Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Sep 30, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Herl Report: Dockside Marina, Wrightsville Beach, NC, AICW Statute Mile 280
Dockside Marina guards the AICW’s northwesterly banks, west of Motts Channel’s westerly entrance. Our thanks to Skipper Herl for his continued reporting as he and Sandy travel south.
Wrightsville Beach
Arrived about 6:15, had a good run today, the wind has calmed down and we are in the skinny protected area. We still had lots of rain but that is nothing as long as we don’t get a lot of wind. We stopped at Dockside Marina for the night, they have been great even though we came in in a downpour. Stopped in and had dinner after we got all set up and everything was good. The food, the service, and the dock help. Not a word of complaint, just did what we had to do to get tied up and electrified. I would stop here again any time.
We did not take any time to explore the area, we are trying to stay ahead of the circulation out in the Atlantic.
Phil and Sandy Herl
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Dockside Marina
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Sep 29, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Gonna be a Tight Squeeze! I-95, Smithfield, NC
Our thanks to Dick Mills for this on-site report. It looks like the driver of the rig is going to need lots of North Carolina fatback grease to get this vessel any further north! Smithfield is home of the famous Carolina Pottery. Please, Skipper Mills, give us a followup!
Happening right now on I95 in Smithfield, NC. The boat is not damaged, so the driver must have stopped. The bow pulpit is about 1 foot higher than the bridge. The driver was letting the air out of the tires as I watched.
Dick Mills
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Sep 27, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.0243,-76.69579999
Herl Report: Oriental Marina & Inn, Oriental Harbor Marina, Oriental, NC, AICW Statute Mile 181

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The Herl’s experience with these two marinas certainly speaks well for the attitude that Oriental has for transients. The marinas are competitors, but they put the needs of the traveler up front. Oriental Harbor Marina is on the northwestern shore of Oriental Harbor’s entrance off the Neuse River and Oriental Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is on the eastern banks of Oriental’s inner harbor. Nautical Wheelers is also A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISER’ NET SPONSOR!
Oriental Marina
Originally called Oriental for a slip reservation, they said they were full and referred us to Oriental Harbor marina. Oriental transferred use and we received our slip reservation.
We arrived at 3:15 and they were ready for us. Gave the directions to our slip and had a dock hand ready to help dock.
Once we were docked and hooked up we walked to the office to check in. what a walk, It was at least a half a mile walk. For those how may be interested, there are restaurants and pubs on the way as well as a ships store with a few groceries. 3 restaurants, 3 pubs, and an ice cream shop plus the marina Tiki bar.
Phil and Sandy Herl
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Oriental Marina
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Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Oriental Harbor Marina
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Sep 22, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 3 Comments 33.9209,-78.23629999
More Shoaling Reported at Lockwoods Folly/AICW Intersection, Statute Mile 321

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Skipper Price’s experience confirms earlier reports, /?p=149149, we had in June. Advice at that time was to favor the red side. The intersection of the ICW and Lockwoods Folly has been a Problem Stretch for years and requires almost annual dredging. Mid to high tide is recommended for passage.
Just an FYI in case the word has not gotten to you guys but Lockwoods Folly Inlet is very shoaled up already. I know of one fellow boater that ran aground there about 30 days ago and I have been thru there twice myself in a boat that draws 4.5’ at a little past mid tide and rising. My depth finder showed 2.5’ under my keel. I could not go thru there at low tide!
Bob Price
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Lockwoods Folly Inlet Intersection
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Comments from Cruisers (3)

Wally Moran -  October 6, 2015 - 6:54 pm

The USACE advised me a few years ago to transit this inlet, and Shallottes to the south of it, with the reds close at hand. I just went through both of these ten days ago – no issues, Lockwoods showed a minimum of about 8 feet as I recall at MLW – those finding less are quite likely not in the channel.
Reply to Wally

Tracy Hellman -  September 23, 2015 - 9:08 am

Cruise as close to red markers as possible. That is where the deep water is located.
Reply to Tracy

