Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

May 1, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from National Park Service Docks in Ocracoke, Pamilco Sound, NC
Silver Lake – Click for Chartview
The Ocracoke National Park Service Docks lie on the northern shores of Ocracoke’s Silver Lake, just east of the harbor entrance.
Ocracoke Park Service Docks
At the moment we are tied up at the Park Service Dock. We are waiting for someone official to throw us out. The docks are in sound shape but under construction. There are new cleats, large enough to hold a battleship and new fire extinguishers. That is it, no water or electricity. The lady in the office told us we had to move but at the moment we are under a tornado watch. With the heavy weather coming I prefer to remain. Which we shall until someone official throws us out. Our government at work; leave a perfectly good dock to anchor out in bad weather. makes you feel good to know these people always have your best interest at heart.
Dave Boxmeyer
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Ocracoke National Park Service Docks
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ocracoke National Park Service Docks
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Apr 22, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.5094,-75.98969999
A Visit to Big Trout Marina, Engelhard, NC – Western Shores of Pamlico Sound

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Big Trout Marina – Click for Chartview
Big Trout Marina, on the mainland shore of Pamlico Sound, guards the northerly banks of Far Creek and Engelhard harbor, a short distance west of flashing daybeacon #10.
Claiborne,
Attached are a few photos from the Neuse Sailing Association’s visit to Engelhard in 2013. In the photo with me in the foreground on my Catalina 34, Blue Wind II, you can see the masts of the sailboats behind me lined up down the marina’s dock. We filled every open slip and the full length of the wharf. The marina is a little sketchy for boats drawing more than five feet, and the channel is narrow coming ( sailboats are advised to “hug the greens”), but the marina owners were very hospitable. They cooked up a big dinner of fried fish, hush puppies and fixins just for our club. They knew we were coming, of course. On the down side, the showers leave much to be desired and some of the boats along the outer dock had some polarity lights coming on because of some power issues. But all in all, we had a great one-night stay.
Carl Crothers

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Big Trout Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Big Trout Marina
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Apr 22, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Cruising Pamlico Sound, off the AICW in Eastern North Carolina
Ocracoke, NC – Click for Chartview
Ocracoke Island, mentioned in this article from the AGLCA forum, is part of the North Carolina Outer Banks and lies on the eastern edge of Pamlico Sound. The National Park Service Docks lie on the northern shores of Ocracoke’s Silver Lake Harbor, just east of its entrance.
The “outside” route to the ICW is definitely through Pamlico Sound, not the ocean, where you have to go way around Cape Lookout then around Diamond Shoals.
The Pamlico Sound and adjacent waters are subject to very nasty conditions due to its very steep, close chop. You don’t see many boats out when strong winds are forecast with 2-3 foot waves… each wave is like running through a 3 foot brick wall. This is why they built the ICW. When calm, it is a fun cruise, especially if you stop and enjoy Ocracoke, a GREAT cruising destination, and Manteo, another fun little town and area to explore.
This has been our home cruising grounds for a few years now, and we used it a lot when doing our cruising up and down the entire east coast and adjacent waters.
George
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Ocracoke National Park Service Docks
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ocracoke National Park Service Docks
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Apr 22, 2014by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Don’t Miss “Oriental Nautical Wheelers” in Oriental, NC (Statute Mile 181)
Over the weekend of April 19-20, 2014 I had the good fortune to attend the Oriental, NC Boat Show, and hold three seminars. During the show, I made the acquaintance of Bill and Camilla Wheeler and their unique business, “Oriental Nautical Wheelers.” I am very pleased to say that this firm is our newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Oriental Nautical Wheelers is located in a historical Oriental homeplace, right on (411) Broad Street (252-249-0359), in downtown Oriental. It is within easy walking distance of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Oriental Marina and Condos, and Oriental Harbor Marina, plus the town’s two free docks. From Whittaker Creek, you will need to have auto transportation available for a visit.
