Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Jul 9, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 35.533,-76.53559999
Good Visit to Dowry Creek Marina, AICW Statute Mile 131.5

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Dowry Creek Marina is a fine family-owned and family-run marina that has received MANY laudatory reviews here on the Cruisers’ Net. This facility lies off the AICW/Pungo River, north of Belhaven. Our thanks to Phil and Sandy for their good words for A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Dowry Creek Marina, near Belhaven NC
Arrived at 3:45 a very long day, 7 hours. All are very tired. The crew did great, another windy cross wind type of docking, this time we had to get the stern line hooked and spring the bow into the dock. Got to fuel, pumpout and a grocery run they do have a loaner car.
The crew on the dock were great, got every thing we needed, ref the fuel, pumpout and docking. Iced up the cooler and ready for tomorrow. All the people are really friendly and want to help out in any way they can. I would like to stop in again.
Phil and Sandy Herl

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Dowry Creek Marina
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

harold egor - July 10, 2015 - 8:51 pm

This marina is the best on the ICW. Car, pool and club house are outstanding. It is quite and clean. We had beer can chicken at the club house and watched captain Ron with fellow cruisers, a night to remember. If you need a place to rest for a couple days, this is the place. They make you feel at home.
In the morning have coffee on the deck and watch the humming birds.
Reply to harold
Mar 21, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.9095,-75.66869999
Video of Manteo Entrance Channel, Alternate Route to Alligator River

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With the Alligator River Swing Bridge closed to navigation, several of our most experienced sailors have offered alternate routes to avoid the Alligator River portion of the Waterway. See /?p=147457 and /?p=147463. One of those stops along the alternate route is Manteo, home of Manteo Waterfront Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
This video of Manteo’s entrance channel was sent to us by our friend and genuine “Old Salt” George Barr – you can trust his judgement! See George’s comments on this alternate route at /?p=147457.
Manteo Channel Entrance
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Manteo Waterfront Marina
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Mar 20, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.5422,-77.05829999
More on Alternates to Alligator River during the Swing Bridge Repairs

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With the frequent closures of the Alligator River Bridge, longtime contributors George Barr and Rick Brass offer alternatives to the Alligator River portion of the Waterway. Information on all the marinas mentioned below can be found on Cruisers’ Net’s Homepage under CRUISING NEWS AND REFERENCE DIRECTORIES – North Carolina. See /?p=147457 for more discussion of alternate routes.
To any northbound cruisers in the interim. The alternate route starts at Oriental ‘¦down the Neuse River and into the Pamlico Sound heading north.
Possible stops/marinas are Silver Lake in Ocracoke, Big Trout Marina in Englehard (45 miles from Oriental on the Western shore of the Pamlico), Manteo Waterfront Marina off Shallowbag Bay on Roanoke Island 45 miles from Big Trout’¦and then north through the Albemarle to Coinjock 35 miles away.
The passage is open and deep and has only one fully 65′ bridge and is 17 miles shorter than the ICW. Of course, weather must be considered as it is less protected. Hope this helps in the interim.
George Barr
If northbound cruisers are on a schedule during the bridge repairs, and need an alternate route, I would suggest leaving the ICW at the crossing of the Pamlico River (at about SM 150) and swing east. You will go through Pamlico Sound, with potential stops in Engelhart on the west side of the sound and Manteo on Roanoke Island, and return to Albemarle Sound and the ICW on the north side of Roanoke Island. Manteo, BTW, is a nice cruising destination and well worth the trip.
If you have time to wait for the bridge to be repaired and are looking for an hospitable spot to wait and explore, swing west about 25 miles on the Pamlico River and visit the Washington Waterfront Docks. Easy access with deep water slips. A number of good restaurants and places to explore. A good place to provision, with West Marine and a number of parts suppliers and repair opportunities. And if you need a free slip without power and water (but with nice heads and showers, and laundry facilities for boaters) you can mention this post and I will waive the 48 hour limit on free dockage.
Rick Brass
Dockmaster
Washington Waterfront Docks
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Washington City Docks
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Nov 18, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.9056,-76.02889999
High Praise for Alligator River Marina, AICW Statute Mile 84

