Just received word from Carmen Salemno that Lockwood Folly Inlet and Shalotte Inlet AICW Intersections are passable and that the nav aids appear to be on-station. Shallowest spot was at G81 in the Shalotte intersection. He also reported extensive damage to private docks along the Waterway. Our thanks for this report goes to Carmen and Cathy Salemno who are traveling south in their Grand Banks, having ridden out Matthew at Southport Marina. See /160354 for a post-Matthew survey and report on Lockwood Folly.
We took our work boat down there after Matthew. Between R80A and R82, we followed the USACE track and found 5′ MLW with rapid shoaling on the green side. We tried the same run again closer to the red side and found 6.4′ MLW. The challenge is that it’s narrow through there.
Suggest transiting this inlet on a mid and rising tide and favoring a line between R80A and R82 – perhaps 10′ off. Slow and easy.
Dismal Swamp Canal AICW Alternate Route and the State Park have been closed since 9/23 due to high water. Our thanks to Donna Stewart, Director of the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, for this update. Please note the caution re debris in the canal.
The ACOE has relayed they will resume normal lock operations at 11am today. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience during this closure due to high waters. The Elizabeth is heading north as we speak, she just went past my window! We look forward to seeing all of our boaters again for a busy fall boating season. Some reminders: the ACOE has patrolled to make sure we are clear for passage. The Canal is a no wake zone. Do not follow other boats closely, debris may be stirred up from the bottom. The Canal has a controlling depth of 6 foot. If you do encounter any problems, please note your coordinates as well as the mile marker to help US Facilities in addressing any issues, and report this to our Lock Masters or share with us to forward. Your input helps.
We are excited to see boats at our dock again!
Donna Donna Stewart, Director Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
For some of us older Waterway cruisers, the continuing replacement of swing, bascule, lift and pontoon bridges with high rise fixed spans is a loss of history. On our family voyages, each bridge we encountered was an experience – an opportunity to deal with current, with timing, and to communicate with an unknown, often unseen Waterway tender serving boaters with their own personalities and special ways. I know it’s progress, but it is also a sterilization process, like old mom and pop shops being replaced by malls. And, like malls, once you have seen a high rise bridge, you have seen them all. Thanks to Tom Beaty for submitting this notice from wral.com. See also /157769
NCDOT approves funding to replace Surf City swing bridge
SURF CITY, N.C. — The days are numbered for the iconic swing bridge connecting Topsail Island and the mainland at Surf City on the North Carolina coast.
Media outlets report that the state Department of Transportation has approved a $53 million low bid from Balfour Beatty Infrastructure of Wilmington to replace the bridge with a 65-foot-high fixed-span bridge.
The new bridge will also have a path for bicyclists and pedestrians.
The old swing bridge has been in operation for more than 60 years.
Construction on the new bridge could start as early as this fall and the new span should be open in 2020.
Due to the restrictions, having in some cases to wait 59 minutes to open , I am happy to see it go. Hope figure 8 island and wrightsville beach are next.
Elizabeth City, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, located at the southern end of the Dismal Swamp Canal Route, and the friendliest-to-boaters community on the Waterway, continues its calendar of exciting events!
Welcome outdoor enthusiasts! Learn about Elizabeth City’s maritime history and outdoor adventures.
This intersection was dredged in early 2016 (/154951) and a Nav Alert (/158529) was posted in July re shoaling here. But, as Mark and Leslie Fields report, Hermine may have further altered the channel. Thank you Mark for this warning!
Hi, just a note to help those who are starting south. We are traveling southbound (I know, we’re early!) on SV Valkyrie, a Cal 34 with a 5′ draft. On Thursday, Sept. 8, we ran hard aground in what should have been the middle of the ICW channel where it intersects Mason Inlet (south of the Figure 8 Island Bridge at Marker 121). There is apparently severe shoaling from the recent storm. We were unable to get loose without calling for assistance. TowBoat US had to work hard to get us off the sand shoal, but we were able to continue our journey. Boaters passing through that area should be aware that they must hug the private docks adjacent to the inlet intersection and give the green marks plenty of room to port when headed south. We took the other inlet intersections slowly and cautiously and didn’t have more problems through that stretch (currently just south of Southport NC). Regards, Mark and Leslie Fields SV Valkyrie, Southbound ICW
After 16 years of travelling the ICW in both directions forward looking sonar, aka scanning sonar, is something I recommend for the whole of the ICW, one of the World’s Wonders, sadly abused and neglected.
