I've always known that the waters of Pasquotank River and the Dismal Swamp Canal were very well sheltered from rough water. Now, this impression is confirmed by Captain Ray below!

Subject: Dismal Swamp
Message: We just rode out the north-easter inside the canal and the Pasquatank River. The wind was howling over the trees but the water was calm and quiet. This was a great place to ride out the storm. The senery is beautiful. My mast height is 50 feet and the trees were always higher, giving good protection. I never saw less than 4-1/2 feet inside the canal locks. There was low water exiting South Mills because the storm blew the water down the river the day we came through.
Ray Schmidt

Since the ownership changed at Pelican Marina last year, we have had several complimentary reports here on the Cruisers’ Net about this facility. Captain Dave’s message below continues that tradition!

Subject: Pelican Marina
Message: I am responding to a news contribution from Sept 16 by MV Hale Kai. I am currently living aboard at The Pelican Marina where they still do a very steady transient business. I do know that more and more they stay full (including nightly slips) because of how ideal their marina is. When possible, us as monthly slipholders even use the excuse to go hang on the hook and free up additional slips. They offer a flat nightly rate of $35, and that is all inclusive (even laundry). It is true that they have sold slips. What is not true is that they are all privately owned. The Pelican still owns 65% and the rest are still rented monthly or nightly.
Thanks for letting me contribute.
Dave

And, here’s another!

Subject: Pelican Marina in E-City
Message: We just (Oct 4) came through the Dismal Swamp Canal and overnighted at the Pelican Marina. Plenty of water in the canal – we had 8 feet all the way through. Pelican Marina was $35 for the night – we are 43 feet and the laundry and electric were included. This is an endorsement for the marina. Nice people and an easy walk over the bridge into town.
Fred Sorensen
OA 43

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There is a lot of interest in Elizabeth City, and the Dismal Swamp Canal right now (9/23/08) as a place to possibly ride out the storm that is brewing off the North Carolina coastline. I just telephoned the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, and confirmed that the canal’s locks ARE STILL OPERATING ON A RESTRICTED SCHEDULE. THEY ARE CURRENTLY OPENING ONLY AT 9:00 AM AND 3:00 PM!!!

Below is a series of notes I have copied from the Great Loop list. By the way, both yours truly and that late, great Skipper Bob agree that the free city docks in Elizabeth City can get rough in REALLY foul weather, though in anything short of a gale, they make for a GREAT overnight stop!

We are considering doing the Dismal Swamp Canal in about 7 days Can you post any comments as to water level & are the Lock back on normal schedule?
Any problem in making the transit?
Larry Hemmerich

Sanctuary was at the Elizabeth City docks on Mother’s Day, 2008. We knew a blow was coming, but we chose to tie up at the docks. Some neighbors moved to the anchorage above the bridge, but we did not. Based on that experience, I warn all EC visitors to be *very mindful* of Skipper Bob’s advice on the EC docks. That storm system blew through the area carrying southeast to northwest winds that came straight up the Pasquotank River. This caused two problems. First, the water rose several feet, into local parking lots, and the very short finger piers made it quite difficult to get
on and off the boat. Second, the water at the sea wall was extremely rough. As the waves hit the seawall and reflected back off the solid wall, standing waves formed. It was a rough ride. We took a little damage to the handrail while we were at dinner.
Don’t misunderstand, we love Elizabeth City and we love the Dismal Swamp Canal. I just support Skipper Bob’s observations about conditions when sustained winds blow from the southeast.
There is a good anchorage just up river from the drawbridge. You be better off there in a real blow, and dinghy into town.
The NC Welcome Center in the canal would also be quite secure (except fortrees???)!!!
YMMV, but that’s our experience.
Peg and Jim Healy
aboard Sanctuary

The water level in the canal is 6 feet minimum. Canal locks are opening only at 0900 and 1500 daily.
Bob McLearan and Judy Young

Click Here For More Information On The Elizabeth City Mariner’s Wharf Facility