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Well deserved praise for a fine owner-operated marina! Alligator River Marina lies on the western shore of the mouth of the Alligator River/AICW, just north of the swing bridge and southwest of flashing daybeacon #12. This facility provides the ONLY readily available dockage and fuel along the patch of the AICW between Coinjock, Elizabeth City and Dowry Creek/Belhaven!
We stayed at the Alligator River Marina in early October and found both the staff and the facilities to be great. We used their ramp to launch our 22 ft sailboat and stayed for two nights at the marina while sailing on the Alligator River and touring the nearby Alligator Wildlife Refuge. (We saw a mother black bear and two cubs playing in the road while in the Refuge.) Upon our arrival at the marina one of the staff members even assisted me in lifting our outboard motor onto its mount. Although we came prepared to cook meals on our boat the food and service at the marina grill was so good that we quickly changed plans. As long as they had extra slips they spaced the boats out in the marina so that we all had plenty of privacy. As noted by one of the other reviewers there was a beautiful moon out over the Alligator River on our first night there. Mrs. Wanda and the staff went out of their way to make our stay a pleasant one.
Philip & Genie Safriet ‘“ The Venture
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Alligator River Marina
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Oct 30, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.5325,-76.61429999
Update from River Forest Manor and Marina, Belhaven, NC, AICW Statute Mile 135.5

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One of the oldest and most beautifully located marinas in NC, River Forest Manor and Marina, under new ownership, will begin hotel and dock renovations in December after the Fall migration has ended. Until then, they do have fuel and transient slips. River Forest Marina is located on the northeastern shores of Pantego Creek, just northwest of the creek’s breakwater enclosed entrance.
River Forest Marina has been sold and is now River Forest Manor and Marina, #252-943-0030. They do sell fuel but are renovating the marina and hotel. They will start construction on the docks after the traffic goes through about December 15th. Their email is unc1975@gmail.com.
River Forest Marina is still operating but only for boat services [including transient slips] and repairs.
Kaye Adams
And Dockmaster Henry Boyd provided more details:
Dear Kaye,
Thanks for your phone call and email. On 10/23/2014, the historic River Forest Manor and Marina was purchased by a 10 member LLC with the purpose of renovating the existing facilities. Our first priority is the Marina building and docks. Construction began on 10/27/2014. We are upgrading the Marina dock house with a new exterior, including new windows and doors, new decking, renovating the bathrooms /showers, marina office, and adding laundry equipment. The main dock is operational, but upgrades will be added in the next several weeks. Both diesel fuel and gas are available now together with Wi-Fi and city water. Our gas is non-ethanol 89 octane. 30/50/ and 100 amp electrical service are available. Pump out should be operational by next week. Our goal is to provide excellent service and value for our guests. The 10 LLC members have a connection to Belhaven either by living here or are from here.Thus our reputation is on the line. Our new telephone number is 252-943-0030 and my cell is 252-943-1937. Call ahead for fuel pricing, We want to be competitive. Current dockage is $1.50 a foot. Long term dockage will be available soon, once renovations are complete to our second dock.
As a further note, Belhaven is the birthplace of the Intercoastal waterway. (see your article: /belhaven ). This past September was the 86th anniversary. Belhaven has had an annual celebration beginning last year with plans to commemorate annually.
Thanks,
Henry Boyd
Dockmaster/member
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For River Forest Marina
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Oct 1, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 35.5553,-76.43869999
More on Wilkerson Creek Bridge, Alligator/Pungo Canal, AICW Statute Mile 126