Douglas Road Landing is on the east side of the Canal, south of Deep Creek Lock. Its new dock and facilities would make a convenient emergency stopover in a storm or other temporary situation. Our thanks to Bill Spaur for this notice and photo.
The drinking fountain and restrooms at Douglas Road Landing, Dismal Swamp Canal, are open. The Landing is between Army Corps of Engineers Statute mile markers 18 and 19. Bill Spaur
Bridge Pointe Marina flanks the southern banks of the Trent River off the Neuse River, opposite the downtown New Bern, NC waterfront.
What a great place to keep your vessel. I have enjoyed the Marina and its staff, they are always helpful and Jesse (dock-master) is always willing to help any way he can with any issue that may arise. I would like to tip my hat to Bridgepointe Marina for having such a great place to keep my Boat. Many thanks for you guys keeping on top of things. Tim L Mitchell
With two recent groundings at this AICW Problem Stretch, we are upgrading these reports to a Nav Alert. Until dredging is done, slow speed and mid to high tide is recommended for this intersection. Thank you Michael and Ken for sharing these incidents and SSECN is glad neither of you sustained damage in the grounding, other than your pride!
Coming south 16Aug16 at +1′ above low. Draw 4′. At idle speed ran hard aground in mid-channel just past green buoy. C-Map charting [updated Sep15] shows channel angles sharply toward red at the green buoy — should have followed its suggestion. My mistake was to “stay mid-channel.” The bottom raised VERY quickly, almost a wall. After backing off, saw above 10′ in area on line between reds. Michael Loy
We were also headed south through this stretch on August 14. We draw 3 feet. Just past the green we also ran hard aground. We were in the channel toward the red side as recommended, but not quite on the line between the two reds. There was no warning on the depth meter before it was too late. We were able to get off eventually using bow and stern thrusters and some wakes from passing small boats. We didn’t incur damage except to our equanimity. Captain Ken Hirsch
Keeping in mind that rapid changes in shoals at inlet intersections is not unusual, RodC offers this January 2016 ACOE survey:
Latest ACOE survey for the area – clearly shows the traditional channel is ~100% shoaled to between 2 and 4ft MLLW. What channel there is (or was as of 1-16-2016) is just to the outside on the RED side of the marks. RodC
This unique establishment, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, contains everything “coastal” from clothing, to shoes, to home furnishings and accessories, to Adirondack chairs, to say nothing of the wine section and the voluminous selection of all types of gifts and personal items.
Bill Wheeler and wife Camilla now have a second store located right across the street from our new sponsor, New Bern Grand Marina and Yacht Club in historic New Bern, North Carolina. Store Owner/Manager Debbie Richart can assist you with your selection of nautical items for you or as a gift. In our book, visiting New Bern is now a double treat.
Nautical Wheelers, 202A Craven Street, New Bern, NC 28560
These thoughtful and informative reports on the Dismal Swamp Canal, home of Dismal Swamp State Park – A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR – come from our good friends at AGLCA. The Camden TDA/Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center is located on the east shore of the Canal at Statute Mile 28 and is adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park where there are so many fun summer programs!