Dean Dawes -  September 25, 2015 - 2:28 pm

Just came through this area (unfortunately due to a delay at low tide). 4.5 draft got hung up when I turned toward the Green. Hug the Red side, and stay away from the Green. Saw a few similar draft vessels get through on the red side without issue. Floated off after 20 mins, a useful lunch break.
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Sep 21, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 34.7228,-76.78879999
Grounding and Possible Shoaling at AICW Statute Mile 210, Bogue Sound

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Skipper Crenshaw’s grounding occurred in a long narrow channel through the wide waters of Bogue Sound, south of Morehead City. There are charted shoals showing outside the channel to the south opposite Marker #8 and these may have begun to encroach on the channel. If so, Skipper Crenshaw’s advice to favor the red side is certainly a good one. Thank you Bob for sharing your experience.
I was on ICW headed south in Morehead city toward Wrightsville Beach Sunday September 20 about 10:45 am on rising tide. We have 42 foot trawler with 4 foot draft.
We were at MM 210 running about 10 to 12 Knots and were at least 5+ feet inside markers between green marker 7 and marker 9 and went hard aground and boat stopped immediately , my depth indicator was showing2-3 feet. We were able to get off after about 15 minutes .
Would recommend any boat favor the red side markers, where there appears to be plenty of water around this MM.
Bob Crenshaw
42 Trawler 4 foot draft.
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Sam Scudder - October 2, 2015 - 2:45 pm

Just to clarify the post, the ICW runs east/west through Bogue Sound, and the shoaling is on the south side of the channel opposite Red #8, not east as in the description of the post. [Posting corrected.]
Reply to Sam
Sep 21, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 36.349,-75.94879999
Praise for the Food at Coinjock Marina, Coinjock, NC, AICW Statute Mile 49

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As Skipper Herl relates, Coinjock Marina, on the eastern bank of the Waterway, offers more than just good marina services, but delicious food as well! And sometimes that makes a big difference in where we tie up.
Coinjock running south
Aaaah Coinjock again, I’m not sure why, but I like Coinjock. It was a good run,we had no problems with the bridges or the lock and trafic both northbound and southbound was light.
Oh, I know why I like Coinjock. It’s the food. I had a Reuben the first time and It was one of the best. This time we had their famous Prime Rib and it was outstanding, melt in your mouth and we could not eat it all. And we just had the Mate size not the Captains. It was great with all the fixins.
Phil and Sandy Herl
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Coinjock Marina
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Capt Larry Weiss - September 25, 2015 - 7:04 pm

Whether on my own boat or a delivery, have made this a required stop for more than 20 years. Lots of places claim they have the best prime rib in he world but this is it!!!
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Sep 11, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.7223,-76.66339999
Welcome Homer Smith’s Docks and Marina, Beaufort, NC, AICW Statute Mile 205

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Shout out a big Welcome to SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET’s newest sponsor, Homer Smith’s Docks and Marina on Town Creek in beautiful Beaufort, NC.
Ahoy Cruisers,
Slip into waterfront luxury with Homer Smith Docks and Marina, where you’ll find friendly staff and the comfort of a home away from home. Dock your vessel here in our new, state-of-the-art facilities and unwind and discover the beauty of downtown Beaufort, NC and the rest of the Crystal Coast.
Guests who dock with Homer Smith are just an easy walk or golf cart ride away from the history and action of the third oldest town in North Carolina, Beaufort. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, great dining and the quaint shopping on Front Street.
The Staff at Homer Smith’s Docks and Marina
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Homer Smith’s Docks and Marina
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Aug 28, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 36.5054,-76.35519999
Row Boat in Dismal Swamp Canal, AICW Alternate Route