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Our thanks to Skipper Dammeyer for sharing his experiences and advice with these two bridges in reference to an earlier report, /?p=125800. Wilkerson Creek Bridge, at Statute Mile 126, is generally accepted to be only 64ft and SSECN has recommended a low wind water level for vessels needing the full 65ft clearance. Fairfield Bridge with a vertical clearance of 65ft crosses the ICW at Statute Mile 114, west of the charted Fairfield Canal.
We passed under the Fairfield and Wilkerson bridges yesterday Sept. 29 and dragged our antennas under both. This is our third trip South on the ICW with our Catalina 445, with air draft of theoretical 63′ 10’³. We did several tricks to heel the boat over and didn’t do any damage. There are no bridge boards at Fairfield and Wilkerson was reading just below the middle of 64. We did not expect to touch Fairfield, but were prepared to heal at Wilkerson. Water levels are high right now so know your air draft and be cautious.
Rick Dammeyer
And this Facebook local knowledge comment from Skipper Friedrich:
There is no lunar tide in this area, so you cannot plan ahead for low water here. The wind tide can be a foot or more. We have experienced high water here in Belhaven for several weeks.
Dave Friedrich
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Wilkerson Creek Bridge
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Comments from Cruisers (2)

John Kettlewell - October 2, 2014 - 11:41 am

I have seen as little as 62 feet showing on the board at the Wilkerson Creek Bridge, though that is unusual. If you need more than 60 feet it is important to measure your air draft over the water line very carefully, because there are several places on the ICW you may encounter extra low clearance during times of unusual tides or wind conditions. The good news is that the location of the Wilkerson bridge is very sheltered and you should be able to approach the bridge at slow speed and under good control. However, it is a long way back to Norfolk if you can’t make it, and it is not a good place to anchor and wait. It sometimes takes many days for the water level to subside.
Reply to John

Ron Cousino - October 1, 2014 - 8:27 pm

Skipper Dammeyer,
Just saw your postings on the Wilkerson Creek Bridge, not surer if you are south of Oriental yet, if you are here’s hoping you have a safe an uneventful journey without any further bridge issues, but if you are still north of Core Creek bridge; FYI….. went thru there twice on the 27th, tide board was reading 64′ on a still rising tide, my antenna also scraped and again on the 29th with 3 hours before high tide, was reading 65Ft., still scraped. also could not get under the Morehead City bridge as it was reading 63′ had to go back and go thru the Beaufort draw bridge.
Point being we have had unusually prolonged high water for the past two weeks, from a steady NE winds driving more water from the sound creating higher “wind tides ” higher than normal, but as I saw today it is closer to normal water levels in the New Bern / Oriental areas,
My mast is the same height as yours, and would love to hear of your “tricks” to heel the boat over to reduce the static height.
Capt. Ron
captnron14@gmail.com
Reply to Ron
Jun 14, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.9056,-76.02889999
More Good Words for Alligator River Marina, AICW Statute Mile 84

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As we have said many times, it’s always good to hear good things about Miss Wanda and her crew! Alligator River Marina lies on the western shore of the mouth of the Alligator River/AICW, just north of the swing bridge and southwest of flashing daybeacon #12. This facility provides the ONLY readily available dockage and fuel along the patch of the AICW between Coinjock, Elizabeth City and Dowry Creek/Belhaven!
We stayed in Alligator River Marina for the first time June 11 and 12, 2014. The entrance is well marked. The 17 or so individual docks are on starboard as you enter. The first few are longer and have four posts on each side. The smaller docks are further in and have three posts on each side. Most of the posts have cleats on them. The bulkhead is supported by a line or rip-rap so be careful backing in. The piers are about 25 feet long. The rest of the marina has alongside tie-up with ample power stations.
A slender man named Logan came to greet us and help with our lines. I could hear the hospitality in his southern drawl. He was knowledgeable about clove-hiches and spring lines.
We met Wanda in the restaurant and she was sweet as southern tea to us. She told of the recent death of a local favorite alligator called ‘˜Cheeseburger’. He had wandered onto the highway one night and was hit by a passing car. Pictures on the wall of the restaurant tell the story of him and the many black bears that live nearby.
They have free Wi-Fi but we never used it. We did use the roomy boater’s lounge with Dish TV. The restrooms, washers/dryers are in the same house north of the boat ramp.
I loved watching the moonrise at the end of the long pier that looks over the river.
We recommend this marina and hope to get back in the fall.
Max Miller
On our way North this spring we attempted to anchor in the alligator river but the wind was too strong and getting stronger ‘“ the radio was busy with boaters looking for alternatives ‘“ we hailed the marina and were told there was plenty of room with a side too tie up we requested. The marina is very sheltered and well taken care of ‘“ Wanda is great ‘“ and for all those who still like good old fashioned marketing and customer service I got a card from Wanda thanking me for using the marina!!!!
Wells Moore `Flying Corgi’
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Alligator River Marina
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Apr 14, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
REMINDER: Northern Mouth of Alligator River, Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 81
A reminder to everyone that the location of markers through this stretch does not coincide with older charts or with the Magenta line. Our oft repeated advice: follow the markers, not the Magenta line! Smaller buoys are often difficult to spot and require a reduction in speed and a sharp lookout!
For more comments on the area, see /?p=125911 and /?p=101600 and /?p=56971.
Temporary floating red buoy! Didn’t go aground but S/V ahead of us did! Slow and easy!
Adventure
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the North Mouth of Alligator River
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Jan 29, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
High Praise for Spoon River Restaurant, Belhaven, NC, AICW Statute Mile 136

