Carolina Beach Inlet/AICW Intersection - Click for Chartview
This agreement between USACE and the NC DNR is certainly good news for cruisers since the inlet intersections with the Waterway have always been notorious areas for shoaling. The article below is from the Port City Daily of Wilmington, NC and was sent to us by Captain Tom Beaty. For the complete story, go to: http://portcitydaily.com/2013/12/10/state-federal-agreement-lands-to-keep-shallow-draft-inlets-open/
Aerial of Carolina Beach Inlet. Credit: Google Maps.
North Carolina and the federal government have finalized a deal to continue dredging in shallow navigation sites like Carolina Beach Inlet and the Shallotte River, touted as crucial components of the coast’s economy. Announced Tuesday between the N.C. Department of Environment & Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), it provides an outline for resumed maintenance of federally authorized shallow-draft inlets and channels through September 2017.
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The owners of Inland Waterway Treasure Company in Oriental are seeking to determine the location of a vessel that until recently was anchored in Oriental Harbor and subsequently was towed to Morehead City. The red sailing vessel, PrimaDonna (see link below for photo), has since left the Morehead City area and its whereabouts are unknown. If you can assist in locating this vessel, do not contact SSECN, but please contact Pat or Laurie Stockwell directly at 252-249-1797 or IWPC@dockline.net.
Claiborne, Good morning! It’s Paul Fairbank, The Boonedocks, Oriental. I don’t know if you have heard of the problems here with a French boat, Primadonna. The owners left this eyesore at anchor in our town harbor for over a year, managed to swindle a local do-gooder out of nearly $3000 and left to avoid a small claims judgment. The search is on for Primadonna.!! The full story from Towndock at http://towndock.net/news/have-you-seen-primadonna Perhaps your readers could help. It might even save them some grief. Thanks, Paul Fairbank The Boonedocks Sent by PAUL FAIRBANK From “Paul’s Bunker,” at VILLAGE HARDWARE & MARINE SUPPLY DO IT BEST No. 3444 ORIENTAL, NC 28571 (252) 249-1211
There may be two sides to this story but the articles are fairly clear. I do hope they can resolve the issue. Another reminder to not co-sign checks or loan money. Sonny
Please let me know when you have the fund raising for Pat. I will be sending money. A person as nice as Pat should never have this happen to him. I am proud to call him friend. Vicki Willis
In June of 2012, I cruised to R. E. Mayo Seafood Docks, one of our newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS. It was a very interesting visit indeed, and I think I can say without any fear of telling an inaccuracy, this is one of the most unique facilities that has ever chosen to support our web site.
I’ve worked out of Mayo’s many times in the past. Their ships store is not a `West Marine’, but rather more of a commercial fishing marine supply. It has always had what I needed to get the job done (ships husbandry-commercial diver). I highly recommend them for what your BOAT needs! Catfish Younce
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. For the Center’s winter hours, see /?p=128131
I have now been retired 3 years, after 23 years as Director of the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center. I want to thank each and everyone who choose to travel the Dismal Swamp Canal. I realize the dockage is small but most the time it will meet your needs. It is the only place where you can witness nature at its best and learn of its history. Bike rides are available, clean restrooms and grounds. Try it once and I promise you will return’¦’¦..’Happy Cruising’ Penny Leary-Smith
The Welcome Center has provided so much needed respite over the years while cruising. The staff certainly are always very informative, and encouraging no matter what time of the day we have visited. Its great to have ‘˜the Dismal Swamp’ available to us; such a blessful experience ‘“ its like riding down a country lane viewing nature in its natural sitting. For me its a ‘˜slice’ of America, kinda like Yellowstone (a piece of history that I wish everyone could experience). My husband as well as fellow cruisers we know, are praying that tax dollars don’t ever allow it to go away. We encourage everyone to try it ‘“ along with a stop by to talk with Robert Peak & say `Hello’ to his pal, `U-Turn’; since he’s an extremely sweet pet, you might wish to have a doggie treat ready. Ginger Thompson
Penny, Thank you for all you have done. This applies to all your staff as well. It has always been one of our favorite stops. Jim and Sandy Davis S/V Isa Lei
The recent closure of the Great Bridge Lock, which temporarily made the AICW Dismal Swamp Canal Alternate Route the only inland option, has prompted discussion of the Dismal Swamp’s cruising characteristics, good and less than good.
