PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR DISCLAIMER!
Please Note That Postings Below From Fellow Cruisers Are Listed in Chronological Order, Based on Publication Date
The new Sunset Beach Bridge with a fixed clearance of 65ft MHW replaced the old pontoon bridge. The correction noted below is the result of comments from cruisers regarding the accuracy of the clearance gauge (see article below). Our thanks to Mr. Gregory of the USCG and to Mr. Carroll of the NCDOT!
Mr. Gregory,
We have adjusted the vertical clearance gauge to show the vertical clearance to the bottom of the Navigation Light. The tide was near low and at the time of measurement, just less than 70′ of vertical clearance existed. Thanks for making us aware of the situation, feel free to inform us of any other issues that come up.
Trevor Carroll
NCDOT Division 3
Bridge Maintenance Engineer
5501 Barbados Blvd
Castle Hayne, NC 28429
Excellent to see Cruisers’ Net has the ear of those able to make changes. Thank you!
Ed
Click Here To Read a Recent Posting Re Sunset Beach Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sunset Beach Bridge
This unusually high tide could be because of the Super Moon condition we are finding both high and low tides along the east coast. The bridge and its gauge are relatively new and should be accurate. This new bridge replaced the old pontoon bridge to Sunset Beach.
We’re seeing a 62′ reading on the tide gauge on the new bridge at Sunset Beach at high tide this morning May 7. Is the tide three feet higher than normal? Perhaps the gauge is inaccurate?
Ed
As a follow up…4 boats went thru and radioed back reports of 62′ readings on a 65′ bridge. I don’t think the super tides were 3′ off! 2 sailboats waited a few hours before risking it. One sailboat just had their mast measured after recently clipping apparatus. The tip of their antenna is at 65′. The board was reading 63′ and nothing touched.
This height board is different than most in that you cannot tell for sure if the depth is above, in the middle or below the number. If 63 is showing, we assume that is the height.
So, APPARENTLY, the board is 1 to 2 feet off.
Ed
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sunset Beach Bridge
Capt. Miller shares good advice regarding northbound currents in the Waterway.
Subject: Favorable Current Northbound from Dock Holiday Marina
Cruising News:
We departed Dock Holiday Marina two hours after North Myrtle Beach low tide and enjoyed a following or slack current all of the way to Southport.
Subject: Northbound Boost from Current when Departing Southport
Cruising News:
We tried Skipper Bob’s suggestion of departing Southport one hour before high tide and found that we enjoyed a following current all the way up Cape Fear River and as far as Carolina Beach Inlet.
Max Miller
Southport Marina – A 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.
Before I get to the marina, I need to report that there are alternatives to using the marina and they are within the safety of the harbor. The staff at Fishy Fishy Restaurant tell me that they often provide free overnight dockage (no elec) if you dine there. It’s the second restaurant on starboard with the green roof which has their name set into the roof tiles. Your chances, they say, are better if you arrive nearer sunset when fewer boats are likely to arrive for dinner. Ask the manager when you call. Fishy Fishy can be reached at 910-457-1881. The same used to be true of The Provision Company, the first restaurant on starboard, at 910-457-9900. It’s worth a call to see if they still do.
There is also a free tie-up (which we have used before and a local confirmed today that it is still available for overnight transients) at the T-head of the town docks. Look for a large black-on-white sign posted on the end of the pier on your port side as you enter the harbor. The tie-up is small but we managed to tie our 32 footer with an array of breast and spring lines using four fenders to avoid damage to our topsides. The sign told us to call the local police to report our stay which we did.
This year, we stayed at the marina. The laundry room has two 30 minute washers and two 45 minute dryers. They are $1.75 each but they get the job done with no extra quarters.
The marina has floating docks which are in excellent condition and the finger piers are long so you can go bow-in and have room to back out.
When we landed at the gas dock, we met Captain Jeff who is the most nimble and well informed dock hand we have ever seen. He will take good care of you.
The wifi works fine here (we were near the main building so I don’t know about the piers out in the 3rd world area) and has no “cyper-hoops” to jump through to use it.
The town, which is a short walk from the marina, has many bar/restaurants and shops, mostly antiques. We liked the bar at the Cape Fear Restaurant, 101 West Bay Sreet. Say hi to Gary. The Walmart is about two miles from the marina.
This is a truly, well maintained marina with many gregarious live-aboards and, in my opinion, worth the cost.
Regrettably, the marina Tiki bar is closed but you can create your own tiki bar experience because the bar is still there and boaters hang out there even there is no bartender.
Max Miller
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport Marina
Wow, my hat’s off to Captain Colam. I’m just glad it’s his hands doing the rowing and not mine.