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Traveling south, the Dismal Swamp Canal route exits the Waterway westward immediately south of the I-64 fixed bridge at statute mile 7.1. The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located on the east shore of the Canal at Statute Mile 28. Our thanks to Director Stewart for sharing this experience.
We had the pleasure of meeting Victor Mooney, a gentleman who has attempted for the past 10 years to travel across the ocean in a mission to raise Aids awareness. He is a gentle spirit who has had some serious challenges, including running out of food, underestimating the rations needed to cross the ocean while expending so many calories, sharks and pirates’¦’¦and is making the final journey to meet his family in New York.
He came to the Swamp yesterday and stayed with us overnight. He deeply respects the waterways and those who travel. He even did not fault the pirates or the shark who put a hole in his boat’¦’¦he stated they were `hungry’. He believes God has guided his path through all of this journey, even when he had to be rescued and stopped for periods of time.
I would like to ask the boating community to keep an eye out for Victor. Show him hospitality and slow down and calm the wake if you pass by. His vessels name is `Spirit of Malabo’ named after the capital of Equatorial Guinea. To read more about him, follow these links.
www.goreechallenge.com
http://www.dailyadvance.com/news/man-crossing-atlantic-rowboat-stops-ec-2963889
goreechallenge@gmail.com
Donna Stewart, Director
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
2356 US Hwy 17N
South Mills, NC 27976
Phone ~ 252-771-8333
www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com
Bird, Bike, Hike’¦.take in the sights!
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
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Aug 24, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.2436,-77.95199999
FOCUS ON – Port City Marina, Cape Fear River, Wilmington, NC

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Port City Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR and newly opened for business, is located along the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River, in the heart of downtown Wilmington, NC.

Port City Marina
Truly in the `middle of it all’, the brand-new Port City Marina is your gateway to Historic Downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. We believe Wilmington is not just a stop on the way to your destination, Wilmington is THE destination. Don’t take our word for it, Wilmington was recently named the `Best American Riverfront in the Country’ USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice.
Our Marina
Port City is a protected, deep-water Marina on the Northeast Cape Fear River, equipped with state-of-the-art floating concrete wet slips. We have over 6,000 feet of linear dock space covering 10 acres of water. Our amenities include a full-service fuel dock offering Gasoline & High-Speed Diesel, private & secure bathrooms / showers, metered electric (30, 50, & 100 amp / single & three phase), free wireless internet, pet walking areas, daily trash pick-up, complimentary pump-out services for guests, and a marina store. Have a large boat’¦no worries’¦Port City Marina can accommodate boats 250 feet +. We offer daily, weekly, monthly, seasonal & annual rates. We are in the process of installing a large amphitheater on our fixed pier where we will host a range of events from cookouts to live performances. Also coming soon are two new riverfront restaurants, opening in the spring of 2016.
Our Location
We can’t tell you about Port City Marina without bragging about our location. Our Marina is located in the heart of Downtown. Step off of your boat and onto the City’s Riverwalk which puts you within walking distance to all that Downtown Wilmington has to offer. You can eat at a variety of amazing restaurants, explore Wilmington’s scenic array of art and culture, peruse the locally owned shops and boutiques, enjoy some live music, or grab a drink at one of our rooftop bars’“ there is always plenty to do in Downtown Wilmington. Our marina is conveniently located just 3 miles from the ILM airport.

Attractions
No matter what you are into ‘“ Wilmington has something for you! Wilmington has a variety of area attractions including:
Beaches ‘“ Relax at Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach or Kure Beach
History ‘“ Tour the USS North Carolina Battleship (visible from the marina), the Bellamy Mansion, and the Fort Fisher State Historic Site
Family Friendly ‘“ Spend the day at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, visit the Cape Fear Serpentarium, or take a splash at the Jungle Rapids Waterpark.
Parks ‘“ Enjoy one of the many parks in our area including Greenfield Lake, Carolina Beach State Park, Airlie Gardens, and the City’s new North Waterfront Park.
Arts & Culture ‘“ Browse one of the many downtown art galleries, the Cameron Art Museum, or take a tour of Screen Gem Studios where over 400 projects in the area including `Iron Man 3’, `One Tree Hill’ and `Sleepy Hollow’ have been filmed. And tons more.
Plan your next stay at Port City Marina
We realize your boat is a major investment and protecting your investment is just as important as maintaining it ‘“ that’s why you will find our friendly staff, well-secured marina, and ideal location makes Port City a great home away from home.
Directions: Enter the Cape Fear River at Southport, North Carolina. We are located on the Northeast Cape Fear River, approximately 20 miles north of Southport. If you are coming from the North on the ICW, enter the River via Snow’s Cut. We are located approvimately 12 miles north of where Snow’s Cut meets the river. Follow the Cape Fear River north. Along the way you will pass the NC State Port Facility, the USS North Carolina and the scenic downtown Wilmington riverfront. You will pass under one bridge, the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. Hail the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge on Channel 18. The bridge has a clearance of 65 feet when down and 138 feet when raised.
Planning your next trip? Think about Port City Marina. Call us at 910.251.6151 and we’ll save a spot for you!
Port City Marina | 10 Harnett Street | Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
Latitude/Longitude (34Â°14’39″N, 77Â°57’05″W)
www.portcitymarina.com
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Port City Marina
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Aug 23, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.2436,-77.95199999
Praise for Port City Marina, Cape Fear River, Wilmington, NC