Belhaven Waterfront - Click for Chartview
These reviews of Spoon River restaurant come to us from our friends at Cruisers Forum (http://www.cruisersforum.com/). Spoon River Restaurant has only been in business a little over a year and is open seven days a week. They are located just off the waterfront and are listed as:
Spoon River Artworks and Market
263 Pamlico St, Belhaven, NC ‘Ž
(252) 945-3899
And their Facebook address is:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spoon-River-Artworks-and-Market/471584979558789
My wife and I just had dinner at Spoon River restaurant in Belhaven, NC.
It was one of the top 5 meals I have ever had a chance to sit down to. To put things into perspective, I regularly eat at the finest chophouses and seafood restaurants in the world entertaining clients and enjoying the fruits of our sales channels…. on the company dime… DC, NY, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Philly, DC, London, MX City, Paris, Nairobi, Dar Es Salaam, Dubai, etc… So, we spare no expense. I am a snob and this makes me highly qualified in this regard
The encore to this awesome meal was the pricing which BLEW us away. For 2 person meal that would have easily cost us 250 in DC, including a very good bottle of wine, full meals, and deserts that were so big we could not finish them…. 75.
So, we highly recommend the unexpected pleasure in Belhaven.
Zboss
We live nearby and can second that report.
We had lunch there this fall and were quite impressed both with the food, and with the reasonable prices.
My only suggestion would be for an improvement in the wait staff. The young gentleman that served us could certainly have been more attentive.
Still highly recommended!
redsky49
We had three meals at Spoon River (northbound in the spring and back in the fall) and we are just constantly amazed by the quality, presentation and service they provide. Small town, BIG surprise. We will be back.
Win Benbow
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Carol Whitehead - July 19, 2015 - 4:31 pm

We had dinner at Spoon River last night and it was undoubtedly the best meal we have ever enjoyed. The menu choices and the food are excellent. The waitstaff are excellent and well trained. All in all a very pleasant evening. I would give them five stars!
Reply to Carol
Jan 6, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Praise for Belhaven Waterway Marina, Belhaven, NC, AICW Statute Mile 136

Belhaven Waterway Marina - Click for Chartview
Belhaven Waterway Marina is on the northeast side of the channel into Belhaven and Pantego Creek which lies to the west of Waterway statute mile 135.
Stayed here on 12/31/13. This was our first stay here but it won’t be our last. I Like this marina best in the Belhaven area. Nice couple running this Marina and they keep it very clean. It’s right downtown with several restaurants close by. We spent New Year Eve at Jacks. It is a great restaurant and bar.
Danny Styons
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Belhaven Waterway Marina
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Herb Seaton - April 27, 2018 - 8:18 am

