Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Oct 23, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More from the Lunsford Log: NC Waterway, Statute Miles 210-330
We are very grateful to the Lunsfords for sharing their observations of the North Carolina Waterway. Remember that on our Homepage you can enter each statute mile mentioned into the ST.M./LAT-LON WIDGET and bring up a chart of the exact area discussed below. Several of the spots mentioned have been designated Problem Stretches on Cruisers’Net and their sites are listed below.
Delighted to be able to help, after all the assistance we’ve gotten from you over the years. This is a little bit older, we posted it on Facebook on Oct 8, having transited North Carolina during the previous 2 weeks. We’re hanging out in Beaufort for a couple of weeks for insurance restrictions, after 1 November we’ll head to Florida. If weather permits we’ll go outside overnight, otherwise, we’ll update you on conditions in Georgia.
Dan and Jaye Lunsford
We’ve just done the ICW through North Carolina from Beaufort/Morehead City on down toward Myrtle Beach, SC. We have a few passage notes for those following. Mostly it was a very easy trip with plenty of water, most of the traditional trouble inlets have been recently dredged.
Mile 210-ish, daymarks 9-11, stay to the red side of the channel if it gets shoal.
Mile 227, Bogue Inlet – this traditional trouble spot was dredged Feb 2014, no issues.
Mile 237, Brown’s Inlet – There are 3 marks here that look like they are in a straight line, Red 60, Green 61A and Green 63. The marks are NOT off-station, you will sweep a wide lazy “S” turn around them. Stay close to R60 (20 feet off) then stay to the red side, or no further than mid-channel, from G61A to G63.
(See /?p=144468)
Mile 246, New River Inlet – Favor the red side between Red 72A and Red 72B. Get close to R72B before you turn (I call it “squaring the corner”) and you will find 9 feet MLLW.
Mile 270, marker 99A – it’s way over to the side of the channel, favor the red side over near the boat dock.
(New Topsail Inlet/AICW, see /?p=144470 and /?p=144976)
Mile 293, Carolina Beach Inlet – this traditional trouble spot was recently dredged, no issues.
Mile 321, Lockwood’s Folly Inlet – recently dredged Feb 2014, and well-marked with cans that may not be on your chart. Make sure to follow the ICW marks (with the gold squares or triangles) and not the inlet markers, there is plenty of water.
Mile 330, Shallotte Inlet – this traditional trouble spot is recently dredged March 2014, no issues, we saw nothing less than 9.5 feet MLLW.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Bogue Inlet Channel Intersection
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Browns Inlet Intersection
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For New River/New River Inlet
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Lockwoods Folly Inlet Intersection
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Shalotte Inlet Intersection
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Oct 22, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.9171,-78.02829999
Report on Southport’s Free City Dock, AICW Statute Mile 309

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Although seldom mentioned, Southport, NC does have a free (48 hours) city dock as described below. Southport is also home to SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Southport Marina, located just west of the Cape Fear River along the northern banks of the Waterway hard by flashing daybeacon #2A. This reminder comes to us from Hank Pomeranz of Carolina Yacht Care.
`The City of Southport, NC, always a transient friendly destination, now allows transient boaters to use the free city dock for 48 hours instead of 24 hours. Since most transients arrive late in the day and generally leave in the morning hours, the old 24 hour policy did not allow time for provisioning or visiting the city. Visitors should check in with the police station when they arrive. The phone number is: 910-457-7913.
As you enter the Yacht Basin, the City Dock will be to port (opposite the restaurants). It is the T-Head on the outermost (closest to the ICW) dock.’
Thanks
Hank Pomeranz
And we have this description of the free dock from our good friends, Chuck Baier and Susan Landry in a 2013 review of Southport:
At the end of a long dock at the west end of the basin is the town dock where you can tie up for free for 48 hours. There is water on the dock and a 20-amp power outlet if you can make it work for the boat. Depths at the town dock can be 4 feet at low tide and with the tidal range, climbing onto the dock at low tide can be a challenge. Boaters do offer to allow others to raft up at the dock and it is much deeper even just a boat width off.
For the full review, see /?p=128381
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport Marina
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Oct 20, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.0226,-76.70049999
Farmers’ Markets, Oriental, NC, AICW Statute Mile 181

