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Young’s Yarns

Jun 3, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Praise for River Dunes Marina, AICW Statute Mile 173.5
River Dunes Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located off the AICW’s run along Neuse River, in Broad Creek between unlighted daybeacons #1 and #2.
Today is 5/12/13. Am writing this from River Dunes. We give this marina the highest rating for best facilities, help and over all a first class operation. A courtesy car is available to go to Oriental. Food store is limited. We ate several meals in the club house and the food and service are also first class, although somewhat limited. Reasonable dockage for this type of facility. Been here before and plan to come back.
Has Royer s/v Skye
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
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Jun 3, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
URGENT: Support Vessel Needed for a Worthy Cause, SC/NC State Line to VA
The initial support vessel planned for this event has withdrawn due to mechanical problems. Please help Kacie find another!!
This sounds like a wonderful adventure. Contact Kacie Wallace at the email below to determine what requirements are needed to be a support vessel.
Cruising News:
On June 8, World Oceans Day, YOLO Board team rider Kacie Wallace and friend Kimberly Sutton will begin paddling up the North Carolina coast, from the South Carolina state line to Virginia. The two are making the trip to raise awareness of plastics pollution in the ocean. And they’re looking for a support boat to accompany them. kacie.wallace@gmail.com, or visit http://www.supthemag.com/features/industry-news/yolo-board-team-rider-to-paddle-300-miles-for-plastic-pollution-awareness/
You may also reference this website: http://paddleforthenccoastline.weebly.com
HB Koerner
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May 31, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Columbia Marina – Under New Ownership and Completely Rebuilt – On the Beautiful Scuppernong River at Columbia, NC

Red Square Marks Position of Columbia Marina
Long before the Columbia, NC City Docks were constructed, there was a private marina on the Scuppernong River, just downstream of the City Hall, known as Columbia Marina. This facility was, for many years, owned by a local attorney, but was then allowed to languish for quite some time before being purchased in February of 2012 by Captain Tom Clancy (no, not the “Tom Clancy” of “The Hunt for Red October” fame – we asked).
Since that time, as you will read below, this facility has gone through a MAJOR renovation. And while there is currently only one transient wet slip available, Columbia Marina is now a GREAT spot to keep your vessel on a long term basis.
Besides the new docks and dock house services (see below), all of downtown Columbia, featuring several restaurants, a visitor’s center, and a hardware store, is within easy walking distance. In short, what more could you ask of a small town marina facility.
And, lest we forget, Columbia Marina is our newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
So, whether you are just visiting Columbia and the Scuppernong River, or looking for long term dockage, please give Columbia Marina your most serious consideration. Tell Captain Clancy we sent you!

Columbia Marina
In February 2012 Tom Clancy purchased the Columbia Marina in Columbia, North Carolina. During the following year, the marina went through extensive renovations. The dock house was rebuilt with a new bathroom and shower, featuring an antique claw foot bathtub. The dock house also boasts a laundry and kitchen facility with microwave oven, coffee maker and refrigerator for boaters to use. In addition to the dock house there is a gazebo with a gas grill for boaters to use as well. All the bulkheads and slips were rebuilt with new water and electrical service. There are ten boat slips with 30 amp service and 1 transient slip with 50 amp service. The Columbia Marina is located in quaint downtown Columbia on the water front within walking distance of all the shops and restaurants in town. For more information please contact Tom Clancy 919-495-1028.

Columbia Marina

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Columbia Marina
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May 30, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
New City Docks (Plymouth Landing Marina) and Services for Visiting Cruisers at Plymouth, NC, on the Roanoke River, off Western Albemarle Sound
The narrow (compared to other Albemarle Sound rivers) but deep Roanoke River, is the southwesternmost of the nine rivers which feed into Albemarle Sound. In years past, cruising upstream to the community of Plymouth, NC, was frustrating for those looking to find wet slip dockage. There were some wet slips along the city waterfront, but they were forgettable, to say the least. ALL THAT HAS NOW CHANGED IN A BIG WAY FOR THE BETTER!
In late May, 2013, we received the brief report from Captain Jean Thomason below, informing one and all that Plymouth had invested in new docks for visiting cruisers, which were now open, and ready to accept visitors. We requested more information from the cruising community, and this appeal resulted in the second note below authored by Captains Danny and Jan.
Well, clearly there were/are BIG changes afoot in this small community, particularly in regards to their welcoming attitude towards, and services for, visiting cruisers. So, we got on the telephone and had an extensive conversation with Mike Wright, Plymouth’s General Services Director.
The result of all this up close and personal research is very happy news indeed. The town of Plymouth now boasts all-new, fixed, concrete decked wet slips, featuring fresh water and 30-50 amp power hookups, in a facility known as Plymouth Landing Marina. Some slips have 30 amp service and others feature 50 amp hookups. The wet slips designed for larger craft have depths of 12 to 14 feet, while some of the smaller berths have 4.5 to 6 feet of waters. And, we were able to confirm the report from Danny and Jan, that visiting cruisers can enjoy ten day’s free dockage at these fresh city piers, including power and water connections.
The dockage basin lies under the watchful eye of a reproduction of the Roanoke River screw-pile lighthouse. The eye catching feature adds considerably to the visual appeal of this city facility.
Shoreside, mariners will discover climate controlled showers, and a laundromat. Waste pump-out service is available for a very reasonable $5,00. There are two restaurants within walking distance, one of which is open for breakfast. There are also several museums in downtown Plymouth which are well worth your attention.
It’s a hefty 1+ mile walk to Highway 64, where you will find a supermarket and chain drugstore. Those cruising with bicycles will find this an easy trip.
CLEARLY, with all these new facilities, cruisers now have a new, prime destination just off Albemarle Sound. Please help spread the word about Plymouth’s new welcome and new services for visting cruisers.

