Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Jan 13, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Alligator River Bridge (AICW Statute Mile 84) Will Not Open in Heavy Fog
Alligator River Bridge - Click for Chartview
AICW cruising veterans have long known the decrepit Alligator River Swing Bridge (closed vertical clearance – 14 feet), will not open in high winds due to the possibility of mechanical injury to the bridge mechanism. Now, we hear this same, troublesome span may not open in heavy fog!!!
Cruisers from Maine who are used to traveling in fog should be aware that the Alligator River Bridge will not open in reduced visibility as they are afraid cars won’t see the stop lights. There are no set standards. According to the bridge tender, it is up to his discretion. I can see cars half a mile down the bridge from where I am now anchored in the middle of nowhere. With the current weather report, I could be here all day and night.
Roger Long S/V Strider
Kudos to the bridge tender. We have watched semi’s and others gun it to get across the ARB swing span after the lights have turned red. The tender is responsible for all the users, even the irresponsible ones.
Chris
Click Here To View the North Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For the Alligator River Bridge
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Dec 30, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Sears Landing Restaurant – A REAL FIND!, Surf City, NC, AICW Statute Mile 260.5
Surf City Bridcge - Click for Chartview
Because Sears Landing is not a marina, this restaurant with transient dockage will not be found in our NC Marina Directory, so we are very grateful to the Captain Tigar for bringing this spot to our attention. It certainly sounds YUMMY.
Cruising News:
Heading South on the ICW, just before the Surf City bridge, turn right and make your way in about 120 yards to Sears Landing. This is a restaurant with some overnight dock space. At low tide, you may have less than 5 ft. depth, but the floating docks are nice, a long garden hose gives water even in winter (regular faucets in warmer weather), there are power outlets, and the food is superb. Heads may not be available late night after the restaurant closes — this is a restaurant not a marina. For 11 years, this establishment has been here and gets by without advertising its attractions. Try the grilled or fried seafood, and for a wickedly delicious treat, try the island rolls.
Michael and Jane Tigar
Sears landing is an excellent restaurant and the four slips there, while adequate, are a bit pricey for what they offer. I spent 3 days in Surf City a month ago riding out some terrible weather while headed south. We couldn’t get in the Sears Landing channel (in fairness, it was dead low tide and we draw 4 ft) so we took the channel opposite, also just north of the bridge. The former docks at the south end of this channel are cordoned off with cable stretched across, this because of a foreclosure and resulting liability issues. However, we were fortunate to find a dozen or so slips at the [former] Beachhouse Marina dry storage facility that were available for reasonable price ($1.25/ft) and with full amenities. No water (winter, again) but everything else ‘” clean 24 hr heads, 30 amps, laundry room, WiFi in the lounge, floating docks, supermarket via courtesy vehicle, accommodating and helpful personnel. Despite some storefronts in Surf City looking like a movie set for a spaghetti western, we found the town to have remarkable amenities with excellent restaurants, decent stores for basics (aimed more to the fishing crowd, though), and all within easy walking distance. Sears Landing is a short way across the ICW bridge and I’ll second Captain Jane’s comments about their offerings ‘“ top notch food and service! In all, Surf City is a good stop in a stretch of the waterway where such places are not often to be found. Sadly, as we reported in May of 2012, Beach House Marina has closed (see link below).
Andy Denmark
Click Here To View An Article on the closing of Beach House Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Surf City Bridge
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Dec 28, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Edenton, North Carolina Slated to Hold 300th Anniversary Celebration Cruiser Rally 5/6/13 to 5/12/13
As part of its 300’th Anniversary, the charming and historic town of Edenton, North Carolina, our newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is planning on a HUGE event to welcome the cruising community during the first part of May, 2013. PLEASE take a good look below at all the details already in place! We will bring you more information as soon as it becomes available.
Notice the FREE dockage at the city marina (during the week of 5/6/13 to 5/12/13 ONLY!), and the anticipated water taxi if the marina becomes full, and some vessels need to anchor off the town waterfront! Coupled the with this community’s many historic and striking homes and public buildings, CRUISERS HAVE MANY, MANY REASONS TO LEAVE THE COMFORTABLE CONFINES OF THE AICW AND CRUISE WEST ON ALBEMARLE SOUND TO THE EDENTON WATERFRONT! SEE YOU THERE!!!!