How to describe Oriental Nautical Wheelers? I could say that this unique establishment contains everything “coastal” from clothing, to shoes, to home furnishings and accessories, to Adirondack chairs. However, that would overlook the wine section, the voluminous selection of all types of gifts and personal items, not to mention the “revolutionary Keira Watering Cans.”
The selection and range of merchandise is staggering, in a very good way, you understand! EVERY cruiser visiting Oriental will want to be SURE to include a stroll to “Oriental Nautical Wheelers.” Don’t believe me? Well, then just follow the photo gallery link below!
Click Here To Visit Oriental Nautical Wheelers Web Site
Click Here To Visit Oriental Nautical Wheelers Photo Gallery
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Apr 21, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for R. E. Mayo Seafood Docks, AICW Statute Mile 157
R E Mayo Seafood Docks – Click for Chartview
In June of 2012, I cruised to R. E. Mayo Seafood Docks, one of our newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS. It was a very interesting visit indeed, and I think I can say without any fear of telling an inaccuracy, this is one of the most unique facilities that has ever chosen to support our web site. R. E. Mayo Seafood Docks flanks the western shores of the “Hobucken Cut” portion of the North Carolina AICW, south of the Hobucken Bridge and north of marker #21.
We spent a night on the RE Mayo dock and found everything to be as described. There were three sailboats tied up that night along with the fishing vessels. As others have said, the electrical leaves a bit to be desired, but at 0.40 a foot, it’s fine! You’ll need plenty of fenders also. We purchased some delicious shrimp (it was frozen, shrink-wrapped). There is a very well stocked convenience store across the Hobucken bridge. My husband also said that the ships store at RE Mayo is also well stocked.
Kathrine Noel
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For R E Mayo Seafood Docks
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of R E Mayo Seafood Docks
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Apr 21, 2014by: Claiborne Young No Comments
More Information on Bridge Pointe Marina (New Bern, NC, on the Trent River)
We announced a few months ago, that SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Bridge Pointe Marina in New Bern, NC, had reopened after a year-long rebuilding project. I have twice undertaken a personal inspection of Bridge Pointe’s new reincarnation, and it can be stated with no fear of inaccuracy, that this is now a state-of-the-art facility. Below, we hear more from dockmaster, Jesse Schmucher, about his newly revamped marina.
Our new state-of-the-art marina includes 150 Brazilian hardwood [decked] floating deep water slips ranging from 30FT ‘“ 150FT, cable television, free wireless internet, metered electric and fresh water connections for each slip. Our newly redesigned and completely renovated boater’s lounge includes showers, restrooms, charcoal grills, laundry, and a comfortable air conditioned sitting area. Monthly dockage rates are $6.50 per slip foot, plus a $20 Pedestal Fee + Metered Electric (13 Cents per kilowatt). We will be offering a special rate for a limited time, so be sure to contact us today at (252)637-7372 or by email at bridgepointemarina@colwenhotels.com.
For more information on Bridge Pointe Marina, follow the links below:
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Bridge Pointe Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bridge Pointe Marina
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Apr 14, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
REMINDER: Northern Mouth of Alligator River, Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 81
A reminder to everyone that the location of markers through this stretch does not coincide with older charts or with the Magenta line. Our oft repeated advice: follow the markers, not the Magenta line! Smaller buoys are often difficult to spot and require a reduction in speed and a sharp lookout!
For more comments on the area, see /?p=125911 and /?p=101600 and /?p=56971.
Temporary floating red buoy! Didn’t go aground but S/V ahead of us did! Slow and easy!
Adventure
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the North Mouth of Alligator River
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Apr 9, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Request for Information on National Park Service Docks in Ocracoke, Pamilco Sound, NC
Silver Lake – Click for Chartview
The Ocracoke National Park Service Docks are on the northern shores of Silver Lake Harbor, just east of its entrance.
