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Please Note That Postings Below From Fellow Cruisers Are Listed in Chronological Order, Based on Publication Date
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On 4/30/13, as part of a South Carolina Wish List, I posed the following question:
Statute Mile 389 – one of our very favorite anchorages anywhere along the Southeastern USA coastline, is found on Thoroughfare Creek, west of AICW marker #73. Who has dropped the hook here lately? Did you cruise upstream and drop the hook abeam of the high, sandy cliff? Did you dinghy ashore here, and, if so, what did you find?
Responses follow:
I anchored off the sandy bluffs on a misty late afternoon in January and it was still one of the most enchanting places I’ve anchored on the ICW. The next morning was even more amazing. I expect it’s not very pleasant in weather warm enough for local boating though. I understand it is jet ski heaven.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3591927937294.115157.1846284215&type=1&l=c9b450c93c
Roger Long
S/V Strider
The spot by the sand dune is a beautiful anchorage. You can beach the dinghy and go ashore. The property is part of a SC wildlife refuge and has some walking trails. One of our visits to this anchorage was on a warm, spring Sunday afternoon. A large group of young folks were having a party on the beach with loud music and drinking. They had fast boats which they only ran at full throttle through the anchorage. It was unpleasant and unsafe. We pulled anchor and moved to Cowhouse Creek for a quiet night. Be cautious on weekends.
Glen and Jill Moore
DeFever 40 Last Dance
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Thoroughfare Creek Anchorages
On 4/30/13, as part of a South Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 377 – who has spent some time at Bucksport Marina since it changed owners, and was extensively renovated? Please describe your experience here. Did you dine at the on-site restaurant? If so, please give us a review of the food you enjoyed. Has anyone bought some of the wonderful “Bucksport Sausage” here lately?
Responses follow:
When coming north or south cut your day cruise short and hit Bucksport. Ralph and his wife will make you feel right at home. Great entertainment, (live) and good folks. Really good restaurant on site also. Lots of room to run the dogs. Great fixed or floater docks. Have stayed there the past 2 years and would not float by without spending at least 1 night. Tell Ralph John Beaver said Hello!
John Beaver
I stayed at Bucksport Marina on April 22 and was rewarded with a pound of the best link sausage I have tasted! Even though I arrived after hours, one of the on-site staff met me at the dock, helped me tie up, and allowed me to fill up with diesel. The dock and surrounding areas were clean and new. Unfortunately, it was a Monday night and the restaurant was closed.
Randy Hondros
Atlantic Beach, NC
Sanctuary and crew stayed with Ralph and Patti on 4/26/2013. There is a new full time dockmaster there; name is Robert. They have done a marvelous job with this very extensive renovation. The docks are entirely new. There is a brand new, large, outdoor covered porch, and a brand new Tiki Hut. The restaurant has been refurbished and is very clean. Thay have added a significant facility for RVs. They have spend millions of dollars in that project, I would guess, but additional work is still needed at the shower house. I have no idea what their business model is, because the area remains a wonderful, rural area in what in one of my personal favorite areas of the east coast ICW. Yes, the sausage is back, at approximately $3.82/lb, or equivalent in dockage incentives. There is a very nice discount on dockage, sausage and fuel for MTOA members.
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
Spent one night in April. Staff was kind enough to stay late on a cold rainy night to accommodate and fuel us for early departure. We were early in season so rest. closed. First class renovations. Too early for free sausage. Great stop, Waccamaw river is always an experience and Bucksport made it better.
John Wild
We stopped there going north when the wind was howling. We got a free sausage gift and their special docking rate for Boat US.
Gregory Han
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Bucksport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bucksport Marina
On 4/30/13, as part of a “South Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
43. Statute Mile 373.5 – who has had the good fortune to spend a night or two at Osprey Marina, near AICW marker #26? Did you find this facility to be absolutely first class? Were you able to find a local restaurant that would provide shoreside transportation to and from the docks?
Responses follow:
Gizmo was at Osprey from late Oct until April 1, and I was aboard about a quarter of that time. Wonderful marina…quiet, super safe, and very well managed.