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Port City Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR and newly opened for business, is located along the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River, in the heart of downtown Wilmington, NC. Skippers Mike and Carol provide our inaugural review of this excellent new marina and we are sure there will be many more to follow!
Larry,
Port City Marina
We recently had the opportunity to spend a couple of nights at Port City Marina on the Wilmington Waterfront and would recommend this marina to anyone who is traveling to Wilmington by water and wanting to stay in a brand-new and well-managed marina.
We saw their ad in the banner section of Salty Southeast Cruisers Net and decided to give them a call. We also planned our trip around a tour of El Galeon, a 170 foot, 495 ton authentic wooden replica of a galleon that was part of Spain’s West Indies fleet in the 16th century. El Galeon was also docked at Port City Marina, so our slip was perfect.
Port City Marina is conveniently located within easy walking distance of downtown Wilmington restaurants and shops. The River Walk which provides a waterfront walkway to the heart of downtown is easily accessed right outside the marina gates. Another plus we found was that the Wilmington free trolley (WAVE) stops right in front of the marina gates. This surprise transportation really came in handy with the rain showers and thunderstorms we experienced for one of our days.
The Marina has state of the art concrete floating docks, 30-50 and 100 amp service, can handle boats up to 250 feet in length and most important, a knowledgeable and helpful staff. Dock Master Josh Alther and his staff made us feel welcome and went out of their way to make our trip there enjoyable. One other note; we noticed that we had little, if any of the effects of the Cape Fear River tidal currents which sometimes brings debris from the river.
We would recommend Port City Marina to anyone traveling to the Wilmington waterfront.
Mike and Carolyn
Hattitude
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Port City Marina
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Aug 21, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.9151,-78.30619999
Swimming Advisory Issued for AICW, Holden Beach, NC, Statute Mile 323

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Holden Beach is immediately south of Lockwoods Folly Inlet. This warning comes in an article by Adam Wagner of StarNewsOnline in Wilmington, NC. The affected area is small and should be lifted within a day or two.
Swimming advisory issued for part of waterway
By Adam Wagner
StarNews Staff
Published: Thursday, August 20, 2015 at 4:29 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, August 20, 2015 at 4:29 p.m.
HOLDEN BEACH — State officials Thursday issued an advisory against swimming in the Intracoastal Waterway at the end of Sand Dollar Drive, according to a NC Division of Marine Fisheries release.
Water samples taken Wednesday showed a higher presence of bacteria than normal.
Enterococci, the bacteria that was found in higher-than-normal levels, won’t make swimmers sick directly, but could indicate other organisms in the water. Swimmers there have a higher likelihood of gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.
The advisory only affects a 200-feet area around the sign. It is not a beach closing and won’t affect the rest of Holden Beach.
Thursday’s advisory is the second issued for the Sand Dollar Drive area this summer. The previous advisory was issued on June 4 and canceled one day later.
The Sand Dollar Drive site is one of 204 that is sampled on a weekly basis between April and October, according to the release. Including Thursday’s advisory, there have been 19 in North Carolina in 2015.
Testing will continue on a daily basis, according to the release, until bacteria levels return to normal. At that point, the advisory sign will be removed.
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Aug 14, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.1155,-75.98589999
Update on Dinghy Dockage in Silver Lake Harbor, Oracoke, NC, off the AICW, on Pamlico Sound

