Ladys Island Marina - Beaufort, SCVHF 16 & 68   Located on the Sampit River, Harborwalk Marina is only a boardwalk away from Georgetown's Historic District, great food, shopping, etc. A safe harbor from bad weather and located in calmBoaters are our business and our only business. We are located directly on the ICW, and offer Exceptional Lowcountry facilities and hospitality. The Beaufort/Port Royal area is a beautiful and historiSeaside Luxury at its bestA Marina That's As Luxurious As It Is Convenient Close to Myrtle Beach with clear sailing to the Atlantic. The Harbourgate Marina Village is your  gateway in North Myrtle Beach to all the excitement aThe Downtown Marina Of Beaufort, SC, 1006 Bay Street Beaufort, SC 29902 (843) 524-4422 or Marker #239 on ICWDataw Island Marina, 100 Marina Drive, Dataw Island, SC 29920 Mile Marker 521, 843 838 8410Welcome to The City Marina The City Marina Wins Jack Nichol Award for Design See our feature on The Visitors Network Located on mile marker 469.5 of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the Charleston City Marina features 19,000 feet of linear dock space covering 40 acres of water.  The marina was named 2005 National Marina of the Year (Marina Dock Age Magazine), and offers state-of-the-art amenities and facilities to promise an enjoyable stay.  The City Marina's MegaDock extends 1,530 feet and is the longest free standing floating fuel dock in the Southeast.  These features, and Historic Downtown Charleston location, make The City Marina one of the east coast's most popular marinas.
Osprey MarinaMyrtle Beach Yacht Club is unmatched for its Lowcountry charm and gracious hospitality. Isle of Palms Marina is located on the east side of the Intracoastal Waterway, northeast of Charleston at Mile 456.5 and south of ICW Marker 116.  50 41st AvenueWindmill Harbour Marina, Hilton Head SCTransients Welcome - Under new ownership - Located at mile marker 354 in Myrtle Beach South CarolinaAt Bucksport cruising visitors will discover all new docks, new power pedestals, a newly reopened on-site restaurant, clean – climate controlled showers and laundromat, as well as a warm welcome for the cruising communitySkull Creek Marina - Hilton Head Island SCHarbour Town at Hilton Head, with its familiar red-and-white-striped lighthouse, is a fine resort marina with an enormous number of amenities.
sc-beaufort

Good Words About Downtown Marina of Beaufort (Statute Mile 536.5)

Posted by Claiborne | Posted on 09-21-2010

We join with Captain Morgan in recommending the Downtown Marina of Beaufort, and that’s not just because they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! Indeed, this facility sits hard by the downtown Beaufort business and historic district. There is so much to see, do and eat in downtown Beaufort, we simply can’t get enough of this place!

Downtown Marina of Beaufort – Beaufort, SC, ICW mm 536. We stop here each year and are always glad that we did. The location is super, great proximity to a very quaint downtown area and plenty of restaurants and shopping. There are excellent boating services, capable mechanics and technicians, so it is a very good place to stop whether you need services or not.
Sabra Morgan

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Downtown Marina of Beaufort

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Ladys Island Bridge Responds On-Demand Weekends (Statute Mile 536).

Posted by Larry | Posted on 06-06-2010

As we have posted recently, Ladys Island Bridge is on a temporary on-the-hour-only opening schedule Monday through Friday. However, as Larry Shick states below, if you ask nicely or if it’s a weekend, you might get an opening on demand! Isn’t it grand when we get those little surprises?

Submitted on 2010/06/06 at 5:22pm
For what it’s worth, we went through this bridge today (6/6/10). The bridge opened “on request.” Perhaps this was because it was a weekend, but at any rate, the “only on the hour” rule did not apply this time.
Captain Larry Shick

Submitted on 2010/08/16 at 5:50pm
This bridge is very old, has problems, and the city has out grown it! There is far too much boat traffic holding up far too much road traffic, and causing traffic jams when people need to get places! Slow down SOME on highway construction and build a bigger, TALLER bridge that does not have to be opened!
Gilbert R. Murrell

