Barefoot Marina

Don’t confuse Barefoot Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, with Barefoot Landing Transient Dock, which is located on the eastern (ocean) side of the AICW in Myrtle Beach, while Barefoot Marina guards the western banks. As Capt. Chace confirms below, the new incarnation is better than ever, and we are very impressed with the marina management. Because of the shoaling at low tide, we have a Navigation Alert posted here.

Barefoot Resort Marina: This was, and will be again, our home marina. We live at Barefoot Resort so this was an obvious choice for us. We have sailed up and down the East coast between here and New England for the last several years. Lately more north than south I’m afraid. We have seen the good, the bad and the UGLY when it comes to east coast marinas. In my opinion you will not find a nicer, cleaner and more upscale facility then Barefoot Resort Marina. Bill Rathburn and George have been friends and honorary crew members aboard Spirit, our C&C 40. They are also very pet friendly with our Labrador Genny. You all know that they are quite competitive regarding dock fees. Spirit has a 7′ draft. (7’3″ to be exact). She gets in and out at high water. Other times require caution as we have been aground there also. But forewarned is forearmed as I like to say. Just be aware of the height of tide when approaching with over 5′ of draft. It is worth it.
Capt. Bill Chace

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The shoaling reported earlier at the three way intersection of the AICW, Little River Inlet and Calabash Creek seems to have abated. Captain Bell offers good advice concerning the markers through this area.

At the border of North And South Carolina, Heading North, We passed R4 and R2 right on the magenta line provided by Navionics on our chart plotter. After passing R2 we began to favor the outside or green side of the turn heading north. We were at .25′ of tide and did not see less than 11′ of water. Not a problem area.
David Bell

We transit this area almost daily and have had no troubles. The 2 casino boats that turn at this intersection leaving and returning from Little River Inlet have probably helped to keep the area clear of any shoaling. They draw around 8-9′.
Capt. John Schwab

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Socastee swing bridge opens “on demand” UNLESS water traffic becomes heavy, as on a weekend, then bridge closures may be required every 15 minutes to accommodate road traffic. This is an understandable situation where the tender is responding to “on demand” from both boaters and drivers. Fortunately, this is a quiet section with no adverse currents to affect vessels having to circle or anchor.
HOWEVER, all of us here at the SSECN share Orient Moon’s mystification as to why the state of South Carolina spent many millions of dollars to construct a high-rise span, and then left, the old, decrepit swing bridge in place. You must have to be a politician to understand!

This bridge is a pain, you never know what to expect. They built a new high rise bridge next to it so I don’t understand why they cannot abide to their on demand status.
Orient Moon

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I personally visited Dock Holidays back in February of 2012, and this facility seemed to have a general air of being “down on its luck.”

Cruising News:
Stayed at this marina in April. They have removed the laundry, closed the restaurant, and services are minimal.
BJ Reckman

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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

Capt. Miller’s advice about making the bridge tender aware of your position, especially if you are near the end of the line and/or on the blind side, is a good idea indeed.

Subject: Sailboat Dismasted Under Bridge
Cruising News:
On or about April 23rd, just before departing Dock Holiday Marina in North Myrtle Beach, I heard a report on channel 16 of a bridge coming down on a sailboat.
I sometimes radio bridge tenders to indicate that I am “entering the fender area of the bridge” so they know that I am there. I do this especially when my boat enters from the tender’s blind side. I plan to do this every time I pass through a bascule bridge.
Max Miller

Lightkeepers Village is one of three faculties located on Coquina Harbor, a body of water that was once a rock quarry. The two others are Coquina Harbor Yacht Club and SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Myrtle Beach Yacht Club. The Coquina Harbor entrance channel cuts into the northern banks of the Waterway, opposite marker #13.

Floating docks, climate controlled bathrooms, showers and laundry facilities. On site pool. 1 1/2 mile boardwalk around the harbor. Friendly and welcoming dock master, James and assistant Bob. Two restaurants within the harbor. Clarks (formerly Umbertos) and Jug Handle Inn of the South (formerly the Officers Club.) Waffle House, Dunkin Donuts and Sunnyside Grill within walking distance.
Mary

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SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR Barefoot Marina keeps racking up praise here on the Cruisers’ Net. Clearly, this is a GREAT place for northbound snowbirds to spend an evening, or even a few days resting from their travels, and, of course, year round Palmetto State cruisers should make this facility a regular stop.
Don’t confuse Barefoot Marina, which guards the AICW’s northern banks, with Barefoot Landing Transient Dock, which flanks the southern banks, hard by a LARGE shopping center complex.

