Cat’s Paw Canvas is 10 miles north of Beaufort and can be reached at 252-728-2122.
I would like to put in a good word for Cat’s Paw Canvas out of Beaufort, NC. I had a small need for Sunbrella fabric and Rick took very good care of me, and quickly. Nice to know that there are still folks out there that are great people!!!
Mike Williams, SV Chardonnay, Wilmington, NC
Core Creek Marine, owned and managed by our good friend, Jim Flynt, overlooks the eastern banks of the Core Creek section of the AICW, north of Beaufort. This yard is part of the Jarrett Bay Marine Industrial Park complex, and you simply can’t find a better place to have your boat serviced. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by one and all here at the Cruisers’ Net!
I recently had work done at Core Creek Marine. They were courteous, attentive, detailed in their description and execution of the work, and pointed out future issues we might have with our boat. Karmen the office manager was particularly helpful and went out of her way to ensure all our questions were answered and we were satisfied with the work. Thanks Core Creek and well done.
Ben
Beaufort, NC isn’t known as “the” success story of the Atlantic ICW for nothing. This wonderful port of call remains one of our favorite anytime, anywhere!
We join with Captain Ben in highly recommending the Pecan Tree Inn and Beaufort Grocery Company. Also, for equally great dining, don’t dare miss Spouter Inn on Front Street in Beaufort!
Wanted to share some good experiences with Beaufort we had recently. There are a few, so here goes:
1. We had some out-of-town guests recently stay at the Pecan Tree Inn, while we tied/anchored aboard our trawler. They could not have been more pleased. We have not stayed there, but it came well recommended and our friends were very happy there.
2. Our party of seven ate at the Beaufort Grocery and rarely would I rave about food, but theirs is worth a few raves. A couple in our party had the petite filet (very happy), and I had the tortilla encrusted yellow fin tuna and it was exquisite. Service was great and food was out of this world.
3. Came in one night at Beaufort Docks, after hours and tied up after hailing 3 times without response around 7pm. No worry as winds were calm at tie-up and our crew very capable. I love Beaufort Docks, but in my humble opinion $2.30 a foot on an April weekday seems awfully proud. Friendly staff and average (could be tidier) showers. I groused a bit about the cost, but as the dockmaster presiding over many the empty slips told me: `location, location, location’. Okay I guess.
4. The daylight bridge master for Beaufort Bridge is professional, quick to respond, and friendly. Just left a great impression as we had a couple transits this week with the bridge. Good folks always make a pleasant trip memorable.
Enjoy.
Ben
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Beaufort, NC Waterfront
Cedar Creek intersects the AICW/Adams Creek at Quick Flashing Green Marker #9, immediately south of the intersecting range lights and just as Adams Creek turns to the southwest. The old sailboat wreck lies almost exactly in the center of the mouth of the creek, due east of Flashing Marker #9.
The mast is gone from wreck but pvc pipe and floats marking it are very visible. Plenty of room nice spot.
Captain Ron & Audrey aboard Lucky Girl
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cedar Creek Anchorage
Town Creek Marina, located on Beaufort, NC’s Town Creek, southeast of the Gallants Channel’s lighted marker #14, continues to please cruisers with their facilities and service.
As soon as we received the message below, we called Town Creek Marina to check on their current overnight transient dockage rate. Turns out wet slips are STILL $2.00 per foot, per night, BUT berths on the outer face dock are indeed $2.40 per foot, per night. We have now changed our “North Carolina Marina Directory” entry for Town Creek Marina to reflect these dockage charges.
We are staying at Town Creek Marina tonight. Stayed here before. Very friendly people and nice Restaurant. However the rate you mention is wrong. They charge $2.40/foot. They still give the 25% boat US discount which brings it down to $1.80.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Town Creek Marina
This lovely anchorage lies well off the AICW, and is accessed via Beaufort Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean. We have received many positive comments about this locale, and, in fact, Cape Lookout Bight may well be the single most popular anchorage on the waters of coastal North Carolina!.