I second the recommendation to stop at Bellhaven NC. There are several options for docking, FREE, or City @$1 foot or marinas outside, or my choice of Bellhaven Marina (252-944-0066 and they also take care of the $1 docks for the city). They have FREE washer/dryer/soap/dryer sheets/toilet paper/showers with fresh towels & soap/grills/scenic views! You are within a 5 minute walk of a big ACE hardware, Spoon River Artworks & Market restaurant (be sure to tell them to WAIT until after you’ve finished your salad to bring your entree), The Tavern w/music on weekends, Fish Hooks Cafe, Farm Boy’s restaurant (which it ain’t BUT have good short order food with a coded menu, and Georgie’s Sport & Oyster Bar (he helped tie me up in 20 mph wind when I came in, which could have been fun…. but wasn’t). This is a great place to spend a night or week in testy weather before you start up the Alligator River.
Herb Seaton
Reply to Herb
Jan 6, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from Alligator River/Bear Point Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 103

Alligator River/Bear Point Anchorage - Click for Chartview
Alligator River/Bear Point Anchorage flanks the northern side of the Waterway, north of AICW markers #45 and #47. The anchorage lies east of the northern entrance to the Alligator River-Pungo River Canal portion of the Waterway.
We anchored here on 12/30/13. It was our second time anchoring in this spot. I really like this spot for the fact its right off the waterway. Just pull over between red beacon #46 and Bear Point. It is a muddy bottom and we were in 7 ft. of water. However both times we were there it was calm winds. I wouldn’t anchor here with strong winds from the south,east or west.
Danny Styons
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Alligator River/Bear Point Anchorage
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Dec 15, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from Little Alligator River Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 82

Little Alligator River is the northernmost AICW anchorage, short of the often choppy (read that as “downright rough”) Albemarle Sound. Of course, you can always choose to berth at Alligator River Marina, just north of the bridge (a. k. a. “Miss Wanda’s place), or, on the opposite banks, “South Lake” is a real possibility as well.
Spent a night here in Oct. 2013. We had a NE wind about 15 knts. so we went all the way in just around Rocky pt. and anchored in 7 ft. of water. Had no problems. Two other boats spent the night with us. Did have lots of crab pots at the mouth. Just follow your chart plotter and the depths will match whats on the chart. At least my did. All in all I would rate this as a good anchorage.
Danny Styons
Claiborne, We often use this anchorage and prefer to anchor past Mill Point in the 8 foot area for better protection. We have sat out some nasty weather here comfortably.
Chuck and Susan. Trawler Beach House
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Little Alligator River Anchorage
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Nov 16, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
A Visit to Belhaven Town Dock, Belhaven, NC, AICW Statute Mile 135.5

Belhaven Waterfront - Click for Chartview
Belhaven Town Dock is just west of Belhaven Waterway Marina on your starboard side of the Pantego Creek channel. For questions about docking at the Town Dock, contact Les Porter, Harbor Master at Belhaven Waterway Marina, as well as Dock Master of the Town Dock, at 252-944-0066.
Stayed at Belhaven town docks 11/9/2013. The entrance is directly above the Waterway Marina. You must navigate between a group of old pilings to reach the long face dock. The first length of dock has a low wooden fence and we were told it is for short tie ups only (a pump out is in this area). As you continue in the basin there are electric & water connections. Looks like there may be space for five or six vessels. We saw depths at the seven and eight foot levels.
Earlier we had attempted to phone the dock master but couldn’t contact anyone. Shortly after we finished docking the dock master came over and said we should expect a few more vessels and should be ready for tight quarters. The fee was $1.00/ft and included electric and water. Self operated pump out was via a $5.00 token. The dock master said the town had yet to post any signs or entrance aids at this dock.
The docking was fine although no other vessels ever showed up. The dock master mentioned the `new free’ docks so we thought we would check them out as we took a walking tour of town. We walked the river front all the way out of town till we reached a fenced commercial facility about 1/2 mile out of town. We took several grassy paths out towards the river but never located these new docks.
The town itself appears a little down on its luck as though `its time had passed’. The few people we encountered on the street were friendly as was the dock master.
Jim Murtha
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Belhaven Town Dock
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Oct 23, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
October, 2013 Detailed Report on AICW/Northern Alligator River Entrance Problem Stretch (Statute Mile 81)

