SR 74 Bridge - Click for Chartview

This is a very advance notice of this 5-hour closure to navigation, so mark your calendar. The State Road 74 bridge has a closed vertical clearance of 20ft.

NC – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – NEUSE RIVER TO MYRTLE GROVE SOUND – NEW RIVER-CAPE FEAR RIVER
To accommodate the Wrightsville Beach/Quintiles Marathon scheduled for Sunday, March 17 2013, mariners are advised that the S.R. 74 Bridge, across AIWW mile 283.1, at Wrightsville Beach, NC will remain in the closed position from 5 a.m. through 10 a.m. Mariners able to pass under the closed span (20 feet MHW) may do so, and should adjust their transits accordingly. Chart 11541

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For SR 74 Bridge

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Dismal Swamp Canal Bridge

The Great Dismal Swamp Canal Bridge, which crosses the Waterway at statute mile 28, has been closed for maintenance for several weeks and, except for small craft, the repairs essentially closed the Dismal Swamp Canal to navigation. With repairs now completed, the Dismal Swamp Canal is once again open for navigation. The AICW Alternate Dismal Swamp Canal Route southbound departs the primary AICW south of Norfolk at Statute Mile 7.2 and begins officially at Deep Creek Lock at Statute Mile 10.6.

Supt. Joy Greenwood reports the bridge repairs have been completed and the Canal has reopened for transient boating traffic. Please help us get the word out!
Thank you!
Donna Stewart, Director
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
2356 US Hwy 17N
South Mills, NC 27976
Phone ~ 252-771-8333
www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com

Larry and Claiborne,
Thanks for sharing the message. We were only closed for four and a half days due to hydraulic work on the bridge which crosses over the Canal to the Dismal Swamp State Park. We had a boat make the 1:30pm locking at Deep Creek and stay with us last night. If you’re still traveling south, we would love to see you.
Donna Stewart

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dismal Swamp Canal Swing Bridge.

Port City Marina - Click for Chartview

Port City Marina is currently under construction with a Grand Opening scheduled for summer 2013. This facility will be a WONDERFUL addition to the cruising scene, and will furnish more reason than ever for captains to leave the comfortable confines of the AICW, and journey upstream on the Cape Fear River to downtown Wilmington!
For more information or to join the mailing list for updates, visit www.portcitymarina.com or call 910.251.6151.

New Destination Marina on the North Carolina Coast
Wilmington, North Carolina, December 11, 2012
Wilmington, North Carolina is excited to welcome the Port City Marina.
North Carolina based developer, USA InvestCo, recently announced plans to construct a 204-slip state-of-the-art marina located on the Cape Fear River in the heart of Downtown Wilmington, NC. The floating docks, which will accommodate boats up-to 130 feet in length, is scheduled to open in early summer 2013. The marina will provide all the amenities and conveniences of a modern marina including on-site restaurants, fuel, pump out, high-speed wireless internet, and customer-service orientated staff. Port City Marina will pride itself as being the first full-service marina located in the heart of a Historic Downtown in the mid-Atlantic.
Within walking distance, Boaters will find a vibrant array of locally owned shops and restaurants, a thriving art and cultural scene, the Riverwalk and historic district, the USS North Carolina Battleship (open for tours), horse-drawn carriage rides, or the simple enjoyment of Wilmington’s great sunsets from the comfort of the boat. Wilmington offers a cosmopolitan scene or a retreat to the natural wonders. With over 30 miles of shoreline, the Wilmington area has access to 3 world-class beaches; Wrightsville, Carolina, and Kure, all a short drive away. For those who like to hit the links, Wilmington boasts some of the area’s most enjoyable and beautiful courses, challenging all levels of golfers. With convenient access to Wilmington International Airport (ILM), the marina expects a healthy transient & seasonal customer base to round-out the annual dockage from the local market.
Consistently ranked as one of the East Coast’s top 10 cities to visit, Wilmington, North Carolina is where old world charm and the 21st Century meet to create a memorable experience for all ages. Wilmington is not just another marina stop on the way to a destination, Wilmington is THE destination.
Amenities:
§ Located in the heart of Historic Downtown Wilmington
§ Only 5 Minutes from the Wilmington International Airport (ILM)
§ State-of-the-Art Floating Concrete Docks for Boats up to 250’ LOA
§ Drafts up to 25 Feet
§ On-Site Concierge Desk & Marina Store with ATM
§ Walking Distance To Shopping, Dinning & Entertainment
§ 2 Premier Bar/Restaurants On-Site
§ Future 10-story Indigo Hotel one block away
§ Fuel-Service Fuel Dock with Ethanol-Free Gasoline and High Speed Diesel
§ Metered Water & Electric Service (30, 50, & 100 amp; Single & Three Phase)
§ Free High-Speed WiFi
§ Daily/Weekly/Monthly/Seasonal/Annual Rates
Larry Rizzo
Port City Marina
720 N. 3rd Street, Third Floor
Wilmington, NC 28401
P: 910.251.6151
E: larryr@portcitymarina.com