This is worth a special trip. Cruisers who by-pass this on their way south are missing one of the most beautiful places on the eastern seaboard. If you are headed to the Exumas, well here is a preview for you. Clean water, miles of undeveloped gorgeous beaches inside the Bight and outside on the ocean with world-class shells (it’s a National Seashore). Break out the dinghy and stay a few days! Only 12 NM from Morehead City. You are on open ocean, so mind the surf and current forecast for navigating the inlet and the trip over there. In good conditions you can cut straight to Masonboro Inlet 70NM from here and miss some of the less attractive parts of the ICW (in our opinion)
George and Ann aboard Hatteras 56MY
The DIY boatyard recommended by Captain Rachelle below resides in the Jarret Bay Boatworks complex on the eastern shores of the AICW/Core Creek, north of Beaufort, NC. There are many independent repair firms in this complex, and the second message posted below specifically identifies which is the subject of Captain Rachelle’s message.
If you ever make it to NC, DIY Boatyard and Storage caters to DIY boaters. ICW Marker 198- Private boatyard. Hope this helps the DIYer’s out there.
Rachelle
Hello Capt. Young,
Yes, definitely more details! (I wasn’t sure if links or mentions of websites were permitted on posts). Thanks!
The name of the boatyard is DIY Boatyard and Storage. It is located at 1125 Spartina Dr., Beaufort, NC. The boatyard is inside the Jarrett Bay Industrial Marine Park, but is independently owned and operated. You can find more details on the boatyard at this website: http://www.diyboatyard.com. ICW Mile Marker 198 is the location by water.
Hope this helps!
Rachelle
Taylor Creek Anchorage opposite the Beaufort Waterfront is a popular and often crowded anchorage. Captain Chris prefers the less busy Town Creek Anchorage. Note that Town Creek Marina is indeed still in business, part of the welcome expansion and improvements the City of Beaufort is making to its waterfront.
I’d highly recommend the Town Creek anchorage over the Taylor Creek anchorage. We stayed at the Town Creek anchorage for a couple of weeks in December of ‘˜09 while waiting for a good window to Charleston. We always held well, never really saw a west wind that we cared about and it’s an easy dinghy ride around the corner to the town dinghy dock. I don’t know if the Town Creek Marina is still in business, but the restaurant there was pretty good (excellent steamed oysters and shrimp in season). They were also pretty nice people ‘“ one guy who worked there gave me a ride to the gas station to fill my dinghy tank (their pumps were shut down for service). If you don’t mind walking (which we never did), the Piggly Wiggly is literally 1.0 miles from the anchorage, and the marina didn’t seem to mind us tying up our dinghy. Things might be different during peak season vs. December though.
Captain Chris aboard SV Pelican
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Town Creek Marina
This anchorage has good shelter for vessels up to 48 feet, but it can be very crowded as we have heard from numerous boaters.
We were there in May, 2010. Lots of moorings with little space to anchor. Lots of current. Lots of Fishing boats on the docks. Not suggested.
Captain Lew Hill
Sea Gate Marina guards the Waterway’s western banks, just north of the Core Creek bridge. This facility has a well sheltered harbor, but we’ve noted some thin depths here in the past.
Stopped in for diesel a couple times. Nice, friendly place, competitive prices. One concern ‘“ chatty young dock-hand is inexperienced and spent most of his time working on chatting up my teenage daughter and her friend, who later described this young man as `creepy’. Seagate would be best served letting this chatty fellow mow the grounds, plant some trees, and scrape some barnacles until he can develop a better customer persona. I still churn some mud when turning around in there (should have used a spring line from the dock, but didn’t), and I draft 3-1/2’³. I heard a cruiser on Ch16 turn away from Seagate because they reported 5ft he draws 5-1/2. Great place otherwise, it looks like they’ve beefed-up their fuel dock with better pilings and planking. They keep on improving.
Captain Ben
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Sea Gate Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sea Gate Marina
The Sanitary Fish Market Restaurant has a long and interesting history and has pleased the palates of many a seafood lover. My wife and I first dined there twenty eight years ago when it was still a screen porch with picnic tables on open-planked floors over the water and the food was delicious! When we were last there, tied up overnight at their free dock, the air-conditioning, carpeting and upscale decor had not diminished the quality of the menu, as John agrees.
We have always found the food at the Sanitary very enjoyable. We don’t read the Internet’¦ just drive there and enjoy!
John
This is not the first laudatory posting we’ve had here on the Cruisers’ Net concerning the Ruddy Duck Tavern in Morehead City. This fine dining spot is within walking distance of Morehead City Yacht Basin (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR), the city dock and the Morehead Gulf Docks. I can’t wait to check the Ruddy Duck out for myself! However, note Captain Bender’s warning that overnight dockage at this restaurant is not guaranteed!