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Silver Lake Harbor Anchorage lies in the venerable shadow of the 75 ft. Ocracoke Light and is accessible from the NW via Nine Foot Shoal Channel or by Big Foot Slough Channel, which has been recently dredged, and from the south via the Ocracoke Inlet.
Just thought I’d update this. The park service has a very nice floating dock right by the ferry terminal, but if you stay more than three hours you have to pay. They call it their small boat dock rather than a dinghy dock.
There is a labeled dinghy dock in front of the grocery store in the square, but there is only one small cleat on it and it is used to secure the bow line of a powerboat in the slip next door. In front of the visitors’ room in the Square, however, there is a very narrow, small dock wedged in next to the fishermen’s exhibit that is in very shallow water. Two kayaks are on a stand in front of it. I’ve asked around and no one knows who it belongs to; and I have parked my dinghy there for two days in the shallow part with a note displayed asking anyone concerned to call me if I am required to move. No calls yet so I think this is probably a pretty good place to park a dink.
Dan Greenberg
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Silver Lake Harbor
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Aug 14, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.9216,-78.06089999
High Praise for South Harbour Village Marina, Southport, NC, AICW Statute Mile 311

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South Harbour Village Marina guards the Waterway’s northern shoreline, a short hop west of unlighted daybeacon #8, and not far from the mouth of the Cape Fear River.
Came here late in the day low on fuel & hoping someone was still at the marina as most fuel docks close at 5:00 pm. To my delight these guys are open till 7:00! After fueling the dock master hinted that if I hadn’t had a good meal in a while to try the Italian restaurant on site. Their dockage rates are extremely fair at only $1.20 a foot & gave me a BoatUS discount on fuel & dockage. The restaurant was definitely what it was cracked up to be. Being solo I sat at the bar & enjoyed the banter from the locals that came through waiting for their tables. Ben the bartender made sure my glass was always full. I had the duck. Excellent! The Marina showers are hot & clean & I cant say enough about this place. 5 stars!
CJ Drake
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For South Harbor Village Marina
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Aug 12, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Advice Sought on 6ft Draft in Eastern Pamlico Sound, off the ICW
We like to think that Skipper Pozun is responding to recent postings extolling the virtues on Manteo, NC, especially a FOCUS ON – Manteo Waterfront Marina. If you sail with a 6ft draft and can offer advice on the areas mentioned, please let us hear from you! Thanks!
I am traveling south on the ICW to Fla this winter. After entering Albermarle sound N C, i plan to head east to Manteo, Roanoke is., and then south to Ocracoke harbor, Outer Banks NC. Afterwards i will head south to Oriental. I draw 6 feet (SAILBOAT) I want to know the difficulty of maneuvering the route and channels to, in and out, of the first two harbors.
tony pozun
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Rick Brass 2/v Imzadi C&C 38 mk2 - August 14, 2015 - 6:03 pm

The trip from the Albemarle Sound around the north end of Roanoke Island to Manteo is pretty open, deep and well marked. It is nowhere near as challenging as the trip down Currituck Sound and into Coinjock that you will have taken just the day before. The entrance channel for the harbor in Manteo is a bit long and narrow, but well worth the trip because Manteo is such a great destination.
The channel leading south from Manteo to the Pamlico Sound is more challenging. It is deep enough and has a lot of boat traffic – particularly on weekends. But the channel is narow and there are lots of shallows just out of the channel, so pay close attention to the channel markers. They get moved regularly so take what is on your chart plotter with a grain of salt.
Pamlico Sound itself varies from around 14 feet to around 24 feet. There are a few shoals to look out for but they are well marked.
There are two channel into Ocracoke . The Nine Foot Shoal Channel is not my first choice because it is a long stretch between the daymarks and very easy to wander out of the channel as you cross the sand bank. Big Foot Slough is the channel used by the ferries and is regularly dredged to maintain 16 to 20 feet. The channel is pretty wide in most spots, though there are a couple of narrow spots marked by unlit floating marks that had not been dredged when I was there in late June. The unlit floating marks are the reason I would not try to go into Ocracoke at night. And remember you are headed TOWARD the ocean, so red markers to port.
Silver Lake, the harbor at Ocracoke, is about 15 feet deep with good protection and fairly good holding in soft mud. The anchorage can get crowded at time on busier weekends.The great news is that the US Park Service has docks next to the ferry terminal where you can stay pretty inexpensively – $.50 per foot per night IIRC if you are over 62 and have a Senior Pass you can purchase from the Park Service office for about $10.
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Aug 10, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.9095,-75.66869999
Good Comments for Manteo Waterfront Marina, Pamlico Sound, NC