Rick and I have stayed at Barefoot Marina since October, 2011. We just left today April 22, 2012, headed for Norfolk.
We just wanted to pass on that this marina is a great place to stay for an extended time or just for overnight. The service at the docks is great and the attitude of the entire staff is outstanding. They have excellent facilities and a restaurant on site. A grocery store, drugstore and medical facility are within walking distance. Barefoot Landing with all the shops and more restaurants and other entertainment options are also within walking distance. You get all this at very excellent rates ($1.25).
We cannot begin to say enough nice things about our stay at this marina.
Rick & Margi Decatur
Journey
44′ Endeavour Power Cat

I can echo the recent reviews. We stayed at Barefoot Marina April 21-22, 2012 and found the facility and the staff terrific. The layout is great, with the dock close to the office and only a short walk to the showers, laundry, etc. Also had a nice dinner at the new restaurant, DockSiders, last night. Flounder was very nice, and reasonable. The rates here can’t be beat, $1.25/foot, and free pump-out. Boat-US discount on fuel as well. It’s only a short walk over the swing bridge to the ocean which is beautiful here.
Eve-Marie

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Don’t confuse Barefoot Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) with Barefoot Landing Transient Dock. This latter facility is located on the eastern (ocean) side of the AICW in Myrtle Beach, while Barefoot Marina guards the western banks. The subject of the message below went through a change of ownership a year or so ago, and things were a little rocky for awhile during the transition, BUT the new incarnation is better than ever, and we are very impressed with the marina management. What’s not to like!

We took a short Easter trip south last week. After a very unfriendly “Welcome to South Carolina” by the bridge tender at the Little River Swing Bridge we found ourselves with good weather and great SC Marinas. The first was the Barefoot Marina. Friendly helpful staff and clean facilities. If you are a biker or runner/walker this marina is located in an area with great wide sidewalks that stretch out in some very nice neighborhoods. Also, short walk across bridge to shops and restaurants.
Doyle and LaVisa (Halifax)

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Departing the Waterway at statute mile 375, four miles south of the Socastee Bridge, this “off-road” venture on the lovely, upper section of the Waccamaw River, abandoned by the AICW, has pleased many cruisers and has proven to be a worthy side trip. Please be sure to read the comments found in the links below.
One fixed bridge does lie between the AICW and Conway. We have never found a published vertical clearance for this span, but it has always appeared to us to be 30 feet or so. Clearly, the wonderful side cruise to Conway is off limits for most sailcraft.

We took the 15 mile trip off the ICW up the river to Conway Marina April 11, 2012. It was worth the time as the Waccamaw River along this stretch has a Tom Sawyer feel to it. The [Conway City] marina transient dock is basic. No water but electric service. Conway is a great town to ride a bike in with the well marked bike trail and river front park. Certainly worth a visit to Conway for anyone looking for a different stop for doing some sightseeing. Friendly people!
Doyle and LaVisa

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Cricket Cove Marina flanks the ICW’s northern banks, immediately east of flashing daybeacon #11, in the heart of Little River, SC. Moving south from North Carolina to the South Carolina portion of the AICW, Crickett Cove is the first marina you will come across in Palmetto State waters.

Made a quick stop here for gas before leaving South Carolina heading North on ICW. Very friendly staff and the best gas/fuel prices along the SC ICW. Last stop before you get into North Carolina’s high prices. They are trying to keep boating affordable given the high energy cost we are experiencing. They should be patronized for this fact alone.
Doyle and LaVisa (Halifax)

Just wanted to let the loopers know about the best fuel price we have seen in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina! Cricket Cove Marina at Little River, SC 29566, is selling diesel at $3.80 per gallon, including taxes! We just fueled up the boat and saved $$$ here! If you are cruising north this spring or heading south in the fall, check out this marina’s prices! Bill Cramer is the manager and his # is: 843-249-7169. Great restaurant at the marina too!
Stanley and Colleen Anderson

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Dock Holidays has long been a favorite with my family and many others. There’s an adjacent bus stop to take you into downtown, a supermarket just across the street and you are within an easy bike ride of the beach. Located about a mile south of the Little River swing bridge, the marina’s canal offers calm waters from the passing AICW traffic.

