Deep Point Marina - Click for Chartview

The marked entry channel to Deep Point Marina – A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! – lies northwest of Cape Fear River/AICW marker #20. And this is certainly not the first time we’ve received confirmation of the fine quality of work by Bennett Brothers Yachts, also A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

We’ve stopped here before. liked it, and will stop again. The dockmasters are very helpful and gave us good info on highly qualified assistance we needed from Bennett Brothers. Also, very nice people live here on their boats. We’ll be back.
Bru Brubaker

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Wilmington City Docks - Click for Chartview

Located along the easterly banks of the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington, just west of the high-rise Hilton hotel, the City Docks have long been a popular side trip for many Waterway cruisers.

We spent Labor Day weekend here (our third visit). Still love downtown Wilmington. It’s so alive with people and places! Went to the free Friday night concert and then the Farmer’s Market on Saturday. The only negative with the area is that there is no grocery store within walking distance so make sure you’re stocked up before you get here. There are two negatives about the Cape Fear River. 1) Lots of large logs always floating down the river that get jammed under your swim platform or between your boat and the dock. We ended up putting out large ball fenders to make more space. 2) Repeatedly being seriously waked by all sized boats and even jet skis. I ended up calling one of the tour boat companies to complain (nicely, of course) and they did slow down quite a bit for the remainder of our visit. But I really wish the city or someone would look into making the area near the docks a no wake zone.
Paula Spence, M/Y Sea Eagle

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Wilmington City Docks - Click for Chartview

The crew of the Sea Eagle are experienced cruisers who, as narrated below, let down their guard at the end of an otherwise pleasant visit to the City Docks of Wilmington, NC, which is a longtime popular side trip for many Waterway cruisers. The City Docks are located along the easterly banks of the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington, just west of the high-rise Hilton hotel.

Last night someone boarded our boat while we were sleeping. The person tried to take our TV but it was bolted down. He quickly grabbed the first two things he saw that he could carry – my husband’s laptop and (of all things) a small fan. We never heard a thing and didn’t discover the theft until 5:45 a.m. when Jim got up and found the saloon door wide open. We’re are very grateful that nothing else was taken and even more so that no one (including the bad guy) was hurt or worse. So how did this happen? We certainly have to take some responsibility for it. We were tired and were focused on our plans to leave in the morning instead of being in the present. Either one of two simple things would probably have prevented this. We have a very simple motion detector “driveway” alarm which we had set every night except last night. We also have a procedure for verifying that the door is locked which we had done every night except last night. We let ourselves get too comfortable with a place we’ve stayed at three times but have learned a very valuable lesson and actually got off pretty easy. Bottom line – if you stay here or at any unsecured dock, be vigilant with your security measures!
Paula aboard m/v Sea Eagle

Paula
My Friends who stayed here three years ago had the same experience. I had to check with them today after reading your posting. Someone came aboard and made a quick grab of a TV set before they woke up. Be cautious on Wilmington docks. About 10 blocks away is a rather poor neighborhood with a break-in problem.
Ben

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Navassa Waterfront - Click for Chartview

Cape Fear Boat Works is off the Waterway, upstream from the downtown Wilmington waterfront, on the main (northwest) branch of the Cape Fear River. Their facility is located 1690 N.E. Royster Rd, PO 2195, Leland, NC 28451. Telephone 910.371.3460, Fax 910.371.6555, Email info@capefearboatworksinc.com. Web page is http://www.capefearboatworksinc.com/services.html

This place is awesome! I did a total refit of my boat here. Very helpful! I paid 250/month to keep my boat inside. I could do all the work I wanted on it and it was quiet and no one bothered me while I worked. The yard worker is there for extra help and advice when necessary. Part and materials can be bought through them and delivered on site usually next day. Plenty of space, quality work, highly recommended! They can do everything from a total refit, Awl grip, bottom jobs. Hurricane Hauls, you name it this place is awesome!
Pat

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Navassa Waterfront - Click for Chartview

Cape Fear Boat Works is off the Waterway, upstream from the downtown Wilmington waterfront, on the main (northwest) branch of the Cape Fear River. Their facility is located 1690 N.E. Royster Rd, PO 2195, Leland, NC 28451. Telephone 910.371.3460, Fax 910.371.6555, Email info@capefearboatworksinc.com. Web page is http://www.capefearboatworksinc.com/services.html

Another boatyard you may wish to consider is Cape Fear Boat Works which is located 3 miles from downtown Wilmington in Navassa which is further up the Cape Fear River. I kept my boat there on the hill for over a year and the charges were around $250/month for a 52’boat. Fuel can be acquired there. The owner is a very honest and cooperative. No conflict of interest, satisfied customer.
Edmond Badham, COSMO, WIlmington, NC

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The combined enterprises of Bennett Brothers Yachts and Cape Fear Marina guard the easterly banks of the Northeast Cape Fear River, just north of the 42-foot Isabel Holmes – Highway 117 bascule bridge, and only a hop, skip and jump from the downtown Wilmington waterfront. These good people are one of our oldest and most valued SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS!
And, DON’T OVERLOOK THEIR FREE WEEK’S DOCKAGE DEAL FOR THE SUMMER OF 2013!!!! Click the sponsorship panel to the above,left to learn more!