New Plymouth, NC City Docks and Reproduction Roanoke River Lighthouse

Because our marina (Cypress Cove, formerly IYC) is at Columbia, we often cruise west on Albemarle Sound. Plymouth on the Roanoke River has just opened new town docks. We hear they are nice and free. Plymouth has shops, a museum (with replica of the Abemarle, a Confederate ironclad) and a lighthouse in the historic part of town along the waterfront.
Jean Thomason
I would like to tell everyone about the new town docks in Plymouth NC. Very nice slips (10 slips ) with power and water at no charge. They have very nice rest rooms and showers with a washer and dryer. There is also a pump out with just a 5.00 charge.
We stayed there in April and was very pleased. Oyster Bar short walk away was great. Breakfast at Stella’s down the street was very good. There was also three Museums in easy walking distance.
The east end where the larger slips are the water 12 to 14 feet and the west end on the T we marked 4.5 feet. These slips are not where the old slips are. These are at the west end of town in front of the Light House. Very nice.
Danny and Jan on the Mosey
Plymouth is a great town to visit for it’s Civil War history and all the good things mentioned here. My great grandfather served with the Union army and became a prisoner of war when the town was retaken.
However, there is a charted fixed bridge of 50′ vertical clearance between the town and Albemarle Sound that will keep most sailboats from visiting. We have anchored just before the bridge and used our dinghy. I think we were lucky to not hit a snag with the anchor since the Roanoke River is dense with cypress on both sides.
Harry Burns
S/V Two for the Roads
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Plymouth City Docks
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Plymouth City Docks
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May 29, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Praise for Deaton’s Yacht Service, Oriental, NC, Statute Mile 181

Whitaker Creek - Click for Chartview
Deaton’s Yacht Service is one of two repair yards located on Whittaker Creek, immediately east of Oriental Harbor. The Whittaker Creek entrance channel is well marked.
I hauled out there this spring for the first time, they did great work. I’ve always done all the work myself but back problems and work constraints forced me to hire it out this time. They were very accommodating; I live 400 miles from the coast and they just handled it. They run a professional outfit, I highly recommend them.
Chase
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Whittaker Creek
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May 20, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Dowry Creek Marina, AICW Statute Mile 131.5

Dowry Creek Marina - Click for Chartview
Dowry Creek Marina is a fine family owned and family run marina that has received MANY laudatory reviews here on the Cruisers’ Net. This facility lies off the AICW/Pungo River, north of Belhaven.
This is one of my favorite places to stop whenever heading north or south from Albemarle Plantation. Staff is very friendly and knowledgable. Rates are good and there is a lovely club house where there is a social hour each evening. Loaner cars are available for trips into town.
Bill Denison
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Dowry Creek Marina
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May 20, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good Words for Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina (off the AICW on Cape Fear River, in Wilmington, NC)
SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina, lies on the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River, just above the downtown Wilmington waterfront. Not only is this a first class marina, but the on-site repair yard is second to none. BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THIS FACILITY’S FREE WEEK’S DOCKAGE OFFER AT /?p=112269!
The note below was copied from the AGLCA forum, and was in answer to a question about where one can find a good “hurricane hole” during the hurricane season.
Bennett Brothers Yachts has the best “in my opinion” on the east coast GAI am a member of the Cape Fear Marina and have two 50 foot slips. This Cape Fear/Bennett Bros. is a definite hurricane hole and well protected. Just my 2 cents. Come on up but make sure you call them ahead of time….. it can get populated fast….. 910-772-9277.
GM
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
On 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
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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
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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
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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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