Mackeys Ferry Marina - Click for Chartview

The restaurant to which Capt. Styon refers is Mackey’s Crab Bar and Grill, which will surely be missed by local patrons. Mackeys Ferry Marina is on the western shores of Mackeys Creek (also known as Kendrick Creek), north of the charted 8-foot fixed bridge.

Just a short update on Mackeys Marina. The restaurant is no longer open.
Jim Styon

Update on the restaurant at Mackey’s Marina. The great restaurant is now closed and is not likely to reopen. All else remains the same at the Marina.
Danny Styons

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Mackeys Ferry Marina

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

As a native North Carolinian, and normally proud of it, I never thought I would see the day when the Old North State would follow the example of Florida, and require state registration of Federally Documented vessels, after being in NC waters for 90 days or more. Just how that one slipped through the legislature in Raleigh, I have no idea. The very first we heard about this was when the note below from Captain Kamp was received.
And, if that’s not cause enough to raise your blood pressure, NC vessel registration fees TRIPLE in price after 10/1/13! The boys and girls in Raleigh must really feel the need for more revenue. Too bad it’s coming at the expense of North Carolina boat owners, and cruisers who wish to visit our state’s waters for more than 90 days.
Do note that this is NOT a tax issue. It is a registration fee issue. It has ALWAYS been the case, at least since the 1970′s, that Federally Documented vessels which reside in NC waters for longer than 90 days ARE subject to Ad valorem (property) taxes. Some tried to avoid this tax by moving their boats out of state for a time, or just hoping the state department of revenue would not realize they had a Federally Documented boat in NC waters, but over the past decade or so, North Carolina has gotten quite adept at seeking out such would-be tax dodgers.
No, this is a case of some vessel owners having to pay a registration fee, and a triple fee at that, which was not heretofore necessary. Ugggghhhh!
Our sincere thanks to Captain Kamp for bringing this information to the SSECN’s collective attention, and a special nod to Senior Editor, Captain Larry Dorminy, for exhaustively researching this issue. The remainder of these introductory remarks are authored by Larry!
Captain Kamp’s information is correct: NC state registration IS required after 90 days, effective October 1, 2013. Since Federal regulations typically supersede state regulations, we will have to wait to see if this will be challenged in the courts. In the meantime, the fees more than triple on October 1!

I received a post card from the above agency advising that vessels that are USCG documented and occupying NC waters for over 90 days are required to be registered with that agency, effective October 1 this year, due to a new law enacted by the NC Legislature. This will effectively be a new tax disguised as a fee. Previously USCG documented vessels were not required to be registered in NC , but if they were in state waters they were placed on the tax rolls of whichever county they were slipped in if there over 180 days. I am not sure if this has changed or if the registration requirement is an attempt to identify vessels not on a county tax roll.
Steve Kamp

From the NC DNR website: http://www.ncwildlife.org/Boating/RegistrationTitling/RegisteringyourUSCoastGuarddocumentedvessel.aspx

Registering Your U.S. Coast Guard Documented Vessel in North Carolina
Effective October 1, 2013, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) documented vessels that have been in North Carolina for more than 90 consecutive days, must be registered in the state. However, federal law restricts states from issuing titles for documented vessels since the USCG issues a Certificate of Documentation (COD) to owners of documented vessels which supersede a state title. To register a documented vessel you will need to submit a copy of your COD as proof of ownership, a completed and signed VL-1 Form and the appropriate fees for registration only.

Got the postcard; registered my documented sailboat yesterday. It’s $40 for three years before 10/1; apparently $150 per year after 10/1. The NC sticker needs to be displayed on your starboard bow, but your registration number does not need to be displayed if you’re documented, according to NC Wildlife, who administers the registrations.
Jim Starr

Capt. Starr is correct that the fees are going up October 1st. The fees for vessels less than 26ft are $30 a year or $90 for 3; over 26ft, $50 for a year and $150 for 3. Certainly an incentive to register before October 1!