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The Oriental area is home to three SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS: Oriental Marina and Condos, Oriental Nautical Wheelers, and River Dunes. Please say hello for us as you enjoy this wonderful Fall weather and the delicious buys at the Farmers’ Markets.
From TownDock.net
The Oriental Farmers’ Market happens every Saturday on Hodges Street from 8-11a. Local produce, baked goods, artisinal work can be found there. There are also markets on some Wednesdays. Next markets are Wednesday Oct 22 and Saturday Oct 25. To find out what’s for sale, visit http://towndock.net/market
At the Oriental Farmers’ Market, the emphasis is on `local’ ‘” all of the items for sale are locally grown or locally made. The market turned 7 this year and it’s still growing ‘“ it now has two rows of vendors providing a great selection for a market in a town of our size. Stop by and see for yourself.
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Oriental Marina and Condos
Click Here To Visit Oriental Nautical Wheelers Web Site
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For River Dunes Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of River Dunes Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Oriental Waterfront
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Oct 13, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Cruising Albemarle Sound, on and off the North Carolina AICW
Here is a wonderful article about a wonderful body of water. This description of Albemarle Sound is sent to us by Joe Restivo, Marketing Representative for Scotch Hall Preserve, a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISER’ NET SPONSOR!
Cruising the Albemarle Sound
One of the gems of the Inner Banks region of North Carolina is the Albemarle Sound. This shallow coastal inlet off of North Carolina’s northeastern shoreline is in a unique place protected from the ocean by the Outer Banks. This makes it the ideal place to sail, cruise or fish when you just want to enjoy some calm, relaxing water.
The Albemarle Sound is never deeper than 25 feet deep and is between 5 to 14 miles wide. The Sound extends east and west for approximately 50 miles. This provides plenty of room for water activities, yet in a quiet, calmer setting than the open sea.
A Confluence of Rivers
What makes the Albemarle Sound popular with boating enthusiasts is the number of rivers that branch off of this larger body of water. The Chowan, Roanoke, Alligator and Pasquotank are some of the most well known. While the Sound is connected to the salt water of the ocean, most of the Sound’s water is brackish or fresh due to the number of freshwater rivers that feed it. The Sound discharges its flow through the Roanoke and Croatian sounds, which then feed Pamlico Sound. From a dock in the Albemarle Sound, you can explore much of the North Carolina coastline and river ways.
What to Expect when Cruising the Sound
Because of the protected nature of the Albemarle Sound, the tides are driven primarily by the wind. This means that the water itself has very little current. You will have little difficulty steering your boat where you want it to go.
One of the benefits of boating on the Albemarle Sound is its great expanse of unobstructed open water. This makes it a popular place for windsurfing or kite boarding, which requires a large body of water for full-speed sailing.
Fishing in the Sound
Fishing is another type of water sport commonly enjoyed on the Albemarle Sound. If you plan to take a boat out on the Sound, be sure to bring fishing gear along, or you will be missing out on exceptional fishing opportunities. The brackish water gives the chance to real in both saltwater and freshwater fish, depending on where you throw in your line. Bass, blues, sheephead and flounder are all commonly found here, and the fish population is still quite high.
Whether you are coming to enjoy fishing, water sports or simply a quiet cruise along the water, the Albemarle Sound is a beautiful, peaceful place to play. Consider a visit to Scotch Hall Preserve, which sits on the shores of the Sound, and offers a plethora of upscale amenities and activities, including paddle-boarding, hiking trails, canoes, kayaks, private swimming pool, and much more!
For more information, please visit: http://scotchhallpreserve.com/real-estate/waterfront-properties-for-sale/
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Oct 1, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 35.5553,-76.43869999
More on Wilkerson Creek Bridge, Alligator/Pungo Canal, AICW Statute Mile 126