I am curious as to why our members are concerned about the Great Bridge Lock being closed. There is enough water and the locks are open on the Dismal Swamp Canal and the passage is prettier than the Chesapeake and Albemarle Canal. We have traversed both many times and prefer the Dismal. It’s true that there are more marinas on the C and A and you may have to run a generator at Elizabeth City or at the anchorage above the E. C. bridge but the distance is the same for each passage. True the lower Pasquotank River is open to the wind but then so is Currituck Sound. Jim Bertch
Jim, rarely do I disagree with you, but this time I do! It cost us a pretty penny last time we went through and we’ve been there and done that, and we now prefer the Virginia Cut. OHH and BTW it appears that the Great Bridge Lock is open again. No word on whether it is permanently fixed or what, but right now they are operating on a normal schedule! Hans
The recent closure of the Great Bridge Lock, which temporarily made the Dismal Swamp Canal AICW Alternate Route the only inland option, prompted this discussion of the Dismal Swamp versus the North Carolina – Virginia Cut (a. k. a. the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal) on the AGLCA Forum.
Obviously each boater makes their own decisions but the Dismal is my absolute preference over the Va Cut. that said I am a shallow draft boat (3′) and have keel protected props. I have found that there are different risks for both routes depending upon your individual boat. We always thump something coming thru the Dismal but so far no damage, and also the Pungo for that matter. The Va Cut bridges are difficult for us to time, as we are a slow boat so we are often waked badly by inconsiderate captains on large yachts transiting the Va. Cut making a schedule. There is commercial traffic on the cut as well and the long narrow channel reach across the Carrituck Sound in weather can be a real bear. I also find that the approaches to the bridges on the upper end of the Virginia Cut has it’s dangers with the stumps lining that narrow channel. Often not visible until they poke out from a wake trough. So for us the very protected easy relaxing transit of the Dismal is the attraction and it has many more anchoring/docking options than the cut. When weather blocks the crossing of the Albemarle we often hang out at Elizabeth’s (sometimes referred to as Robert’s) Dock between the Swing bridge and the deep creek lock chamber. Deep water extremely protected free dock with easy walking to the town that has everything the cruiser could require in the adjacent shopping Center. No electric and sometimes you can get water if the tap is on. We prefer this spot to trying to jam into Elizabeth City among a backlog of boats trying to wait a weather window. Again the decision is of course dependent upon your situation and boat. cruise safe, stay warm but have fun
We agree whole heartedly in preferring the Dismal Swamp route over the Dreadful Currituck Sound route. In our dozen cruises along the east coast we’ve visited the canal 10 times (leaving 2 for the Dreadful route). Same reasons mentioned in the above article, plus the canal and the river leading to it from Elizabeth City is beautiful and unhurried. We’ve never had an issue with our four foot draft. The new nature center is worth a visit. Bob McLeran/Judy Young
Absolutely agree with the comments above. Add that a visit with Robert Peak, lockmaster at Deep Creek is one of the pleasures of the trip. For a small adventure, take the dinghy, canoe or kayak up the feeder ditch, use the marine railway to get it to lake level and enjoy the almost perfect roundness and natural beauty of Lake Drummond (just be sure to note a landmark so you can find your way back off the lake). If you visit the state park and walk or bicycle on the trails, take seriously the warning about Lyme disease carrying deer ticks. We didn’t and had multiple tick bites resulting in a round of antibiotics when we reached home a few days later. Jean Thomason
Southport, NC, which plays to three SSECN sponsors, Southport Marina, Zimmerman Marine and Carolina Yacht Care, is a delightful riverside community with which I have long lasting, personal ties. It was on the banks of the “Old Basin” that I had the good fortune to live aboard my parents 48-foot wooden sportsfishermen during the summer months, between the ages of 10 and 15. Talk about an idyllic existence. My father had a good friend and local skipper here, Captain Sonny Potter. If Captain Sonny couldn’t find where the fish were biting, it was time to return to the dock. We had many a rare day fishing off the Frying Pan Shoals at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. While today, Southport is far more frequented by visitors than was true during my boyhood days, this delightful community’s charms remain very much intact, and it is one of my very favorite personal ports of call. And so, when SSECN strategic partners, Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, filed their delightful article below, it was with much pleasure that I set their account up to be published here on our web site. We are once again greatly indebted to Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com) for providing the superb, in-depth article and copious photographs, set below! THANKS CHUCK AND SUSAN!