$1.40 per foot and $6 for 30 amp, cable included. West Marine, Food Lion, and restaurants with walking distance. Helpful staff.
Max Miller

We decided to stay here for a week so I have a few items to add.
The docks float so the tie-up is easy.
The kids (or visitors) can rent PWCs here at the marina and there is a boat that takes passengers on a dolphin watch and another takes passenges out fishing.
The marina still has no laundry and the nearest coin laundry requires a car.
The restaurant on the ICW is still closed but a Bar/Restaurant behind it opens at 4:00 pm Tuesday – Sunday. They have a band every night from 7:00 pm til 10:00 (later on weekends). The music is loud and if you want to sleep before 10:00, hatch up.
The beach is about a mile walk eastbound on 11th ave which originates directly across from the marina. Access areas are a short walk either way when you reach Ocean Dr.
Route 17 runs parallel to the ICW here but you can cross it at the walk light at 11th Ave. For dining options, Carrabas and Dirty Dick’s Crab House is a short walk and on the same side as Rt 17. Across Rt 17 and southbound is an ATM, Food Lion, CVS, and Chippers Grill. A longer walk south is Fridays and BW3. Also across Rt 17 and further south is Home Depot and Walmart. If your nails are looking rough from weighing anchor, Happy Nails is next to BW3. Northbound on Rt 17 is an Applebees and an Outback.
Rhett and Matt will serve you well here at Dock Holidays.
Max Miller

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Coquina Harbor Yacht Club guards the eastern banks of Coquina Harbor. Coquina Harbor itself cuts into the northern banks of the Waterway, opposite unlighted daybeacon #13.

We docked four boats there for a few months, found it safe and clean. The lady that handles the dock keeps an eye on your (all) boats, and takes excellent care of things.
Faith

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Hague Marina is located in a sheltered loop on the Waterway’s southern shore some 2.4 nautical miles southwest of the Myrtle Beach high-rise and railroad bridge.

We took our 36 ft sailboat there Oct, 2011, and left last week. We wanted an inexpensive place to haul and leave the boat for at least 5 months. It is quiet and off the beaten path. This would be a place for a serious do-it-yourself boat project person, particularly if you were going to need a long time to get things done. There are no “comfort” facilities, ie no toilets or washroom or showers. There is no fuel. Parts may be ordered in through them and they have some on hand, but we did not use their parts services. The travel-lift is antique but serviceable, partially operated by hand. Their haul-out/launch fee system was odd. They charged $75 for the use of the travel-lift plus $85 per man hour which can add up in a hurry. Much of the blocking used is lengths of log with scraps of lumber for shims and height adjustment. It appears questionable, but works, as evidenced by some boats which have probably been there for decades. In some respects this yard is where boats go to die. They will do work on your boat and appear to be competent, but we did not use them for anything. Be specific about what you want done. The dock is functional but seriously deteriorated due to age, with failing stringers and supports, loose and beyond weathered decking, and loose nails working their way up out of the planking. Watch your step. Slips and transient dockage is available.
Reggie Good

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Don’t confuse Barefoot Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) with Barefoot Landing Transient Dock. This latter facility is located on the eastern (ocean) side of the AICW in Myrtle Beach, while Barefoot Marina guards the western banks. The subject of the message below went through a change of ownership a year or so ago, and things were a little rocky for awhile during the transition, BUT the new incarnation is better than ever, and we are very impressed with the marina management. What’s not to like!

