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    • May 19, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Report from Columbia City Dock, Columbia, NC, on the Scuppernong River

      Columbia City Dock - Click for Chartview

      We wish more cruisers would choose to depart the familiar confines of the AICW, and cruise west on Albemarle Sound to this impressive body of water’s many anchorages and ports of call. The Scuppernong River, which makes into the sounds southern banks, west of Alligator River, is one of the best destinations for Albemarle Sound cruising, and the free (for 48-hour) Columbia Town Docks are a great place to rest from your travels. Or, you could choose to pick up a wet slip at Cypress Cove Marina (see below). Either way, it’s well worth your time, IF the Albemarle does not have its dander up!

      We stayed at the Columbia City Docks at the beginning of May 2013. Passage up the river in our Silverton 36C, (38 inch draft) was simple just follow the markers and look out for fish traps. The dock is well sheltered and in pretty good shape. At the time we were there, no water or electric were available. There was a pump out connection we did not use. We were tied up on a Saturday overnight and were the only ones at the dock.
      Columbia is a small town and you can walk around it in less than an hour. Not a whole lot of things to do. The NC visitirs center is located just under the bridge. Most of the stores downtown were either deserted or closed.
      The highlight of the trip was dinner at the Salty Oyster. This is a fairly new restaurant located on the main street in the old Woolworth building. The food was great.
      Dave Boxmeyer

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Columbia City Docks

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Columbia City Docks

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    • May 16, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      May, 2013 Advice on New River Inlet/AICW Problem Stretch Intersection, AICW Statute Mile 246

      New River Channel - Click for Chartview

      The Waterway classically shoals either immediately north or south of the four-way intersection with New River and New River Inlet. Dredging at this intersection was begun in November of 2012 and was to have been completed by February of 2013.
      However, shoaling is once again beginning to rear its ugly head at this perennial AICW Problem Stertch. On 5/16/13, long-time contibutor and experienced captain, Bruce Franz, cruising aboard “Hemisphere Dancer,” took the time and effort to telephone the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net and pass along specific advice as to where the best depths are currently to be found at this intersection. The whole cruising community owes a debt of gratitude to Captain Franz!

      May 15, 2013
      At marker #72A and marker #72B on the west side of the Waterway, favor the red side.

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For New River/New River Inlet

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

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    • May 15, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Wilmington Marine Center (off the AICW, on Cape Fear River, 3 Miles Downstream From Wilmington, NC)

      We have visited with the Wilmington Marine Center on many occasions, and have always been impressed with the services available here. The problem is that visiting cruisers will have to undertake a fairly lengthy taxi ride to and from the dockage basin to the downtown Wilmington business and dining district.

      Wilmington Marine Centrer is a good stop’¦.about three miles from down town by Taxi or a long Dink ride up the river.
      Very sheltered and safe during bad weather.
      In town’¦..lots of places to eat and drink.
      Slainte for Irish a few doors down from Front Street Brewey.
      A block or so away is Hell’s Kitchen’¦.very much a two thumbs up place for food and drink’¦.was my favorite hang out.
      Stay in the channel as it gets shallow fast.
      Ralph Chappell

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Wilmington Marine Center

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wilmington Marine Center

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    • May 15, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Broad Creek Anchorage (off North River, Statute Mile 61)

      On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

      Statute Mile 61 ‘“ who has anchored on Broad Creek, off North River, and west of AICW/North River marker #164? Did you have any trouble finding the entrance to Broad Creek? What depths did you find when entering, and while cruising the interior reaches of Broad Creek? Would you recommend this anchorage to fellow cruisers?