Southport Town Dock - on the Old Dockage Basin
Southport, NC by Chuck Baier and Susan Landry Southbound from Wrightsville Beach, it can be an easy run down the AICW and the Cape Fear River if you have the right wind and tide conditions. On the day we made the trip, it could not have been better. It was anchor up at 0730 in Wrightsville and we were tied to the town dock in Southport at 1045. Light winds and the outgoing tide made for a fast, comfortable trip and as we entered the basin at Southport, it was like seeing an old friend once again. The basin is just off the AICW channel as you make the turn off the Cape Fear River. This is a small basin with room to anchor a few boats, and several free docks available at some of the restaurants: The Provisioning Company, Fishy Fishy Cafe and The Yacht Basin Eatery. They allow overnight dockage if you eat at their establishments. There is no power or water at the docks and these are floating docks. The tidal range here is about 5 feet.
Southport Visitor's Center
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. Don’t be surprised if you get a visit from Bob and Kay Creech, a very nice couple that lives across the street from the town dock and offers to provide any service you might need. Bob and Kay are Port Captains for MTOA (Marine Trawler Owners Association) and have their boat docked inside the basin. They are very knowledgeable about the area and are also very experienced boaters.
We have eaten at many of the restaurants that surround the basin at one time or another, including the newer Frying Pan, and found them to be excellent. The atmosphere ranges from funky outdoors to the magnificent view at The Frying Pan. The menus are typical fresh seafood, burgers and sandwiches to steak and salad dishes. One important establishment is Flava’s Ice Cream Shop. We never miss it when we stop here. They were, however, about to close for the season on November 1st and had a limited number of flavors. They will open again in the spring.
Southport Shops Along Howe Street
Just a couple of blocks walk from the waterfront is downtown Southport. You will find another typical historic Carolina waterfront community with many shops, restaurants, galleries, antique shops and boutiques. From the town dock or anchorage, walk down Yacht Basin Drive to either Bay or Moore streets, and then head east. You may want to make your first stop at the Fort Johnston/Southport Visitors Center to pick up information before you set out on foot to explore. The friendly ladies at the center will assess your needs and provide you with brochures and pamphlets to guide you on your exploration of Southport. The beautiful building that now houses the Visitor’s Center, built in 1810, provided living quarters for military officers and belonged to the U.S. Army until 2006.
One of the pamphlets provided allows you to take a self-guided tour of historic Southport. The Visitor’s Guide points you toward major historic sites and the innumerable shops and restaurants along Howe, Moore and Nash streets. It also lists the many events that occur annually in the seaside village including the Southport Spring Festival held every Easter weekend on the Friday and Saturday before Easter Sunday. Also, the Waterfront Farmers Market is held every Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (between May and September) on the grounds of the Visitor’s Center on the Garrison Lawn at Fort Johnston. Southport holds 3rd Fridays between May and August from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with music and food. Stores also stay open during those hours and the atmosphere is quite festive. Other local events include a wooden boat show in late September, tours of historic homes, fishing tournaments and a Christmas boat parade. A recent claim to fame for Southport is being the location for the filming of the popular television series “Under the Dome,” based on a Stephen King novel.
Fishy Fishy Cafe and Docks
If the anchorage and docks in the basin are full, Southport has a couple of great marinas available. Southport Marina is just to the west of the town basin in its own protected basin. It only takes one a few minutes longer to walk from there to the downtown area. They also have a service yard if you are in need of repairs. A bit farther down the waterway is South Harbour Village Marina, where we have stayed on occasion. We have always been offered a ride to the store or a vehicle to use while there. They also have a couple of eateries on site if you don’t feel like cooking. Unfortunately, downtown is not walking distance from South Harbour Village. Other than major provisioning, which will likely require a cab, loaner car or long bike ride, Southport is truly a walking town. We enjoy our visit each time we stop here and have difficulty passing it by.
Town Creek is east of the south end of Gallants Channel in Beaufort, NC, east of unlighted daybeacon #1.