Subject: Bennett Brothers Yachts
Cruising News:
We would like to report a positive experience on repairs, technicians, and personnel at Bennett Brothers Yachts, Wilmington, NC. The employees are extremely hard working, knowledgeable, collaborative, and fairly priced. I would look forward to doing business there again.
Bennett Bros. is located on the Cape Fear River, a short dingy ride to the historic downtown.
We have no commercial connection with BBY; just want to report the satisfaction with our experience.
Bill and Laura Bender
Kindred Spirit III
Grand Banks 42 Cl
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SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina, lies on the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River, just above the downtown Wilmington waterfront. Not only is this a first class marina, but the on-site repair yard is second to none. BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THIS FACILITY’S FREE WEEK’S DOCKAGE OFFER AT /?p=112269!
The note below was copied from the AGLCA forum, and was in answer to a question about where one can find a good “hurricane hole” during the hurricane season.

Bennett Brothers Yachts has the best “in my opinion” on the east coast GAI am a member of the Cape Fear Marina and have two 50 foot slips. This Cape Fear/Bennett Bros. is a definite hurricane hole and well protected. Just my 2 cents. Come on up but make sure you call them ahead of time….. it can get populated fast….. 910-772-9277.
GM

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We have visited with the Wilmington Marine Center on many occasions, and have always been impressed with the services available here. The problem is that visiting cruisers will have to undertake a fairly lengthy taxi ride to and from the dockage basin to the downtown Wilmington business and dining district.

Wilmington Marine Centrer is a good stop’¦.about three miles from down town by Taxi or a long Dink ride up the river.
Very sheltered and safe during bad weather.
In town’¦..lots of places to eat and drink.
Slainte for Irish a few doors down from Front Street Brewey.
A block or so away is Hell’s Kitchen’¦.very much a two thumbs up place for food and drink’¦.was my favorite hang out.
Stay in the channel as it gets shallow fast.
Ralph Chappell

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On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

Upper Cape Fear River ‘“ who has departed the AICW, and cruised upstream on the Cape Fear River to the Wilmington, NC waterfront? Did you stay at the city docks?

Responses follow:

We traveled up the Cape Fear River in Sept 2012 to stay at the Wilmington City Dock and enjoy the sights of this charming mariners city. Docked across from the Battleship North Carolina, the City dock is affordable with water and power, but no other services. Great location to tour the city (shops and restaurants). Loved the Front Street Brewery – great food and drinks. Only concern here is debris in the river. Pulled 3 TREES out from under and between my running gear so be careful. Worth the trip and would definitely go again.
Tom Callan

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Well, we cannot really comment intelligently on the upstream reaches of the NE Cape Fear River, upstream of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Bennett Brothers Yachts – Cape Fear Marina, as none of us have ever cruised that far upstream before. Hope to remedy that oversight in the future. In the meantime, anyone else who had explored these rather obscure waters, please let us hear from you!

We did go about 50 miles up the NE branch the next day – got within 2 miles of the head of navigation (bridge) when we were warned of underwater logs ahead. We had already seen a 4.5 ft depth, so we turned back. Spent the night at anchorage and returned down river and got to Carolina Beach the next day. The NE branch is a beautiful river and very doable with depths of 8-15 ft most of the way, as long as one stays in the outside curves and follows normal precautions in running rivers. Lots of snags on the sides. I could go into more detail if you wish -let me know. This is a real cruising adventure. Our draft is 3.5 ft.
Jean Thomason

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On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

Upper Cape Fear River – who has departed the AICW, and cruised upstream on the Cape Fear River to the Wilmington, NC, and secured dockage at Cape Fear Marina/Bennett Brothers Yachts, north of the Highway 133 bridge? Did you find this to be as first class a facility as we have always considered it to be?