We just did the DS northbound on July 27-28. It was hot, but it’s hot everywhere. The tall trees offer some shade. We passed only one boat. No competition for dock space at the visitor center. They have free ice and air conditioning. Free docks at Elizabeth City. Brown water. Some bumps. Keith and D’Anne Weitzman “Our Backyard” Carver 3607 MY
We passed through the Dismal Swamp in the other direction in early July this year. I suggest a cooler day if possible. Be ready with bug spray or a screened in helm. Take it slow. There are small logs and branches that you can sometimes see and sometimes not see that you will bump. The ones you don’t see I think are neutrally buoyant and just below the surface. Going slow will allow them to be pushed to the side without damage. They suggest 5 mph but were were a little faster especially on the north end. We did not stop in the swamp because of the flies but we stopped in Elizabeth City at the free slips to see the town and then at Lambs overnight to make the 11:00 lock time. After the swamp, we stayed in Norfolk at Waterside and then Portsmouth. See July 2016 entry in cmosboating.blogspot.com. There are pictures of the scenery which we found very pretty particularly in the morning at the south end before the first lock (and flies). Clark on Sea Moss
We went through the Dismal Swamp in late June and were mostly alone until the north lock when two other boats caught up with us. Water levels were high and the scenery was lovely. There was some construction going on at the visitor center but the facilities were open and uncrowded. Ben and Nancy Duggar September, Camano 31
I just went through the Dismal Swamp about six weeks ago and it was fine. If you leave Elizabeth City in time to catch the 0830 or 1100 openings at South Mills and run 5 to 6 knots, you will be at Deep Creek bridge in plenty of time for the 1330 or 1530 openings and then you can make Norfolk, Portsmouth or Hampton before dark. If you are wanting to go latter, you can stay at the lock wall at South Mills, the NC Welcome station, or the wall right before the bridge at Deep Creek bridge. Deep Creek is not a great stop, lots of traffic noise, but a very short walk to Food Lion for provisions and a Burger King(I think). There is also a good anchorage after the Deep Creek lock on the right just before you reach the Elizabeth River. Ken Horton
North Carolina offers several alternative routes if you have time. The “main highway” is the ICW Route, but the barrier islands and the Albemarle offer delightful alternatives. I have an article on North Carolina on my website, here: https://gilwellbear.wordpress.com/2013/06/16/north-carolina/. Under the North Carolina tab, there are several related articles on the various alternatives. Here is a link to one that discusses the Virginia Cut and the Dismal Swamp alternative: https://gilwellbear.wordpress.com/category/cruising-practica/us-east-coast/north-carolina/albemarle-to-norfolk/. Hope they are useful. Jim Monk 36 Hull #132 MMSI #367042570 AGLCA #3767 MTOA #3436
We went thru the Dismal Swamp Thursday and Friday July 28th and 29th in a 39 krogen with a 4’6″ draft. The depth was a constant 7 ft. We bumped a few logs in the water. You need to keep a constant lookout. We stayed one night at the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center. Great trip. Mack McGahee
Assuming David is talking about the AICW intersection, this is good news for this Problem Spot. However, it is definitely wise to follow the advice David gives below and SSECN has been giving for some time: follow the markers and do NOT follow the Magenta Line in this stretch of the ICW!
McCotters Marina and Repair Yard, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located on Broad Creek, off the Pamlico River, a few miles downstream of the Washington, NC waterfront. McCotters is one of the largest marinas in North Carolina and its repair capabilities are impressive.
McCotter’s seems to be a laid-back, easy to just relax environment. Good price, reasonable cleanliness, reasonable repair on the docks. Only problem, which is a significant concern for the younger boaters, is the Wi-Fi notoriously goes down on the weekend just when we need it most. Scott
The intersection of the ICW and Lockwoods Folly has been a Problem Stretch for years and requires almost annual dredging. Recent reports confirm shoaling and a channel shift here, /154017 and /156435. SSECN stills recommends mid to high tide for passage through Lockwoods Folly. Our thanks to John Winter for this update on this Problem Stretch.
Came through July 12 2016 at .6 feet above low tide. Shallow at 46B. At 8 feet even make sure you follow the nuns. Red nuns are against the rocks [see second link above for channel]. Stay equal distance between Nuns. John Winter
Dredging of this perennial AICW Problem Stretch was last done in the Spring of 2014. From John Winter’s report, dredging is needed again. As always, we recommend caution and mid to high tide for this intersection. Thank you John for this update. /span>
Came through July 12, 2016 at 0.5 feet above low tide and saw 3.9 feet where all the nuns are at one point. Stopped and felt around side to side and could not find any deeper water. We draw 46″ but did not feel bottom. John Winter
Coming south 16Aug16 at +1′ above low. Draw 4′. At idle speed ran hard aground in mid-channel just past green buoy. C-Map charting [updated Sep15] shows channel angles sharply toward red at the green buoy — should have followed its suggestion. My mistake was to “stay mid-channel.” The bottom raised VERY quickly, almost a wall. After backing off, saw above 10′ in area on line between reds.