      Responses follow:

      Broad Creek on the Coinjock Route (Mile 61) is normally a well protected creek and good fishing. But last September I was headed for the entrance when I saw coming right towards me a nasty black thing. About a mile from the creek opening it turned into what appeared to be a 25 ft high white wave heading stright for my bow at some 70 mph! (And I’m not kidding ‘cos it was on the news)
      It turned out it was more a rolling mixture of water and air rather than a solid wave – but it grabbed Pisces – a heavy 45,000 lb steel boat – and turned me round twice as if I were a paper boat on a pond. Then 20 minutes of hell being driven back (at maximum RPM) by the horizontal wind and rain. My poor cat Addie was flattened out frantically grasping a ventilator – I had to release the wheel, get on the foredeck, grab him, and literally throw him down below!
      I lost a hatch and a few other things yet in a way I was very lucky. I have no doubt that had I been moored in the creek a half hour or so sooner – I would have been blown ashore before I could even start the engine……
      God takes care of drunks, sailors, and cats. 🙂
      Arnold

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Broad Creek Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Broad Creek Anchorage

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    • May 15, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Marine Surveryor Recommended For New Bern, NC Area (Neuse Area)

      Recommendations of this ilk from marine professionals are often worth their weight in gold!

      This guy is the only marine surveyor I have listed in my “work” phone contacts. We had used him in the past on custom boats and I was impressed. I am not sure of his experience with Hatteras yachts. He is in New Bern, Rob Everly, 670-1976. Hope this helps,

      I agree, Rob Eberle is my surveyor of choice, having done several pre-purchase surveys for me and one that BoatUS hired him to do for an insurance claim to one of my vessels.
      his web page is http://www.marinesurveyor.com/eberle/index2.html
      e-mail: Rob Eberle (eberlemarine@suddenlink.net)
      Gordan Pickett

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    • May 14, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Carolina Beach Mooring Field (just off the AICW, near Statute Mile 295)

      On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

      Statute Mile 295- who has picked up a mooring at the Carolina Beach Mooring Field south of Snow Cut’s eastern entrance? Did you find the field easy to enter? What sort of mooring ball condition did you observe? Did you find anywhere to dinghy ashore? If so, did you find any good dining attractions in the town of Carolina Beach?

      Responses follow:

      The mooring field is easy to enter, with plenty of depth. The mooring balls are large, but the pendants are small and slimy. The dinghy dock is a long, long way down, at the end of the harbor. The moorings do provide a secure place to spend a night or to visit Carolina Beach for a day or two. At $20/night, they are over priced compared to other moorings. At the same price, St. Augustine offers a laundry, captains’ lounge, and quality heads/showers.
      Glen and Jill Moore
      DeFever 40 Last Dance

      We have stayed in Carolina Beach on the mooring balls on 2 occasions. The mooring ball fields is easy to enter right off the channel. The mooring field is less than 10 minutes at no wake speed off the ICW. The tethers on the mooring balls seem short (maybe 5 ft) so it’s easier to grab the tether from the side of the boat rather than from the bow. The city sends a boat to collect the mooring fee about 6 PM each evening.
      The City of Carolina Beach has a dinghy dock at the end of the channel which is less than 1/2 mile away. There is also a restaurant at the end of the channel that has a face dock. From the dinghy dock it is an easy walk to the beach.
      Jerry Kusky
      Knot So Fast

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Carolina Beach Mooring Field

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Carolina Beach Mooring Field

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    • May 14, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      McCotter’s Marina (off the AICW on Upper Pamlico River, Near Washington, NC)

      On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

      Statute Mile 146 ‘“ who has abandoned the AICW, and cruised upstream on Pamlico River to Washington, NC? Did you stop at Broad Creek, and visit with McCotters Marina? If so, please give us a description of this facility. Or, did you continue upstream to the excellent Washington City Docks? Again, if so, please describe this municipal marina. Did you find any good dining choices in downtown Washington? Is this a side trip you would recommend to fellow cruisers?