Surprise, surprise!, This past Sunday morning, I tried to get through the Lady’s Island Woods Bridge (Swing Bridge from Beaufort, SC AICW mile 536). I hoped to transit on demand since road traffic was almost non-existent. No luck. It is obvious that the bridge tender has no flexibility.
Again, I called Gene Stratton, Bridge Management Specialist, Seventh Coast Guard District, Miami, Florida (305.415.6740) for clarification on when to expect the temporary change to be rescinded. To date there have been two confusing notices of the temporary change: one states the bridge opens on demand on weekends and the other states that there is no exception to the rule on weekends. Stratton said the temporary change would be lifted one year after the rule has been published in the Federal Register or whenever the new bridge is completed, which ever comes first. The temporary rule has yet to be published in the Federal Register so who knows.
This change to the bridge opening schedule was made without public comment. Stratton said he welcomes written comment on this situation and suggested that comments be sent to him at the following e-mail address: allen.e.stratton@uscg.mil.
Captain Ray Gallagher

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Ladys Island Bridge

Battery Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 542)

Posted by Claiborne | Posted on 05-24-2010

Battery Creek cuts off the AICW’s passage along the Beaufort River, south of Beaufort, NC. You will drop the hook abeam of the Port Royal waterfront, which is currently being redeveloped from a commercial port to a tourist destination. One really good seafood restaurant is within dinghy range. Use your binoculars, look along the upstream portion of the waterfront, and you should spot the place. Happy dining!
Oh yes, and a word to the wise. Northbound AICW skippers sometimes mistakenly enter Battery Creek, thinking they are still on the Waterway. That’s easy to understand as the entrance into Battery Creek is far better marked that the AICW at this point. Study your chart and/or your GPS chartplotter carefully to avoid this error.

We arrived on 11/29/09 at near the top of the tide and anchored just past the shrimp boat docks and near three sailboats on moorings. We anchored in 18’ of water with about 10 kts of breeze. The anchorage is exposed to south and west winds. Tidal range overnight was eight feet. Just after dark we had 20’ of water beneath the boat and when I got up at around 0200, we only had 12’. Holding was good and despite the aggressive tidal switches, the anchor held firm. Not much local traffic while we were there.
The evening passed quietly but it gave way to a “Beirut Breakfast” at daybreak. All heck broke loose as we were eating. Seems the marines at Paris Island were on the small arms firing range and it reminded me of the middle east fighting you hear on the TV.
Otherwise a nice spot.
Dick Litchfield

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Directory Listing For Battery Creek Anchorage

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Beaufort, SC, A Great Port of Call (Statute Mile 537)

Posted by Larry | Posted on 05-18-2010

High praise from Captain Arnold for one SC’s most popular stops. Don’t overlook a stop at the Downtown Beaufort Marina. Not only is this an excellent facility, but they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR

Everybody loves Beaufort. There’s a free city dock all day but you must leave by midnight and maybe come back next morning if you wish. Good mooring in Factory Creek and a free dinghy dock within walking distance of two grocery stores, a boat parts store and a great hardware store. Blackstones Cafe in Beaufort offers the best breakfast, Southern Sweets the best ice cream and there are two great secondhand book stores to peruse.
Captain Arnold

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

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Downtown Beaufort Marina

Ladys Island Marina (Beaufort, SC, Statute Mile 536.5)

Posted by Claiborne | Posted on 04-13-2010

Below are some good details about Beaufort’s “other” facility, Ladys Island Marina. This marina lies on the shores of Factory Creek, which cuts south, just east of the Lady’s Island swing bridge.

A little more on Lady’s Island Marina. The canvas repair closed. Besides Groupers, a new barbeque joint: The Smokey Chef opened adjacent to the marina. The complimentary 2 hr. dockage is in effect for boaters going to Groupers.
We’ve taken our 5′9″ draft sailboat in and out of Factory Creek multiple times this spring, and haven’t had a problem at mid- to high tide. We wouldn’t try it at low tide. Stay well away from Factory Creek’s green #1 as that’s where it’s shoaled.
Mike Cannady

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Ladys Island Marina

New Restaurant at Ladys Island Marina (Statute Mile 536.5)

Posted by Claiborne | Posted on 04-08-2010

Ladys Island Marina lies on the shores of Factory Creek, just across Ladys Island Bridge from downtown Beaufort, SC. The entrance to Factory Creek cuts south from the Waterway, just east of the Ladys Island span. While we are certainly very glad to hear there’s a new restaurant here, we still strongly suggest that you berth at Downtown Beaufort Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR). You can always take a quick taxi ride across the bridge to check out the new dining attraction, and there are also quite a collection of good places to quiet a healthy appetite in downtown Beaufort.