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

Alligator River Marina - Click for Chartview

It’s always good to hear great things about “Miss Wanda”, whom I have known for many years! Alligator River Marina lies on the western shore of the mouth of the Alligator River/AICW, just north of the swing bridge and southwest of flashing daybeacon #12. This facility provides the ONLY readily available dockage and fuel along the patch of the AICW between Coinjock, Elizabeth City and Dowry Creek/Belhaven!

We brought our boat down from Baltimore, Maryland to Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina. One of the highlights of the trip was Alligater River Marina. Mrs. Wanda is the nicest and most helpful marina owner I have ever met. The food and hospitality was incredible. Do not miss this marina.
Steve Chapman

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

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

UPDATE! The water gauge was indeed incorrect, but that problem has now been corrected! See the first two notes below. We are proud that the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net was able to assist in getting the problem addressed!

Cruising News 12/05/2012:
The North Carolina Department of Transportation reports that they have corrected the tidal gauges on this bridge and that it has a height at Mean High Water of 64 Feet (NOT 65). The USCG states that they will have NOAA confirm this report and issue appropriate changes to the charts.
John Kremski

Mr. Gregory,
NCDOT Bridge Maintenance measured the vertical clearance at the North Topsail High-rise Bridge on Wednesday, November 10. The marker was found to be off by 8″ and was adjusted accordingly.
Please advise if you need any further information.
Thanks, Amanda
Amanda T. Glynn, P.E.
Division Bridge Program Manager
NCDOT – Division 3

And, here, below, are the postings which originally brought this matter to our attention, and began the correction process!

We ripped all of wind instruments and tri-color off the top of the mast. Our mast is 63 feet and the bridge marker said the bridge was 65 feet. Bad day in NC!
Captain Ashley Erwin

I understand high tides and we had previously waited several hours to be able to get under a bridge, for example the Atlantic Beach-Morehead City bridge. But to have the bridge marker wrong, is unsafe. High tides come and go, but there is no excuse for the bridge marker to be wrong.
Captain Ashley Erwin

SSECN Regional Editor, Captain Larry Dorminy, forwarded Captain Erwin’s note above to Captain Waverly Gregory, USCG “Bridge Administrator” for NC waters. Captain Gregory, in turn, forwarded the strongly worded e-mail copied copied below to the North Carolina Department of Transportation. It is to be hoped the inaccurate clearance gauge in question will soon be remedied.
This fortunate series of actions illustrates another way in which the SSECN is always striving to be an advocate for the cruising community.

To: Mr. Trevor Carroll,
We were advised of a discrepancy at Subject Bridge. It has been reported by marine interests that the vertical clearance gauges placed at the bridge are inaccurate. (See below hyperlink)
It is the bridge owner’s responsibility for the accuracy of the gauges and to re-measure the vertical distance of the numerals and foot marks below “low steel” of the bridge. Failure to maintain the accessories may make a bridge owner liable for civil penalty of up to $25,000 for each violation.
The discrepancy must be verified and corrected immediately and this office shall be notified as soon as possible as to the action taken.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact me. Thank you. Waverly
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.
Bridge Administrator

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To An “Alert” Position At the Top Sail Bridge

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Top Sail Island Bridge

Capt. Kremski gives us an update on the replacement of tide boards at Coinjock Bridge [Joseph Palmer Bridge], with a fixed vertical clearance of 65ft, spans the canal-like section of the Waterway at Statute Mile 50, between Coinjock Bay and North River. Note that SSECN reported the replacement of the tide boards at the Washington Baum Bridge in September of 2012.