      Responses follow:

      McCotter’s Marina is a good facility for repairs. Bob is the chief facilitator, Mark Henley the owner, and Shirley Long the sail maker and canvas person. All are very easy to work with and accommodating. They have a rather complete ship’s store and if they don’t have it they will get it for you post haste. They do mechanical work and repairs of all sort and Shirley has a complete sail/canvas operation. Unfortunately, no fuel. For fuel one must go next door to the Washington Yacht and Country Club which sells fuel to the public, both diesel and gasoline, and is the only place easily accessible and the only place for diesel west of the Pungo River at Belhaven. Most of Cotter’s docks are new after the terrible fire of a few years ago and the docks are fully serviced.
      Bruce Billings
      `Coaster’
      Chocowinity, NC

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For McCotter’s Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of McCotter’s Marina

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    • May 14, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      South Harbour Village Marina (Statute Mile 311)

      On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

      Statute Mile 311 ‘“ those of you who have spent a night or two at South Harbour Village Marina, near AICW marker #9, please share your experiences. Did you dine at either of the two, on-site restaurant? How was the food?

      Responses follow:

      Joseph’s Italian Bistro has a VERY loyal following with transient boaters and is open 7 days/week between Memorial Day and Labor Day (otherwise only closed on Sundays). Many return year after year to eat there.
      Dead End Saloon/Fish Factory Grill just completed a major outdoor deck re-modeling to make the dining more comfortable and very often features live music. The owner has operated waterfront restaurants in both Baltimore and Southport so she knows how to do it right!
      Bill Gregory

      Spent several nights there last fall. Joseph’s Bistro is excellent. Great food and service. Marina staff are friendly and attentive.
      Werner & Kathie Steuernagel

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For South Harbour Village Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of South Harbour Village Marina

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    • May 14, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Blue Water Point Marina (Statute Mile 320)

      On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

      Statute Mile 320 ‘“ has anyone left the Waterway near marker #36, and entered Blue Water Point Marina, sot the south? What sort of MLW entrance and dockside depths did you discover? Did you eat at the on-site restaurant? Is it as good as ever?

      Responses follow:

      Excellent restaurant, I know, but I’m told shallow water at 3-1/2′ (?) at docks may be a problem for you and still no fuel available?
      Bill Gregory

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of

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    • May 14, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Dowry Creek Marina (Statute Mile 131.5)

      Dowry Creek MarinaOn 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

      Statute Mile 131.5 ‘“ who has had the good fortune to visit with Captain Mary at Dowry Creek Marina, north of AICW/Pungo River marker #5? Please give us a full description of what you found. Were you able to find transportation to nearby Belhaven for dining or provisioning?

      Responses follow:

      Dowry Creek is a nice stop. It is a clean friendly place. They supplied transportation for trips into town. The only downside to the Marina is, it is less then 30 miles south of the Alligator River anchorage and that is not a days run for me. On the way south, everyone stops at Alligator River mile 103, so they at least want to make it to Belhaven, before they stop.
      Edward Hart

      Without question, this marina is a must stop traveling N. or S. Excellent facility, fuel, clean restrooms, vehicle for your use, easy access with help from the staff. Great hospitality room for potluck meals. Relax!
      Captain Steve Atkinson

      Dowry Creek was a fabulous place to be! We were there with about 12 other boats waiting for Hurricane Sandy to pass! Mary and her staff could not have been more cordial or helpful! We had full use if her pool house and were told we could stay there if we felt uncomfortable due to the storm. We had cocktails or a potluck every night and seminars during the day! We felt like kids at Camp Dowry Creek with Mary as our Camp counselor. There was a courtesy car to use for shopping or dining. The showers and laundry were clean. The sailors quickly became close friends and shared experiences!
      We made friends there who will be friends forever! Mary offered us all a great rate due to the storm. She and her staff went out of their way to make sure we were all safe and happy! We hope to return in May northbound!
      Happy to have chosen Dowry as a safe place. It is protected from NWE but in far enough that we hardly rocked!
      Tomfoolery

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Dowry Creek Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dowry Creek Marina

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    • May 14, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Cruising Up the Cape Fear River to Wilmington, NC and Wilmington City Docks

      On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

      Upper Cape Fear River ‘“ who has departed the AICW, and cruised upstream on the Cape Fear River to the Wilmington, NC waterfront? Did you stay at the city docks?