Subject: New Restaurant at Lady’s Island Marina
Cruising News: Claiborne, Cruisers heading to or through Beaufort, SC might be interested to learn that a new restaurant, named “Groupers”, has just opened up in the building formerly occupied by “Ollie’s” at Lady’s Island Marina. The new owners have thoroughly redecorated the place in pleasing Caribbean colors, and they\’re offering a truly varied menu –it’s not just seafood. We had lunch there last week, when they’d only been open for 3 days, and the place was already packed. Service was a bit slow (they seem to have been taken by surprise by the strong response they’ve gotten so far), but the food was good and no doubt the kinks will get worked out as the kitchen and wait staff adjust to the demand. We later heard that there was a line out the door waiting for dinner that same night, so they’ve clearly been discovered! They’re a welcome addition to the Beaufort restaurant scene. And, as a bonus, it’s our understanding that short-term transient dockage at Lady’s Island Marina for an hour or two is free if you come in for a meal at the restaurant, provided that a slip is available for your size boat.
Bob and Janet Schwerzel

We ate dinner at Groupers 4/10/2010 at 5:30 before the rush. We got salads, bread and drinks promptly but the entree was long in coming and the food was not hot. They were glad to reheat it. We had to request our side vegetables a couple of times. The Jambalaya was good; the fried oysters were too heavily breaded (compared with Ollie’s) The vegetables were nicely cooked and crisp. The prices seem a bit high ($17-20). The waitress was clearly inexperienced; she overturned a glass of ice tea at the next table and bumped into ours. Hopefully they will work out the problems soon!
Jean Thomason
(DOVEKIE)

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Downtown Beaufort Marina

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Ladys Island Marina

Downtown Marina of Beaufort (Statute Mile 536.5) and Beaufort Historic/Dining District

Posted by Claiborne | Posted on 04-07-2010

The Downtown Marina Of Beaufort, SC, 1006 Bay Street Beaufort, SC 29902 (843) 524-4422 or Marker #239 on ICWRick and Mandy Griffin, owners and operators of Downtown Marina of Beaufort are among our oldest and best SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS! These good people are truly friends to the cruising community, and we cannot recommend a stop here too highly.

Here on 3/27-30/2010. Agree with all the comments made by Larry Morrow. Lots of beautiful old homes and you can get alot more out or what you see if you take a walking tour or horse drawn cart with guide. Plum’s and Saltus are two outstanding resturants. Both are owned by the same person, but have a little different selections.
SV Aquarius

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Downtown Marina of Beaufort

Downtown Marina of Beaufort (Statute Mile 536.5)

Posted by Claiborne | Posted on 03-05-2010

The owners of Downtown Marina of Beaufort, Mandy and Rick Griffin, are some of the oldest and staunchest supporters of the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net. Please patronize their facility whenever possible. And, oh yes, all the many wonderful historic, shopping and dining attractions of downtown Beaufort are within easy walking distance.

Spent the last two nights here because of cold temps and high winds. We were placed on the outside close to the fuel pumps. Aside from a very strong current and water slapping the boat a bit at night, we had no problems. Dock hands and office staff are top notch. We used the courtesy car to get groceries and a few sundries. The laundry room was clean and the machines in great shape. Restaurants and shopping is right next door to the marina, within 100 yards of the docks.
Larry Morrow

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Downtown Marina of Beaufort

Ladys Island/Woods Hole Swing Bridge To Begin Hourly Openings 1/10/10 (St. M. 536)