July 16, 2016 Just touched at Shalotte inlet. In the middle of the marked channel with the tide up 1.7 feet. Our draft 4.5 Ft. Felt like a sand ridge. Fortunately we are a single so no harm done. Captain Jerry Taylor
For an update on the opening-this-fall restaurant at Port City Marina, click the link below. Port City Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located along the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River, in the heart of downtown Wilmington, NC.
A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Southport Marina is located just west of the Cape Fear River along the northern banks of the Waterway hard by flashing daybeacon #2A.
Our thanks to Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy, for shareing his perspective on Beaufort and Morehead City, NC, home to SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Morehead City Yacht Basin, located on the southern flank of the marked channel that runs west from Mile 203 of the Waterway, just north of the Morehead-Beaufort, Newport River high-rise bridge.
Beaufort, NC: This is a seaport town near Morehead City; it’s a very pleasant, laid-back, “chillaxin'” place with a small but well done Maritime Museum, many shoppes and some nice local restaurants. For those who might enjoy a short off-shore (maybe 10 miles) cruise, depart the Beaufort Inlet and head out the the bight at the Cape Lookout National Seashore. [See Claiborne’s article on Cape Lookout.] It a large, well protected anchorage, with access to the beach for campfires and swimming. The bight itself is well protected from winds and ocean sea states, but the trip out and back can be too much for some if the wind offshore is up. Plan accordingly. Jim Healy
This wonderful expanded tour of the Albemarle Sound now includes five Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Sponsors. And below, SSECN Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy adds his thoughts on the Albemarle Loop.
Press release for the Albemarle Loop The Albemarle Loop announces the expansion of its membership by three (3) to a total of nine (9) marinas for 2016, offering free dockage and pump outs where available. Members offer two days of free dockage along with many amenities including swimming pools, golfing, tennis, restaurants and other boating necessities that make your stay at these marinas an enjoyable experience. See details of where these amenities are offered at http://albemarleloop.com/Marinas.html . The new marinas for 2016 are:
The Manteo Waterfront Marina is located in a tranquil setting less than a mile from the Roanoke Sound. It is a small, deep, and well-protected harbor, and can accommodate vessels up to 150 feet in length. Take a stroll along over a mile of boardwalks on the Manteo Waterfront. Near this site the first English colony was born on American soil. Dock your boat in the protected waters of Dough’s Creek and enjoy all the amenities this quaint island village has to offer. There are approximately 20 transient slips and 33 slips dedicated to seasonal and annual boaters. All slips feature 30 and 50 amp power, cable television, and free wireless Internet access. The air conditioned comfort station located at the marina features separate men’s and women’s bathrooms, clean showers, and coin operated washer and dryer. Boaters come to Manteo for its coastal charm and relaxed atmosphere.
Everett Marine and Cypress Cove Marina is a boating and fishing community located off the Scuppernong River about a mile west of the Columbia Docks. One of only 2 Albemarle Loop members offering both diesel and gasoline fuel, marine supplies and the only member offering repairs and a boat lift. With a friendly southern hospitality they specialize in routine marine engine service and custom installation of accessories on new or used boats. Slips feature 30 and 50 amp power, and free wireless Internet access. The air conditioned comfort station located at the marina features separate men’s and women’s bathrooms, clean showers, and coin operated washer and dryer.
The Dismal Swamp Welcome Center is a NC DOT facility providing travel and tourism to both highway and waterway traffic. With the 150’ bulkhead, numerous boats are rafted up on their transit through the canal free for one night or more depending on weather. The Dismal Swamp Visitor Center has free wireless Internet access and comfort station featuring separate men’s and women’s bathrooms and clean showers. Located adjacent to the Welcome Center, the NC State Park provides numerous opportunities for eco-tourism with an exhibit hall that allows visitors to learn the natural and cultural history of the swamp. Rangers will guide you on exciting explorations where you’ll uncover fascinating natural surroundings, and make great discoveries about the world in which we live.