I am a resident of NC and the above information sounds like all I have heard lately EXCEPT effective October 1 the $40 fee for three years jumps to $150 for three years. I think there is also a $50.00 per year registration. Needless to say I am taking my documentation to a registration office today or Monday and getting a three year $40.00 permit rather than wait until after October 1 and pay $150.00.
John Y. Jackson

On the documented vessels, between now and Oct 1, you can register your boat at the old rate of $40 for 3 years instead of $50 for one year! I and others have done it. Act fast.
Sam Curry
New Bern, NC

Consider the similarities of this situation and the Florida requirement.
To register while in State over 90 days and or obtain a $135.00 cruising permit good for 11 months.
Steve Kamp

According to the NC website (above), their state registration fee (before October 1) for documented vessels is $15 for 1 year or $40 for 3 years. There is no mention on the website about the new fees effective October 1! There is also nothing mentioned on their website about a cruising permit similar to Florida’s Sojourner permit.

I called the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and asked for a citation to the NC Genreal Statutes. All they had was a Senate Bill number and not even a Session Law number. I looked up the Senate Bill number and found that it was the budget bill! They just slipped it in without any debate that I heard.
Norwood Bryan

This type of thing just makes it more and more difficult for snow-birding cruisers why might be very interested in settling down at a nice dock in NC for a stretch of time. Who wants to go through the hassle of registering and unregistering your boat every 90 days? Say you spend summers in New England, the fall in North Carolina, the winter in Florida, and the spring in the Chesapeake–you might have to re-register your boat four times in a year!
John Kettelwell

As a resident of Maryland I have been looking for a place to escape to. This is compounding my delima.
Jim Davis

For a lengthy discussion on vessel registration, see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=106014

Browns Inlet/AICW Intersection - Click for Chartview

The intersection of the Waterway and Browns Inlet, south of Swansboro, NC was last dredged in December of 2012, but, as with most SSECN designated “AICW Problem Stretches,” shoaling usually reappears sooner or later. Captain Bell reports that shallow depths are occurring as expected. Past experience dictates that the channel can shift quickly and that close attention to the relocated and temporary USCG buoys is your best bet to avoid grounding.

Do not get within 60 feet of green 61a or you will be aground as was a sailboat today.
David Bell

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

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

Cedar Creek - Click for Chartview

Cedar Creek intersects the AICW/Adams Creek at Quick Flashing Green Marker #9, immediately south of the intersecting range lights and just as Adams Creek turns to the southwest. An old sailboat wreck, reportedly well-marked, lies almost exactly in the center of the mouth of the creek, due east of Flashing Marker #9. We have not heard of any issues with entering or anchoring in Cedar Creek and if you have dropped hook there recently, let us hear from you!

It has been a while since we used this anchorage and would appreciate any comments from recent users on entering this anchorage in relation to the ATON’s at the turn.
Larry & Kathryn Byrd aboard Slo M’Ocean

We used this anchorage more than once. According to this graphic, we enter slowly tracking from either the north or south “9″ foot symbols toward the anchor symbol. In either case we stop short of the wreck symbol. We draw 5.5 ft
This is can be rolly anchorage if you stop before sundown. Other boats just blast by.
Chris and Janet

I used to anchor up in Back Creek a few years back.
There was a few holes around 6 ft. near the mouth it has a soft bottom of thick mud.
The wrecks marked on charts need to be given a wide berth. the wind and tides will move them on occasion.
Just be the prudent sailor,
Tom, formerly from MHC.

Captain Noel confirms that the wreck is well-marked:
We anchored in Cedar Creek last week. Absolutely no problem entering at the green 9 and skirting around the sunken sailboat, marked by at least four stakes, maybe more. Anchored in 8-9 feet of water just behind the wreck–a scenic stop where you can fish and watch the passing traffic on the ICW. There were very few crab pots and, on the day we visited, no fishing boats in or out.
Kathrine Noel

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

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

SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Southport Marina has just introduced a new video showcasing this fine marina’s facilities and services. It is very definitely worth a look.
Southport Marina is located in the heart of the old river village of the same name. In the 1950′s and early 60′s, Southport was my boyhood summer home aboard. I have nothing but the warmest memories of my time spent on the docks of the old Southport harbor. May you too be so fortunate.
Check out the new video at:

http://vimeo.com/channels/394509

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

Pelican Marina - Click for Chartview

Elizabeth City, at the south end of the Dismal Swamp route, has been charming cruising visitors to the City Docks since 1983 and we are proud to report that Elizabeth, NC is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

Pelican Marina guards the Pasquotank’s northern banks, northeast of unlighted daybeacon #8, just across the river from the downtown Elizabeth City waterfront.