      Responses follow:

      We traveled up the Cape Fear River in Sept 2012 to stay at the Wilmington City Dock and enjoy the sights of this charming mariners city. Docked across from the Battleship North Carolina, the City dock is affordable with water and power, but no other services. Great location to tour the city (shops and restaurants). Loved the Front Street Brewery – great food and drinks. Only concern here is debris in the river. Pulled 3 TREES out from under and between my running gear so be careful. Worth the trip and would definitely go again.
      Tom Callan

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Wilmington City Docks

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Wilmington City Docks

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    • May 14, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Oriental, NC Marinas and Dining (Statute Mile 181)

      On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

      Statute Mile 181 ‘“ any descriptions of Oriental’s other several marinas and repair facilities would also be helpful to your fellow cruisers.

      Responses follow:

      I leave my boat at Whittaker Point marina for several weeks which is in the aforementioned creek. Easy in if one stays in the channel. I had a problem with my windlass and the folks at Sailcraft shipyard (right across the creek)sent over a mechanic who removed the broken unit and repaired. Continuing north in a week.
      Windward

      Sailcraft [Services] on Whitaker Creek is a really great place to have your boat worked on. Fair prices and good workmanship as well as great staff & management. We had our Endeavour there for what we thought was a minor leak. It turned out our rudder stuffing box hadn’t been maintained at all, even before we purchased it. They were able to drop it and repair it for far less than than we were expecting.
      When we head back North, we definitely would stop if we needed any work.
      Susan & Elden Leaf
      s/v Soteria

      Oriental is a small town where the people are as wonderful as the sailing. Oriental has a lot to offer from great sailing waters to boat sales and services, to some good eating. My first hand experiences there have been so great that my first mate and I plan to make it our retirement home. Being a relatively new sailor, just about everyone I have met has been very helpful in anything I needed.
      Bentley’s (?) seems to be the favorite [dining spot] of a lot of the residents. I have eaten there numerous times. The food is good and the prices reasonable. For Wednesday night meals I highly recommend the “Silos”. They have a killer steak that will satisfy most appetites and numerous other options. On Wednesday nights they have open mike night where anybody can get up and sing or play an instrument. Makes for a fantastic evening.
      The “Sheila B”

      Having kept a boat in Oriental for 30+ years I can tell you this is really a neat place. Brantly’s, as mentioned above, is a favorite or the locals and serves really good, inexpensive meals. Closer to the harbor (downtown Oriental) is M&M’s which is my favorite. Lots of traditional choices plus various kinds of seafood in season. Also in that area in The Trawl Door and Tucan Grill. You couldn’t go wrong with any of these.
      Oriental has become an artist hangout and there are several art galleries in town worth your time exploring. Several gift shops are in town and marine hardware and other boat supplies are available at West Marine, The Inland waterway Treasure Company, and Village Hardware. There is a grocery store which is about three quarters of a mile from the harbor.
      For transients, there is room for about 5-6 boats to anchor in the harbor and three marinas in the harbor area and two in Whittaker Creek which puts you about a mile from the downtown area. Also, for major or minor repairs, Deaton Yacht Service is located right next to Sailcraft mentioned above and also provides top quality work.
      Sykes DeHart

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Whittaker Pointe Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Whittaker Pointe Marina

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    • May 14, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Morehead City Dining (Statute Mile 205 to 203)

      On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

      Statute Mile 205 to 203 ‘“ someone please give us some Morehead City dining recommendations. In particular, has anyone eaten at the Ruddy Duck lately?