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A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Manteo Waterfront Marina is located on the western shores of Doughs Creek, northwest of marker #10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNIMU1Uspqg">Click Here for a video on the entrance channel.
Visited here recently twice. A great stop and stay for at least two days. Rent car from local Ford dealer is best. The channel while challenging for first timers is actually easy. This channel is a good example of fear of unknown.
John Winter
Also see FOCUS ON – Manteo Waterfront Marina
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Manteo Waterfront Marina
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Aug 10, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 35.9095,-75.66869999
FOCUS ON – Manteo Waterfront Marina, Pamlico Sound

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We heartily recommend a visit to Manteo, NC, with its really good restaurants, plentiful shopping and access to multiple historical attractions. And, you simply can’t do better than to coil your lines at SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Manteo Waterfront Marina. Tell Captain Carl we sent you!!!
Cruisers who have not visited Manteo in the past fifteen years will hardly recognize the waterfront or the downtown district. The city docks have been completely rebuilt and expanded and the downtown is filled with interesting shops, restaurants, shoreside businesses of all descriptions with classical-style buildings that await exploration by visiting cruisers.

The Manteo Waterfront Marina was constructed as part of Manteo’s redevelopment for the celebration of America’s 400th Anniversary, but its history starts long before the pleasure boats and boardwalk. The waterfront in Manteo acted as the hub of industry and commerce in Dare County for many years. There were oil tanks and fishing boats dotting the old wharfs and fish houses. There was an ice plant to package fish for transport, where Roanoke Island Festival Park now hosts concerts and performances. What was once the center of life in Dare County with busy court days and mail arriving by ship is now host to a quiet marina, maritime history center, and a replica of the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse.

The Manteo Waterfront Marina, situated on Doughs Creek, is one of three marinas in Shallowbag Bay and the best escape from a hard northeast wind on the north end of Roanoke Island. A short pleasurable cruise following the alternate route Manteo Waterfront Marina is approximately five miles off the ICW. Numerous boatyards and service providers are close by and can be contacted with information provided by Dockmaster, Carl Jordan. It needs to be noted, that Carl runs a `tight ship’ for Manteo Waterfront Marina and is a wealth of local knowledge as to what is happening in the area. Visiting cruisers’ can rest assured they are in excellent hands while staying in his marina.

Manteo Waterfront Marina welcomes transient cruisers. This quaint marina has 53 slips and can accommodate vessels up to 150′. Power (30, 50, and 100 amp) service is available along with water, cable and wifi. There is a well-kept comfort station with laundry services, shower facilities, and boater’s library with varied titles. A pump station is available with fuel docks close by. The amenities at Manteo Waterfront Marina are complemented by colorful landscaping set against idyllic Doughs Creek. Few will find a visit here to be anything less than appealing. There is over a mile of public boardwalk with on ground grilling facilities and dining area set up to host clubs.

There are restaurants and shops steps from the marina and the grocery store is a quarter of a mile away. Roanoke Island is also host to numerous attractions. The Lost Colony, the longest running outdoor drama in the country, plays nightly from May through August. North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is open daily and features numerous exhibits. Also on Roanoke Island are Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, the Elizabethan Gardens and the Alligator River National Wildlife Visitors Center. See where your seafood really comes from by visiting the very southern end of Roanoke Island and pick up todays catch straight from the docks.
A quick drive over the Washington Baum Bridge and you are at the beaches of the northern Outer Banks. There are many sites to visit and restaurants. Be sure to catch the sunset from Jockey’s Ridge State Park and don’t miss the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Wright Brothers at the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
For more information please visit: http://www.townofmanteo.com/marina
Or contact Dockmaster, Carl Jordan at 252-305-4800
The Marina monitors channel 16 and uses Channel 9 as their working channel
Already on your way? Check this video for helpful tip to approach the marina:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNIMU1Uspqg
Still contemplating a trip? This should seal the deal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VKRALDBaOY
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Manteo Waterfront Marina
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Curtis Hoff - December 11, 2018 - 9:28 am