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Our thanks to Skipper Dammeyer for sharing his experiences and advice with these two bridges in reference to an earlier report, /?p=125800. Wilkerson Creek Bridge, at Statute Mile 126, is generally accepted to be only 64ft and SSECN has recommended a low wind water level for vessels needing the full 65ft clearance. Fairfield Bridge with a vertical clearance of 65ft crosses the ICW at Statute Mile 114, west of the charted Fairfield Canal.
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′ 10’³. 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
And this Facebook local knowledge comment from Skipper Friedrich:
There is no lunar tide in this area, so you cannot plan ahead for low water here. The wind tide can be a foot or more. We have experienced high water here in Belhaven for several weeks.
Dave Friedrich
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Wilkerson Creek Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wilkerson Creek Bridge
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Fairfield Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fairfield Bridge
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Comments from Cruisers (2)

John Kettlewell - October 2, 2014 - 11:41 am

I have seen as little as 62 feet showing on the board at the Wilkerson Creek Bridge, though that is unusual. If you need more than 60 feet it is important to measure your air draft over the water line very carefully, because there are several places on the ICW you may encounter extra low clearance during times of unusual tides or wind conditions. The good news is that the location of the Wilkerson bridge is very sheltered and you should be able to approach the bridge at slow speed and under good control. However, it is a long way back to Norfolk if you can’t make it, and it is not a good place to anchor and wait. It sometimes takes many days for the water level to subside.
Reply to John

Ron Cousino - October 1, 2014 - 8:27 pm

Skipper Dammeyer,
Just saw your postings on the Wilkerson Creek Bridge, not surer if you are south of Oriental yet, if you are here’s hoping you have a safe an uneventful journey without any further bridge issues, but if you are still north of Core Creek bridge; FYI….. went thru there twice on the 27th, tide board was reading 64′ on a still rising tide, my antenna also scraped and again on the 29th with 3 hours before high tide, was reading 65Ft., still scraped. also could not get under the Morehead City bridge as it was reading 63′ had to go back and go thru the Beaufort draw bridge.
Point being we have had unusually prolonged high water for the past two weeks, from a steady NE winds driving more water from the sound creating higher “wind tides ” higher than normal, but as I saw today it is closer to normal water levels in the New Bern / Oriental areas,
My mast is the same height as yours, and would love to hear of your “tricks” to heel the boat over to reduce the static height.
Capt. Ron
captnron14@gmail.com
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Sep 27, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.2549,-77.9489999
Good Words for Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina, off the AICW on Cape Fear River, in Wilmington, NC

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Here’s a good plug for Wilmington and for Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, located on the eastern banks of the northeast Cape Fear River, just north of the Isabel Holmes – Highway 133 bascule bridge, and only a hop, skip and jump from the downtown Wilmington waterfront.
When traveling in the region consider touching base with Wilmington NC.
Just a short passage up the Cape Fear River will provide a bounty of provision options. Bennett Brothers Yachts @ Cape Fear Marina can haul 70 tons and provide a mechanical second opinion that could make the run up the river worth while.
Consider the “Fun to Fuel Burn” formula when making a decision to visit.
Can’t put a dollar value on the fun you will have in Historical Wilmington.
See you soon!
Peter Kurki
http://www.bbyachts. Com
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina
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Sep 26, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 34.623,-76.54079999
A Great Weekend at Cape Lookout, off the AICW, via Beaufort Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean

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Cape Lookout Bight is a wonderful, natural harbor formed by Cape Lookout’s curve of land. This superb anchorage, one of the most popular in North Carolina, as confirmed by Skipper Merriman, is best accessed via the Beaufort Inlet, rather than through Back Sound.
Labor Day Weekend August 30 ‘“ September 2nd 2014
Wow! Just Wow!
This was our first time to Cape Lookout. This place is fantastic. The water is warm and clear enough to snorkel. About 7 -10 feet of visibility, The water has a green tint to it.
We anchored about 3/4 of the way into the bite. We were in 25 feet of water and just a short dinghy row from the beach.
When we first arrived I was concerned because there must have been close to 100 boats in there. However, we had no problem finding a place to drop the hook. The very next morning most of the boats were gone, By day 3 there were only a handful.
The sunsets and sunrises are super. The light house looks great. Although we didn’t make it up to the top. Good fishing, nice walks on the beach,
Anybody who is sailing the coast and doesn’t stop by here is missing out.
Will & Sheila
s/v Sheila B
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Cape Lookout Bight Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cape Lookout Bight
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Debbie Secrist - September 28, 2014 - 8:42 am