Posted by Claiborne | Posted on 01-10-2010

I just read the notice below on the AGLCA (American Great Loop Cruisers’ Assocation) mailing list, and called Mandy Griffin (co-owner) of the Downtown Marina of Beaufort, without delay. Mandy was very surprised to hear about the upcoming change in the Lady’s Island Bridge’s opening schedule, and allowed as to how they had heard nothing about this upcoming alterating until my phone call.
Captain Mandy further informed me that the “construction” referred to below on the McTeer – High Bridge (St. M. 539) involves converting this span to four lanes of highway traffic. Sounds like this project may take some time to complete.
The USCG notice copied below does look very official, so I think it reasonably safe to say that beginning 1/10/10, and for some time to come, the Ladys Island swing bridge will be on hourly openings. By the way, the sort-of official name for this bridge is “Woods Hole” but EVERYONE calls it the “Ladys Island Swing Bridge.”

At the request of the Lady’s Island Business Association, the Woods Memorial Swing Bridge in Beaufort, SC will go onto a once per hour opening schedule beginning 1/10/10 per the attached Coast Guard Notice. This temporary schedule will likely be in effect until construction on the McTeer High Bridge is complete.
Chuck Gorgen
ODYSSEE

The temporary change in regulation you requested is approved and will appear in the Local Notice to Mariners effective January 11th 2010. The temporary regulation will read:
Due to ongoing construction of the new McTeer Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, mile 539.0, Port Royal, South Carolina; Beaufort County has requested that the federal regulation on the Woods Memorial (Lady’s Island) bridge be changed to: The draw need only open at the top of the hour from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with the exception of between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. when the bridge need not open. This will be in effect Monday through Friday except for federal holidays. Tugs with tows, vessels in distress and public vessels of the United States shall be passed at any time.
We will also issue a Temporary Federal Regulation that will say the same that will be in effect, one year from the time it’s published. Please feel free to call this office if you have any additional questions.
Respectfully,
Gene Stratton
Bridge Management Specialist
Seventh Coast Guard District
Miami, FL
305-415-6740

The new schedule for the opening schedule for the Woods Memorial Bridge from Beaufort to Lady’s Island, SC was confirmed in the local Beaufort Gazette this morning. The announcement stated: “The Woods Bridge will open at the top of the hour between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, except between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The bridge will open at any time for tugs with tows, vessels in distress and pubkic vessels of the United States.
On weekends and federal holidays, the bridge will swing open upon request”
This schedule starts on Monday, January 11, 2010 and will likely last for a year or more while the McTeer Bridge is under construction. Vertical clearance under this bridge is 30′ at high tide and we have an average tide swing of over 7′, so this schedule should have little affect on most of our members doing the Loop.
Chuck Gorgen
ODYSSEE

Factory Bay Anchorage (Beaufort, SC, near Statute Mile 536.5)

Posted by Claiborne | Posted on 12-16-2009

The entrance to Factory Creek comes up on the AICW’s southern shores, immediately east of the Lady’s Island Swing Bridge. Keeping to the good depths can be a little tricky for first timers at the creek’s northern mouth, but once on the interior reaches, you’ll find plenty of water, and enough swing room for most cruising sized craft.

We anchored between R14 & G15 along with 2 other boats on Monday 12/14/09, just across from the Snook Restaurant. Lots of water and had entertainment for the evening. Just follow the markers into Capri Pass…lots of water here. Will definitely come back.
Capt. RL & Karen
s/v Last Call
45′ Island Trader, ketch

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For The Factory Bay Anchorage

Good Review of Downtown Marina of Beaufort (St. M. 536.5)

Posted by Claiborne | Posted on 12-06-2009

Mandy and Rick Griffin, owners and managers of the Downtown Marina of Beaufort, are some of the very best in the business. We can not recommend their facility too highly, and not only because they are SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS!
The adjacent downtown Beaufort historic/business district is thick with good restaurants, interesting shops and dreamlike historic homes. Take an extra day if possible to appreciate this wonderful coastal communit, who are also, by the way, a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce , click to learn more

Spent 2 days there in September and found the marina to be very convenient to all of the downtown attractions. The restaurants were great but you will need to use the courtesy car if you need provisions or a drug store. The dockmaster was very friendly but was working alone and slammed late afternoon when the transients rolled in. No problems with the shorepower. We did have a pretty good blow on the 2nd day and it got a little bouncy even on the inside of the face dock until a 60′ Hatt tied up on the outside of us. I would definitely advise against the outside of the face dock for small cruisers.
M/V Line Item