The restaurant that offers free pick up and return is Scatori’s and it’s actually one of the best around. It also happens to be right next to both an excellent Lowe’s Supermarket and a Lowe’s Home Improvement Center. I enjoyed both Scatori’s pizza place and their restaurant but have not yet tried the custom $50 tasting menu that some boaters raved about.
http://www.scatoris.com/
Best,
Ben Ellison
Editor/Publisher, Panbo, The Marine Electronics Hub
Senior Electronics Editor, AIM Marine Group
Spent the night right after hurricane Sandy. First class experience all around. When you pull in for fuel, they give you a free pump-out as well. It’s a little isolated, but several restaurants deliver and a couple will even give you a round trip in a courtesy car. There is a cafe during the season but not in November. They have a little ship’s store and will order anything you need. Clean heads and laundry. The kicker, though, is the staff. Other marinas should come and watch how efficiently and proficiently they operate.
Jeff Moore
We were placed on the new docks along the entrance channel. It was the next best thing to being at anchor with natural, wooded areas on both sides of the boat. It is a long way to the marina office, but they provide a golf cart for the boats on this dock to share. Friendly helpful staff, nice facilities, great prices on dockage and fuel. Osprey is now our favorite marina.
Glen and Jill Moore
DeFever 40 Last Dance
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Osprey Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Osprey Marina
Wacca Wache Marina - Click for Chartview
Wacca Wache is located along the AICW’s north to south run along beautiful Waccamaw River.
Awesome marina. I rent a slip every year. The staff is nice and the night life even better.
Vessel No Mixes
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wacca Wache Marina
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net has been contacted by Captain Darla Spillane, property manager for Heritage Plantation and it’s adjoining marina. We have happily agreed to assist in her search for a new Heritage Plantation Marina dockmaster. If this position is of any interest to you, please follow the link below for a full description of the job requirements. You can then contact Ms. Spillane directly for more information and/or consideration.
Heritage Plantation Marina guards the eastern shores of the AICW/Waccamaw River between marker #79 and Butler Island, a few miles north of Georgetown, SC. While this facility was once open only to residents, over the past several years there has been a change in philosophy, and cruising visitors have been once again welcomed.
Click on the chartlet to the right, and a Chart View page will open, centered on this facility. You will then have a very good idea of its location.
Good luck to one and all who seek this position!
Click Here To Learn More About the Dockmaster’s Position at Heritage Plantation Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Heritage Plantation Marina
Bucksport Marina - Click for Chartview
Many good words about newly renovated (and under new ownership) Bucksport Marina and their on-site restaurant, continue to be recorded here on the Cruisers’ Net! And, of course, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! PLEASE patronize them and all our other sponsors whenever possible!!!!
Ralph and crew are really doing a great job here. Rob, the Dock Master knows what he’s doing and goes out of his way to make you welcome. They have CONWAY SAUSAGE again!! Yeah, that’s the good stuff. Prices are very good and the facilities just keep getting better. Stop in for the food and music it will be worth your time.
Capt. Dan
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Directory Listing For Bucksport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bucksport Marina
Bucksport Marina - Click for Chartview
Many good words about newly renovated (and under new ownership) Bucksport Marina and their on-site restaurant, continue to be recorded here on the Cruisers’ Net! And, of course, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! PLEASE patronize them and all our other sponsors whenever possible!!!!
The ONLY negative thing we have heard about the new regime, is the FORMER absence of the famous “Bucksport Sausage” for sale in the on-site ship’s store. AS YOU WILL READ BELOW, THAT OVERSIGHT HAS NOW BEEN REMEDIED! So, as you pass up the Waccamaw River (AICW) this spring (or anytime), be SURE to stop and sample this delightful treat!
Cruising News:
Just a note to say hello to everyone and remind you to stop by and see us on your trip on the waterway. We do have sausage in the Ships Store now. We are open 7 days from 8 am till 5 pm.
Ralph Simms
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Directory Listing For Bucksport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bucksport Marina
Osprey Marina - Click for Chartview
Osprey Marina lies at the southern foot of AICW section known officially as the Pine Island Cut (a. k. a. “the Rock Pile”), just as the Waterway sweeps south into beautiful Waccamaw River. Osprey Marina is one of the finest marinas you will ever discover, and these good folks are A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Cruising News:
Yes, many people have said it, but here it is again. These folks are wonderful! Lowest fuel prices for many miles, plus a Boat/US discount. The grill is closed in winter, but Miles the dockmaster, had made “chicken bog” in a pot — sausaage, rice, chicken and spices — and offered us some. This is the place to stop, just before you take off down the beautiful Waccamaw River.
Michael and Jane Tigar
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Osprey Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Osprey Marina
Bucksport Marina - Click for Chartview
Many good words about newly renovated (and under new ownership) Bucksport Marina and their on-site restaurant, continue to be recorded here on the Cruisers’ Net! And, of course, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! PLEASE patronize them and all our other sponsors whenever possible!!!!