We are happy to report that as of October, 2012 the tidal gauges have been re-installed at the Washington Baum Bridge (Hwy 64) just south of Manteo NC and also at the Joseph Palmer Bridge (Hwy 158) just south of Coinjock Marina. These are no longer hazard areas. Thanks.
John & Sharon
S/V Sunbow

Capt. Kremski’s original report:

The tide boards are missing – makes it very exciting to those of us with tall masts! Click Click Click as we went under – call the Marina to water level information prior to attempting this one!
John Kremski

Capt. Kremski contacted the NCDOT regarding the missing tide boards:
Date/Time: 8/26/2012 11:21:13 AM
To the North Carolina Dept. of Transportation
The tide boards are missing from both the Washington Baum Bridge (highway 64) at Manteo and also the Joseph Palmer Bridge Highway (highway 158) at Coinjock. I have a tall mast and this route is the only way I can travel in NC; but it is not safe due to having no way judge if water levels are abnormally high or not.
Can you let me know if this will be fixed soon? I would like to return to NC again, but am not willing to risk my boat (or at least my mast!)
John Kremski

And the response from NCDOT:
Date/Time: 8/27/2012 3:16:59 PM
Mr. Kremski,
Thank you for bringing this to our attention, hopefully we can get some new signs fabricated and have them installed within the next month or so.
Thanks again.

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net NC Bridge Directory Listing For Coinjock Bridge

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Coinjock Bridge

Swan Point Marina guards the AICW’s western banks, immediately south of the AICW/New River/New River Inlet Problem Stretch intersection, just north of marker #4.
This facility changed hands about a year ago, and while we were sorry to see the former management depart, it is very gratifying to learn that the new owners are doing such a great job for visiting cruisers!

While traveling south we were unable to clear the fixed Topsail Bridge just south of Alligator Bay due to extremely high tides.
We spent the night at Swan Point Marina and were very pleased with the service. Under new ownership, this marina is a family owned operation with plans for a complete renovation. The owners were very kind and helpful in every aspect.
Vince Archetto

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

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

Click Here To Read An Earlier Article Related To The Closing of Swan Point Marina

This dredging will occur in the 2 nautical miles south of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, well north of the AICW’s passage through this river. AICW cruisers will not be affected, BUT captains heading for the charming downtown Wilmington waterfront will encounter the dredge, and all its associated work boats.

NC – CAPE FEAR RIVER – WILMINGTON – DREDGING
The Dredge CHEROKEE will be conducting dredging operations in the Cape Fear River between the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge (Hwy 17) and the Fourth East Jetty Channel adjacent to the State Port Docks from 26 November, 2012 until 26 January, 2013. Dredge material will be transported by pipeline to the Eagle Island Disposal Site. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. 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 and if necessary to clarify a SAFE PASSAGE contact the dredge on the appropriate VHF-FM channels. Chart: 11537.

NC – CAPE FEAR RIVER – WILMINGTON – UPPER ANCHORAGE BASIN – DREDGING
The Dredge TEXAS will be conducting dredging operations in the Cape Fear River at the Upper Anchorage Basin from 24 November, 2012 until 31 January, 2013. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. 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 and if necessary to clarify a SAFE PASSAGE contact the dredge on the appropriate VHF-FM channels. Chart: 11537.

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cape Fear Memorial Bridge

Carolina Beach Mooring Field - Click for Chartview

Just completed in February, 2012, the new Carolina Beach mooring field is located south of Snows Cut, between markers #4 and #5 on the approach channel into Carolina Beach town waterfront. As expected, the new mooring field has prompted both pro and con comments.

We used the Carolina mooring field on 16/17 Nov 12 and found it very easy to use and well worth the $20/night. The moorings have short pendants with a float and loop at the end. Pass a line through the loop to moor up. Randy, the guy who collects the money, is a former live-aboard and generally helpful guy.
Access to the area is slightly complicated. Follow the ICW to G 161 and turn into the Carolina Beach basin channel’s R 2. Do /not/ try to round off the corner. A boat with 5.5′ draft hit and bumped when taking this shortcut.
Richard B. Emerson

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina 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

Lamb's Marina - Click for Chartview

The recently dredged canal-like entrance channel leading to Lambs Marina cuts east from the AICW/Dismal Swamp Canal Route’s trek through Pasquotank River, south of Sawyers Creek and north of the charted railway bridge.

