areas. That way we can ensure we are making the most efficient use of our transportation budget to provide the maximum benefits to our state, its residents and our visitors.With that in mind, we will continue to partner with the Camden County government, which helps operate the welcome center, to ensure the continuation of the fine service it provides to motorists and boaters.

NCDOT Contact Us

South Harbor Village Marina - Click for Chartview

Here are good words for South Harbour Village Marina from the Skipper of Second Base, as originally posted on Cruisers’ Forum. South Harbour Village Marina is one of the southernmost marinas in NC, south of Southport.

I gunk hole as much as I can to keep costs down. With a big cold front, I pulled in for a couple nights at South Harbor. It was a record low and despite the challenges the cold weather brought they take care of business no matter the conditions. This is a good stop for 3 things- waiting on the weather window coming in, or heading out, from Cape Fear, and catching a football game at the Dead End bar & grill which is right at the dock and open 7 days/nights even off-season. The other advantage is they are directly on the AICW and not one meter off the route. A welcome oasis after all the inevitable current and traffic on the Cape Fear River.
When you get off the river, try to stay on the outer transient dock – get your fuel right there and enjoy the best, sunny views.
SecondBase

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For South Harbor Village Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of South Harbour Village Marina

A search for a number of weeks in response to a request (http://cruisersnet.net/?p=129228) by Oriental merchant, Pat Stockwell, has finally located the errant sailing vessel, Primadonna. Our thanks to Steve Petty for this story from TownDock, see http://towndock.net/on-the-cover/booby-primadonna.

SV Primadonna has been located although the crew may have been detained:
“SV Primadonna, aground at Booby Cay Island in the Bahamas. It is a tiny island of 300, not normally on tourist / cruiser lists. Apparently the vessel & crew entered the Bahamas without checking in with authorities. Pat Stockwell tells TownDock.net (http://www.TownDock.net) he was told the Primadonna crew may have been arrested – Bahamian authorities are harsher about the rules than they are in the USA. The photo was taken from a US Coast Guard helicopter – the Coast Guard patrols the Bahamas as part of a cooperation agreement with the Bahamas to fight drug trafficking. ” —Towndock.net
Steve Petty

If this is the Booby Cay that is just a bit east of Rose Island, which in turn is east of Nassau, it isn’t all that remote and I suspect the Primadonna crew will be in the not-so-comfortable confines of Nassau jail. Unfortunately, one bad apple like this can severely impact the reputation of the entire cruising community, as we have seen with the so-called “derelict” boat issue that has been used to create anti-anchoring ordinances in Florida and other places. When in reality the vast majority of the cruising community are themselves totally opposed to this type of behavior.
John Kettlewell

I doubt that these two would go anywhere near Nassau because of the entry fees into the Bahamas. I believe that they are aground between Booby Cay and Conception Island in the Bahamas. Conception Island is in a remote area and is a National Park in the Southern Bahamas. Very few cruisers visit.
There are two anchorages off Conception Island, one is located South of Booby Cay. The entrance to this anchorage is from the Southwest. If they tried to enter from the Northeast, between Booby Cay and Conception Island, the route is very shallow and full of rocks.
It’s too bad they did not sink in the really deep water a few miles from where they are. Word is that they were headed for Haiti or one of the French Islands. With any luck the Bahamas officials will confiscate their boat and throw them both in jail.
The good news is that they are gone from the US and are now someone else’s problem.
Dave Boxmeyer

Belhaven Waterway Marina - Click for Chartview

Belhaven Waterway Marina is on the northeast side of the channel into Belhaven and Pantego Creek which lies to the west of Waterway statute mile 135.

Stayed here on 12/31/13. This was our first stay here but it won’t be our last. I Like this marina best in the Belhaven area. Nice couple running this Marina and they keep it very clean. It’s right downtown with several restaurants close by. We spent New Year Eve at Jacks. It is a great restaurant and bar.
Danny Styons

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

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

Alligator River/Bear Point Anchorage - Click for Chartview

Alligator River/Bear Point Anchorage flanks the northern side of the Waterway, north of AICW markers #45 and #47. The anchorage lies east of the northern entrance to the Alligator River-Pungo River Canal portion of the Waterway.

We anchored here on 12/30/13. It was our second time anchoring in this spot. I really like this spot for the fact its right off the waterway. Just pull over between red beacon #46 and Bear Point. It is a muddy bottom and we were in 7 ft. of water. However both times we were there it was calm winds. I wouldn’t anchor here with strong winds from the south,east or west.
Danny Styons

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Alligator River/Bear Point Anchorage

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Alligator River/Bear Point Anchorage

Southport Marina, a much valued SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, lies just west of the Cape Fear River along the northern banks of the Waterway hard by flashing daybeacon #2A.