      Responses follow:

      Ruddy Duck’s is completely awesome and eclectic. Worth the stop. The Sanitary has upfitted it’s outside dinning… tables outside and a bar with stools running the entire front of the dock with gas lanterns. Inside… a piano and bar now on the water side. Menu is still about the same, but it’s a great place for fresh fish of the day.
      Beth Blake
      Managing Editor
      Carteret County News-Times

      Ruddy Duck is still its wonderful self. We Always stop here. There is a short term dock just west and of course at the restaurant itself. At our mid April 2013 stop they were totally rebuilding the float at the restaurant. In the good old days we spent the night but that is not allowed now.
      There is something about the seafood preparation here that creates lightly fried, flavorful shrimp, scallops and fish. I always get the combo platter and have it for two meals.
      Gregory Han

      We dined there [at the Ruddy Duck] when we stopped at Morehead City Yacht Basin on our way South Fall 2012. Great food, especially the fish tacos and margarita pizza. Drinks were reasonable, especially during happy hour. Would recommend this restaurant in a heartbeat!
      Susan & Elden Leaf
      s/v Soteria

      Floyds 1921, next door to Morehead City Yacht Basin is a high quality restaurant with a very pleasant atmosphere in a renovated old home, offers outstanding food. It is an experience that should not be missed.
      Glen and Jill Moore
      DeFever 40 Last Dance

      Two weeks ago,(April 2013) While Making our way north on the ICW, with high anticipation to stop after a long cold day at Sanitary Fish Restaurant. We made the call, ‘sorry we close at 8pm’ our heart sunk as we made it to the dock at 3 minutes after 8. Well with no other boats on the dock, we called it home for the night.
      We walked out to see the surroundings and there it is, The Ruddy Duck, Sweet. We had a great dinner, with great beer and rum. We loved the duck, great wait staff and food.
      Early morning with know one in sight we untied the lines and off north again.. Many thanks for a free night at Sanitary Fish that was very highly recommended .
      Steve & Laurie
      S/V Running Free

      Tried Ruddy Duck twice, food, service, all very disappointing. May try one more time since everyone else raves about the place. Did try the Sanitary again for the first time in about 25 years. It has certainly changed. Food was fresh and perfectly prepared, Service, excellent as it has always been. If you haven’t been there in a while, skip the Duck and give the Sanitary a try. Another good place on the waterfront is the Channel Marker. Great food and view.
      Klaus Hoog
      Oriental, NC

      Floyd’s … to the west …within sight and short walk from Morehead City Yacht Basin….Consistently very good… food and service.
      Enjoy
      Doug Jacoby
      Aboard m/v CHANGER

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Morehead City, NC

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    • May 14, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Taylor Creek/Beaufort Waterfront Anchorage – Beaufort, NC (Statute Mile 201)

      On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

      Statute Mile 201 ‘“ who has anchored on Taylor Creek while visiting Beaufort, NC. Did you find enough swing room for your vessel amidst the many craft on mooring balls here? Where did you dinghy ashore? What depths did you discover in this anchorage?

      Responses follow:

      I moor up Taylor creek east of the city docks. I have to dinghy in anyway so going a quarter mile up the creek always finds a good clear spot where I can anchor mid creek. This is better than trying to squeeze into the space out of the channel in front of the city dock. Holding is good in firm sand.
      Gregory Han

      Depths were fine, 6-9 ft, as we have a 3 1/2 draft, but finding a space to anchor was almost impossible with all the local mooring balls, local liveaboards and sunken vessels. All were spaced to limit only small vessels. We have a 32 ft. sailboat and barely fit. A fellow cruiser with a 37 ft. sailboat traveling with us was unable to find a safe area to anchor and spent several hours motoring around looking for a spot. Would not recommend this anchorage to anyone. Rather would send them to Morehead City Yacht Basin as Beaufort City docks are too expensive.
      Susan & Elden Leaf
      s/v Soteria

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Taylor Creek Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Taylor Creek Anchorage

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    • May 14, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      R. E. Mayo Seafood Docks (Statute Mile 157)

      R. E. Mayo DocksOn 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

      Statute Mile 157 ‘“ who has spent the night tied to the R. E. Mayo Seafood docks, south of the Hobucken Bridge? Please describe what you found here. Did you purchase any fresh seafood at the dockside store?