I anchored in town creek. It is a nice location. It is crowded and there are some long term boats there (and some sunken boats). They are on multiple anchors. When I pull my anchor I had picked up someone’s rode. I was able to easily free it with the boathook. Galen
Captain Hipple’s comments are in response to recent widely varying points of view concerning the Beaufort Municipal Docks in Beaufort, NC. See /?p=126312
Date: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 12:41:17 -0500 I have been stopping at the Beaufort Town Docks, along with just about every other marina along the AICW, for over 25 years. I have done this in everything from a 30 foot cruiser to the 130 foot motor yacht I currently operate. During all those years I have never experienced anything other than professional, knowledgeable and pleasant service from the entire dock crew at the marina. While it is true that the laundry and showers are of no consequence to us on this boat, they were for many years but were never a major problem. I been there for an overnight stop and have also spent a month there rebuilding an engine. The docks may not be state of the art but they are strong and safe. I have ridden out 2 tropical storms there. One on a 70 foot Hatteras and the other on the 130 foot tri-deck motor yacht without any problems. All the dock guys were there to assist in securing the boats and some stayed through the night to help if needed. They were there along with TowBoat US to remove this sail boat that broke loose from its mooring, before it damaged, or sunk the trawler it got tangled with. Some of the power pedestals are indeed made of wood but who cares? The power is good and reliable. This is one of the few marinas along the coast where we can get 2, 208V 3 phase power outlets on several docks, while there are still 50 amp and 30 amp outlets for the smaller boats. This is something you will not find in most marinas, even the “state of the art” ones. The Charleston City Marina’s Mega dock is great but 90% of the time we can’t get electric. The water is good and fuel is available in most of the slips. The Wi-Fi works fine and is free. The location is among the best on the coast with shops and restaurants across the street. Anything else you desire is easily reached by one of several courtesy cars that the marina makes available at no cost. As for cost, $1.95/ft. and $6 for electric described in the article, is in the range of similar stops, many of which do not have amenities like loaner cars or Wi-Fi___33. Moorhead City Yacht Basin is $2.00/ft. or $1.80 BoatUS, Oriental Marina and Inn is $1.90/ft., River Dunes is $1.50/ft. and $5 for electric, Beaufort SC is $1.85/ft. and $6 electric.
I consider the Beaufort Docks one of the best stops on the East coast and I look forward to our next visit in the spring. Captain Bill Hipple M/Y Lady Kath
There is a lot less current at the marinas in Morehead City and a lot more protection. And the `Praise’ comments mentioned the cheapest, under 35ft rate or $1.95, not the $2.30 rate that applies to boats over 36ft. While the dock crew is indeed good in Beaufort, they have to be because the location is swept with current and the channel occupied by untended boats on moorings, none of which exist at the other options available in the area. Beaufort simply overcharges for a less attractive boating experience. If that appeals, great. Roger Arrowood
Belhaven Town Dock is just west of Belhaven Waterway Marina on your starboard side of the Pantego Creek channel. For questions about docking at the Town Dock, contact Les Porter, Harbor Master at Belhaven Waterway Marina, as well as Dock Master of the Town Dock, at 252-944-0066.
Stayed at Belhaven town docks 11/9/2013. The entrance is directly above the Waterway Marina. You must navigate between a group of old pilings to reach the long face dock. The first length of dock has a low wooden fence and we were told it is for short tie ups only (a pump out is in this area). As you continue in the basin there are electric & water connections. Looks like there may be space for five or six vessels. We saw depths at the seven and eight foot levels. Earlier we had attempted to phone the dock master but couldn’t contact anyone. Shortly after we finished docking the dock master came over and said we should expect a few more vessels and should be ready for tight quarters. The fee was $1.00/ft and included electric and water. Self operated pump out was via a $5.00 token. The dock master said the town had yet to post any signs or entrance aids at this dock. The docking was fine although no other vessels ever showed up. The dock master mentioned the `new free’ docks so we thought we would check them out as we took a walking tour of town. We walked the river front all the way out of town till we reached a fenced commercial facility about 1/2 mile out of town. We took several grassy paths out towards the river but never located these new docks. The town itself appears a little down on its luck as though `its time had passed’. The few people we encountered on the street were friendly as was the dock master. Jim Murtha
Mason Inlet separates Figure Eight Island and Wrightsville Beach and intersects the Waterway at mile 280.5. SSECN has had a Navigation Alert posted for reports of shoaling at this intersection since August of 2013. See /?p=120325.