Responses follow:

We always divert up river to this facility. The floating docks are very well maintained. Pumpout is routine on Fridays, or on request. Pricing is very attractive for dockage.
We rely on the expert yard for cogent recommendation and quality work.
Management: Tricia Bennett, Owner and Steve Wallace GM are immediately available if questions occur with which people at the operating level may need help.
Although there is no useful public transportation nearby, an Enterprise facility a couple of miles away has good pricing, and weekend specials. Wilmington itself has every level of store needed, including Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot. Many Department Stores and Specialty shops are also there.
It’s a great stop.
Stephen Deitch
Nightingale

We went up to Wilmington for repair work at Bennet Brothers. We have a cat 23.5 beam. They have a 24 foot travel lift. The work was professional and price for repair work were given before the work. Two issues are when you go up the Wilmington River is try to plan it with the tides, and the bridge to Bennet Brothers opens 6pm to 6 am on demand, then at 10 am , and 2 pm.
John Pholeric

We stayed one night at Bennett Brothers in early April. The facility was fine. If the current is strong, it might be a little tricky getting into the slip. We talked with a gentleman who works at the marina about continuing up the Northeast Branch of the Cape Fear. He was very helpful.
Jean Thomason

We keep our boat in Southport and brought it to Bennett Brothers for some pre-cruise work in January of this year. I have to say that the quality of service was excellent ‘“ both technically and for the project management. Steve Wallace is an outstanding Manager. In short ‘“ friendly folks, great service at a reasonable price and without unhappy surprises. Before we departed south Steve told me to contact him if we had any questions or problems on out trip. I did so on a couple of occasions and he came through with solid information and, in one case, a source for a failed pillow-block. I highly recommend them.
Hank
S/V Haanli

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On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

Upper Cape Fear River ‘“ who has departed the AICW, and cruised upstream on the Cape Fear River to the Wilmington, NC waterfront? Did you stay at the city docks? Did you find any good places to dine or shop ashore? How about a recommendation for any Wilmington sightseeing attractions?

Responses follow:

Visited by rented car from Southport. Really enjoyed Dock Street Oyster Bar. Best raw oysters. Took tour of the Coast Guard cutter Diligence. Many nice shops and restaurants along the river. Take the carriage tour and see some of the many interesting buildings in old Wilmington. New marina being constructed. Could be a great stop when finished but don’t look for it in 2013.
s/v Skye

Loved the Front Street Brewery – great food and drinks.
Tom Callan

In town’¦..lots of places to eat and drink.
Slainte for Irish a few doors down from Front Street Brewey.
A block or so away is Hell’s Kitchen’¦.very much a two thumbs up place for food and drink’¦.was my favorite hang out.
Ralph Chappell

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Southport Marina - Click for Chartview

Southport Marina – A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! – lies just west of the Cape Fear River along the northern banks of the Waterway hard by flashing daybeacon #2A.

This newly renovated marina is in the heart of downtown Southport. It is within walking distance of the commercial fishing harbor and many restaurants and stores. The entrance is directly off the ICW on the north shore just after passing the fishing harbor on the starboard side when headed south.
Water depths need to be watched here. Transient boaters are usually docked on the face dock that forms a long T-head with the dock office in the center. Water depths are fine in that area, but elsewhere low tide causes some very shallow spots. Fuel is available and there is a small ships store.
Southport is also a quaint southern town reminiscent of Beaufort, SC, and is well worth a visit. The marina is well maintained and conveniently located.
Ray Kurlak

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Well, of course, Bald Head Island Marina is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, as well as being an AGLCA sponsor!
This facility is found hard by the seaward mouth of the Cape Fear River, within sight of the “Old Baldy” lighthouse! Give them a try – you won’t be sorry!

Bald Head Island is at the mouth of the Cape Fear River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. When going south down the Cape Fear River it is located further southeast past the point where the ICW leaves the river at Southport. The inlet to the marina is on the west end of the island, or equivalently the east side of the river. It is well marked and framed by two short rock jetties. The current on the river runs fast and entrance into the inlet must take that into account. Additionally, the inlet channel shoals and is routinely dredged to maintain ferry access to the island. Transiting at mid to high tide is prudent.
The marina has floating slips and T-heads and good space for transient boaters. There is one restaurant and a ship’s store in the marina plus restrooms and showers. Fuel and a pump out are available. Kayaks and golf carts can be rented to use on the island (there are no cars allowed).
This marina is an excellent jump off point for boaters going offshore headed south. It’s only a short 30 mile trip to the Little River Inlet at Myrtle Beach.
Ray Kurlak

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Deep Point Marina lies in the Cape Fear River via a marked entry channel northwest of Cape Fear River/AICW marker #20 and is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

This marina is located on the western shore of the Cape Fear River just north of downtown Southport. Deep Point has floating docks with slips and T-heads and is the operating terminal for the Bald Head Island Ferry. This marina is just a bit south of the NC State Ferry terminal for the Southport-Fort Fisher ferry. It is near the Cape Fear River channel Red marker 20 (nun buoy).
Fuel is available and, seasonally, there is a café in the ferry terminal. Travel into Southport requires a taxi or a car ride. Taking the ferry to visit Bald Head Island is a convenient option when stopping here.
Ray Kurlak

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