Would love to hear if anyone has stayed at the NPS dock in the past few months. We sailed to Ocracoke about a year ago and the NPS docks were covered in bird droppings and looked to be in disrepair. The fellow at the desk at the adjacent museum (or whatever that building is) wasn’t happy to be answering questions about it! So we just anchored that time, but would like more current information for an upcoming trip.
Kathrine Noel
I’m reporting in [from Ocracoke] that the NPS docks are closed and `under construction’. There is obvious construction on the sidewalks and there was a tiny sign saying the docks were closed. There is a new dingy dock that is very nice. We used it, though it’s behind the construction area, so it probably couldn’t be used during the work week. Had a delicious dinner at the Flying Melon. I did forget to say that the docks are supposed to be ready for service in May. We’ll see; I’m not confident!!
Headed to Belhaven tomorrow to wait out the yucky weather. Will post a review of that visit too!
Kathrine Noel
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Ocracoke National Park Service Docks
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ocracoke National Park Service Docks
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Apr 7, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Dismal Swamp Route Recommended, AICW Alternate Route
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 a small, pedestrian foot bridge that crosses the canal just south of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center. This span had malfunctioned, and could not be opened. However, this situation has been remedied and the Dismal Swamp Canal is now open to navigation.
These good comments about the Great Dismal Swamp Canal come from our friends at America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association’s forum.
Re: Dismal Swamp or other route:
The Great Dismal, by all means. Passed thru that way last July in our 30′ Trawler, draft 3.4 feet. A great way to prepare for the hustle & bustle you will encounter at mile Zero and further north. Teems with wildlife and is almost empty of people & waterfront homes. It is anything BUT, Dismal.
May you have fair winds and following seas,
Bill & Bonnie Sweeney
The Elissa II
We like the Great Dismal Swamp route so much, that unless the canal is closed, we always take the canal route. The stops at Elizabeth City free town docks, South Mills, the Welcome Center and the docks south of Deep Creek Lock, all free, make this a must do. The canal transit itself it beautiful. Here are a couple of our blog posts that might give you some details.
http://trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com/2013/07/elizabeth-city-north-carolina-harbor-of.html
http://trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-great-dismal-swamp-canal-and.html
Chuck Baier
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
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Apr 3, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.0243,-76.69579999
New (Second) Free Dock in Oriental, NC, Neuse River, AICW Statute Mile 181

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A phone call to TownDock.net confirmed the new free dock which is located just to the southwest of the fuel dock at Oriental Marina and Condos. The dock is c. 70ft in length and for now does not have amenities, although adding water, electric and a restroom, as well as more length is being discussed. SSECN is grateful to Skipper Valinoti for bringing this new facility to the attention of our readers, just in time for the Spring Migration!
Has anyone reported on the new, additional, free town dock?? It is located to the right of the Oriental Marina and is about 80 ft long with room for 4 cruising boats depending on length. Presently there are not any ammenities. However, it is planned to have heads and showers along with a pump out.
Joe Valinoti
Truly a shame that (south) Florida doesn’t treat cruisers the way places like Oriental do. Seems you almost have to go north out of FL to get that southern hospitality…
Wally Moran
The new dock is quite nice and solid looking. Only problem is that the south side of the dock is partially blocked due to the Lady Deborah, a large shrimper being docked on the next dock to the south. According to one of the locals, the Lady Deborah hasn’t moved from this spot in a quite a while.
If you don’t have too wide a beam you’d fit just fine, but it would be tight, not to mention if you have two boats on this side the one closer to shore would be blocked in.
All in all, well done Oriental. Free town docks like this should be the norm, and not the exception.
Rick Morrow
Stopped at the new pier the day after they finished it. Was the first Trawler to use it i was told. A very nice well built pier. The Rest. At the Marina there has great food and drink. Oriental is always a great stop free pier or no free pier.
