Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

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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Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Alligator River Marina
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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
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Belhaven Waterway Marina
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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
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Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For 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
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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
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May 20, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Dowry Creek Marina, AICW Statute Mile 131.5

Dowry Creek Marina - Click for Chartview
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.
This is one of my favorite places to stop whenever heading north or south from Albemarle Plantation. Staff is very friendly and knowledgable. Rates are good and there is a lovely club house where there is a social hour each evening. Loaner cars are available for trips into town.
Bill Denison
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Dowry Creek Marina
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May 14, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Dowry Creek Marina (Statute Mile 131.5)
On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 131.5 ‘“ who has had the good fortune to visit with Captain Mary at Dowry Creek Marina, north of AICW/Pungo River marker #5? Please give us a full description of what you found. Were you able to find transportation to nearby Belhaven for dining or provisioning?
Responses follow:
Dowry Creek is a nice stop. It is a clean friendly place. They supplied transportation for trips into town. The only downside to the Marina is, it is less then 30 miles south of the Alligator River anchorage and that is not a days run for me. On the way south, everyone stops at Alligator River mile 103, so they at least want to make it to Belhaven, before they stop.
Edward Hart
Without question, this marina is a must stop traveling N. or S. Excellent facility, fuel, clean restrooms, vehicle for your use, easy access with help from the staff. Great hospitality room for potluck meals. Relax!
Captain Steve Atkinson
Dowry Creek was a fabulous place to be! We were there with about 12 other boats waiting for Hurricane Sandy to pass! Mary and her staff could not have been more cordial or helpful! We had full use if her pool house and were told we could stay there if we felt uncomfortable due to the storm. We had cocktails or a potluck every night and seminars during the day! We felt like kids at Camp Dowry Creek with Mary as our Camp counselor. There was a courtesy car to use for shopping or dining. The showers and laundry were clean. The sailors quickly became close friends and shared experiences!
We made friends there who will be friends forever! Mary offered us all a great rate due to the storm. She and her staff went out of their way to make sure we were all safe and happy! We hope to return in May northbound!
Happy to have chosen Dowry as a safe place. It is protected from NWE but in far enough that we hardly rocked!
Tomfoolery
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Dowry Creek Marina
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May 12, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Deep Point/Alligator River Anchorage (Statute Mile 102)
On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 102 ‘“ anyone anchored on the waters of Alligator River, near Deep Point and marker #43? Did you find this to be an adequate anchorage? What depths did you discover?
Responses follow:
We have anchored here several times in the past when the wind was from the right direction (south to southwest). Just follow depths on chart. This April, with strong winds from the west to northwest forecast, we decided to go up the upper Alligator for an anchorage. A GPS helps on this trip. We anchored up past Cherry Ridge Landing in 10 feet of water.
Jean Thomason
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Deep Point/Alligator River Anchorage
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May 12, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments 35.5582,-76.46829999
Upper Pungo River Anchorages (Statute Mile 127.5)

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On 5/19/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 127.5 – who has anchored on the upper reaches of Pungo River, abandoned by the AICW, north of marker #23? We have always found these waters to be idyllic. Did you have the same experience? Where did you choose to anchor?
Responses follow:
We frequently use this anchorage which is convenient at south end of the ditch. Minimum water is about 8 feet just behind marker 23. Good holding in either suggested anchorage. Were in there last week with 5 other boats.
Gray Riddick
Gray Ghost
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Upper Pungo River Anchorages
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May 12, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Alligator River Marina (Statute Mile 84)
On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List,we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 84 ‘“ who has spent a night or two at Alligator River Marina, just north and west of the Alligator River Bridge? Please describe your experience and impressions at this marina. What sort of depths did you observe between the Waterway and the marina entrance? Did you dine ashore, and, if so, how was the food?
Responses follow:
In 15 years of cruising coastal NC we have probably spent more nights here [Alligator River Marina] than anywhere else ‘“ probably 25% were weather related delays Our stays with Miss Wanda have always been good but realize some visitors have not shared our opinion. Food in the convenience store-truck stop ‘“marina is well priced, fast and welcome break from the boat.
Gray & Betty Riddick
I saw no issues with depth entering this marina (at least 8 feet everywhere). The staff was very helpful with docking. There is a lot of very nice grass for the dog to run and a nice clubhouse and laundry facility as well. There are limited hours for service in the small restaurant attached to the gas station out front, but the food was very good. I particularly enjoyed the alligator bites appetizer (couldn’t resist). This is a perfect stop to wait out any weather before crossing Albemarle Sound going northbound.
Larry Freedman
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Alligator River Marina
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May 10, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Pungo Creek Anchorages and Pungo Creek Marina (Statute Mile 136)
On 5/9/13 as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 136 ‘“ who has visited Pungo Creek Recently? This stream indents the Pungo River/AICW’s easterly shoreline, just south of Belhaven, NC. Did you anchor on this creek, and, if so, where? Did you visit with Pungo Creek Marina? Please give us a description of this marina and its current condition, if possible.
Responses follow:
Nice always empty anchorage in all weather except strong easterlies. Many locations are fine. Have not visited the Marina.
Gray Riddick
Gray Ghost
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Pungo Creek Anchorage
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May 10, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Belhaven, NC Marinas and Dining (Statute Mile 135.5)
On 5/9/13 as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 135.5 ‘“ I’m sure many of you have already frequented Belhaven, NC on Pantego Creek, this season. Did you dock overnight with one of the marinas? If so, please furnish us with a description of what you found. Or, did you anchor in Pantego Creek? If so, where, and did you have a problem with being rocked and rolled a bit too much? Anyone find a good spot to dine ashore in Belhaven?
Responses follow:
Belhaven Waterway Marina is great ‘“ Les and Brenda treat you like family.
Have not used them but understand the town docks are nice and believe have power.
Fish Hooks and George’s oyster bar are good
Gray Riddick
Gray Ghost
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Belhaven Waterway Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Belhaven Waterway Marina
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Apr 30, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Belhaven Waterway Marina, Belhaven, NC, AICW Statute Mile 136
Belhaven Waterway Marina - Click for Chartview
Belhaven Waterway Marina is found on the northeastern banks of Pantego Creek, north of marker #9.
There are a few choices in the Belhaven area, which is the first area when going southbound that offers marina stops after Coinjock, other than the Alligator River Marina (which is a good stop in bad weather). Over the years the choices have evolved as the marinas have changed. We find the Belhaven Waterway Marina to be best because it is located in `downtown’ Belhaven near a few stores and several restaurants. All other nearby marinas are some distance away from this area.
The marina is located inside the breakwater on Pantego Creek just off the Pungo River. It is reached by following the marked channel up the creek (past the River Forrest Marina) to the next dock area on the starboard side adjacent to a newly built multiple story condominium development. The entrance is a narrow channel next to the condos that is identified by a marina sign and a prominent gazebo. The dockage is along a fixed face dock on the port side of the channel. Water depth can be an issue when entering the channel, but we’ve brought in two boats with 5.5 foot draft without a problem.
The nearby `Fish Hooks’ restaurant is one of a few popular seafood restaurants in the area. There is no fuel at this stop. But the marina owner is a well regarded boat repair mechanic if service is needed.
Ray Kurlak
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Belhaven Waterway Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Belhaven Waterway Marina
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