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Downtown Marina of Beaufort

Praise for Downtown Beaufort Marina (Statute Mile 536.5)

Posted by Claiborne | Posted on 11-19-2009

Rick and Mandy Griffin do a great job at the Downtown Marina of Beaufort. As with virtually every marina in SC and Georgia, you have to be on guard against tidal current as you approach the dock, but otherwise, everyone will have a good time at this facility. And, it doesn’t hurt that the dreamlike Beaufort historic district (plus a host of wonderful restaurants) are only a short step away. Downtown Marina of Beaufort is also a long-time SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

I arrived a day ahead of the remnants of Hurricane Ida, along with 20 other boats. Sat through five days of rain. Marina staff were terrific. Ships store excellent. Showers. heads were kept clean in spite of the crowd. Just steps away from great restaurants, coffee shops, bookstores. You have to plan ahead when you leave, though, and most boats on the inside slips needed to be “warped around” by had during slack tide so that they would be stern to the dock, bow out. Backing with or against the current is not an option. Marina staff are excellent at this job.
HB Koerner

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Downtown Marina of Beaufort

Factory Creek Anchorage (Statute Mile 536.5)

Posted by Claiborne | Posted on 11-14-2009

The entrance to Factory Creek lies immediately north of the Ladys Island Swing Bridge in Beaufort, SC. This stream is also home to Ladys Island Marina. The anchorage is located upstream of this facility.
Be careful as you cruise from the AICW/Beaufort River into Factory Creek. Captain Emerson’s comments below and earlier reports here on the Cruisers’ Net indicate the channel is narrowing.

We got in on half tide without a problem but didn’t do quite so well leaving close to low tide. We draw 6′ and dragged a bit coming out, although it’s likely we were closer to G “1″ than we should have been. Once past this area, however, there’s plenty of depth. The anchorage area is strung out along a moderately narrow channel that curves around over 90 deg. along its length. The current in the creek is significant but manageable. The real challenge the creek’s width. On one side are docks (private or marina) and on the other side is marsh. With roughly 15′ depths, a short scope isn’t likely, but over-doing can be a problem, too. We saw some boats riding to a Bahamian mooring (to limit swinging in current) and some (ourselves included) riding to one anchor. The bottom held well enough to allow riding on chain and a CQR in breezy conditions; the hook was hard to break out when it came time to leave. The trip from Factory Creek to the “day dock” ramp area is long enough to make part of the trip on plane (but NOT in the No Wake areas!).
As mentioned, there are some derelict boats in the creek. We saw one, a motor boat, clearly on its way down. We called Ladys Island Marina to see if they knew about it. “Oh, that happens about twice a month. We worry if we don’t get called twice a month!”
Rick Emerson

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Factory Creek

Ladys Island Marina (Beaufort, SC, St. M. 536.5)

Posted by Claiborne | Posted on 11-01-2009

We recently updated the Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory to show that this facility does indeed offer transient dockage, with several restaurants and a supermarket within walking distance.

Contrary to popular opinion, this marina is still OPEN for a limited number of transient boats. It is very close to a multitude of services, including: Publix, Food Lion, Greyco Hardware (propane and some boating supplies), post office substation, canvas repair, liquor store, bike shop, restaurants, etc. Dinghy dockage is $10/day if you’re using the facilities. Condo conversion plans are on hold due to the economy. Dockmaster is courteous and knowledgeable.
Mike Cannady

Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Ladys Island Marina

Restaurant Recommendations in Beaufort, SC (Statute Mile 537)

Posted by Claiborne | Posted on 09-10-2009

The Downtown Marina Of Beaufort, SC, 1006 Bay Street Beaufort, SC 29902 (843) 524-4422 or Marker #239 on ICWOn 9/1/09, as part of a “South Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

