Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Oct 6, 2008by: Curtis Hoff No Comments

Waccamaw River to Conway, SC

It is quite possible for vessels that can clear a 28 (approx.) foot fixed bridge to leave the ICW near where it enters the northern poriton of the Waccamaw River, and cruise upstream to the city of Conway, SC. Here you will find a small, city marina, that, accoring to Captain Jim's note below, has recently added power hookups to their visitor's dock.
I've always liked this trip. but you do have to pay attention to navigation. Depths outside the marked cut are nil.
I cant' agree with Captian Jim's comments about liking Conway better than Georgetown or Beaufort, but, for those not in a hurry, this is indeed a side trip well worth making.

I made this same recommendation about 2 years ago in this list. I'm glad to see that Conway has gotten even better with the addition of real power. When we were there, I was able to find 15 amp at the base of a lamppole along the Riverwalk.
I place Conway as a better stop along the ICW in SC than MB, Georgetown or Beaufort, but not Charleston.
Jim
(from the GL Mailing List)

If you decide to stop at Conway, SC, be sure you get pumped out first. Their pump out station has been MIA for over three years. The docks north of the marina have 110V service, the City Marina transient dock has 30 AMP power, but is poorly maintained.
Dan

Greetings from Conway, SC,
Just wanted to let those of you who are not in a big hurry to head south this winter that Conway, SC is a wonderful stop and a BEAUTIFUL trip up the Waccamaw River. Conway is located about 12 miles up the Waccamaw River, head up the river where it leaves the ICW. Life's2Short runs about 8mph, and between our "speed" and the no-wake areas on the river it took us a little over 2 hours to get up here. Our charts were only good for the first 6 miles of the river, however the river is well marked and we never saw less than 6' (at low tide) the entire trip. As an added bonus the 2 free 40' floating docks at the Riverwalk now have 30 & 50 amp power, for FREE!! The docks are located just below the bridge on your port side. The town is very friendly and offers a number of places to drink, dine, & shop. Life's2Short tips their hat to the City of Conway for having such a nice place for cruisers to visit, keep up the great work!
Try the Gouda & Bacon Spinach Cakes @ Berni's, they are to die for!!!
Brenda & Todd Lanning
M/V Life's2Short
40' Oceania

Claiborne,

We have taken this trip from North Myrtle Beach to Conway twice.

First was Spring of 2007 My GPS runs out just North of Peachtree Landing on the Waccamaw. I used the Virtual Earth website and made pictures of the route to Conway. The river is marked, but there are places you can get "confused" leading to a dead end in shallow water. The river was low in the Spring, and we had some 4 ft spots on the depth sounder.

We just did the trip again and this year the river is up. Lowest we saw was 6 feet. We stayed at Conway Marina the first time. They have gas, water and power at the dock ($1.00 a foot), showers and toilets in the building. They give you a key for after they close. No diesel available.

This year we used the Bed & Breakfast's slip as my in-laws were staying there before coming back with us. Power and water at the slip. Tight fit getting into the slip. We have a 28 ft Four Winns, single screw. Take it real slow in that marina!!

Just past the marina is a day dock that has power and water pedestals. These are new from last year. Closer there to walk into town. Assume the City controls these.

You can cruise past Conway, but I'm not sure how far. There is a railroad swing bridge that apparently closes on short notice just North of town. Do not know who you would call to get it reopened, so we did not venture past.

It is a great trip. Little traffic and some interesting sights. Lots of Osprey/Eagle nest enroute. They were occupied on the Spring trip. We averaged about 10 mph and it took us about 4 hours. No need to hurry.

Hope this info helps out.

Tracy & Jeanne Millar