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I agree with Captain “Rapid Roy’s” comments below, in that if you have a well functioning GPS chartplotter aboard, entry into Cowen Creek is a pretty basic operation. My remarks in the South Carolina Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory are meant for those who do not have one of these electronic marvels. In this instance, there ARE several unmarked shoals which flank the entrance to Cowen Creek, here and there, which require careful DR navigation to avoid.
Hey Claiborne:
I really like your anchoring guides. However, I think you have some flaws in the entry you have for Cowen Creek. (Mile 544.5 on the Beaufort River, between Beaufort SC and Hilton Head). I’d like to suggest some corrections on this one.
1). I think it’s misleading to talk about “negotiating several unmarked shoals”. Yes, if you’re coming from the north, you must go far enough south to clear Cowen spit. If you watch your chartplotter, the entrance to Cowen Creek is wide and deep with NO UNMARKED SHOALS. Take a look at the wider area chart, and this should be self-evident. From the south, it’s a no-brainer. Coming from the north, you’re in good shape if you go far enough south to go around the south side of the old range light charted at 32 degrees 20.12N, 80 degrees 39.34W. Do that, and it’s a wide and deep water entrance with no issues.
2). Your little anchor symbol on the chart photo is way upstream in the creek. Yes, it gets narrower up there, but it’s all protected and nearly always flat water once you’re in the creek. Most cruising boats don’t go that far up to anchor. I’ve seen 3 or 4 cruising boats anchored in the area 32 degrees 21.64N, 80 degrees 38.89W. ( Middle of the creek, abeam of the “o” in “Cowen Cr” label on the chart.)
3). Optionally… there’s another anchorage area for someone who really wants a “Hurricane Hole”. It’s the straight stretch of the creek, t32 degrees 22.99N, 80degrees 38.54W. There is deep water all the way there so it allows even a sailboat to reach these areas, going past private docks on Distant Island and around a double set of bends. It is really protected. .
FYI… ( my credentials for sharing this…) I’m a full time live-aboard cruiser, and spend half of my time living in the Beaufort area and half time cruising on a 38′ sailboat. Cowen Creek is a nice, nearby wilderness anchorage, a few minutes away from the marina. It’s where I take “visitors” when they come to visit my wife and I, and they want to spend a night on the sailboat anchored out. (Smile!).
Rapid Roy
S/V “Gideon”
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Cowen Creek
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cowen Creek
Palmetto Bay Marina is the first facility you will encounter when entering Broad Creek from the AICW and Calibogue Sound. It will be spotted on the creek’s southern banks, just downstream of the high-rise, bypass bridge.
If you’re willing to go a few miles off the ICW, you can visit Palmetto Bay marina on Broad Creek. If you have a deep draft vessel, DO NOT try to cut across the sandbar at G29A. Local power boats do this, but it’s strictly “local knowledge”. The safe passage is go around Green 1 marking Calibogue shoal and enter the mouth of Broad Creek. This will lead you upstream to Palmetto Bay marina on the starboard side, just before you reach the bridge.
The attraction for traveling cruisers isn’t the marina ( although yes, it’s nice ) but that it’s co-located with a local shopping center. There are multiple restaurants and shops, making for a pleasant stop over and a night out.
Rapid Roy
S/V “Gideon”
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Palmetto Bay Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Palmetto Bay Marina
As part of a 4/30/13 South Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 565 to 555 – reviews, impressions or experiences with any of the several marinas on Hilton Head Island would be very helpful to your fellow cruisers. In particular, if you visited Harbortown or Shelter Cove Marina, what depths did you find? Any dining recommendations on Hilton Head would also be very useful.
Responses follow:
Skull Creek marina is ok good restaurant in walking distance some weather problems in a east wind. Good fuel dock.
Jim Delligatti
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Skull Creek Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Skull Creek Marina
On 4/30/13 as part of a South Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 565 to 555 – reviews, impressions or experiences with any of the several marinas on Hilton Head Island would be very helpful to your fellow cruisers. In particular, if you visited Harbortown or Shelter Cove Marina, what depths did you find? Any dining recommendations on Hilton Head would also be very useful.
Responses follow:
Windmill Harbour is a real find, great protection in any weather, reasonable fuel, great food at the SCYC at marina.
Jim Delligatti
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Windmill Harbor Marina
May River, a beautiful stream to explore on a fair weather day, cuts west off the AICW’s trek through northern Calibogue Sound, west of Waterway marker #29. The river channel is fully marked all the way upstream to the historic community of Bluffton. There is just barely room to anchor abeam of the town waterfront.