41. Any restaurant recommendations in Beaufort, South Carolina would be very welcome!

Responses follow:

there are so many good restaurants in Beaufort and surrounding areas….The Thai restaurant is excellent. Nippys is casual and always good. My favorite is the shrimp taco and their wonderful shoe string fries. You can not beat Blackstones for breakfast especially on Sundays when they have Eggs Benedict. Emilies has the best Steak Au pouvre. Paninnis has very good food all around. There is a new Japanese steakBoaters are our business and our only business. We are located directly on the ICW, and offer Exceptional Lowcountry facilities and hospitality. The Beaufort/Port Royal area is a beautiful and histori house with really good sushi. Not downtown but worth getting there somehow if you are without a car is McPhersons Serious BBQ. Its fantastic.
Sami and Barry Shreve
s/v Ever After

Being a long time resident of Beaufort the best seafood in Dockside. Unfortunately it is in Port Royal, but they do have day dock space. It does get crowded weekends, but worth the wait. Downtown there is a new bistro 2 blocks walk from the ICW. It is called Wren on Carteret Street. Very good, but I suggest reservations.
Judith Richardson

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Downtown Beaufort Marina

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Port Royal Landing Marina

Why You Should Visit Beaufort, SC (Statute Mile 536.5)

Posted by Claiborne | Posted on 09-08-2009

Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce , click to learn moreI could not agree more with the sentiments expressed by Captain Bruce below. Beaufort is a GREAT port of call, and these good folks are SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS! And, by the way, so are Downtown Beaufort Marina and Port Royal Landing Marina..

Beaufort, (pronounced Bewfert) S.C. and nearby Port Royal are wonderful old Coastal Carolina small towns rife with history, traditions, antebellum architecture, and southern charms. The City Council has “gone to bat” for the cruising community and passed an ordinance last year that allows boaters to stay for 180 days before tax and registration issues surface. Therefore, Beaufort S.C. is cruiser friendly, presents a beautiful waterfront, and has several good restaurants and shops along the waterfront. Dinghy docking is free, temporary big boat tie-ups are free, and anchoring spots are plentiful. The downtown marina is still wonderful, offers a courtesy car to marina cruisers, and has a small ships store. During oyster season, a café named “Nippy’s” has an all you can eat shrimp and/or oyster night on Fridays and Saturdays. We hit the ice cream parlor on the way back to the boat……….. yum. If you want to live elegantly, southern style, then make your reservation at the “Rhett House Inn”. http://www.rhetthouseinn.com or any of the fine nearby B&B’s. One of the finest restaurants you may encounter along the AICW is “Emily’s Restaurant and Tapas Bar” www.emilysrestaurantandtapasbar.com . Of course, “Blackstone’s Cafe” www.blackstonescafe.com remains a staple for any low country cruiser. Approximately 30 movies have been made in Beaufort, so if you have not toured Beaufort, you must take the tour in a horse drawn carriage. If you’re looking for a quiet vacation, this may be your next destination.
Bruce Franz

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Downtown Beaufort Marina

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Port Royal Landing Marina

Downtown Marina of Beaufort (Statute Mile 536.5)

Posted by Claiborne | Posted on 09-02-2009

The Downtown Marina Of Beaufort, SC, 1006 Bay Street Beaufort, SC 29902 (843) 524-4422 or Marker #239 on ICWOn 9/1/09, as part of a “South Carolina Wish List,” I posed the following question:

40. Who’s docked at Downtown Marina of Beaufort? Isn’t this simply a wonderful facility?

Responses follow:

We docked at the Downtown Marina of Beaufort late Nov 2008. The personel were pleasant and helpful. True to its name it is right downtown. The only negative was the shorepower, it wouldn’t run a single 50 amp cord and we had to run our genset all night.
Ron & Audrey
Lucky Girl

Downtown Marina of Beaufort. What can you say about this marina but good things. Just be prepared for the roaring current and follow the very experienced dock hands instructions and you are OK. If you get stuck in an inside corner–as we have twice–best make friends with all your neighbors and let the dock hands get you out!! Tell them your departure plans and they will “spin” your boat around for you so that your bow will be into the current when you leave!!
Ken Stickrath

Yes, we stayed [at] Beaufort City docks o May 24, dock hands were very helpful.
Pat M
MY COMPROMISE ( 2004 Carver 366)