The “Fire Dog” & Crew
Raymond W Smith
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Oriental Marina and Condos
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Oriental Marina
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Apr 1, 2014by: Claiborne Young No Comments
North Carolina Mariners Museum Annex, Beaufort, NC Now Offering Transient Dockage, Near St. M. 201)
NC Mariners Museum Annex Docks – Beaufort, NC – Google Earth
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net just received an e-mail from former “Coastal Cruising” magazine contributor, Captain Brent Creelman, who now works with the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, North Carolina. As you will read below, the museum annex, which lies at the intersection of the Gallants Channel and Town creek, north of the eventually to be replaced (with a high-rise) Grayden Paul bridge, near 34Â°43.669’N,76Â°40.054’W, is now offering transient dockage for visiting vessels. The transient rate is a VERY reasonable $1.00 per foot, per night!
While power and water connections are available, there are no other shoreside facilities, and it will be a hefty walk (or a very quick taxi ride) from this facility to the many delights and dining attractions in downtown Beaufort. Mariners should also be advised that to reach these docks, they must either navigate the Bulkhead Channel from Beaufort Inlet, and then pass through the restricted Grayden Paul Bridge, or run the somewhat iffy (but still very do-able), Russell Slue – Gallant Channel route from the AICW to a point just short of Town Creek.
Even with those mild disadvantages, many cruisers will be understandably enticed by the dockage rates featured at these docks. If interested, drop Captain Creelman an email, or give him a call!
Ahoy Fellow Mariners!
The Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort invites transient vessels and historically significant craft to visit and be our guests at the museum’s expansion site on Gallants Channel just north of downtown.
The facility has deep water wharfs running some 1,500′ and floating docks with 10 slips and a 100′ face dock.
The Friends of the Museum is offering a very reasonable short term dockage rate of just $1/foot per night, or $10/foot per month.
Water and power are available but there are no shore side facilities at this time. There is ample parking on site.
Located less than a mile from the AICW the site is well protected, has plenty of water depth, and is just a mile from Beaufort’s Front Street.
Brent Creelman
Director of Operations
Friends of the Museum
brent@maritimefriends.org
252-728-2762
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Mariner’s Wharf Annex Docks
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Mar 29, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Edenton, NC – off the AICW on Western Albemarle Sound
Click Charlet Above To Open Chart View Page Centered on Edenton, NC
Edenton, NC, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, holds a special place in my own heart. During my younger days, this historic community often served as a “base of operations” as my Father and I searched the waters of all the nearby rivers for that elusive quarry known as the largemouth bass. If Edenton actually sat along the track of the AICW, it would be as popular as Beaufort.
Another 2 day dock courtesy city in North Carolia is Edenton. Another beautiful stop.
Alan
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Edenton Harbor (City Docks)
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Edenton Harbor (City Docks)
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Mar 1, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More thoughts on New NC Registration Fees
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 /?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
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Feb 24, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Topsail Channel/Island Anchorage, near AICW Statute Mile 265
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
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Feb 22, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Praise for Bridge Pointe Marina, off the AICW, On the Trent/Neuse River, New Bern, NC
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
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Feb 8, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Ice Cream Shop Recommendation in Southport, NC, AICW Statute Mile 309
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
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Feb 1, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Advice for Navigating Motts Channel, Wrightsville Beach, NC, AICW Statute Mile 283.3
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, /?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
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Jan 31, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Boatyard Recommendations for Central NC Coast
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’
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Jan 29, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Severe Grounding at AICW/Mason Inlet Intersection, Statute Mile 280
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 /?p=120325). We have had also several additional reports of shoaling on these troubled waters since our Nav. Alert was issued (see /?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
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Jan 29, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
High Praise for Spoon River Restaurant, Belhaven, NC, AICW Statute Mile 136
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 ‘Ž
(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
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Carol Whitehead - July 19, 2015 - 4:31 pm

We had dinner at Spoon River last night and it was undoubtedly the best meal we have ever enjoyed. The menu choices and the food are excellent. The waitstaff are excellent and well trained. All in all a very pleasant evening. I would give them five stars!
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