I cannot say enough positive things about Southport Marina. I have been here for almost three weeks and will be here for a couple more as well. All of the staff are attentive, professional and pleasant. Excellent facilities, a short 10 minute walk into the heart of downtown Southport and a myriad of services available. Highly recommended for one night, a week or longer – and will return!
Jay Kuhn

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

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

Morehead City RR Bridge - Click for Chartview

With a closed vertical clearance of 4ft, Morehead City Railroad Bridge crosses the Waterway at Statute Mile 204, immediately south of the Newport River Bridge.
NC – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY (AICW)
Mariners are advised that the general operating regulations, set out at Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.5, have been reinstated at the Carolina Coastal Railroad Bridge across Newport River, at AICW mile 203.8, in Morehead City, NC. Since October 2012, the drawbridge had been operating on a temporary schedule to facilitate extensive rehabilitation. The re-established operating regulations require that the drawbridge open promptly and fully for the passage of vessels when a request to open is given. However, the drawbridge is normally maintained in the open to navigation position at all times and only closes for passing trains and/or maintenance. In the closed position to vessels, this single-leaf bascule drawbridge has a vertical clearance of approximately four feet, above mean high water. Chart 11541 January 4, 2014

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

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

Wow, what a great endorsement of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Carolina Yacht Care, based in Southport, NC! If you are anywhere near Southport, and you need yacht services, NOW YOU KNOW WHO TO CALL!!!!

While transiting to Miami from the Chesapeake on MV The Gator, my Outer Reef 65, I had the good fortune to stop in at Southport, NC. Southport is a quaint, friendly town with excellent marina facilities. We stayed at Southport Marina. While there we needed a ride to a laundry facility and were referred by marina staff to Hank Pomeranz of Carolina Yacht Care (cYc) who, in addition to other services, runs a shuttle from area marinas. The shuttle is on demand and inexpensive and we used it several times.
During our shuttle runs we learned that cYc provides a host of services for transient boaters. One of those services is monitoring boats when owners are unavailable. So, when weather interrupted our plans to continue south and with Thanksgiving drawing close, I left The Gator in their hands for 10 days over the holiday, during which time they monitored the boat daily, made adjustments and kept me informed of her status. We were in touch almost daily and I had the sense that they were looking after The Gator as if she were their own.
As happens, the delay also impacted my crews’ availability and I found myself without crew to finish the trip. I called Hank and asked if cYc might be able to provide crew. While this was not an advertised service, Hank adjusted his schedule and crewed for me himself. His competency and professionalism underway during the four day transit were typical of the same levels of service he applies to the other aspects of his business. I suspect his 30 plus years in the Navy and experience as a cruising sailor contribute a great deal to his expertise, level of detail and professionalism.
It is rare when you can truly find a single business dedicated to every need of the transient community and with a singular focus on customer service.
In short, I would strongly endorse Hank and his crew at Carolina Yacht Care to any transient boater needing services in the Southport, NC area.
Jim Hammel
Owner/Captain, The Gator
Outer reef 65

As the Marina Manager at South Harbour Marina in Southport I also heartily endorse Hank @ Carolina Yacht Care. Our laundry is right at the end of the dock but we have also used Hank for his shuttle and other services. He is dependable, professional, and his extra customer service efforts certainly makes my marina look good too! He can be trusted to give my customers good value.
Bill Gregory

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

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

Gallants Channel Bridge - Click for Chartview

The Gallants Channel – Grayden Paul Bridge (US 70 in Beaufort, NC) is off the Waterway and the construction of a new bridge will affect those southbound cruisers making use of the Gallants Channel to visit the Beaufort waterfront. The construction was first proposed in early 2012, see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=81432.

RALEIGH – The Coast Guard approved a bridge permit application from N.C. Department of Transportation for the US 70 bridge replacement project. This milestone represents one of the first steps required to begin a bridge replacement project across Gallant’s Channel in Carteret County. Coast Guard received over 100 comments during the preliminary and public comment periods that were taken into consideration for the approval of the permit.
Bids will be opened on January 21, 2014 and the contract awarded in early February. The bridge replacement project is scheduled to be complete by September 15, 2017.
Charles R. Cox, PE
NCDOT – Project Development and Environmental Analysis Unit

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

Little Alligator River is the northernmost AICW anchorage, short of the often choppy (read that as “downright rough”) Albemarle Sound. Of course, you can always choose to berth at Alligator River Marina, just north of the bridge (a. k. a. “Miss Wanda’s place), or, on the opposite banks, “South Lake” is a real possibility as well.