Bluffton via the May River with a stop for seafood at the Bluffton Oyster Company should not be missed, a link to a fast vanishing past. I woke one morning to find myself in the middle of a fleet of decrepit outboard boats headed out oystering with their crews shouting back and forth to each other in Gullah.
I anchor off the beach just upstream of the BOC. Lots of current so it is a good place for two anchors. Be sure to ask at the BOC for directions to their restaurant.
Roger Long
S/V Strider
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bluffton, SC on May River
On 4/30/13 as part of a South Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 565 to 555 – reviews, impressions or experiences with any of the several marinas on Hilton Head Island would be very helpful to your fellow cruisers. In particular, if you visited Harbour Town Yacht Basin or Shelter Cove Marina, what depths did you find? Any dining recommendations on Hilton Head would also be very useful.
Responses follow:
Last visited in April. Great dockmaster thoughtfully gave us a slip that would protect us from forecast high winds during the night. Easy in and out. Great shopping and food. Great people watching in beautiful surroundings.
Favorite stop.
John Wild
Harbour Town is a great stop lots to do, easy access to all needs, Only problem is at low tide there are some real depth problem.
Jim Delligatti
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Harbour Town Yacht Basin
On 4/30/13 as part of a South Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 544.5 – anyone tried anchoring on the waters of Cowen Creek, north, northeast of AICW marker #33? Were you able to successfully avoid the surrounding shoals as you entered this stream? Where did you drop the hook? Please give us your overall impressions of this anchorag.
Responses follow:
We anchored there on 4/18/13. We and buddy boat anchored about 2 miles upstream along the south shore, just above the small island on the north side. Friends anchored 1/2 mile further up-stream in the south leg. No one had any problems with shoaling. We were well protected from the east wind and expected potection from the forecast south wind. By morning the south wind made the anchorage a bit rolly but quite acceptable. I would probably go a bit further upstream into the south leg for better protection.
s/v Skye
Just followed the Chart Plotter and watched the depth sounder and had plenty of room between the charted shoals. Followed our bread crumb trail out thenext day. Good water depth for our 5 ft draft and real good mud holdingground. Enjoyed our stay at Lat 32 Deg 21.498 N Lon 081 Deg 38.527 W7 ft under the keel. Plenty of swing room. Good anchorage.
Capt Bob Kovach
Yes, this is a lovely anchorage, highly recommended. It’s a large open area, especially attractive for larger vessels or those wanting plenty of swinging room. It’s well protected with land on 270 degrees, and a shallow sand bar across the open south side. The entrance doesn’t have channel markers, but it’s plenty wide and deep and doesn’t offer any navigation problems.
Most boats anchor in the wide part of the creek, just beyond the entrance. There are 8′ tides, so there will be a reversing current. If there is really severe weather coming, you can proceed further up the creek to a three way split. Take the branch on your left into Distant Island Creek, and it will continue around to another anchorage area that is a local “hurricane hole”.
Rapid Roy,
S/V “Gideon”
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Cowen Creek Anchorage
On 4/30/13, as part of a South Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 539 – who has stopped lately at Port Royal Landing Marina, hard by the western AICW shores, north of the McTeer bridge? Please tell us about your experiences and impressions.
Responses follow:
Great Marina, excellent facilities, just too far from town.
Tracy Hellman
Spent 6 days there last fall going south. Great marina, excellent people, transient car, decent marine store, OK restaurant. The crew smoked six turkeys for Thanksgiving dinner for the live-aboards and transients. A bit open to north and south winds. Would stop there again.
s/v Skye
I stayed at the Port Royal Landing Marina on April 18th. Even though the current was rather swift I was able to turn my 32’ Grand Banks around and dock on the inside of the face dock into the current. The dock helpers were great! The marina manager was a young man who was full of southern hospitality and made me feel very welcome. We were given a little goodie bag with several interesting items. While my wife borrowed the courtesy truck and ran errands around town, I borrowed one of the courtesy bikes and rode over the bridge to Lady’s Island. Had a few cold beers and shrimp basket at the local restaurant. Everything was delicious. Will definitely make this a stop on my return trip through this area.
Randy Hondros
Port Royal Landing is a truly premier operation. Tom Wilson and his staff are really wonderful! A class act! It’s a long walk from the dock to the marina/restaurant, but they’ll come and get ya in a golf cart if you have mobility problems.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
Port Royal Landing marina is great place. It’s a friendly, family operated facility. They take care of their customers! The Back Porch Grill is the on-site restaurant; the marina has gasoline, diesel, and a ships store, and a courtesy car (pickup truck) is available. If you stay two nights, the third night is free. AND… the local live-aboards host a pot-luck cookout on the marina deck every Friday. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
My Admiral and I live aboard our cruising sailboat docked at Port Royal when we’re not in Florida or the Bahamas. Say Hi to Mary & Roy on S/V “Gideon” on B dock.