On Nov 13, 2013 at approximately 1:00 pm (mid tide) our keel bumped & then slid over shoaling on the “ocean side” of ICW channel very near G121 (Mason Inlet) . Our IP350 sailboat has a draft of 4′ 3″. We were very surprised as we had checked this cruiser site for any problem areas and found no mention of problems in this area. Jim Murtha
In light of Captain Murtha’s last comment, SSECN would like to remind everyone to always check our Navigation Alerts, which can be reached both via our top of the page menus, and by way of the red, vertically stacked menus on the right side of all (except Chart View) SSECN pages. You can also set a bookmark for /alert-region/010-all-nav-alerts/?sort=date (though, do note that this “ALL Navigation Alerts” page is sorted chronologically by publication date, while the regional Nav. Alert pages (e. g. “EF Nav. Alerts at /alert-region/035-ef-nav-alerts/?sort=geo) are sorted geographically!
Came through Mason Inlet [intersection with ICW] yesterday 2 hrs after low tide. Two boats already grounded near floating green can. Bumped as started through further toward red but grounded and backed off only to bump again. TowboatUS near by came to pull off and led through. Ignore floating green, less than 4 ft of water with rising mid tide. You need to be as close to red side docks as possible then angle back to channel past G23. TowboatUS captain said this location had started shoaling badly 2 days ago. John Lark
11/19/13 ‘“ We traveled the area AICW at Mason Inlet at MLW. We had 2.9 feet of water under our boat, we draw 5’7’³. John Sims
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We are grateful to Carol Small for sending us this article from Town Dock, Oriental’s waterfront news source. See http://towndock.net/. At least one of the “homesteading” boats which have been the source of much discussion and debate over the last few months have now departed. See /?p=125893
Wednesday November 13, 2013 There’s more space for visiting boats to anchor in Oriental’s harbor now that the French-crewed sailboat, Primadonna, has been towed to Morehead City. Primadonna has been anchored in Oriental’s harbor since it arrived last November. It was one of four such homesteading boats taking up space normally used by many cruisers on their annual treks south and north. The other three boats continue to homestead in the anchorage. Carol Small
Oriental Harbor - Photo by Town Dock - "Look at all the available space!"
McCotters Marina and Repair Yard 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. Of course, they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
As a circumnavigator I know boating embraces all manner of people and places. If you want the Hilton, McCotters Marina isn’t it. However, if you want a laid back, easy to work with marina with old fashioned values, this is it. Mark Henley was responsive and responsible, and took care of our trawler when we weren’t around. Most of all he was honest, that rarest of traits in a now-we-see-you-now-you’re-gone business world. The facilities are simple, the environment at the marina, serene. Overall it’s quiet and relaxing. Serenity and simplicity mixed with quality service when you need either one. Lee Gunter
My family kept our Post sport fishing boat at McCotters back in the 60’s and 70’s, many great memories as a kid around that dock in those days. I remember a character with a boat named `So Good Foamy’. Boat never left the dock as far as I can remember although he was there every weekend in the summer with the hatches up working on the engines, cold one in hand! That was his therapy, what’s yours? Matt Richter
We are once again greatly indebted to Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com) for providing the superb, in-depth article and photographs, contained in the article below. THANKS CHUCK AND SUSAN! Please read on!
Swansboro, NC Located directly on the Intracoastal Waterway is Swansboro, NC. Rich in history, Swanboro was established in the 1730s but not incorporated until about 50 years later. It initially thrived via its shipbuilding industry which lasted until after the Civil War. After the decline in shipbuilding, the town then changed its focus to the fishing industry which, along with tourism, now supports the local economy.
Swansboro Waterfront
Swansboro doesn’t get nearly as many visitors as its nearby cousin of Beaufort, NC, but it is a little town with a big personality, and a great little place to stop by and visit. You can cover the downtown area by foot in just a few minutes. Although small in size, Swansboro has a lot to offer. If a marina is what you are looking for, both Dudleys and Caspers are available. Dudleys is across the bridge and a bit of a walk from downtown, but the price is right (75 cents a foot, includes power). It is not fancy, but the staff is friendly and the marina even provides a courtesy car. Just beyond the shops and restaurants downtown, close to the ICW, is Caspers. They, too, are reasonably priced. Or, you can anchor just south of the bridge near R `4’ in 14 feet of water and dinghy in to the town dock at the park toward the north end of town and the bridge.