Spent a night here in Oct. 2013. We had a NE wind about 15 knts. so we went all the way in just around Rocky pt. and anchored in 7 ft. of water. Had no problems. Two other boats spent the night with us. Did have lots of crab pots at the mouth. Just follow your chart plotter and the depths will match whats on the chart. At least my did. All in all I would rate this as a good anchorage.
Danny Styons

Claiborne, We often use this anchorage and prefer to anchor past Mill Point in the 8 foot area for better protection. We have sat out some nasty weather here comfortably.
Chuck and Susan. Trawler Beach House

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Little Alligator River Anchorage

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

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

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

The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net has chosen to apportion an unusually large amount of line space to what we feel is the very important story presented below. If you have even a passing interest in EVER cruising the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, we urge you to read and study all the text and graphics below. We believe, at least for the AICW, this is one of the most important articles ever published on the SSECN!
On 11/22/13, I had the good fortune to be a speaker at the annual Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association conference in Charleston, South Carolina. I spoke about how the entire Southeastern USA marine business is predicated on the semi-annual “snowbird migration,” and, should the AICW become an unviable avenue for this twice a year migration, the entire pleasurecraft industry in our part of the world would be fundamentally altered.
However, before I made my presentation, everyone’s eyes practically popped out of their collective heads at the information imparted to the conference by Mr. Harry Simmons, Mayor of the town of Caswell Beach, North Carolina. Mayor Simmons gave all attendees an up close and personal look at an in-depth, economic survey of the Atlanic Intracoatal Waterway’s economic benefits! This report was primarily funded by North Carolina Beach, Inlet and Waterway Association, which owns the published results, with major support from North Carolina Sea Grant and the NC Dept of Environment & Natural Resources. It was prepared by noted economic experts, Dr. Jim Herstine, Ph.D., Dr. Chris Dumas, Ph.D. (both of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington), and Dr. John Whitehead, Ph.D.— Appalachian State University. All of which is to say that this study/report comes with some genuine expertise and impressive credentials attached.
I think it fair to say that the entire audience was stunned when we learned that:

For every $1.00 of Federal expenditure on maintaining the AICW, there is an economic return of $26.00

For every $1.00 of NC State and local government expenditure, there is an economic return of $29.00

WOW, I only wish I could find any sort of investment that would yield these sorts of return! Are these totally amazing stats or what!!!

Please take a moment to peruse these three excerpts from the study’s graphic, executive summary:

And, finally, take a look at what would happen if the AICW ceased to be a viable avenue of migration and commerce. NOTICE THE 53% OF BOAT OWNERS THAT WOULD ABANDON CRUISING ENTIRELY IF MAINTENANCE OF THE AICW WAS FURTHER REDUCED!

Given these professionally prepared and researched figures, YOU MIGHT THINK THAT OUR POLITICIANS WOULD BE DESPERATE TO FIND MORE FUNDS TO SPEND ON AICW MAINTENANCE RATHER THAT THE INDIFFERENT ATTITUDE MOST SEEM TO SHOW TOWARDS THE WATERWAY!

So, what can we do about this. Quite simply, if you want the AICW to continue, not only for those of us cruising now, but for future generations as well, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net once again urges ALL members of the cruising community to join the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association (http://www.atlintracoastal.org/). For only a tiny investment of $25.00 a year, we can be assured that the rather astounding economic study alluded to above will be plopped front and center into every state and Federal politician’s lap. I can’t think of any better way to spend a measly $25.00! To join the AIWA, please visit:

http://www.atlintracoastal.org/join-aiwa

For those who would like to learn more about the AICW Economic Study, please follow these links:

Executive Graphic Summary:

AIWWbenefits

Full Text of Economic Study:

AIWWstudy

While I applaud efforts to build political pressure to fund maintenance of the ICW, in today’s climate there had better be a “Plan B” somewhere ready to pull out if that doesn’t work. Let’s face it, the ICW serves and benefits a fairly narrow slice of the U.S. population (including me). Accordingly, a lot of the members of Congress probably don’t even know what it is. How many votes will we get from Wyoming and Arizona? Commercial use isn’t helping much any more, so it’s up to us.
While an alternative plan might diminish the chance for more help from Washington, someone had better start to figure out how we might collect user fees. After all, in some cities people who want to drive in the downtown in rush hour have to pay extra for it. Think transponders. While not wanting to go too deep into the pun category, I think user fees are “the wave of the future”, and we had better wax up our surf boards.
K. C. Moore, Jr.

Claiborne,
I should have added the comment that the ICW problems predate the country’s recent budget problems and the sequester, etc. by many years. The challenge involved in getting money from Washington started to really bite when the Corps stopped dredging between Port Royal Sound and the King’s Bay channel…and this was about five years ago. The job got even tougher since Congress abandoned the
earmark practice. Earmarks got things like this done…and they are pretty much gone.
K. C. Moore

If you’ve not already joined BoatUS you can be heard in Washington, even if your state representative is not a boater…http://www.boatus.com/news/gastax.htm
David Burnham