Rapid Roy, S/V “Gideon
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Port Royal Landing Marina
On 4/30/13, as part of a South Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 542 – we would like to hear from those of you who have anchored on Battery Creek, hard by the historic community of Port Royal. Where did you anchor? Did you dinghy ashore to Dockside Restaurant? If so, how was the food?
Responses follow:
In my opinion, Dockside Restaurant is one of the top 5 restaurants in [the] Beaufort [area]. Price, Portion Size, Atmosphere are all great. You gotta try the cornbread ( or what I call CAKE!) they bring to your table before the meal. I have never anchored, but I have seen several boats just north of the restaurant. There is a dock which can accommodate a trawler or dingys is available.
Tracy Hellman
This is another nice anchorage, but not as nice as Cowan Creek. It’s main attraction is being adjacent to the best seafood restaurant in the area, which has a courtesy dock you can dinghy to.
The anchorage is up Battery Creek, past the old port facilities and past the Dockside Restaurant, where you will see shrimp boats docked. Another 500 feet straight ahead is an anchorage area where you’ll see several local boats permanently moored. DO NOT try to get behind them, closer to the shoreline; the wide expanse of water north of the moored boats is shallow.
The Dockside Restaurant has a great local reputation. There is a courtesy dock which you won’t see initially. It’s out of sight behind the shrimp boats, but it’s accessible by dinghy or small run about if you go around the south end of the shrimp boats. The dock can be used by small boats but it isn’t large enough for a cruising sailboat or trawler.
Rapid Roy, S/V “Gideon”
The Dockside [Restaurant] in Port Royal is an excellent seafood restaurant. There is a short dock for tying up.
Emil
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Battery Creek Anchorage
On 4/30/13, as part of a South Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 554.5 – who has anchored on the deep water south of AICW marker #6, abutting the eastern shores of Skull Creek? Did you have any problem with passing commercial fishing vessels during the night?
Responses follow:
Haven’t anchored in the Fisherman’s Channel, but routinely pass through it from Skull Creek into Port Royal Sound. As of 4/25 and low tide, water depths in that channel are not less than 10 feet.
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
We have spent a few nights anchored in the East channel, South of marker “6”, in Skull Creek. We usually drop the hook just below the small island where the depth is marked as 13 feet. The last time we were there, Verizon wireless service was very limited. Shelter from the wind was good. There is quite a bit of current so you will swing 180 degrees during a tide change. The small island is nothing but oyster shells and mud, forget bring your pet ashore here you will just tear up your dinghy and feet. Swinging room is limited.
This spot is off the marked ICW route, however the fishing boats as well as traffic from the marina to the south use it as a short cut to reach the Chechessee River. Wake consideration does not seem to be their main concern. The passage is narrow so if you do decide to stop here be sure that your boat is well lit at night.
Dave Boxmeyer
Ha! Yes, this is listed in several popular anchoring guides. However, there are two problems. One is, all the local fishing boats blast through the “cut through” short cut, at morning and evening twilight. You’ll be waked frequently. The other problem is that it’s a foul anchorage. There’s the wreckage of an old shrimp boat on the bottom. This wreckage has claimed the anchors of three cruisers that I personally know of. How do I know? I’m the Captain for the local Towboat U.S. that’s been called to bring a diver out to help them with their fouled anchors.
Well… other than that… it’s a nice anchorage. (Smile!).
Rapid Roy, S/V “Gideon”
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Skull Creek Anchorages
Palmetto Bay Marina - Click for Chartview
After leaving Calibogue Sound, Hilton Head Island’s Broad Creek runs northeast for a bit and then turns sharply east. Soon after flowing through this easterly cut, Palmetto Bay Marina will come abeam to the south. As Captain Murtha confirms, this facility also mechanical and haul-out repairs.
Stayed here for three months (Dec 2012 – Mar 2013). Inside docks are comfortable and location is fairly protected in three directions. Dockmaster is friendly and attentive. Laundry faciities (one washer and dryer) & shower (1) is located in restaurant area (fairly private early in am).
Had an excellent experience getting routine mechanical maintenance (adjusting Yanmar 3JH3E valves , adjusting idle speed, and checking hoses/belts) with Palmetto Bay Yacht Services. They are on site & efficiently performed requested work without looking for additional tasks. I would recommend their service.