Claiborne,
Please see below information on the upcoming Cruiser Rally in celebration of Edenton’s 300th Anniversary that we hope you can be a part of and offer to cruisers you think would be interested:
We have established some parameters for the proposed Cruiser Rally at Edenton and done some tentative planning of a program to tempt some of the ICW cruisers heading North in the spring, to turn left and visit our historic and pretty little town.
Basically, we will throw the doors open between the 6th and the 12th of May 2013 to all visitors by water. We will offer free docking, free trolley tours, free guided tours, free shuttle bus to get to shops for all water borne visitors. There are only 9 docks at the town harbor that have electricity and water available, but overflow can tie up along the inside of the breakwater and we are planning a water taxi service if people elect to anchor in the bay.
As well as the land based activities that concentrate on the historic buildings of Edenton, there will also be kayaking available either using the town kayaks or cruisers own, to explore the creeks that extend on either side of the harbor. These could also be explored in dinks. We are exploring ways of having this as a water borne guided tour.
To help with the passage up to Edenton from the Alligator River, some of our members are planning a cook out in the Yeopim River and the Scuppernong River which effectively splits the journey in two. Cruisers could use these events as a prelude to arriving, but early arrivals could also attend as it is only a half day trip to either or both locations. Dates and further details on these events will be coming soon.
The plan is to have the week act as the collection time for the cruisers then at the weekend have a reception and welcome hosted by the Edenton Yacht Club on the Friday evening, followed on Saturday evening by a presentation by some speakers. We are hoping that you will be persuaded to talk about the various opportunities for exploration around the west end of the Albemarle Sound. In the hope that this will give the cruisers that have made the trip up, something to go and look at before they leave on the way back.
There will be slips available at the Edenton Marina too, but they are somewhat removed from downtown and it would probably be better from a social point of view to anchor off and be part of the action rather than be round the corner and a bit out of it.
Information about Edenton and the 300th celebration can be accessed on their web site, www.visitedenton.com The local marinas can be checked out at http://marinas.com/browse/marina/US/NC/1/E
If you could let your members know that this event is going to happen and get them to pencil in attending that would be much appreciated. I will forward more detailed information as we get closer to the time and it would be nice from an organization point of view if we could get potential visitors to register in some way so that we know what to expect and can plan accordingly.
I had thought that if we pin down the dates and locations of the feeder events in the new year, then we could ask for a commitment, always realizing that stuff happens when on the water and that nothing is cast in stone. But a general idea would be a great help.
Thank you for you help so far. Please feel free to advise and guide us in providing the information needed to attract a substantial crowd to make the trip up the sound to see us. We know that they will find it worthwhile, what do we have to do to make them realize it?
Best regards,
Brian FitzSimons and Nancy Nicholls
Edenton Yacht Club and Chowan County TDA
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Edenton Harbor (City Marina)
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Edenton Harbor
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Dec 14, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Dismal Swamp Canal Re-Opened! AICW Alternate Route
Dismal Swamp Canal Bridge
The Great Dismal Swamp Canal Bridge, which crosses the Waterway at statute mile 28, has been closed for maintenance for several weeks and, except for small craft, the repairs essentially closed the Dismal Swamp Canal to navigation. With repairs now completed, the Dismal Swamp Canal is once again open for navigation. The AICW Alternate Dismal Swamp Canal Route southbound departs the primary AICW south of Norfolk at Statute Mile 7.2 and begins officially at Deep Creek Lock at Statute Mile 10.6.
Supt. Joy Greenwood reports the bridge repairs have been completed and the Canal has reopened for transient boating traffic. Please help us get the word out!
Thank you!
Donna Stewart, Director
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
2356 US Hwy 17N
South Mills, NC 27976
Phone ~ 252-771-8333
www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com
Larry and Claiborne,
Thanks for sharing the message. We were only closed for four and a half days due to hydraulic work on the bridge which crosses over the Canal to the Dismal Swamp State Park. We had a boat make the 1:30pm locking at Deep Creek and stay with us last night. If you’re still traveling south, we would love to see you.
Donna Stewart
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dismal Swamp Canal Swing Bridge.
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Dec 11, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.2399,-77.95099999
New Downtown Wilmington, NC Marina Under Construction, Cape Fear River

View In Chartview

Port City Marina - Click for Chartview
Port City Marina is currently under construction with a Grand Opening scheduled for summer 2013. This facility will be a WONDERFUL addition to the cruising scene, and will furnish more reason than ever for captains to leave the comfortable confines of the AICW, and journey upstream on the Cape Fear River to downtown Wilmington!