Absolutely one of the most beautiful anchorages! We spent a few days there 2 yrs ago, and were there for 6 nights a few weeks ago. During the week and non-holiday weekends, there are typically only 3-4 boats. Wild horses on the Shackleford Banks shore. Finding numerous and varied seashells is a highlight as well as touring the lighthouse and beachcoming. We had visits from large sea turtles and a river otter. It’s an easy 7 mile trek east of the Beaufort inlet.
Debbie and Howard
S/V Dreamer
Reply to Debbie

Don Davis - September 27, 2014 - 9:03 am

It appears Will & Sheila have discovered one of the best kept secrets on the coast. We all hear that Key West is the only spot on the east coast to watch the sun set over the ocean. Not So. Due to the NC coast at Beaufort and Cape Lookout running East-West not North-South, from the bite at Cape Lookout the sun comes up and set over the ocean. A truly beautiful spot.
D. Davis
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Sep 26, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.9171,-78.02829999
Weather/Navigation Briefings Return, Southport Marina, Southport, NC, AICW Statute Mile 309.5

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We have heard nothing but good things about these informative weather and navigation briefings presented “at the dock” at Southport Marina. 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. Give them a try – you’ll like it!
Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback from hundreds of cruisers last spring, Southport Marina will present its daily Weather and Navigation Briefs at the Dock for Southbound cruisers from October 15th through December 15th 2014.
Teaming with Carolina Yacht Care (cYc) and Zimmerman Marine, Southport Marina invites you to join them for this free, one of a kind service geared towards transiting boaters. These informal discussions are an opportunity for you to join fellow cruisers at the end of the day for a presentation and interactive discussion on weather and navigation issues for the next leg of your journey.
Retired US Navy meteorologist, cruising sailor and owner of Carolina Yacht Care – Hank Pomeranz, will host the daily discussions. Hank will review the current National Weather Service advisories, watches and warnings, analyses and forecast charts and discuss the resultant forecasts for winds and seas, precipitation, temperatures, fog and severe weather potential for the Carolinas through Georgia.
On the ICW navigation side, Hank will concentrate on the waterway from Southport to the Georgia border. Synthesizing information from the US Army Corps of Engineers surveys, Local Notices to Mariners, recent fellow cruiser postings on popular websites and direct skipper feedback, Hank will review known problem areas and present the most accurate, up to date picture available.
And, you won’t have to memorize everything presented. They’ll have handouts you can take back to your boat and review at your leisure.
Briefings will be held daily at 6PM October 15th through December 15th at the marina docks.
Daily “Weather and Navigation Briefs at the Dock”: yet another great reason to stop and stay at Southport Marina.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport Marina
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Sep 25, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.075,-77.01369999
ARGUS Readings South of New Bern, NC, Neuse River, off the AICW

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Our thanks to Capt. John Hersey of SURVICE Engineering for sending this recent ARGUS reading from the Neuse River south of New Bern, NC. You can compare the earlier ARGUS readings by clicking “Argus(MLLW)” on the top of our Chartview page with the newest ones shown in the chart clip below.
9/20:
You will notice from our track when we left New Bern that I took a slightly different route. Local boaters told me that water was deep on the new route, and they were correct. It is slightly shorter, but better still is that it avoids the dog leg in the channel.
John Hersey
SURVICE Engineering
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Sep 24, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.3558,-77.689999
More on Shoaled Waterway Channel at Black Mud Channel (New Topsail Inlet/AICW Intersection), Statute Mile 270

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Since May of 2014, we have been receiving warnings of shallow water through this stretch and also the admonition to steer close to the docks on the red side of the channel: /?p=140638. Skipper Ross confirms this issue with his advice.
Black Mud Channel, mile 270. There are two floating green markers close to a dock on the north side. The red markers are on the dock!! Take it slow. We had 7.5 feet at low tide here.
Richard Ross
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New Topsail Inlet
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Sep 11, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 34.2549,-77.9489999
Praise for Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina, off the AICW on Cape Fear River, in Wilmington, NC