Many [cruisers] are about to arrive in Myrtle Beach, so we wanted them to know of one of our favorite places. Having just spent a month at The Barefoot Marina in Myrtle Beach, SC, we thought it appropriate we let others know of our experience. The Barefoot Marina, site of the 2010 Spring [AGLCA] Rendezvous, is on the western side of the
ICW across from Barefoot Landing and the Alabama Theatre. The staff is friendly and courteous. The private showers and restrooms are clean and well stocked. The concrete floating docks are the most stable and best floating docks we have ever seen or tied to. There is a restaurant/bar/grill onsite. There is a place on the dock for daily DOCKTAILS. Pumpout is FREE. Gas/Diesel is available at competitive prices. Dockage is very fairly priced and very competitive. Cable TV and Wi-Fi are included in the dockage rate and keypad locked gates surround the docks. Washers and dryers(they actually dry your clothes). We hope everyone will consider this fine marina.
We, Rick and Betsy on Rick ‘N Roll, have no financial interest in the property. It is just one of our favorite places to stay.
Rick Johnson

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Barefoot Marina, a NEW SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR AS OF JANUARY, 2012, is the new incarnation of what was once Barefoot Resort Yacht Club and Marina. This facility overlooks the AICW’s western flank, opposite the huge Barefoot Landing Shopping Center and the “Barefoot Landing Transient Dock,” which is associated with the shopping center.
Do not confuse Barefoot Marina and Barefoot Landing Transient Dock. They lie of opposite sides of the Waterway/Pine Island Cut, and are under entirely different ownership and management.

We recently moved our boat from Florida and after checking out a lot of marinas selected Barefoot Marina at North Myrtle Beach. It’s pretty far north of Beaufort but lots of benefits; Great people, excellent docking system, fresh water and the most reasonable rates that we found anywhere. Also have diesel at very competitive rates. The web site doesn’t provide a lot of info but does include contact information. Check with Bill or George, they really work to make your stay pleasant.
Rod Gusbee

We have kept the ‘Fran C’ at Barefoot Marina for two years now and have nothing but good to say! 1st class personnel and facilities; Bill and George really do a great job. Looking forward to year Three!
Paul Crosby

We have docked “Cartel” at Barefoot Marina for 5 years now, and can’t say enough about the facility. Now with the re-opening of Docksiders restaurant, it is truly a full service marina. Bill and George are the best.
Jamie Hodge

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Bridge opening schedules can be confusing even with the best wording and with the frequent changes that seem always to occur during the busiest seasons; Chris experienced two of such changes. We have confirmed and listed below the most up-to-date schedules of openings for three of the busiest bridges in SC.

We are very late this year in our trip south. One thing we have encountered is “on signal” bridges which are no longer such. Socastee and Ben Sawyer have new restrictions. Socastee was on the half hour and BS was on the hour on a non-holiday Friday.
Chris aboard Brilliant Star

Socastee Swing Bridge
Opens on Demand with closures required every 15 minutes when vessel traffic is heavy.

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Ben Sawyer Bridge:
Opens on request Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Does not open at all Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. On Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, the span opens on the hour from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Opens on demand after 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and after 7:00 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays.

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Calabash Creek lies to the north off the Waterway just south of the SC/NC state line. This anchorage can get very crowded during the busy season, but if you can find a spot, there are two fine seafood restaurants accessible just upstream by dinghy.
Please note the Navigation Alert linked below indicating the possibility of shoaling at the intersection of the Waterway and Calabash Creek. Also, we have personally sounded, and other cruisers have reported, as little as 4 feet entering Calabash Creek during MLW.

11-23-2011
Fit three boats in here on north shore between red #2 and the green #3 other side of dolphins. Moon tide carried 12-14′ during high. Expect 6 tonight I hope
Jim & Dede

Ditto to what Bill said. On 11-23-11 found the same depths took the same route. ICW #2 to port Calabash #2 to Starboard and hooked in just off the line between R2 and the Green 3 off notrh shore. three other boats drawing 5.6′
JiM Lady Lady

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Click Here To View A Navigation Alert for this Area.

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Section of the AICW/Little River Inlet/Calabash Creek Intersection

Myrtle Beach Yacht Club on Coquina Harbor has been a great stopping place and a friend to cruisers for years. Naturally, they are a Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Sponsor!

We stayed the night 11/2/2011. Great place, nice docks, nice people. Marina closes about 5:30 so be there before. One of the best spots on the east coast. need to take a cab to get supplies, West Marine within a 10 min. cab ride.
Mark Bohler

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