If shopping is on your list, Lighthouse Boutique and Tidewater Gallery sit on the waterfront and tempt visitors with their wares. The Olde Brick Store, an historical landmark dating back to the early 1800s, houses a number of shops. Poor Man’s Hole, back on the waterfront, carries handmade furniture. The Cigar Shop, behind the Harry Pugliese Pavilion, is a popular spot for the gents to hang out and swap a few yarns. The Mercantile carries nautical gifts. And don’t forget Russell’s Olde Type Shoppe for those handmade gifts. Many more shops with a variety of wares line Water and Front Streets as well as the neighboring side streets. After all of that eating and shopping, take a stroll down to the end of Water Street to Ward Shore Park, for a front row view of the ICW. The sunsets from here are spectacular. We like this sleepy little town and would encourage boaters traveling along the Intracoastal Waterway to stop, spend some time, and have a closer look.
The Olde Brick Store
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The marked entry channel to Deep Point Marina – A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! – lies northwest of Cape Fear River/AICW marker #20. And this is certainly not the first time we’ve received confirmation of the fine quality of work by Bennett Brothers Yachts, also A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
We’ve stopped here before. liked it, and will stop again. The dockmasters are very helpful and gave us good info on highly qualified assistance we needed from Bennett Brothers. Also, very nice people live here on their boats. We’ll be back. Bru Brubaker
Both Washington, NC, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, and Bath, NC, are some of the most delightful ports of call on the North Carolina coastline. Both are located off the direct path of the AICW, but it’s usually a pleasant 30 mile cruise upstream on Pamlico River from the Waterway’s passage across this body of water to the Washington City Docks. The Pamlico’s waters are usually not as rough as its sister stream to the south, Neuse River. Along the way, you will first pass Bath Creek, on the northern bank, followed several miles farther along by Broad Creek, also indenting the northerly banks, and home of Washington Yacht Club and SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, McCotters Marina. Susan and Chuck’s superbly written article below will whet the appetite of any true cruiser, and bring on an irresistible craving to explore Washington and Bath. We heartily suggest you heed the call! Read on! We are once again greatly indebted to Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com) for providing the superb, in-depth article and copious photographs, set below! THANKS CHUCK AND SUSAN!
Approaching the Washington City Docks and Downtown Waterfront
The Towns of Washington and Bath, North Carolina by Chuck Baier and Susan Landry
Washington, NC About 30 miles upriver from the spot where the Intracoastal Waterway crosses Pamlico River lies the town of Washington, NC. For the many boaters that speed south to reach their winter destinations, missing these side trips is a shame. We have been just as guilty in the past, but decided that on this transit of the ICW, we would stop and smell the fish fry. The Pamlico can be daunting and a careful eye on the weather is required. The payoff to visiting this well protected harbor and yet another historic site along the North Carolina waterway is more than worth the additional time and miles.
The Washington Harbor entrance is marked by a very old railroad bridge that is always open unless a train is coming. The channel is narrow, and once inside the harbor it’s best to call the town dock Harbormaster on VHF Channel 16 for docking instructions and slip assignment. There are two options for staying at the town dock. One is the free docks along the lovely promenade and park that lines the harbor. Docks G through K are side ties and we stayed on G dock which was reported to have the shallowest water. We found 14 feet on approach and 7-8 feet alongside. There are no tides to speak of, but the winds from one direction or another for prolonged periods can raise and lower the water levels. The second option available is to take one of the slips at the other docks which have power and water. Those slips are rented at $1.00 per foot per day plus $3.00 per day for 30 amp and $6.00 per day for 50 amp service. Water is included on the paying docks but not on the free docks. Free docking is good for 48 hours, but if you want to stay longer, the charge is 75 cents per foot per day.
Washington City Docks
The Dockmaster was on the dock ready to assist us as we arrived. The harbor is well protected from all directions and docking was straightforward and easy. Once the boat was secured, the Dockmaster filled out a simple form to register us and gave us a brief rundown on what to find in the area, along with a warm welcome. A very nice brick walkway runs along the seawall and is very popular with friendly local folks that always took the time to wave and say hello. A few even stopped to chat a while. There are restrooms attached to the park near the free docks, however they are locked in the evening. The showers and restrooms for the docks are a long walk down the promenade and are located in a trailer behind the Dockmaster’s office. They are accessed by a code provided by the Dockmaster, so are available at any time.