So, if are cruising on the NC – SC portion of the AICW, PLEASE slow down, and give Lewis a friendly wave as you pass. He needs all the support he can get from the cruising community!
Claiborne,
Lewis Colam just left Georgetown this a.m. He left the boat here at Harborwalk Marina and was hosted by a local couple here in town. He was headed up the Waccamaw today. If you remember, he is the guy rowing from Miami to New York. If you send out any alerts, you might include one for vessels to watch out for him. He planned on making it to Wilmington by the weekend.
Chris Carroll,
Operations Manager
Harborwalk Marina
Lewis is in Southport, NC with plans to spend the night [4/16/12] near the Carolina Beach Area this evening.
Theo McCormick
Yes, indeed, this is GOOD news, and we have confirmed that the AICW/Shallotte Inlet dredging project was indeed completed in early February, 2012. So, for at least a few months, depths and shoaling should not be a problem at this critical intersection. No guarantees six months from now!
1/20/12 9:30 AM
Good news, we got through with no less than 14 feet at hour before low tide. obviously the dredging has been done and they are gone. the marker green # 81 is gone with just movable red markers guiding us through.
Penny and Dick
Penelope catamaran
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Lockwoods Folly Inlet (NOT the AICW) was closed to navigation in October of 2011 and as reported below, dredging is underway. We will update the condition of the inlet as we get word, but for now, even though the depths at the intersection of the Waterway and inlet are good, you should still avoid the inlet passage!
1-20-12
Lots of dredging going on as we go through this area. we have no problems and we showed 16 feet as we passed the inlet. Just after fell to 8-10. this is low tide at 8:30 AM
Penny and Dick
Penelope catamaran
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Apparently, from earlier reports and the report below, the December, 2011 dredging done in this stretch was successful. This typically troublesome intersection required dredging twice in 2011.
1/20/12 9:30 AM
Good news, we got through with no less than 14 feet at hour before low tide. obviously the dredging has been done and they are gone. the marker green # 81 is gone with just movable red markers guiding us through.
Penny and Dick
Penelope catamaran
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
We just received a warning about marker #81 from Terry on M/V Orient Moon and now the warning is a Local Notice to Mariners. This area has been a problem stretch for some time. Dredging is scheduled to begin December 1, 2011.
NC – CAPE FEAR RIVER TO LITTLE RIVER – SHOALING
Shoaling to a depth of 2.0 feet MLW has been reported in the vicinity of Cape Fear River- Little River Buoy 81 (LLNR 40340) extending into the channel. Chart: 11534
Saw 12 feet of water at Red 80A three hours after low tide. Channel width between Red 80A and Green 81 was about 75 feet. Dredge was not in place but located just south at a staging area.
2 Dec 2011
Dick aboard M/V Emerald Lady
Date: Sat, 3 Dec 2011 07:54:02 -0500
Subject: Shallotte Inlet
From: Frank Graves
To: cruisersnet@triad.twcbc.com
We passed through yesterday about mid-tide. Very well marked with more than 10 ft. depth.
Frank Graves aboard a/v Ciao!
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
We have received comments and Local Notices to Mariners about the increased shoaling in both these inlets, so this closure of the inlets is no surprise. Please note that removed markers are in the inlets, NOT the intersections with the Waterway, and will not impact AICW navigation.
LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week 40/11
The Coast Guard is planning on temporarily discontinuing the aids to navigation within New Topsail Inlet and Lockwood
Folly Inlet. Severe shoaling to less than 3.0 feet MLW and well below charted depths have been recorded. As a result, no safe navigable channel in either inlet exists. The aids to navigation will be restored once dredging operations have been completed or depths have improved to support a safe transit. Charts: 11541, 11534.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New Topsail Inlet
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To The Location of Lockwood Folly Inlet
Very good news indeed that fall mariners can cruise the AICW between Wrightsville Beach and Georgetown, SC without having to worry about Hurricane Irene damage. Also, notice Captain Divers good words about SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Harborwalk Marina in Georgetown, SC
No storm damage or obstructions of any kind between Georgetown SC and Wrightsville Beach NC.
In Georgetown dined well at the River Room and Thomas’s. Great new floating docks at Harborwalk Marina.
ICW between Myrtle Beach and Southport now sets a new standard for dock density without benefit of boats. Not the prettiest or fastest stretch of the Waterway.
Tom Divers
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Harborwalk Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Harborwalk Marina
St. James Plantation Marina is on the Waterway’s northerly banks, some 1 nautical mile west of flashing daybeacon #16.