Cruising News:
Just wanted to let everyone know about the all new Bucksport Marina Around MM379 in SC. Ralph has completely rebuilt the marina from the ground up. Prices are very reasonable, free washer and dryer, 5 plus acres plus to let the dogs run and a great place to eat right on site. Fuel and pump out on site.The outdoor covered pavilion is up and running with a bandstand music every weekend. Complete bar and great service. Ralph also has great prices on monthly slip rentals on floating docks. Got a camper/motor home, bring it also and hook right up. Campground on site. Fantastic fishing right from your swim platform. Trailer boat landing on site.This could be the most reasonable, most bang for your buck stop in NC or SC. Everyone is very nice and accommodating. If you need to leave your boat for a couple of months, no-one will be cheaper. This has become our favorite layover in the Carolinas going north or south or just stay a while.
John Beaver
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Directory Listing For Bucksport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bucksport Marina
Our strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, owners and founders of On The Water ChartGuides, have provided us with a sterling review of one of the most praised marinas to be found in the South Carolina Low Country. We agree with everything this professional cruising duo has to say below, and, of course, let’s not forget that Osprey Marina is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Hi Claiborne,
Osprey Marina is aptly named, located along the Waccamaw River (STM 373.3), where you’ll see LOTS of osprey and osprey nests.
I’ll include two photos, showing the facility, marina, and basin:
The facility is built around a quiet, secluded basin tucked down a narrow tree-lined channel. It’s easy to forget that crowded Myrtle Beach is just to the north, over the treetops.
The marina is a great place to leave your boat for holiday travel. Myrtle Beach International Airport is only 14 miles away.
The basin is incredibly protected and the owners and staff go above and beyond to make you happy and take care of your boat.
And the rates are very competitive: cruisers should be sure to ask about their decreasing-by-the-day dockage fees.
When you check in you receive a captain’s bag guaranteed to put a smile on your face. It’s loaded with treats that show this marina understands what boaters enjoy: goodies like travel packs of laundry detergent, crackers, and homemade local pumpkin butter.
Sherry, we especially enjoyed the pumpkin butter! [ hint … hint ]
Best and see you On the Water,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Osprey Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Osprey Marina
Osprey Marina lies at the southern foot of AICW section known officially as the Pine Island Cut (a. k. a. “the Rock Pile”), just as the Waterway sweeps south into beautiful Waccamaw River. Osprey Marina is one of the finest marinas you will ever discover, and these good folks are A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
What more can I add? The friendliest staff and great facility. Good fuel prices and cheap dockage too. Twice we have been picked up by Scatori’s for dinner. What a treat and a fantastic grocery store next to restaurant. Highly recommend.
Jim Smith
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Osprey Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Osprey Marina
Certainly the Waccamaw River is one of the most scenic portions of the AICW. The dark waters and moss-hung cypress trees take you to another time before GPS and Iphones. Thoroughfare Creek anchorage lie west of the Waccamaw River/ICW flashing daybeacon #73. We think that, along with Bull Creek, Thoroughfare Creek is one of the two best places to anchor along the AICW’s trek down Waccamaw River, in these lands and waters of many, many fine anchorages.
Oct 9 Anchored at Thoroughfare Creek Anchorage, anchored just off the ICW in 16 of water near the mouth of the creek, very quite night.
Doug Cordello
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Thoroughfare Creek
Many good words about newly renovated (and under new ownership) Bucksport Marina and their on-site restaurant, continue to be recorded here on the Cruisers’ Net! And, of course, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! PLEASE patronize them and all our other sponsors whenever possible!!!!
A great place in a spectacular location. Good food and music on the deck (And they are adding a larger covered deck). Staff is friendly and helpful and anxious to make your stay a great one.
Dan Virga
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Directory Listing For Bucksport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bucksport Marina
Many good words about newly renovated (and under new ownership) Bucksport Marina and their on-site restaurant, continue to be recorded here on the Cruisers’ Net! And, of course, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! PLEASE patronize them and all our other sponsors whenever possible!!!!
This location is quaint and beautiful! The view is simply fantastic and Chef Jay made our visit extremely memorable. The food was delicious and the Chef came over and talked to us, it was so personable! If you have yet to stop while heading south, DO NOT pass this place up!!