We left our sailboat there for 1 month. During Hurricane Sandy, our boat was safe and they maintained our dock lines as needed. Approach was easy, no shoaling conditions at all. Everyone at the marina was extremely helpful, they even provide a courtesy car for local errands.
Laurie and Steven

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

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

Upper Broad Creek - Click for Chartview

Upper Broad Creek Northern Anchorage lies 18.7 nautical miles off the AICW, on Neuse River in the centerline of Upper Broad Creek’s gentle turn to the northeast, north of the charted pilings; Upper Broad Creek indents the northeastern shores of Neuse River, well northeast of Neuse River marker #19.

Anchored near the tip of the 7 foot contour line. Wind and current made anchoring difficult for this beginner salor. Muddy bottom. Anchor held good. Winds are out of the North at 11 kts gusting to 20 kts. The next morning the winds were steady at 15 kts.
Only thing protecting us from the wind was the dodger. Temp was about 55 during the day. 40 or so at night.
Beautiful view of the sunset followed shortly thereafter by a sliver of a moon.
Additional comments. Water depth at the time was 9.2 feet. Winds were NNE.
Will Merriman

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

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Upper Broad Creek Northern Anchorage

Below, our strategic partners Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, founders and owners of On The Water ChartGuides, give a concise and accurate report of the current situation at the northern mouth of the Alligator River, where the AICW flows south from Albemarle Sound into this body of water. Note that Diana and Mark confirm our earlier posting here on the SSECN (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=98565), that the infamous “magenta line” is charted on the WRONG side of marker #8A. Be SURE to pass this marker to its EASTERLY side!

Hi Claiborne,
Diana and I crossed the Albemarle Sound southbound last week and re-surveyed the known Alligator River Entrance ICW trouble spot … with its westward shoal and mis-charted Magenta Line.
As you can see from the attached screenshot, the depths are fine if you follow the navaids, NOT necessarily the Magenta Line.
Southbound, you would honor R6 and the G7-R8 pair, then (importantly) depart the charted Magenta Line, honoring floating navaid Red 8A, to stay off encroaching Long Shoal Point, finally re-joing the ICW and the charted Magenta Line at G9.
I’ll re-survey the other known ICW trouble spots as we continue southbound and share these with your SSECN readers.
Best and see you On the Water,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com

Cruised through the northern Alligator River dog leg. No problem. Follow the marks.
Raymond W. Smith

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

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. The Motts passage serves at least two important purposes for cruisers.
First, it provides access from the AICW to cruiser friendly Seapath Yacht Club (Marina), and, secondly, it is the most direct route to the very popular anchorages on Banks Channel. Clearly, this is an important side channel off the AICW.
Over the years, the western end of the Motts Channel, near markers #25 and #23, has shoaled and periodic dredging has been required. Judging from the latest reports here on the SSECN, shallowing is again being felt in these waters. Captain Harriet’s advice below will help navigators avoid these shoals, at least until they build farther into the channel!

It’s tricky making the turn into Motts Channel and guidelines on various sites vary. Boaters should be aware that the current will drag them as they make the turn. They need to stay very close to the green 25 and then gradually make their way to the red side. Also, swing wide at the turn from green markers G21 and G19.
Harriet Hardy

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Seapath Yacht Club

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Banks Channel Northern Anchorage

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Banks Channel Southern Anchorage

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

Whitaker Creek - Click for Chartview

Deaton Yacht Services, located on Whittaker Creek in Oriental, NC, is a long-time repair firm that has, according to all reports I’ve had, been delivering quality work for many years. Now, they are a TowBoat/US franchise as well. Talk about a good thing getting even better.

We are a 36 Grand Banks Trawler and we hit a sunken log on the Dismal Swamp, damaging one of our newly-repaired props that were chewed up on Erie Canal. That time, we had both repaired on the Hudson River for $690. This time, we got into the Deaton Marine yard and the staff and management were excellent; within minutes, they had the props off so we could borrow their car and drive them to Morehead City for repair. They put our boat back in the water so we could be comfortable and stay warm. When we picked up the props the next day, they asked us to call them on our way back and they had BTS sitting in the slings all ready for the props to mount.We were put back in the water for a comfortable evening and we left the next day. The charges were reasonable and everyone was quicker than we could have ever expected. About the only disappointment was the $590 charge from the Propeller service for a bent blade on one prop; we expected less.

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