Click Chartlet Above to Open a Chart View Page Centered on This AICW Problem Stretch
We are once again greatly indebted to Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com) for providing the superb article below concerning a perennial AICW Problem Stretch. Happily, it looks like this veteran cruising duo have reasonably good news to report. THANKS CHUCK AND SUSAN! Please read on!
Claiborne,
We just came down the Alligator River and wanted to give you a report on the current channel conditions. Just as with our northbound transit, we found no problems and plenty of water, as long as you DON’T follow the magenta line. There are a great deal of floats in the vicinity of green “3” and a sharp lookout is prudent. In the channel running from red daymarker “8” to the floating red nun “8A,” the least depths we saw were 9.5 feet and that was near red “8.” The depths in the rest of the channel were 11 to 12 feet. This is very straightforward as long as the markers are observed and not the chart. We’ll keep you posted as we head south.
Chuck and Susan,
Trawler Beach House
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For
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Oct 20, 2013by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Vertical Clearance Report from Wilkerson Creek Bridge, AICW Statute Mile 126, Belhaven, NC

Wilkerson Bridge – Click for Chartview
If you carry a height of 65 feet, then you will want to plan your passage for low wind water levels through this bridge, since charts mark this bridge as 64 feet at mean high water. Wilkerson Creek Bridge crosses the southern foot of the Alligator River-Pungo River Canal portion of the AICW at Statute Mile 126, east of marker #27.
Clearance 10/20/13, 1230, 64 ft
Michael Powers s/v second flight
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Wilkerson Creek Bridge
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Rick Dammeyer - September 29, 2014 - 4:11 pm

We passed under the Fairfield and Wilkerson bridges yesterday Sept. 29 and dragged our antennas under both. This is our third trip South on the ICW with our Catalina 445, with air draft of theoretical 63′ 10″. We did several tricks to heel the boat over and didn’t do any damage. There are no bridge boards at Fairfield and Wilkerson was reading just below the middle of 64. We did not expect to touch Fairfield, but were prepared to heal at Wilkerson. Water levels are high right now so know your air draft and be cautious.
Rick Dammeyer
Reply to Rick
Oct 12, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from Belhaven, NC, Pungo River, AICW Statute Mile 135.5

Belhaven Cooperage Town Dock - Click for Chartview
The Belhaven Cooperage Town Dock is found just upstream of Pantego Creek red marker #12, on the north shore. This free dock is not be confused with the Wynne Gut Belhaven Town Dock, farther downstream, where fees do apply. See /?p=124114.
Pantego Creek anchorage lies west-southwest of marker #8.
We stopped in Belhaven last week and were somewhat disappointed in the new free docks. They are rather isolated and because there are no lights there, we were concerned about safety at night. Also completely covered in bird poo, so we decided to anchor instead. We did dinghy in and found that they have put in some really nice new restaurants. Perhaps the waterfront will make a come back. It is a shame that they didn’t put more thought into the new docks.
Walter Smith s/v Salt Shaker
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Cooperage Town Dock
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Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Belhaven/Pantego Creek Anchorage
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Sep 26, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Belhaven, NC Changes Town Docks Policies (Statute Mile 135.5)