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Here’s a nice recommendation from Skipper Nickle for SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Bennett Brothers Yachts and Cape Fear Marina, located on the eastern banks of the northeast Cape Fear River, just north of the Isabel Holmes – Highway 133 bascule bridge, and only a hop, skip and jump from the downtown Wilmington waterfront.
I want to thank you again for getting me your contact at Bennett Brothers the other day. He was able to recommend a company in Florida that deals with marine hydraulics and just last week we received our refurbished cylinder back from them. Has not been re-installed, yet, but so far we are very happy with their service and we will commend that company. Here’s their website: http://www.rigginghydraulics.com and the contact name is Buk Miller.
Many thanks to you!!!!
Cheers,
Elke Nickle
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Van and Emily Beck - September 14, 2014 - 9:51 am

Could not agree more on the comments on Bennett Brothers. We have been there twice in the last six months with our Bristol 47.7 Frances and the ride up the Cape Fear to Wilmington is well worth it. Their staff is expert on all systems and they are very practical in their advice, starting with Tricia Bennett and Al Noble, their service manager.
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Sep 6, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 36.5054,-76.35519999
More Good Stuff on Dismal Swamp Canal from Captains Doyle

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The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, is located on the east shore of the like-named Canal at Statute Mile 28. Traveling south, the Dismal Swamp Canal route exits the Waterway westward immediately south of the I-64 fixed bridge at statute mile 7.1. Our continued thanks to Mark and Diana Doyle for their valuable contributions to our readers!
Hi Larry,
I know we’ve been going on and on about the Dismal Swamp option all week. But Diana and I really like taking that route and hope everyone tries it at least once.
Here’s the last of our FREEBIES to help SSECN Readers make a decision. It’s the Dismal Swamp chapter from our digital AnchorGuides.
Go to the link below, view in iTunes/iBooks, sign in to your iTunes account, and click `Get Sample.’
Hey, PDFs of a PassageMaker magazine article we wrote (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/3291490/magazine%20articles/PMM0514%20ICW%20Dismal%20Frugal%20Doyle.pdf), a PDF of the complete Dismal Swamp section from our CruiseGuide (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/3291490/magazine%20articles/OTW%20CruiseGuide%20Dismal%20Swamp.pdf), and now the AnchorGuide e-chapter …
Free guides AND free dockage for the whole ride! What else can we and the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center do?! 😉
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/anchorguide-for-intracoastal/id913626568?ls=1&mt=11
Best,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
m/v Semi-Local
www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
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Sep 4, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.0243,-76.69579999
Photos of Oriental’s Free Town Docks, Neuse River, AICW Statute Mile 181

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A second free town dock was opened to the public in April of this year, see /?p=137352. Now that dock, originally intended for pleasure craft and located just to the southwest of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Oriental Marina and Inn, is being over-utilized by commercial craft, prompting needed limitations on usage. SSECN is ever so grateful to Captain Diana Doyle for these excellent photos.
Hi Larry,
Diana and did a touch-and-go in Oriental, NC the other day to pick up an anchor and our forwarded mail.
Here are three pictures to help orient SSECN readers:
The new free town dock is in and available to cruisers, next to Oriental Marina & Inn’s fuel pumps.
With the old dock, in front of The Bean, that makes four cruiser-friendly slots.
And if folks miss out on the docks, the anchorage is now pretty clear (absent of homesteaders) and there’s a great town dinghy dock.
Oriental keeps getting better and better!
Best,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
m/v Semi-Local
www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Oriental Marina and Inn
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Oriental Marina
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Sep 2, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 36.5054,-76.35519999
Virginia Cut versus Dismal Swamp Canal