Beaufort City Marina. Great Marina and as the name says, it is right down town. Great to walk around. We have been there a number of times and ate in a lot of places and have generally good meals. Can’t think of any names. Also, a little known feature is that they let you use the dinghy dock for free when you anchor out. I never asked, but I always put my trash in their containers.
Best Regards
George
S/V Chez Nous

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Downtown Marina of Beaufort

Beaufort, SC Restaurant Recommendation

Posted by Claiborne | Posted on 07-12-2009

Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce , click to learn moreWhat cruiser isn’t always up for a good restaurant recommendation in a port of call as superb as Beaufort, SC  (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR)

Claiborne’
A favorite restaurant of mine in Beaufort, South Carolina [ Emily's~For the Health of it, Good Food & Savings ]; one of many along the ICW!
Bruce Franz
“Hemisphere Dancer”

Accolades for Port Royal Landing Marina (Statute Mile 540)

Posted by admin | Posted on 05-20-2009

Boaters are our business and our only business. We are located directly on the ICW, and offer Exceptional Lowcountry facilities and hospitality. The Beaufort/Port Royal area is a beautiful and historiPort Royal Landing Marina is located a short hop south of downtown Beaufort, on the combined path of the AICW and Beaufort River. These good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, and a very fine pleasure craft facilty to boot. I also understand the restaurant here has recently been much improved. I can’t wait for the opportunity to review it. Restaurant reviews are a really dirty part of my job, but somebody just has to do it!

Cruising News: Claiborne,
Just a few accolades from us about the Port Royal Landing Marina in Beaufort, SC. They are a most accomidating place and on Friday evenings the local boaters invite the transits to barbecue with them. You just need to bring your steak and drink and they have all the sides. We had a blast the Friday we were there and met many new friends. The marina also lets you take their truck for a few hours to shop or visit the town Of Beafort. They also give discounts for Boat U.S and /or MTOA members. It is worth the visit.
Dick and Elle Lassman

Click Here For More Information Concerning Port Royal Landing Marina

Factory Creek Anchorage (Beaufort, SC, near St. M. 536.5)

Posted by admin | Posted on 04-30-2009

Factory Creek cuts into the southern shores of the AICW/Beaufort River, just east of the Beaufort – Lady’s Island Swing Bridge. I’ve always found good depths here, unless you accidentally edge out of the channel at the creek’s entrance. I don’t know if that happened to Captains Martin & Betsy, or not, but all should now enter this creek/anchorage with a bit more caution.

Subject: Mile 535.9 Factory Creek, Beaufort, SC
Cruising News: As we left our Factory Creek anchorage this morning we were surprised to find depth of 4.5′ MLW at the entrance off  G’1′. Fairly shallow depths continued to the ICW. Fortunately the bottom appeared soft. Molly Blossom draws 5′.
Martin & Betsy Basch,
mv Molly Blossom

I e-mailed Captains Betsy & Martin, and asked if they might have accidentally eased out of the channel as they cruised from Factory Creek back to the Waterway. They sent the response below:

Hi Claiborne,
We were about halfway between the G’1′ and the road bed leading to Ladies Island Bridge. I would just advise people to proceed cautiously through the entrance to Factory Creek at MLW. We got through OK, but were just surprised by depths shallower than we remembered in the past. Trick o’ the tide perhaps. Plenty of water inside for anchoring.
Betsy Basch

Having seen the above two postings, Captain Chuck chimes in with his message below. Looks like he has the answer on how to find the best depths when entering Factory Creek.

Cruising News: As a follow up to Molly Blossoms post regarding Factory Creek, If you enter close to Green Marker #1 you will certainly find shallow water since the shoal is moving out from the marsh. However, if you stay close in to the bridge and the highway as you enter and pass the deserted boats anchored at the mouth, then stay close on the side of the Creek where the marina and private docks are you will find plenty of water, at least 6′+ at low, low tide at the entrance. Once past the public ramp the water is fairly deep close to both sides of the shore. We are currently at Lady’s Island Marina, so holler when you come by.
Capt. Chuck


Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Factory Creek