Stayed here on Sept. 1 and was very pleased. This is great marina. Good bathrooms and laundry. very helpful and a ships store with good prices. Only 35.00 with power and water. A good restaurant next door.
Danny Styons

Click Here To View This Facility’s Full Listing of Services on the North Carolina Marina Directory

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

Mariners Wharf - Click for Chartview

Elizabeth City, at the south end of the Dismal Swamp route, has been charming cruising visitors at its City Docks since 1983 and it’s wonderful that some things do not change! The city docks are officially called Mariner’s Wharf, and dockage is free for 48 hours. However, 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!

We cruised in here on August 29 and left on the 31. This was the first we had stayed at these docks. Docks were nice but finger piers are short. Could be a problem for some boats. Also the heavy creosote on the pilings made a mess of my lines.The town is a great place to visit. Easy walk to several restaurants and bars. We recommend Cypress Creek Grill and Groupers. Nice museum close by that you can spend several hours. It would be nice if they had some bathrooms.
Danny Styons

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

New Bern Grand Marina - Click for Chartview

The New Bern Grand Marina lies in the heart of downtown New Bern, North Carolina, along Trent River’s northern banks between the low-level Trent River highway and railroad bridges.

Was there in August and saw a number of run down boats at this marina. Hard to believe people would buy a boat and then allow it to get in such deplorable condition. Even more concerning is why a marina would allow a boat in poor condition to remain in a slip unless all they care about is collecting a slip fee. The marina is an eye sore to such a beautiful river walk homes like the Robert Stewart House, and great eating places.
Captain Perry

We have been at New Bern Grand for the past year. Very happy here, certainly not an eye sore. There are over 250 boats here, I’m sure some need attention, but whose boat doesn’t?
Captain John

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For New Bern Grand Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New Bern Grand Marina

Bridge Pointe Marina - Click for Chartview

Bridge Pointe Marina, flanking the southern banks of the Trent River (off the Neuse River), and opposite the downtown New Bern, NC waterfront, has been closed for almost a year rebuilding their floating dock system which sustained major damage in hurricane Irene in August of 2012. As Captain Perry reports, the marina hopes to re-open by the end of September, 2013. We will post the Grand Opening date as soon as it is announced!

We stayed at the Bridgepointe Hotel and Marina the week of August 16th and the marina construction is nearing completion. They are doing a fantastic job and hoped to open by the end of August. The hotel staff are the most courtesy and helpful of any we have met both on land and water. You can’t beat their rates. Rooms are clean and location is safe. If you are staying take a walk across the bridge and try out Captain Ratty’s or Chelsea’s. They are grrrreat eating establishments. Reasonably priced, good quantity of food, and fast service.
Capt. Perry

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

Mile Hammock Bay - Click for Chartview

Mile Hammock Bay anchorage’s entrance channel lies north of the gap between the AICW’s markers #66 and #67, just a short hop north of the Waterway’s intersection with New River and New River Inlet.

We’ve stayed at Mile Hammock several times, never when it is as calm as the picture shows [http://cruisersnet.net/?p=122589]. If you happen to arrive when the Marines are training, it can be quite tedious.
We arrived at 2 pm one afternoon and helicopter pilots were training and were landing just off the Northern bank every 10 minutes. At first we thought it was cool, but with the roar from the engines, it became quite distracting, especially when they didn’t finish until 10 pm that night. The holding has gotten suspect and we have had to anchor several times until our anchor took hold. It still is a good anchorage if you can get your anchor to work. Good cruising.
Phil Mullins
S/V Katash

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Mile Hammock Bay Anchorage

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Mile Hammock Bay Anchorage

We just had to share this truly quality photo of the very popular anchorage at Mile Hammock Bay (off the North Carolina portion of the AICW, hard by the Waterway’s intersection with New River and New River Inlet), sent to us by our good friends, and SSECN strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, founders and owners of “On The Water ChartGuides” (http://www.onthewaterchartguides.com/). Mornings like the one pictured here are, at least in our opinion, what cruising is all about!