For more information or to join the mailing list for updates, visit www.portcitymarina.com or call 910.251.6151.
New Destination Marina on the North Carolina Coast
Wilmington, North Carolina, December 11, 2012
Wilmington, North Carolina is excited to welcome the Port City Marina.
North Carolina based developer, USA InvestCo, recently announced plans to construct a 204-slip state-of-the-art marina located on the Cape Fear River in the heart of Downtown Wilmington, NC. The floating docks, which will accommodate boats up-to 130 feet in length, is scheduled to open in early summer 2013. The marina will provide all the amenities and conveniences of a modern marina including on-site restaurants, fuel, pump out, high-speed wireless internet, and customer-service orientated staff. Port City Marina will pride itself as being the first full-service marina located in the heart of a Historic Downtown in the mid-Atlantic.
Within walking distance, Boaters will find a vibrant array of locally owned shops and restaurants, a thriving art and cultural scene, the Riverwalk and historic district, the USS North Carolina Battleship (open for tours), horse-drawn carriage rides, or the simple enjoyment of Wilmington’s great sunsets from the comfort of the boat. Wilmington offers a cosmopolitan scene or a retreat to the natural wonders. With over 30 miles of shoreline, the Wilmington area has access to 3 world-class beaches; Wrightsville, Carolina, and Kure, all a short drive away. For those who like to hit the links, Wilmington boasts some of the area’s most enjoyable and beautiful courses, challenging all levels of golfers. With convenient access to Wilmington International Airport (ILM), the marina expects a healthy transient & seasonal customer base to round-out the annual dockage from the local market.
Consistently ranked as one of the East Coast’s top 10 cities to visit, Wilmington, North Carolina is where old world charm and the 21st Century meet to create a memorable experience for all ages. Wilmington is not just another marina stop on the way to a destination, Wilmington is THE destination.
Amenities:
Â§ Located in the heart of Historic Downtown Wilmington
Â§ Only 5 Minutes from the Wilmington International Airport (ILM)
Â§ State-of-the-Art Floating Concrete Docks for Boats up to 250′ LOA
Â§ Drafts up to 25 Feet
Â§ On-Site Concierge Desk & Marina Store with ATM
Â§ Walking Distance To Shopping, Dinning & Entertainment
Â§ 2 Premier Bar/Restaurants On-Site
Â§ Future 10-story Indigo Hotel one block away
Â§ Fuel-Service Fuel Dock with Ethanol-Free Gasoline and High Speed Diesel
Â§ Metered Water & Electric Service (30, 50, & 100 amp; Single & Three Phase)
Â§ Free High-Speed WiFi
Â§ Daily/Weekly/Monthly/Seasonal/Annual Rates
Larry Rizzo
Port City Marina
720 N. 3rd Street, Third Floor
Wilmington, NC 28401
P: 910.251.6151
E: larryr@portcitymarina.com
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Port City Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Dec 7, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More Praise for Alligator River Marina, AICW Statute Mile 84
Alligator River Marina - Click for Chartview
It’s always good to hear great things about “Miss Wanda”, whom I have known for many years! Alligator River Marina lies on the western shore of the mouth of the Alligator River/AICW, just north of the swing bridge and southwest of flashing daybeacon #12. This facility provides the ONLY readily available dockage and fuel along the patch of the AICW between Coinjock, Elizabeth City and Dowry Creek/Belhaven!
We brought our boat down from Baltimore, Maryland to Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina. One of the highlights of the trip was Alligater River Marina. Mrs. Wanda is the nicest and most helpful marina owner I have ever met. The food and hospitality was incredible. Do not miss this marina.
Steve Chapman
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Alligator River Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Alligator River Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Dec 5, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments 34.2198,-77.81249999
IMPORTANT – AICW Navigation Alert: More Groundings at Wrightsville Beach/SR 74 Bridge, Statute Mile 283.1, 12/5/12

View In Chartview

SR 74 Bridge - Click for Chartview
With a closed vertical clearance of 20ft, and a very restrictive opening schedule, the Wrightsville Beach Bascule Bridge crosses the AICW at Statute Mile 283, southwest of marker #125. This is one of the most irksome spans on the entire North Carolina section of the AICW, and now we cruisers are going to have to contend with adjoining shallows north of the span!