The Albemarle Loop is a non-profit organization that provides the boating public with an exciting opportunity to cruise and explore the protected waters of historic Albemarle Sound. Visit the friendly communities surrounding Albemarle Sound as you share your boating experiences with other families (at a very low cost) and in high-quality marinas. Contact the Albemarle Loop at 427 Albemarle Blvd., Hertford, North Carolina, 27944 or email info@AlbemarleLoop.com or call (252) 426 – 4037 or visit http://albemarleloop.com.
Jim Healy writes:
The Albemarle sound is a shallow body of water; the “deep water” range is 12′ – 18′. These waters are home to many crab fishermen; crab pot floats are to be found virtually throughout the sound. The sound lies geographically East-West, and the prevailing winds are from the West and Southwest. Winds greater than 15 kts can raise uncomfortable beam seas for North-South crossings. Winds greater that 20 kts can produce uncomfortable chop in all directions. While not technically part of the ICW, this “loop” is centered around the ICW Routes from Norfolk/Portsmouth to the southbound ICW at the Alligator River in North Carolina. The “Albemarle Loop” is a cruising route that touches some wonderful and oft-overlooked venues. On the Crystal Coast, the towns of Manteo and Ocracoke are excellent stops. On the Western Albemarle, the towns of Edenton and Plymouth are delightful. The history of the Albemarle dates to the earliest English colonists. At Manteo, visit the Lost Colony Plantation. At Edenton, visit the revolutionary period Chowan County Courthouse, St. Paul’s Church, learn of the ladies of the Edenton Tea Party, and visit many other historical sites. Here is a link to information on the Albemarle Loop: http://albemarleloop.com. Jim Healy
Some really superb information you posted. I was searching more for Boat lift but there is only few info about this. would like to read more stuff about Lake Boat Lift… Thanks…!!
Larry… just a short note to avoid any potential confusion on Manteo’s participation. Carl Jordan, dockmaster advises that “Visitors with loop coupons will be given dockage, a free pump out and water per the Albemarle Loop guidelines on a space available basis up to 2x per year. Bathroom, Shower and laundry access and full electrical, cable and wireless access are also available at deeply disounted rates for Loopers.” Contact Carl at 252-473-3320 for further details. Thanks!
The New Bern Grand Marina lies in the heart of downtown New Bern, North Carolina, along Trent River’s northern banks between the low-level Trent River highway and railroad bridges.
James Lea’s comments are in response to a recent Local Notice re shoaling at Lockwood Folly. Cape Fear River intersects the Waterway at Mile 309. Little River Inlet lies south and east of the Waterway, right at the NC-SC state line, intersecting the Waterway at Mile 342.
This section of the ICW can be easily avoided in good weather by using Little River and Cape Fear River. Little River is well marked and frequently used by boats of all sizes. The currents in the Cape Fear River can be a challenge, particularly if the wind opposes current, but it is an all-weather entrance. In six trips up and down the ICW we have never transited this section of the ICW [Lockwood Folly], always enjoying a nice sail while listening to all the VHF chatter about passing and depths. Highly recommended. James Lea
Lockwoods Folly passing is no problem at this time! Just follow the markers as they move from time to time. If you want to be extra cautious travel through on a rising tide.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Shalotte Inlet
Comments from Cruisers (1)
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE – This is an extremely tight squeeze through here at MLW for all but the shallowest draft boats. Check the most recent USACE survey at: http://saw-nav.usace.army.mil/AIWW/CFRLR/T_19-20/Tangent_19-20.pdf.
We took our work boat down there after Matthew. Between R80A and R82, we followed the USACE track and found 5′ MLW with rapid shoaling on the green side. We tried the same run again closer to the red side and found 6.4′ MLW. The challenge is that it’s narrow through there.
Suggest transiting this inlet on a mid and rising tide and favoring a line between R80A and R82 – perhaps 10′ off. Slow and easy.