The menu is extensive, food is prepared impeccably, and the taste is definitely palate-pleasing. If you’re in the area, you simply must sample their fare.
However, despite several sites’ comments on free dockage and power with a meal purchase, this is not necessarily so. I made the mistake of calling ahead for “permission” and was told that was for small boats who’d be in and out and not for a stay of several hours nor over night. I now realize that it’s better to act first and ask forgiveness second! When we arrived, there was a large sailboat tied to RD’s dock so we were happy to go to Sanitary’s dock for $10. 24 hours later when we departed, the sail boat was still there. I called, spoke with owner, Bill, who asked that I disseminate the information to all that the offer for overnight dockage is valid during his off-season. I never did get an explanation of the sailboat’s “special privilege”.
And again, their food is a gastronomic delight!
Laura Bender
M/V Kindred Spirit III
Grand Banks Classic 42
I am a big fan of Ruddy Duck and stayed on the float a month back. We stayed Thursday night and were planning a second night when we were asked very nicely to not stay since Friday was a busy night. Every night we have been there the place is packed. I guess the reasoning is that several small boats can fit in the spot we occupy and bring mucho customers and we are only two. We asked when landing about using the power and were told NO but later we were allowed to connect.
There are junior staff that one runs into and they really do not know what to say. I spoke to Fabian the owner or the woman who seems to be in authority and they gave me a straight answer. Small boats have several temporary docking opportunities close by and we have the Sanitary dock. I would offer to let small boats raft to me if I notice them. As a rule I would not expect to stay more than one night.
I am such a fan of the place that I often route people going into Sanitary Rest. (an awful place) to RD. I pointed to one big group (who asked my advice) that the great smells they were smelling were coming from RD and not Sanitary. Sanitary is the one restaurant that whenever its name is mentioned people volunteer that the food is awful. The owner thanked me for the recommendation later since the group mentioned my comments to him. BTW the combo fish platter is hands down the best seafood I have eaten and the leftovers fuel next nights dinner.
Greg and Susan Han
As many of you know already, the horseflies – along with the heat wave – have been busy all along the North Carolina coast and, as Captain Ben points out, Cape Lookout Bight was not spared. “Bight” was an apt name for his weekend, don’t you think?
Went to Cape Lookout on June 9th. Beware ‘“ the Horseflies will feast on you! Keep your cabin doors closed and check your screens! I am still scratching! (Of course we went on shore and got eaten there too). Early in the morning we saw sea turtles swimming in the bight, they are a bit shy. Bring a mask and snorkel for seeing the underwater life. Enjoy!
Captain Ben
Click Here To View an Earlier Posting on Cape Lookout Bight Anchorage
Click Here To Read Earlier Comments For Cape Lookout Bight
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cape Lookout Bight
Cape Lookout Bight is almost due north of Cape Lookout and, as Claiborne points out in the link below, is best accessed via the Beaufort Inlet, rather than through Back Sound, departing the AICW at Statute Mile 205 and running the short distance down the coast.
Agree with everything but launching the apples. The national seashore restricts feeding the horses because they’re digestive systems have been adapted to the shore grass with low nutritional value. Eating apples, carrots, etc. can give them colic. The horses are not regularly checked out so there’s not anyone there to treat this condition. Better to row over to Shackleford and hike in to see them. The shelling on Shackleford is outstanding.
Click Here To Read Earlier Comments For Cape Lookout Bight
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cape Lookout Bight
Yes, Captain Frank is quite right. For at least the last ten years, I’ve discouraged even experienced skippers from attempting to take cruising sized vessels out the eastern end of Taylor Creek. That’s really too bad, as these waters lead to the likes of Harkers Island, the Straits, and eventually Core Sound. These are some of the least discovered waters along the North Carolina coastline, but, then again, after perusing the photos below, you will quickly understand why!
Claiborne…….you have always said that the east end of Taylor’s Creek was a great mystery….thought you would get a kick out of these photos !
Regards,
Frank
Evidently, private moorings which reduce swing room are an ongoing problem in Taylor Creek. In case you missed Claiborne’s comments of last October, please read on:
The installation of private moorings on Taylor Creek has been going on for some years now. The town has chosen not to regulate this practice, at least not yet. I’m very sorry to hear the reduced swing room is one of the results of this activity. So many of us in the cruising community like to anchor on Taylor Creek and experience the delights of the Beaufort Historical District. Of course, you can always pick up a slip at the Beaufort Town Docks. Everything except a supermarket is within easy walking distance. If you do anchor on Taylor Creek, there are free dinghy docks at both the eastern and western ends of the principal waterfront. The westerly pier is particularly convenient to the downtown shopping district.