      Responses follow:

      R E Mayo – we stayed there for one niight, about the end of April. Were able to buy some great, freshly caught flounder fillets, and the dockage was only $10/ft. Nightime traffic was quiet. The only problem was obtaining water, as a large shrimper blocked the only faucet. Their 110 volt electric showed reverse polarity, so we didn’t use it and chance the cost of electrical repairs.
      “Footloose”

      I spent the night at Mayo dock for the first time this spring. It was blowing so a good dock was welcome. There is a 250′ or so alongside fixed dock. It was in good repair but the electric was not working well. There were two power points with 30 and 15 amp plugs. One had the 30a missing and the other did not work. The 15a worked fine. I came in late Sunday so there was no one there to ask or help out. Still a bargain at $0.40/foot. We did not try to buy any seafood.
      Gregory Han

      I have spent 4/5 nights at RE Mayo and the best thing going for it was the price, I think it was about 0.60 a ft. and the cheapest fuel on the ICW. The docks are built for shrimp boats not yachts.
      Edward Hart

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the R. E. Mayo Seafood Docks

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the R. E. Mayo Seafood Docks

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    • May 13, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Cooling Canal Anchorage (Statute Mile 311)

      On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

      Statute Mile 311 ‘“ OK, I really, really need your help on this one. Immediately west of AICW marker #8, a cooling canal makes into the Waterway’s northern shores. This is one of the only anchorages in NC, that I have never had the opportunity to personally research and sound. I have been into this stream by boat (not my own, and this vessel lacked a sounder), and I observed that vessels anchor in the squared off cove along the western banks. However, I’ve also been told that there is an entrance bar with a low tide, shallow water problem. I would really appreciate it if as many of you as possible contribute a full account of this anchorage and its depths.

      Responses follow:

      We anchored here mid April 2013. Getting in was no problem. As I recall we were close to low water and the depth was 6 ft or more. We anchored beyond the Ramp, just where the stream narrows down. Did find one spot with 4.5 ft a bit west of the canal but beyond the ramp. It was about 7 ft where we anchored. There were quite a few boats in the wide area before the ramp. Quiet and protected.
      Jean Thomason

      I’ve anchored in the cooling canal four times. Anchoring in the actual canal is fine, holding, depth and protection are good although it can be tight when wind blow 90 to the canal. A minor issue are the passing boats going to/from the boat ramp, but that dies down at night. Anchoring in the basin however is a different story. The first time I tried the basin I was able to find good depth away from other boats. Since then I’ve always been unable to find good depth away from the permanently moored boats (we draw 3ft). I no longer try to anchor in the basin.
      Roger Arrowood

      Regarding the canal at Marker 311, during my first year cruising I moored there for a few days – woke up at 4am toacrashing sound and to find me at 45 degrees in the dark!
      The bottom is hard sand in some areas – but soft mud elsewhere. I just drifted off overnight. Had to wait 10 long hours but she self righted in the end and floated off as if nothing had happened.
      Having learned that lesson, I’ve moored there several times since without incident. Use a heavier anchor and make sure it’s firmly set……
      [Minimum depth I observed] was around 5ft low tide – there is a floating red marker to keep to starboard when entering the canal.
      There is a nice park there with toilets. Also a bike ride away, plenty of shops including a great fresh fish shop and a cheap barber and a great pastry shop. It’s a well weather protected basin – but watch that anchor! 🙂
      Hope you are well
      Arnold

      There is a shoal bar which may possibly, depending on your draft, be cleared at high tide. But then you have to time your departure to safely exit. Holding is ‘average’ and during higher winds you will see boats dragging anchors and “beached”. To be forewarned is to be forearmed!
      Bill Gregory

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Cooling Canal

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    • May 13, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Cruising the NE Cape Fear River Above Wilmington, NC

      Well, we cannot really comment intelligently on the upstream reaches of the NE Cape Fear River, upstream of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Bennett Brothers Yachts – Cape Fear Marina, as none of us have ever cruised that far upstream before. Hope to remedy that oversight in the future. In the meantime, anyone else who had explored these rather obscure waters, please let us hear from you!