Protected marina. Easy access. Good service until 7 p.m.
Ed Kroposki
I agree. We stopped there on the way down to Florida last year. Nice docks and friendly people, but it’s a little far from town.
Dennis Jay
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. James Plantation Marina
South Harbor Village Marina guards the Waterway’s northern shoreline, a short hop west of unlighted daybeacon #8, and not far from the mouth of the Cape Fear River.
This marina is hidden but a good stop. Daylight service. Costs reasonable. Contact first on cell phone.
Ed Kroposki
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of South Harbor Village Marina
The intersection of the AICW and Lockwoods Folly Inlet was dredged in February of 2011, and, thankfully, the Waterway channel seems to be holding as of September, 2011. The notice below refers to LOCKWOOD FOLLY INLET, NOT THE INTERSECTION BETWEEN THIS PASSAGE AND THE WATERWAY, BUT one shoal often follows another!
LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week 26/11
Shoaling has been reported throughout Lockwoods Folly Inlet to a depth of 4.2 feet at mean low water. Mariners are requested to transit the area with caution. (Chart 11534).
Cruising News:
A safety note on Lockwoods Folly Inlet. [We] came into this inlet off a short ocean run from Shallotte Inlet. It was dead low tide, and even staying dead in the center of markers, knocked the barnacles off my keel( 4 ft draft). Wind was on shore if that matters on depth. very scary experience and lucky as the 130 jib that was flying gave me a good bit of help when used to heel over a few degrees. the day before had asked a local, and was assured there would be enough water even at low tide to make it safely. guess a call to sea tow prior to entering would have been a smart move on my part.
Capt Mike,
Wilmington nc
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To The Location of Lockwood Folly Inlet
If you are interested in historic preservation or just a nostalgia buff, you might want to get involved with this group. As you will remember, the last parts of the old pontoon bridge were removed this past spring.
I am sure that all boaters were happy to see the last of the Sunset Beach floating [pontoon] bridge on the ICW just north of NC/SC state line. Now there is a society dedicated to preserving the old bridge, fortunately in a park in Sunset Beach. Anyone interested in learning the fate of the old bridge can visit the web site
http://www.oldbridgepreservationsociety.org/Site/Welcome.html.
Skipper Richard Ross aboard Chez Nous
Richard! Thanks for the mention of OBPS. Our plans are to keep her out of all boaters’ way and safe in her new home on land. We welcome you all to visit her at 109 Shoreline Dr. if only to shake your fist at her one last time!
Chris Wilson
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge
This message below is very pleasing on two fronts. First, it shows that the winter, 2011 dredging of both the AICW/Lockwoods Folly Intersection and the AICW/Shallotte Inlet Intersection has stabilized depths at these two perennial AICW Problem Stretches, at least for the moment, AND this missive comes to us from Captains Chuck and Susan Baier, former General Manager and Editor, respectively, of “Waterway Guide.” Susan and Chuck are wending their way south on the AICW at the moment, on their way to a new home in Fort Myers, Florida. We all wish them the very best in their new, Floridian life, and selfishly hope they will continue to send us such useful reports as they go along.
Claiborne,
We crossed both inlets [Lockwoods Folly and Shallotte] today and as is normal procedure for “Beach House,” we did both at dead low tide. We are happy to report that there is plenty of depth to be found at both and the channels are well marked. We stayed center channel going through both and except near red marker R “36″ just north of Lockwoods, where we found 9 1/2 feet, we had 16 to 18 feet throughout. As always through these inlets, the helmsperson must be aware of the set of the strong currents to keep from getting pushed out of the channel. We will keep you posted on what we find.
Capn Chuck and Susan
Trawler “Beach House”
Bald Head Island Marina is east-southeast of Cape Fear River Inlet’s flashing buoy #13, departing the AICW at statute mile 309.
We stayed at Bald Head Marina for one night. The dockmaster is extremely helpful and a pleasure. With our bikes we saw the entire island and enjoyed seeing the gorgeous homes and pristine beach. Saw a small gator in the harbor. Restaurant was good. Loved the lighthouse. Climb the steps!
Gloria Crawford
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bald Head Island Marina
The last retractable pontoon bridge on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway is now a memory. Click on the link below and scroll to Comments to relive the last days of the old bridge.
We just passed through ICW mile 337.9, site of the old Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge at the southern tip of North Carolina. As of today, 4/4/2011, the Pontoon Bridge is totally removed. It was apparently removed on 3/30/11.
Skipper Jack Robinson
"Ladys Island Swing Bridge Opening for Sailboat (Beaufort, SC)"
by: Bob Schwerzel