Note that the shoal described below, on the “green side” lies on the Waterway’s eastern flank, north of the Wrightsville Bridge. As Captain Hardy advises, ALL captains should be SURE to wait for a bridge opening in mid-channel, and make every effort to avoid a drift to the east. Otherwise, you WILL be giving the local Sea Tow captain some business!
12/04/2012
We ran aground at the bridge just north of the one mentioned here. We were racing the clock to be there on time, and being the only boat, the bridge tender did not open it for us, even though in the three minutes it took him to open the beige, we would have been in perfect position if he had started the opening at three. In backing out from the bridge, we ran aground on the east side. Worse than that, we ran aground again after going through the next bridge and hugging the shoreline to port coming around the corner to head for our night’s anchorage. didn’t bother looking at the chart; it seemed so simple, just stay close to the boats and head for green marker 23. Wrong! We ran up on the plainly marked shoal. this destroyed many years of boasting about almost never running aground, twice in one day!
Beverly Feiges
Cruising News:
At least 4 boats we know went aground while waiting for the Wrightsville Beach bridge to open in the past few days. The shallow spot is on the green side when approaching the bridge from the north. There aren’t any markers at the shoal but boaters should stay in the center of the channel when waiting for the bridge.
Harriet Hardy
Giving other boaters a tip when traveling south at the wrightsville beach bridge’¦. stop in center of channel before you get along side the false palm tree north and East of the Bridge and before coming along side of Green marker to port also for those anchoring in Banks channel and you are heading south following the shore south to just passed the Coast Guard Station on your port turn starboard at red and green marker keeping it to starboard following the green markers to ICW and turning south at floating green marker you are now in ICW.
Vance Neal
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Wrightsville Beach Bridge
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Nov 28, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Tide Boards Replaced at Coinjock Bridge, AICW Statute Mile 50
Capt. Kremski gives us an update on the replacement of tide boards at Coinjock Bridge [Joseph Palmer Bridge], with a fixed vertical clearance of 65ft, spans the canal-like section of the Waterway at Statute Mile 50, between Coinjock Bay and North River. Note that SSECN reported the replacement of the tide boards at the Washington Baum Bridge in September of 2012.
We are happy to report that as of October, 2012 the tidal gauges have been re-installed at the Washington Baum Bridge (Hwy 64) just south of Manteo NC and also at the Joseph Palmer Bridge (Hwy 158) just south of Coinjock Marina. These are no longer hazard areas. Thanks.
John & Sharon
S/V Sunbow
Capt. Kremski’s original report:
The tide boards are missing ‘“ makes it very exciting to those of us with tall masts! Click Click Click as we went under ‘“ call the Marina to water level information prior to attempting this one!
John Kremski
Capt. Kremski contacted the NCDOT regarding the missing tide boards:
Date/Time: 8/26/2012 11:21:13 AM
To the North Carolina Dept. of Transportation
The tide boards are missing from both the Washington Baum Bridge (highway 64) at Manteo and also the Joseph Palmer Bridge Highway (highway 158) at Coinjock. I have a tall mast and this route is the only way I can travel in NC; but it is not safe due to having no way judge if water levels are abnormally high or not.
Can you let me know if this will be fixed soon? I would like to return to NC again, but am not willing to risk my boat (or at least my mast!)
John Kremski
And the response from NCDOT:
Date/Time: 8/27/2012 3:16:59 PM
Mr. Kremski,
Thank you for bringing this to our attention, hopefully we can get some new signs fabricated and have them installed within the next month or so.
Thanks again.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net NC Bridge Directory Listing For Coinjock Bridge
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Coinjock Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Coinjock Bridge
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Nov 23, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Swan Point Marina and Boatyard, AICW Statute Mile 247
Swan Point Marina guards the AICW’s western banks, immediately south of the AICW/New River/New River Inlet Problem Stretch intersection, just north of marker #4.
This facility changed hands about a year ago, and while we were sorry to see the former management depart, it is very gratifying to learn that the new owners are doing such a great job for visiting cruisers!
While traveling south we were unable to clear the fixed Topsail Bridge just south of Alligator Bay due to extremely high tides.
We spent the night at Swan Point Marina and were very pleased with the service. Under new ownership, this marina is a family owned operation with plans for a complete renovation. The owners were very kind and helpful in every aspect.