It wasn’t long before we were off exploring this quaint river town. Our first discovery was Scoops Ice Cream & Candy near the waterfront. Several of the shops and restaurants back up to the waterfront with an entrance there as well a front entrance on Main Street. It was a little sad to see so many storefronts and shops closed and empty. This seems to be a fact of life in many of these small towns. Washington appears to have been hit rather hard. There are still many interesting stores and restaurants to spend your time and money. We sampled the cuisine at Down On Mainstreet, directly across the street and parking lot from the boat and also visited a number of shops downtown including Nautilife, with its nautical themed gifts, River Walk Gallery and Arts Center, with great pottery items and paintings by local artists and Little Shoppes, a large building containing 20 little individual vendors all under one roof. It was impossible to walk away without making a few purchases for Christmas gifts.
Bath, NC A 2-3 hour trip back down the Pamlico brought us to the entrance to Bath Creek. It is well marked by G `1’ and immediately followed by R `2.’ Then head north up the creek to G `3’ followed shortly thereafter by R `4.’ Near the fixed bridge with 13 feet of clearance you will see a small marina with a number of smaller sailboats. Just before you reach the marina you will see a long dock with a T-head marked with a green sign reading `State Dock.’ Depths at the creek entrance were approximately 14 feet and continued with adequate depths all the way to the dock. The depths at the end of the dock were 7.5 feet while depths halfway down the dock where Beach House tied were about 6 feet. As with Washington, depths can vary here with any significant winds for a period of days, either raising or lowering the depths in the creek.
Bath State Docks
A sign on shore instructs you to complete a form and drop it off at the Visitors Center, a short walk up the street to the left on Main, to Carteret then to the right, to register for your stay. A maximum stay of 72 hours is requested to allow other boats to have the opportunity to tie here. There is no water or electric provided, however there are trash cans and a recycling bin at the top of the yard to the right near the road. Once you are registered, the town will provide you with a small map which shows the historic sites of interest and other information you might need.
We chose to spend our first full day in Bath touring the historic sites. The recently refurbished Palmer-Marsh House is directly across Main Street from the dock. The Van Der Veer House contains a museum and is just across the parking lot and around the corner from the Visitors Center on Harding Street. A short walk down Harding takes you to Craven and the St. Thomas Church, one of the oldest churches in the country, built in the early 1700s. The Bonner House, on the corner of Main and Front, has been lovingly maintained and continues to maintain its vigilant watch over the Bath Creek entrance from its hilltop perch. A pleasant surprise on the walk back to the dock was the Pirate’s Treasure gift shop, located in the two front rooms of a private residence on Main Street. The Christmas ornaments made from shells and starfish were too irresistible not to purchase a few.
We needed to mail some packages and top off our provisions with fresh produce. A ½ mile or so walk east on Carteret will bring you to the post office and a small ABC package store. A little farther along on the opposite side of the road brings you to the Country Kitchen, one of 2 sit-down restaurants in town, and the Bath General Store. The store had a small but fresh selection of fruits and vegetables and a surprising interesting selection of wine. The owner even asked if we would like a free bunch of overly ripe bananas with which to make bread. We accepted.
Strolling Bath's Quiet Streets
We had our usual ice cream hankering while in Bath and were able to fulfill the craving at a little store/marina, the Quarterdeck, at the bridge on Back Creek off of Bath Creek. The store sells ice cream, non-ethanol gas, grills food for all 3 meals and has a variety of marine and novelty items. If it’s warm enough outside, you can have your meal in one of the rocking chairs or picnic tables provided.
The next day left us wanting lunch after a hike over the bridge toward Washington and we choose to stop at Blackbeard’s Slices and Ices, very close to the State Dock, just next to the bridge. We can recommend them for tasty club sandwiches, burgers and fries.
Our detour up the Pamlico River has been well worth the time and fuel. We only regret not doing it sooner.
Statute Mile 225 in Bogue Sound - Cclick for Chartview
Most of the recent shoaling in this area has occurred at Markers #45 and #45A at the intersection of the Waterway and the Bogue Inlet , an area which SSECN has designated as a Problem Stretch. Captain Baier relates a possible depth issue just north of the intersection at Markers #40 and #40A. If others of you find any indication of depths beginning to shoal at mile 225, please let us know!