      We did go about 50 miles up the NE branch the next day – got within 2 miles of the head of navigation (bridge) when we were warned of underwater logs ahead. We had already seen a 4.5 ft depth, so we turned back. Spent the night at anchorage and returned down river and got to Carolina Beach the next day. The NE branch is a beautiful river and very doable with depths of 8-15 ft most of the way, as long as one stays in the outside curves and follows normal precautions in running rivers. Lots of snags on the sides. I could go into more detail if you wish -let me know. This is a real cruising adventure. Our draft is 3.5 ft.
      Jean Thomason

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Southerly Genesis of the NE Cape Fear River

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    • May 13, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Casper’s Marine Service (Statute Mile 229)

      On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

      Statute Mile 229 ‘“ who has spent a night or more at Caspers Marine Service in Swansboro? Please give us your impressions of this facility.

      Responses follow:

      We spent a night here on the way up the ICW. This marina is right in town and very close to all the restaurants. There is not a lot of dock space here and you’re right on the ICW so it’s a bit rocky during the day from wakes, but it calms down at dusk. The staff is very friendly and helpful and there is a nice marine store.
      Larry Freedman

      Spent one night here two weeks ago. Nice docks, clean, basic. Shower(one)good. Owners on site. Food nearby. Fuel reasonable
      Windward

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Casper’s Marine Service

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Casper’s Marine Service

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    • May 13, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Swansboro, NC Dining Recommendations (Statute Mile 229)

      On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

      Statute Mile 229 ‘“ someone please give us some shoreside dining recommendations in Swansboro. Does Captain Charleys Seafood Paradise still have the best `fried’ seafood on earth?

      Responses follow:

      I highly recommend Icehouse Waterfront Restaurant. It’s on a pier over the water, a short walk from either marina, and the food is excellent. I am a big fan of shrimp & grits, and theirs was the best I had on our trip up the ICW.
      Larry Freedman

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Swansboro, NC

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    • May 13, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina (off the AICW, on Cape Fear River in Wilmington, NC)

      Bennett Brothers, Luxury Yachts for Sale by Bennett Brothers YachtsOn 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:

      Upper Cape Fear River – who has departed the AICW, and cruised upstream on the Cape Fear River to the Wilmington, NC, and secured dockage at Cape Fear Marina/Bennett Brothers Yachts, north of the Highway 133 bridge? Did you find this to be as first class a facility as we have always considered it to be?

      Responses follow:

      We always divert up river to this facility. The floating docks are very well maintained. Pumpout is routine on Fridays, or on request. Pricing is very attractive for dockage.
      We rely on the expert yard for cogent recommendation and quality work.
      Management: Tricia Bennett, Owner and Steve Wallace GM are immediately available if questions occur with which people at the operating level may need help.
      Although there is no useful public transportation nearby, an Enterprise facility a couple of miles away has good pricing, and weekend specials. Wilmington itself has every level of store needed, including Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot. Many Department Stores and Specialty shops are also there.
      It’s a great stop.
      Stephen Deitch
      Nightingale

      We went up to Wilmington for repair work at Bennet Brothers. We have a cat 23.5 beam. They have a 24 foot travel lift. The work was professional and price for repair work were given before the work. Two issues are when you go up the Wilmington River is try to plan it with the tides, and the bridge to Bennet Brothers opens 6pm to 6 am on demand, then at 10 am , and 2 pm.
      John Pholeric

      We stayed one night at Bennett Brothers in early April. The facility was fine. If the current is strong, it might be a little tricky getting into the slip. We talked with a gentleman who works at the marina about continuing up the Northeast Branch of the Cape Fear. He was very helpful.
      Jean Thomason

      We keep our boat in Southport and brought it to Bennett Brothers for some pre-cruise work in January of this year. I have to say that the quality of service was excellent ‘“ both technically and for the project management. Steve Wallace is an outstanding Manager. In short ‘“ friendly folks, great service at a reasonable price and without unhappy surprises. Before we departed south Steve told me to contact him if we had any questions or problems on out trip. I did so on a couple of occasions and he came through with solid information and, in one case, a source for a failed pillow-block. I highly recommend them.
      Hank
      S/V Haanli

      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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