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The “debate” over which route is better has been going on for a very long time. The Dismal Swamp Canal route is almost one of those “either you love or you hate it” as shown in this article from November of 2013: /?p=128524. Unless you are in a big hurry, SSECN has always preferred the slow, easy pace of the Canal over the Virginia Cut. The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, is located on the east shore of the like-named Canal at Statute Mile 28. Traveling south, the Dismal Swamp Canal route exits the Waterway westward immediately south of the I-64 fixed bridge at statute mile 7.1.
Hi Larry,
Well it’s that time of year again and we figure a lot of SSECN readers are thinking, “Virginia Cut or Dismal Swamp?”
Diana and I are BIG fans of the Dismal Swamp route and for those readers interested here’s a link to a PassageMaker Magazine article we wrote to back it up!
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/3291490/magazine%20articles/PMM0514%20ICW%20Dismal%20Frugal%20Doyle.pdf
And the Captains Doyle have sent us the excellent, complete section on the Dismal Swamp from their ICW CruiseGuide:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/3291490/magazine%20articles/OTW%20CruiseGuide%20Dismal%20Swamp.pdf
Stay in the deep water,
Best,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
m/v Semi-Local
www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Tim Pittman - September 3, 2014 - 7:48 am

I went through the Dismal Swamp Cut last weekend. I enjoyed this run and particularly enjoyed staying at the well maintained visitors center docks. However we hit 6 dead heads between the locks on our 4 ft draft boat. I don’t think we had damage.
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Aug 22, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 36.0842,-76.40639999
A Good Visit to Albemarle Plantation Marina, Northern Shore of Albemarle Sound

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Albemarle Plantation Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! is located off the AICW, on the northern shores of Albemarle Sound, on Yeopim River/Creek. Skipper Parker’s description of this facility makes a Waterway side trip up the Albemarle Sound very inviting!
We spent Saturday night, 08-16-14, at Albemarle Plantation Marina and enjoyed a very pleasant experience. Everyone we met was friendly and helpful and the facility itself was well maintained, although showing a few signs of age. The showers and bathrooms were as nice and clean as any we have ever used. The pool was large, clean and very refreshing on a hot day. We decided to rent a golf cart and put it to good use in exploring the massive property. We did not get a chance to try the restaurant as it was being used for a private golfing event. This marina is off the beaten path but worth the effort in getting there.
Dick Parker
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Albemarle Plantation Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Albemarle Plantation Marina
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Aug 22, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 34.7225,-76.66919999
A Marine Professional’s Frustration, Beaufort, NC, AICW Statute Mile 201

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The current Grayden Paul Bridge over Gallant Channel in Beaufort is a bascule bridge with a closed vertical clearance of 13ft. Adams Creek and Gallant Channel connect southbound Waterway cruisers to the Beaufort waterfront.
The new Grayden Paul Bridge (/?p=143433) will have a fixed vertical clearance of 65ft and a horizontal clearance of 100ft. However, it is obvious from Skipper Cole’s follow-up comments below that the new bridge does indeed impose restrictions on certain vessels. One can understand and sympathize with the frustrations of a marine professional fighting to stay in business.
Having worked in a boat yard for many years, I understand after living in the area 41 years,that Adams creek is not part of the inland waterway. I have read many articles saying it is so. Please get the facts straight. This new bridge is putting our boat restoration business Out of work. Can’t the NCDOT understand that they are putting a lot of people out of work. Many boats have left the area to go to Charleston, Savannah, and Florida. This bridge if built will also impede the shrimp boats.
Judith Cole
August 30, 2014
As Skipper Cole makes clear, the 65ft vertical clearance imposes restrictions on those boat yards who have been servicing vessels in need of greater than 65ft vertical clearance.
Dear Larry , When you compared the new unbuilt bridge 65 ft. Against the present bridge. You failed in your comparison by only stating that it is only 13ft. The Grayden Paul bridge is a draw bridge when it is open the height can not be measured large tall ships with masts a lot higher than 65 feet have been using this bridge before either you or I were born. Please in your next writing quit trying to hide the truth. This new bridge will ruin the tall ships waterway . Adams creek is not part of the waterway,it needs it’s own specific concerns . Tall ships need their own consideration. Does hiding things from the public make it right. No, it is not honest.
Judith Cole
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Kathrine Noel - August 22, 2014 - 7:25 am

I’d love more of an explanation both about Adam’s Creek and the bridge project! I’ve been traversing Adams Creek for many years and didn’t realize that. On the bridge project, I believe that if we had more detail on how the new bridge will negatively impact business people, we would go to bat for them.
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Aug 19, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.5422,-77.05829999
A New Light over the Pamlico River, off the AICW in Washington, NC

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Washington, NC, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is one of the most delightful ports of call on the North Carolina coastline. The town is located off the direct path of the AICW, but it’s a pleasant 30 mile cruise upstream on Pamlico River from the Waterway’s passage across this body of water to the Washington City Docks.
A NEW LIGHT OVER THE PAMLICO
New boating facility evokes Pamlico Point Light
A rare occurrence has taken place on North Carolina’s Inner Banks as a new lighthouse now shines its beam across the harbor of Washington, NC. The lighthouse is not intended as a navigational aid, but will welcome mariners and landside visitors to this historic riverfront town.