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Mile Hammock Bay Anchorage

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Mile Hammock Bay Anchorage

Wilmington City Docks - Click for Chartview

Located along the easterly banks of the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington, just west of the high-rise Hilton hotel, the City Docks have long been a popular side trip for many Waterway cruisers.

We spent Labor Day weekend here (our third visit). Still love downtown Wilmington. It’s so alive with people and places! Went to the free Friday night concert and then the Farmer’s Market on Saturday. The only negative with the area is that there is no grocery store within walking distance so make sure you’re stocked up before you get here. There are two negatives about the Cape Fear River. 1) Lots of large logs always floating down the river that get jammed under your swim platform or between your boat and the dock. We ended up putting out large ball fenders to make more space. 2) Repeatedly being seriously waked by all sized boats and even jet skis. I ended up calling one of the tour boat companies to complain (nicely, of course) and they did slow down quite a bit for the remainder of our visit. But I really wish the city or someone would look into making the area near the docks a no wake zone.
Paula Spence, M/Y Sea Eagle

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

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

Wilmington City Docks - Click for Chartview

The crew of the Sea Eagle are experienced cruisers who, as narrated below, let down their guard at the end of an otherwise pleasant visit to the City Docks of Wilmington, NC, which is a longtime popular side trip for many Waterway cruisers. The City Docks are located along the easterly banks of the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington, just west of the high-rise Hilton hotel.

Last night someone boarded our boat while we were sleeping. The person tried to take our TV but it was bolted down. He quickly grabbed the first two things he saw that he could carry – my husband’s laptop and (of all things) a small fan. We never heard a thing and didn’t discover the theft until 5:45 a.m. when Jim got up and found the saloon door wide open. We’re are very grateful that nothing else was taken and even more so that no one (including the bad guy) was hurt or worse. So how did this happen? We certainly have to take some responsibility for it. We were tired and were focused on our plans to leave in the morning instead of being in the present. Either one of two simple things would probably have prevented this. We have a very simple motion detector “driveway” alarm which we had set every night except last night. We also have a procedure for verifying that the door is locked which we had done every night except last night. We let ourselves get too comfortable with a place we’ve stayed at three times but have learned a very valuable lesson and actually got off pretty easy. Bottom line – if you stay here or at any unsecured dock, be vigilant with your security measures!
Paula aboard m/v Sea Eagle

Paula
My Friends who stayed here three years ago had the same experience. I had to check with them today after reading your posting. Someone came aboard and made a quick grab of a TV set before they woke up. Be cautious on Wilmington docks. About 10 blocks away is a rather poor neighborhood with a break-in problem.
Ben

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

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

Navassa Waterfront - Click for Chartview

Cape Fear Boat Works is off the Waterway, upstream from the downtown Wilmington waterfront, on the main (northwest) branch of the Cape Fear River. Their facility is located 1690 N.E. Royster Rd, PO 2195, Leland, NC 28451. Telephone 910.371.3460, Fax 910.371.6555, Email info@capefearboatworksinc.com. Web page is http://www.capefearboatworksinc.com/services.html

This place is awesome! I did a total refit of my boat here. Very helpful! I paid 250/month to keep my boat inside. I could do all the work I wanted on it and it was quiet and no one bothered me while I worked. The yard worker is there for extra help and advice when necessary. Part and materials can be bought through them and delivered on site usually next day. Plenty of space, quality work, highly recommended! They can do everything from a total refit, Awl grip, bottom jobs. Hurricane Hauls, you name it this place is awesome!
Pat

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

Carolina Beach Mooring Field - Click for Chartview

The Carolina Beach Mooring Field lies south of the AICW channel, and also south of Snow Cut’s easterly entrance, in the harbor channel leading to Carolina Beach commercial district. As you will see below, Captain Spence relays welcome improvements in service to mooring users in this field.

We stayed here a year ago, and I was not looking forward to a second visit. We were only spending one night and after an 8 1/2 hour day I didn’t feel much like launching the dinghy from the second deck in the wind just to go pay our mooring fee. I was very happy to read that they now send a boat out each evening to collect fees. And great news – a second dinghy dock on the beach side with access to the beach is supposed to open in about two weeks!
Paula Spence

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Carolina Beach Mooring Field

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Carolina Beach Mooring Field

Dudley's Marina - Click for Chartview

Dudley’s Marina lies northeast of the Waterway near AICW marker #46A, and just a walk across two bridges and a causeway from downtown Swansboro, NC. Good reviews of Dudley’s Marina are frequent here at SSECN and this is not the first time that the skill of the dock hands has been mentioned and praised.