Red Square Denotes the Location of Belhaven Town Dock on Wynne's Gut
Those of you who have been following the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net know we published a major article/editorial last week (on 9/19/13), verifying the polices in place for the Belhaven Town Dock on Wynne’s Gut. Partly due to all the discussion raised around this posting, and the negative reviews which appeared on OTHER, non-moderated nautical web sites and forums, and partly due to the happy news that Belhaven has now completed a SECOND town dock, the decision has been made to completely revise the dockage pricing, and clearly set forth maximum stay limits, for both Town Docks.
This posting completely supercedes our SSECN article of 9/19/13, and that story has been discontinued.
First, the bad news. There are no more free overnight stays allowed at the original Belhaven Town Dock on Wynne’s Gut. Instead, as you will see below in the note from Captain Les Porter, dockage at this facility now costs $1.00 per foot, per night, with an additional charge of $5.00 per night for a single 30 amp power hookup. A maximum stay of 72 hours is allowed. The Wynne’s Gut dock has the advantage of being located in the heart of downtown Belhaven, with its several restaurants only a few steps away.

Red Square Denotes the Location of Belhaven Cooperage Town Dock
The new Belhaven town dock, which shall hereafter be referred to as the “Belhaven Cooperage Town Dock” is located farther upstream on Pantego Creek, a short hop from marker #12. Overnight dockage at this new facility is currently free, with a maximum stay of 72 hours allowed. Berths here are composed of finger-pier type piers, set onto a fixed wooden dock. No power or water connections are yet available, though the town of Belhaven hopes to add these services soon. Cruisers should also know that it is a 5 block walk into downtown Belhaven, from the Cooperage Dock. This is still very do-able, but not as convenient as the Wynne’s Gut dock.
We are honored that the town of Belhaven has chosen the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net as the FIRST means of relaying their new dockage policy to the cruising community!
Hey Claiborne,
The town manager and I have reviewed the recent concerns from the skippers with the early check out times (9am-11am) and the short length of stay allowed for free at the Wynne’s Gut town docks.
In an effort to allow a longer stay and a later check out time we have moved our free dock location to the newly constructed Cooperage Town docks and have changed our policies to the following:
Our Belhaven Town docks at the Wynne’s Gut location on Pantego Creek are now rented at a daily rate of $1.00 per foot, per night with a maximum stay of three nights. Electrical is $5.00 for a single 30 amp hook up and water is available. Registration is required upon arrival and the check out time is 11:00am. Dockage is along side with tall pilings and the controlling depth is 6 feet. The docks are located just 100 yards past the green number 9 day marker and on the North shore in Wynne’s Gut.
Our Belhaven Town free docks are now located at the Cooperage landing on Pantego Creek just past the red number 12 day marker and 100 yards to the north shore. This site has newly constructed fixed docks with slips having finger piers and pilings, no water and no electrical. Controlling depth is 7 feet. The docks are available on a first come first serve basis with a maximum stay of 72 hours.
Thank you for all your help Claiborne,
Les
I am sorry to report that, after a telephone conversation with a reliable, local source in Belhaven, Captain Styon’s description below of the Belhaven “Cooperage Town Dock” is accurate. Cruisers will want to take all these unfortunate characteristics in mind before deciding to coil their lines here.
I rode to Belhaven by car last Wednesday to check out the docks, as we were planning a trip and this was on our list of stops. Boy am I glad I did! There are no free docks down town. They are as you said 1.00 per foot plus power. The free docks are a long way from town. I have hard time calling these town docks. They are up a path I wouldn’t think about walking at night. The docks were completely covered with sea gull poop! No lights. I can not imagine someone staying at these docks. I would feel munch safer anchored. Our new plan is skip Belhaven.
Danny Styons
WOW! People actually complaining about not getting a free dock?? Has anyone tried to get a permit for a dock lately? And why threaten to skip these small towns and not help them pay for the upkeep of their docks. Will you be happy when no shoreside facilities are available to us transients.
Jim
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Belhaven Town Dock on Wynne’s Gut
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Belhaven Town Dock on Wynne’s Gut
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Belhaven Cooperage Town Dock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Belhaven Cooperage Town Dock
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Sep 22, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.5325,-76.61429999
Report from Still-in-Business River Forest Marina, Belhaven, NC, AICW Statute Mile 135.5