Construction of the new boating facility was completed in June. The lighthouse was designed to evoke the architecture of the Pamlico Point Light, which once marked the entrance of the Pamlico River. The structure includes shower and laundry facilities for boaters, as well as public restrooms and, on the second floor, new quarters for the Dockmaster and Dock Attendants.

The Washington waterfront harbor, formed by the broadening of the Pamlico/Tar River, has been Eastern North Carolina’s hub for waterborne commerce since colonial days. As the closest deep water harbor to the metro areas of Greenville, Rocky Mount, and Raleigh/Durham, it now supports a large recreational boating population.

In addition to space for long-term and transient dockage, the Washington waterfront now provides a wide variety of public amenities including a waterfront promenade, nature boardwalk, playground, concert stage, and public seating along the water. The Lighthouse Boating Facility is the latest milestone in a decades-long effort to make the Washington waterfront one of the area’s premier recreational destinations for tourists and residents alike.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/washingtonwaterfrontdocks or call 252.944.6661.
Best regards,
Beth Byrd, Director
Washington Harbor District Alliance
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WashingtonHarborDistrictAlliance
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Washington City Docks
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Aug 19, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.7162,-76.66539999
Good Visit to Beaufort Municipal Docks, AICW Statute Mile 201

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Location, location is the name of the game at Beaufort Municipal Docks and it is certainly good to hear positive comments about this popular stopping point for Waterway cruisers. The town of Beaufort, NC is known as a real success story along the Waterway and this wonderful port of call remains one of our favorites, anytime, anywhere!
We took a weekend trip to Beaufort Town Docks this weekend and couldn’t have had a better time. Many thanks to Dock Master Neil for his assistance. If you want great views and nightlife, this is the place to be.
John Flowe
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Beaufort Municipal Docks
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Aug 18, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.6063,-77.23579999
Grounding at Problem Stretch: Browns Inlet/AICW Intersection, Statute Mile 237

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Skipper Halls relates his jarring experience with a shoal and the rudeness of a passing vessel. The intersection of the Waterway and Browns Inlet, a Problem Stretch south of Swansboro, has been the site of shoaling for some time, as well as a mysterious underwater hazard as reported in /?p=141557.
8/12/2014, ran aground at this spot. Letting crew steer for just a few minutes, I was down below when the gut wrenching bloop of grounding was felt. Very difficult to see the plan (markers) until almost on top when headed southbound. We had a following current and crew didn’t reduce power till I came rushing up. Had to call TowboatUS. I MIGHT have avoided if I was steering, but maybe not, quite confusing, VERY narrow channel remains. And a special thanks to the Aussie couple in a 50ish DeFever who went by as we were trying to be towed off, for waking us so hard the keel ( 4.8 draft ) slammed the shoal 3 times VERY hard !!
Randy Hall
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Browns Inlet Intersection
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Aug 16, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.8533,-78.57179999
Confirmation of Good Depths at Little River Inlet, near AICW Statute Mile 342

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Little River Inlet lies south and east of the Waterway, right at the NC-SC state line, intersecting the Waterway at Mile 342. Skipper Spouse’s opening comment refers to a June 6, 2013 posting on this inlet: /?p=116922 Note that marker references are inlet markers, not Waterway markers.
Last year’s good reports about the Little River Inlet are still valid as at 16 August 2014. This morning we came out through the Little River Inlet from Calabash Creek at half-flood ‘“ just followed the buoys and remained mid channel out to the seabuoy. Tons of water and the minimum observed depth was 15ft over the bar about half-mile inshore of the seabuoy.
William Spouse
Hallberg Rassy 42
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