Mae M
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Directory Listing For Bucksport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bucksport Marina
Osprey Marina lies at the southern foot of AICW section known officially as the Pine Island Cut (a. k. a. “the Rock Pile”), just as the Waterway sweeps south into beautiful Waccamaw River. Osprey Marina is one of the finest marinas you will ever discover, and these good folks are A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
We stayed one night on return from Bald Head to Georgetown and wanted to avoid the carnival of Myrtle Beach. What a great spot! We are a 47′ Beneteau and had no problem getting in and out. The most helpful, curtious staff we have ever encountered. Cleanest baths, laundry and marina building possible. Enjoyed an outstanding Italian dinner with pickup and return service. Couldn’t ask for more, every marina could learn from Osprey. We will be back next time.
Bill Saint
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Osprey Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Osprey Marina
Now here’s a really useful article from our strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, founders and owners of On The Water ChartGuides. Sometimes we all, or at least I do, get so wrapped up with memories of an anchorage’s natural beauty, rich history and superb shelter, we forget there may be another side to the story.
And, indeed, that is just the case here. Along a river replete with wonderful spots to drop the hook overnight, Thoroughfare Creek vies with Bull Creek for the best of the best in this region. And yet, as you will see below, there may be certain times of the year when a disadvantage or two may show up in these waters. Read on!
The Waccamaw River in Summer: More PWCs than Mosquitoes
Thoroughfare Creek October 15 Versus June 15
We often revel in the changing seasons. Every transit is different depending on the weather, the seasonal cloud formations, the patterns of bird and mammal migration, and the colors of the wooded shores or saltmarsh expanses.
But here’s a seasonal change we weren’t expecting: the Waccamaw River in summer.
For most experienced ICW cruisers, the Waccamaw River is one of their favorite cruising grounds. Anchorage after peaceful anchorage, typically the only boat tucked into a surreal cypress setting draped with Spanish moss. Birds call from the dark swampy woods and ospreys whistle from their huge stick nests.
But that’s the Waccamaw River of early spring or fall. Come summer, especially on weekends, this waterway that is part of a national wildlife refuge becomes a playground for the jet skis, pontoon boats, and Baja cruisers from nearby overflowing Myrtle Beach.
Don’t believe us? We witnessed quiet Thoroughfare Creek anchorage (STM 388.8) become a speedway for party boats to access the sandy bluffs at charted Belin, known to locals as “Sandy Island.” It looked like Coney Island!
So we gave up on anchoring in Thoroughfare Creek, deciding to press on along the magenta line. We departed the Waccamaw with the company of a noisy jet skier, zig-zagging back and forth right off our stern using our wake to “catch some air.”
Sheesh …
Best and see you On the Water!
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
I live in the area and often anchor in Thoroughfare Creek for the evening. It is a beautiful and very special spot. Fortunately for most cruisers, it is quiet and serene during the normal passage times. Just plan to forget it on the weekends from Memorial Day through Labor day….Before and after that, it’s all yours!
Geoff Groat
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Thoroughfare Creek Anchorages
Osprey Marina lies at the southern foot of AICW section known officially as the Pine Island Cut (a. k. a. “the Rock Pile”), just as the Waterway sweeps south into beautiful Waccamaw River. Osprey Marina is one of the finest marinas you will ever discover, and these good folks are A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Stayed the night in late April on our way south to Savannah. I second the great review. Very protected and super staff. Had a great Italian dinner in town with free transportation from the restaurant. Highly recommended stop!
Richard Brown
As of 6/5/2012, the Grill at Osprey Marina is still not open, but as Richard points out, there is an Italian restaurant nearby, Scatori’s (843-650-3370), that will come and pick you up at the marina, and then return you to the docks after dining. Their website is http://www.scatoris.com.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Osprey Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Osprey Marina
Many good words about newly renovated (and under new ownership) Bucksport Marina and their on-site restaurant, continue to be recorded here on the Cruisers’ Net! And, of course, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! PLEASE patronize them and all our other sponsors whenever possible!!!!
Glad to see them open yet once again; we were saddened by the appearance of the closed marina last year on our way south. We have been cruising the waterway for many years and have watched them open and close so many times we lost count. We have enjoyed many meals at the restaurant and love the homemade sausage. Bucksport is a quaint, cool and refreshing stop along the ICW.
Cap’n Norman s/v Blown Away
Called this morning [6/5/2012] to ask if they had Conway sausage. The person I spoke to told that they do NOT have it and that he did not know what the problem was. We always used to drop by and purchase more than a few pounds of this delectable sagey Hot and Mild sausage. Haven’t had any for several years.
Betsy Basch
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Directory Listing For Bucksport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bucksport Marina
"Blue Run Springs Park Manatees – St. Johns River"
by: Glen and Jill Moore