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River Forest Marina - Click for Chartview
River Forest Marina, a well known stop on the AICW, lies on the northeastern shores of Pantego Creek, just northwest of the creek’s breakwater entrance to Belhaven. A phone call to Axson Smith, the marina owner/manager, confirmed that – CONTRARY TO THE REPORT BELOW – the marina is definitely open for business. Phone ahead, 252-943-2151 and let Axson know you are coming. All incoming calls are forwarded to Axson’s cell phone and he lives on the property. The on-site River Forest Restaurant and Inn are for sale, but the marina and nearby repair – boatyard will be kept open.
Rumors this marina is out of business seem to be true. Was just in Belhaven last week and visited them to see for myself. For sale signs up on the property and no one to be found on the property. The local townspeople had mixed reviews of the status of this facility. Some say it has been sold and others say it is still on the market at a reduced price. Either way a visiting boater would be better off staying at the town docks or the Belhaven Waterway Marina. Sad as I recall this marina from years ago as a thriving must stop for Snowbirds and the cruising boaters.
Doyle Evans
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For River Forest Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of River Forest Marina
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Aug 12, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from Pungo Creek Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 136

Pungo Creek - Click for Chartview
Pungo Creek makes into the western banks of the Pungo River, a short hop south of the charming community of Belhaven, NC, on Pantego Creek, and west-northwest of the AICW’s marker #8. This is a surprisingly wide stream, but with excellent depths.
A bit off the beaten track but a great place. Better shelter from East winds can be found a bit West, closer to the fixed bridge.
Dave Boxmeyer
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Pungo Creek Anchorage
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Jul 5, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Little Alligator River Anchorage – Captains Susan and Chuck Report (Statute Mile 82)
We are very pleased to present the article below, authored by our good friends, Captains Chuck Baier and Susan Landry, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com). They provide a really in-depth look at the strategically placed, but navigationally challenging Little Alligator River Anchorage.
In fact, Little Alligator River is the northernmost AICW anchorage, short of the often choppy (read that as “downright rough”) Albemarle Sound. Of course, you can always choose to berth at Alligator River Marina, just north of the bridge (a. k. a. “Miss Wanda’s place), or, on the opposite banks, “South Lake” is a real possibility as well.
Many cruisers, however, make the same choice as Susan and Chuck and set their bows for Little Alligator River. Read the article below, and learn a LOT more about what you are likely to discover!
The Little Alligator River anchorage is an excellent spot to wait out weather for either crossing the Albemarle Sound or heading south on the Alligator River. Either of these can be very unpleasant if the winds are high and from the wrong direction. Turn east into the Little Alligator anywhere between red “10” to green “11” and you will find 10 or more feet of water at the entrance. One other thing that requires caution is the number of floats around the entrance and in the river itself. Although there are quite a few, there is also plenty of space to pass between the floats, but vigilance is required. Once inside the Little Alligator River, the floats disappear. We aren’t sure why this is, but we have seen this in several rivers in North Carolina.
We found the depths in the river to be about two feet deeper than charted. Keep in mind that winds can affect the depths in the Alligator River and all connecting waters. The depths we found may be the norm, but may not be what other boaters find. Using the chartplotter, follow the deeper water behind Sandy Point or the wider and deeper water past Mill Point if winds are out of the east. Wind protection from any direction can be found for boats of almost any draft under seven feet. Pull in towards the shore, based on protection needed and as far in as draft will allow. There are visible stumps in some areas and the remains of an old wreck to the south between the entrance and Mill Point. Continuing in the river past Mill Point is a wide, deeper basin south of Rock Point that gives all around protection.
Because there is the possibility of stumps and snags on the bottom all along the rivers of this area, a trip line on the anchor might be a good idea. This will be helpful to pull the anchor out in reverse if it becomes seriously snagged. Be sure the trip line is strong enough to take the strain of pulling the anchor loose and long enough to get it up on deck and attach it to the windlass or a winch. We found this to be an excellent anchorage and sat out several storms in complete comfort and security.
Chuck Baier and Susan Landry,
Trawler Beach House
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Little Alligator River Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Little Alligator River Anchorage
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