The narrow (compared to other Albemarle Sound rivers) but deep Roanoke River, is the southwesternmost of the nine rivers which feed into Albemarle Sound. In years past, cruising upstream to the community of Plymouth, NC, was frustrating for those looking to find wet slip dockage. There were some wet slips along the city waterfront, but they were forgettable, to say the least. ALL THAT HAS NOW CHANGED IN A BIG WAY FOR THE BETTER!
In late May, 2013, we received the brief report from Captain Jean Thomason below, informing one and all that Plymouth had invested in new docks for visiting cruisers, which were now open, and ready to accept visitors. We requested more information from the cruising community, and this appeal resulted in the second note below authored by Captains Danny and Jan.
Well, clearly there were/are BIG changes afoot in this small community, particularly in regards to their welcoming attitude towards, and services for, visiting cruisers. So, we got on the telephone and had an extensive conversation with Mike Wright, Plymouth’s General Services Director.
The result of all this up close and personal research is very happy news indeed. The town of Plymouth now boasts all-new, fixed, concrete decked wet slips, featuring fresh water and 30-50 amp power hookups, in a facility known as Plymouth Landing Marina. Some slips have 30 amp service and others feature 50 amp hookups. The wet slips designed for larger craft have depths of 12 to 14 feet, while some of the smaller berths have 4.5 to 6 feet of waters. And, we were able to confirm the report from Danny and Jan, that visiting cruisers can enjoy ten day’s free dockage at these fresh city piers, including power and water connections.
The dockage basin lies under the watchful eye of a reproduction of the Roanoke River screw-pile lighthouse. The eye catching feature adds considerably to the visual appeal of this city facility.
Shoreside, mariners will discover climate controlled showers, and a laundromat. Waste pump-out service is available for a very reasonable $5,00. There are two restaurants within walking distance, one of which is open for breakfast. There are also several museums in downtown Plymouth which are well worth your attention.
It’s a hefty 1+ mile walk to Highway 64, where you will find a supermarket and chain drugstore. Those cruising with bicycles will find this an easy trip.
CLEARLY, with all these new facilities, cruisers now have a new, prime destination just off Albemarle Sound. Please help spread the word about Plymouth’s new welcome and new services for visting cruisers.

New Plymouth, NC City Docks and Reproduction Roanoke River Lighthouse

Because our marina (Cypress Cove, formerly IYC) is at Columbia, we often cruise west on Albemarle Sound. Plymouth on the Roanoke River has just opened new town docks. We hear they are nice and free. Plymouth has shops, a museum (with replica of the Abemarle, a Confederate ironclad) and a lighthouse in the historic part of town along the waterfront.
Jean Thomason

I would like to tell everyone about the new town docks in Plymouth NC. Very nice slips (10 slips ) with power and water at no charge. They have very nice rest rooms and showers with a washer and dryer. There is also a pump out with just a 5.00 charge.
We stayed there in April and was very pleased. Oyster Bar short walk away was great. Breakfast at Stella’s down the street was very good. There was also three Museums in easy walking distance.
The east end where the larger slips are the water 12 to 14 feet and the west end on the T we marked 4.5 feet. These slips are not where the old slips are. These are at the west end of town in front of the Light House. Very nice.
Danny and Jan on the Mosey

Plymouth is a great town to visit for it’s Civil War history and all the good things mentioned here. My great grandfather served with the Union army and became a prisoner of war when the town was retaken.
However, there is a charted fixed bridge of 50′ vertical clearance between the town and Albemarle Sound that will keep most sailboats from visiting. We have anchored just before the bridge and used our dinghy. I think we were lucky to not hit a snag with the anchor since the Roanoke River is dense with cypress on both sides.
Harry Burns
S/V Two for the Roads

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Plymouth City Docks

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Plymouth City Docks