Stayed here for two nights this week. It was our second time stopping at Dudley’s this year. The docks are still rough and there are shallow areas around for sure. The wind was blowing pretty good against the dock when we got there and when we left. The dock workers there really know their stuff and were very helpful getting us in and out of there. The place is nothing fancy by any means but it serves its purpose well. We are walkers so we went across the bridge to town (a mile or so?) to check out all the shops again. There is a Wed and Sat street market but we were very disappointed to find that there were no produce vendors, only arts and crafts.
Paula Spence

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dudley’s Marina

Click Charlet Above To Open Chart View Page Centered on the Intersectino of Beaufort Inlet, and the Channel to Taylor Creek

When we first posted the question below from Captain Schultz concerning the Bulkhead Channel which connects Beaufort Inlet and Taylor Creek (which serves the downtown Beaufort waterfront), we asked for input from the cruising community, and, as usual, our fellow mariners responded magnificently. As you will see, several local captains provide excellent info as to the ready usability of this passage, though do note that Captain Strong says marker #3 may be out of position!

I have not been through here in over a year, but I understand that dredging has been underway in the Morehead channel this year. Has this affected the location of some of the markers in the area of the connection between the Beaufort channel and Morehead channel, specifically 2, 2A and 1BH? (I plan on going through there in a few weeks.)
Either my nav. program and/or the latest Notice to Mariners place these far east of where they presently are, which does not appear correct. Have they been relocated?
Pete s.v.Selamat Jalan

We went through this area heading out the inlet on the way to Cape Lookout last Wednesday Aug 21st. We heard the ferry captain call the coast guard on the vhf about #3 green can marker at the entrance to Bulkhead channel before turning east into Taylor Ck being way out of place. It was over close to shore by the jetty. If it hasn’t been corrected it’s a grounding waiting to happen! As for the inlet channel markers, we noticed several missing as compared to our chart. #17 was gone but a 17A was close by yet seemed out of place.Also #12 was gone and that’s where we left the channel so not sure what else.
Liz Strong

Indeed dredging has been done and the markers are back in place. I can’t say that they are exactly where your plotter says they should be but I can tell you that the buoys will take you safely into and out of Beaufort Harbor. If I were to favor a side I would lean towards the green once past the rock jetty heading into the channel along Radio Island. Not a problem as long as you follow the buoys.
Richard Becker

I was last thru there in April with no problems and have been up that channel probably 25 times without incident. The only real hazard is the rock breakewater to port just as you start up the channel. It is covered for the most part at high tide and occasionally someone cuts the corner and ends up on the rocks! The only other caveat is to not pass right next to the markers as they are set on the edge of the channel and often there is shoaling close to the marks.
Sykes DeHart
SV Aquarius

I’m a local, in and out of the inlet and this area almost weekly. The dredging was on the deepwater ship channel, primarily to address the shoaling on the Shackleford Banks side of that channel. To get into Beaufort, off the ship channel stay inside the markers and you have plenty of water for any pleasure craft. See link below for Hydrographic Survey.
George

http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Missions/Navigation/HydrographicSurveys/MoreheadCityBeaufortHarbors.aspx

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Intersection of Beaufort Inlet and the Channel to Taylor Creek

Pungo Creek - Click for Chartview

Pungo Creek makes into the western banks of the Pungo River, a short hop south of the charming community of Belhaven, NC, on Pantego Creek, and west-northwest of the AICW’s marker #8. This is a surprisingly wide stream, but with excellent depths.

A bit off the beaten track but a great place. Better shelter from East winds can be found a bit West, closer to the fixed bridge.
Dave Boxmeyer

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

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

Bond Creek Anchorage - Click for Chartview

Bond Creek flows south from (what else) South Creek’s marker #3. South Creek makes into the southern shores of the Pamlico River, east of charted Indian Island.

We spent a windy night here in July 2013. Excellent holding in mud and great protection from all but northerlies. No apparent landing.
Jim Lea

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Bond Creek/South Creek

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bond Creek/South Creek