Kinda tight anchorage, but good location.
Capt. Sterling
Sea Gate Marina guards the Waterway’s western banks, just north of the Core Creek bridge. This facility has a well sheltered harbor, but we’ve noted some thin depths here in the past.
We have been shopping marinas. We like Seagate because of it’s price and closeness to the beach. We looked over Seagate in March 2010. They have remodeled the inside of their marina lounge, and seem to be improving the facility. My wife and I were surprised to find they remodeled the old plastic-walled dingy bathrooms with hard tile. Great job!
For some pretty cheap money, they should add some coverage trees (Leyland Cypress grow fast!) and some shrubs to eliminate that barren look they have. They still have a `last outpost’ feel about the place. Nice marina, but still feels a bit sparse on atmosphere. Improving though, keep it up!
Ben
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Sea Gate Marina
Core Creek Marine is located on the grounds of Jarrett Bay Marine Industrial Park. This complex, in turns. overlooks the Waterway’s eastern banks between Neuse River and Beaufort/Morehead City. I know from personal experience that Jim Flynt, the owner of Core Creek Marine, does nothing except top quality work, at very fair prices. Give them a try! You won’t be sorry!
Subject: yard work
Cruising News: I just finished having Core Creek Marine work on my boat, a 1973 48\’ Meridian. They installed new throttles and shifts (control head and cables) as well as some interior carpentry and bottom painting. I was very pleased with the work. I wanted to do some things myself and have them do other parts, a very difficult arrangement with some yards. They were agreeable to any arrangement and charged 2/3rds of what it would have cost in my own yard near Annapolis. They are located in the Jarrett Bay Industrial Park and use Jarrett Bay’s travel lifts.
John Walsh
I could not agree with Captains David and Dixie more! Some of the very best nights we have ever spent on the water have been enjoyed while swinging on the hook in Cape Lookout Bight!
While it is possible to find your way to this anchorage from Harkers Island and Back Sound, by way of Barden Inlet, this route has some real shoaling problems, and the aids to navigation are scattered and hard to identify on some parts of this passage. Most cruisers will want to cruise to the Bight from Beaufort Inlet.
We live in NC and love the Beaufort/ Morehead area. If you decide to stay there be sure to spend some nights out at Cape Lookout. There are no marinas, restaurants, traffic, …. just a lot of quiet and beautiful beaches. You should be able to watch the weather and have several 60 degree days. Perfect for walking the beaches.
You will be far enough away from light pollution to see the milky way at night.
Be sure to take a spud launcher to launch apple halves to the wild horses. Launch a couple and the horses will appear shortly. Fun to watch the horses chase the apples.
Watch the tide in this area. It can have a 6 foot swing and turns in a hurry. I’ve grounded there once and have seen locals from Harkers Island get grounded there also (course they would rather say they got liquored up and fell asleep than admit to making a nautical mistake).
David and Dixie
Went to Cape Lookout on June 9th. Beware – the Horseflies will feast on you! Keep your cabin doors closed and check your screens! I am still scratching! (Of course we went on shore and got eaten there too)
Early in the morning we saw sea turtles swimming in the bight, they are a bit shy. Bring a mask and snorkel for seeing the underwater life.
Enjoy!
Agree with everything but launching the apples. The national seashore restricts feeding the horses because they’re digestive systems have been adapted to the shore grass with low nutritional value. Eating apples, carrots, etc. can give them colic. The horses are not regularly checked out so there’s not anyone there to treat this condition. Better to row over to Shackleford and hike in to see them. The shelling on Shackleford is outstanding.
This writer has the distinct advantage of having spent a good part of his boyhood in Morehead City and Beaufort. Thus, there I times I think I could almost navigate these waters blindfolded.
However, for those without such long standing local knowledge, I heartily endorse Captain advice below. There are LOT of channels in this region, and first timers could be hard put to follow the correct track on the chart, without some advance study.
Cruising News: The southbound ICW channels approaching and through Morehead City NC is a difficult area if one isn’t familiar with them. We recommend that anyone transiting this area for the first time make sure they familiarize themselves with the twists and turns the southbound ICW channel takes as the charts are so congested, that they are hard to follow.
Bob and Teddie Viola
on “Lady T”
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