We found the depths in Bogue Sound, heading south from Beaufort to be in the 13 to 15 foot range until we reached markers R”40″ to R”40A” off Guthrie Point. The depths dropped from 14 feet to 8.9 feet between the two markers, both in the center of the channel and on the red side. This was near high tide for the day and would put the depths at 6.5 feet at mean low water. Not a problem for many boats, but deeper drafts should use caution. Chuck and Susan, Trawler Beach House
Captain Bell’s remarks follow a report on less-than-favorable conditions at Beaufort City Docks (/?p=126312). We are pleased that Captain Bell chose to recommend A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Morehead City Yacht Basin, located on the southern flank of the marked channel that runs west from the AICW, just north of the Morehead-Beaufort, Newport River high-rise bridge.
Make a change for the better and dock at the Morehead City Yacht Basin. With BoatUS the rate is $1.80 per foot. The two dock hands take care of everything, even putting a carpet over your power cord so you don’t trip. Then go to Floyd’s Restaurant, two blocks away, with GREAT food. Bring a signed business card from the dock master and they will give you a FREE desert. To food is the BEST. We found this place because the Sanitary Restaurant put in a new floating dock, charges $25.00 per night, must eat there, customers eating at the new outdoor dining keep you up at night, lots of wakes and we almost got hit by an old sport fish boat coming into dock. Never Again. Go to Morehead City Yacht Basin, you will have a great time. Dave Bell
The Carolina Beach Mooring Field lies south of the AICW channel, and also south of Snow Cut’s easterly entrance, in the harbor channel leading to Carolina Beach commercial district. SSECN continues to receive good reports on the mooring field and the services provided. Another recent cruiser said that Randy even offered to take their trash ashore.
A very nice anchorage/mooring field. Depths are 18-25 ft (with a lot of current), so I’m glad there are mooring balls. Randy came out at 5pm to collect the $20 and gives us the lay of the land. Although the mooring field was not full you might want to call him in advance …(929) 667-0004. Overall, a very pleasant stop. John Loving
Here’s a message from the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net’s NEWEST SPONSOR, Carolina Yacht Care, located in Southport, NC. Wow, talk about full services for your vessel, AND your crew, it simply doesn’t get any better than this. For a worry free visit to Southport’s great marinas or anchorages, click Carolina Yacht Care’s sponsorship banner, and leave all your port of call responsibilities to these good people!
Cruisers Hank and Lisa Pomeranz, of Southport, NC completed a cruise south this past winter, visiting 17 towns and cities in the US and Bahamas.
On their return in June, they considered some of the services along their route that helped make their trip memorable. They analyzed those stops where they were inclined to spend a few days, rather than just push through, and came up with a list of services they believe are most helpful to cruisers.
The services include: a shuttle, provisioning, packing and shipping, mail receipt, a single, unbiased point of contact for recommending quality local contractors and responding to any other unique needs of transients.
Founded as the town of Smithville in 1792, Southport is a convenient stop and a warm and welcoming historic city and worth staying an extra day or two to explore. Realizing that none of these services have been available in Southport, and that some cruisers might be skipping the city or just staying overnight, they decided to start Carolina Yacht Care to meet cruisers needs. They have a cruisers perspective which means they understand that, as a service business, they must be dependable and flexible to cruiser’s schedules and myriad other complexities of being a transient. For example, they started running a scheduled shuttle from Deep Point and Southport Marinas (with more to follow) but have also made the shuttle available on an as needed basis. Cruisers needing provisions can order ahead of time and then let them know where to deliver once they arrive. They will meet you at your boat to deliver or help pack up parts and get them shipped.
Of course, consider them a wonderful resource of free local knowledge. Their love of Southport and enjoyment in meeting fellow cruisers will help make your stay memorable.
Says Hank, “We will do whatever we can to help our fellow cruiser’s relax and enjoy beautiful Southport. If they don’t have the time to spend in Southport, we are there to maximize their short stays as well.”
This is the kind of service every significant port of call should have. Really helps you enjoy all a destination has to offer. Looking forward to return visit to Southport. Hank & Lisa being well traveled cruisers themselves, know just what is needed by fellow skippers & crew !!! Skipper CW
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 Mason Inlet
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