We had the privilege to stay here for a week a couple years ago. Wonderful town and excellent marina staff. The Lost Colony Brewery is not to be missed if you like craft beer. One of our favorite stops in 8 years of cruising along the east coast. We had absolutely no issue with the entrance channel and neither will you if you follow the well-documented instructions and watch the video (5 ft draft).
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Carol Naughton - August 15, 2015 - 5:18 pm

Manteo Waterfront Marina is, by far, my favorite marina! I always try to plan 2 trips there per year, and Carl and George take great care of their customers. The whole charming town is right there at your doorstep, and within mere minutes you can be enjoying a world class cappucino, replenishing your supplies at the ship’s store or just browsing the wonderful shops. Lunch at the Full Moon Cafe has incredible food and fabulous home brewery beers. Don’t miss this special town and very special marina. Captain Carol, Big Kahuna
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Jul 20, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.5365,-76.62249999
More Good Words for Spoon River Restaurant, Belhaven, NC, AICW Statute Mile 136

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Spoon River Restaurant has only been in business for two years 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
There are several opportunities for dockage near Spoon River: Belhaven Waterway Marina, Belhaven Town Dock and Belhaven/Pantego Creek Anchorage. Our thanks to Skipper Whitehead for reminding us of this excellent restaurant!
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!
Carol Whitehead
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Belhaven Waterway Marina
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Belhaven 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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Jul 15, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 36.349,-75.94879999
Good Words for Coinjock Marina, Coinjock, NC, AICW Statute Mile 49

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As Skipper Herl relates, Coinjock Marina, on the eastern bank of the Waterway, has been making and keeping friends in the boating community for years.
Coinjock NC
Another long but productive day, 8 hours. Arrived at Coinjock at 4:15. Left Dowry Creek this am at 8:10. really good crossing Alligator River and again crossing the Albemarle Sound, the hard part was the wind, it was behind us and we were going as fast as the wind, again a really hot day. Sure makes a shower feel really good. After sweating all day the shower is an absolute necessary. Otherwise you don’t dare get down wind of each other.
Coinjock, a great stop, one long dock, no backing in and the dock hands are special, no need to get off the boat until your ready to eat. They take care of all the electric, water, tieup, spring-lines, everything.
Another place we would like to stop again.
Phil and Sandy Herl
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Coinjock Marina
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Joe Volpe - July 18, 2015 - 11:51 am

Great Place! Attentive staff, good facilities, clean. Restaurant food and service were superb. I arrived needing major repairs and was fairly and well cared for by Louis and the local diesel mechanic who rebuilt my engine!
Joe Volpe
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Jul 15, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 36.0558,-76.61129999
FOCUS ON – Edenton, NC, Western Albemarle Sound

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Historic Edenton, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is an exciting harbor and community of historical and entertainment events. Having recently celebrated their Tricentennial, Edenton is 300 Years Young! Come and let them prove it!

CLICK HERE to view a full schedule of events!
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Edenton Harbor (City Docks)
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Jul 15, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 36.0558,-76.61129999
Praise for Edenton, NC, Western Albemarle Sound

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Historic Edenton, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, always has an exciting calendar of community events and July will be no exception with a full schedule of activities for all ages, including events as part of the Albemarle Loop! Edenton is 300 Years Young! Come and let them prove it!
Close to Chesapeake Bay boaters who have a yen for new territory without having to go up the Atlantic coast. Autumn is a wonderful time to do the Albermarle Loop and Edenton is so quaint and the marina is `right down town!’ Please don’t miss the famous `Bell Battery’ adjacent to the municipal marina in Edenton. Cannon made from church bells in North Carolina which were `melted down’ to make cannon `For The Cause!’ Very noble and patriotic!
Alan V. Cecil
Click Here for a full schedule of July events!
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Edenton Harbor (City Docks)
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