Jim Murtha
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Palmetto Bay Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Palmetto Bay Marina
Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net has received so many reports of reduced clearances at both fixed and opening bridges, plus damaged tide boards and higher-than-normal tides, that we would have to post a Navigation Alert at practically every bridge. This has been a major annoyance for our tall masted friends and our advice to all is to assume a lower vertical clearance and wait for a lower tide.
Our boat is a 43′ Fontaine/Pajot catamaran. Our mast is 62′ from the water. Hilton Head says it’s 65′ fixed clearance and our VHF radio antenna hit the bottom of the bridge as we passed. We went under the Hilton Head Bridge on December 23, 2012 at about 1 PM at about a 4.6 tide. A bit of a close one.
Sandy Horn
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Hilton Head Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Hilton Head Bridge
We are very pleased to report that new SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Skull Creek, on Hilton Head Island, SC is offering two fall, 2012 special promotions for the cruising community:
1. 10% off the usual transient dockage price of $1.75 per foot, per night, for vessels up to 75 feet
2. 10% off repair yard service work
Both these offers expire 1/31/13
Please drop by and give our newest SSECN sponsor your support.
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Skull Creek Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Skull Creek Marina
Port Royal Landing Marina guards the western banks of the AICW/Beaufort River, a short hop south of downtown Beaufort, SC. This fine facility is a much valued SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!!!
Oct 12 Port Royal Landings Marina, one of the most friendly marinas we have been in, great place to provision via their courtesy vehicle, Publix is the place to go, also downtown Beaufort is a short ride away. We would highly recommend this marina, also pay for 2 nights get 3 for free, nice since weather has us holed up here.
Doug Cordello
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Port Royal Landing Marina
Port Royal Landing Marina guards the western banks of the AICW/Beaufort River, a short hop south of downtown Beaufort, SC. This fine facility is a much valued SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!!!
I always stop at the PRLM on my way down the ICW. This is how all marinas should be run, good old southern hospitality.
Try it.
Ed Hart
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Port Royal Landing Marina
Talk about a coincidence. I had the happy occasion to dine at Dockside Restaurant (843-524-7433) the day before Skipper Fowler filed this report. I AGREE, the seafood is awesome, and I also found the service quite good.
The possibility of dining at Dockside Seafood DEFINITELY makes the prospect of anchoring overnight on Battery Creek, a few miles south of Beaufort, SC, an even better bargain!
Hey Claiborne:
We took your advice and anchored on Battery Creek. We are even more glad that you spoke to us about nearby Dockside Restaurant. We blew up our dinghy, and rowed the short distance to this restaurant’s docks which were easy to pick out from the anchorage. Most of the outer dock was taken up by local shrimpers, and those piers were quite high as well. Fortunately, we found some lower, floating docks on the inside, and were able to easily tie up the dink.
We found the restaurant a warm, homy kind of placed, walled and roofed with lots of knotty pine. There was a GREAT view of Battery Creek from the windows.
Even though we visited on a Thursday night, there was a waiting line by 6:30 pm. Fortunately, we were already well into our dinners by then. I got the fried “Captains Platter” which proved to be enough food for the Russian Army. The flounder was some of the best I’ve had anywhere, anytime. Sue got the broiled seafood platter, and she has raved about the scallops and “local” shrimp ever since.
So, it was a good evening all around at Battery Creek, though my waistline is larger for the visit. I would definitely recommend this anchor down spot to fellow cruisers!
Skipper Fowler
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Battery Creek
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Battery Creek Anchorage
Battery Creek Anchorage lies south of Beaufort and Port Royal on the waters of Battery Creek (northeast of the AICW’s flashing buoy #41) , west of unlighted daybeacon #47.
Arrived at Battery Creek on Tuesday 27th September 2011. Adding to the previous submission we anchored in a similar position beyond the three resident sailboats and confirm the holding is good and we did not budge during the overnight storm which hit at 2.30 am during which there were southeasterly gusts touching 45 knots. We also awoke to the distant sounds of firing on the range. A safe and comfortable anchorage.
William Spouse aboard S/V Alexia Hallberg Rassy 42
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Battery Creek
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Battery Creek Anchorage
Shelter Cove Marina is perched in a man-made cove on the southeastern shores of Broad Creek (Hilton Head Island) departing the Waterway east of marker #23 and departing Broad Creek at marker #18.
Top notch marina whose staff is par excellence!
Laura Bender
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Shelter Cove Marina
"Blue Run Springs Park Manatees – St. Johns River"
by: Glen and Jill Moore