Vince Archetto
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Swan Point Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Swan Point Marina
Click Here To Read An Earlier Article Related To The Closing of Swan Point Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Nov 20, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Stay at Carolina Beach Mooring Field, Carolina Beach, NC, AICW Statute Mile 295
Carolina Beach Mooring Field - Click for Chartview
Just completed in February, 2012, the new Carolina Beach mooring field is located south of Snows Cut, between markers #4 and #5 on the approach channel into Carolina Beach town waterfront. As expected, the new mooring field has prompted both pro and con comments.
We used the Carolina mooring field on 16/17 Nov 12 and found it very easy to use and well worth the $20/night. The moorings have short pendants with a float and loop at the end. Pass a line through the loop to moor up. Randy, the guy who collects the money, is a former live-aboard and generally helpful guy.
Access to the area is slightly complicated. Follow the ICW to G 161 and turn into the Carolina Beach basin channel’s R 2. Do /not/ try to round off the corner. A boat with 5.5′ draft hit and bumped when taking this shortcut.
Richard B. Emerson
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina 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
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Nov 19, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More Good Words for Lamb’s Marina, AICW Dismal Swamp Canal Alternate Route – St. M. 47
Lamb's Marina - Click for Chartview
The recently dredged canal-like entrance channel leading to Lambs Marina cuts east from the AICW/Dismal Swamp Canal Route’s trek through Pasquotank River, south of Sawyers Creek and north of the charted railway bridge.
We left our sailboat there for 1 month. During Hurricane Sandy, our boat was safe and they maintained our dock lines as needed. Approach was easy, no shoaling conditions at all. Everyone at the marina was extremely helpful, they even provide a courtesy car for local errands.
Laurie and Steven
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Lambs Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Lamb’s Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Nov 19, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Anchoring Report from Upper Broad Creek, off the AICW on Neuse River, near New Bern, NC
Upper Broad Creek - Click for Chartview
Upper Broad Creek Northern Anchorage lies 18.7 nautical miles off the AICW, on Neuse River in the centerline of Upper Broad Creek’s gentle turn to the northeast, north of the charted pilings; Upper Broad Creek indents the northeastern shores of Neuse River, well northeast of Neuse River marker #19.
Anchored near the tip of the 7 foot contour line. Wind and current made anchoring difficult for this beginner salor. Muddy bottom. Anchor held good. Winds are out of the North at 11 kts gusting to 20 kts. The next morning the winds were steady at 15 kts.
Only thing protecting us from the wind was the dodger. Temp was about 55 during the day. 40 or so at night.
Beautiful view of the sunset followed shortly thereafter by a sliver of a moon.
Additional comments. Water depth at the time was 9.2 feet. Winds were NNE.
Will Merriman
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Upper Broad Creek Northern Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Upper Broad Creek Northern Anchorage
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Nov 12, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
North Mouth of Alligator River AICW Problem Stretch – Captains Mark and Diana Report (St. M. 81)
Below, our strategic partners Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, founders and owners of On The Water ChartGuides, give a concise and accurate report of the current situation at the northern mouth of the Alligator River, where the AICW flows south from Albemarle Sound into this body of water. Note that Diana and Mark confirm our earlier posting here on the SSECN (see /?p=98565), that the infamous “magenta line” is charted on the WRONG side of marker #8A. Be SURE to pass this marker to its EASTERLY side!
Hi Claiborne,
Diana and I crossed the Albemarle Sound southbound last week and re-surveyed the known Alligator River Entrance ICW trouble spot … with its westward shoal and mis-charted Magenta Line.
As you can see from the attached screenshot, the depths are fine if you follow the navaids, NOT necessarily the Magenta Line.
Southbound, you would honor R6 and the G7-R8 pair, then (importantly) depart the charted Magenta Line, honoring floating navaid Red 8A, to stay off encroaching Long Shoal Point, finally re-joing the ICW and the charted Magenta Line at G9.
I’ll re-survey the other known ICW trouble spots as we continue southbound and share these with your SSECN readers.
Best and see you On the Water,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
Cruised through the northern Alligator River dog leg. No problem. Follow the marks.
Raymond W. Smith
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the North Mouth of Alligator River
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Nov 7, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good Navigational Advice for Motts Channel (Wrightsville Beach, NC – AICW Statute Mile 283.3)
The Motts Channel cuts into the southeastern/eastern flank of the AICW, a short hop south and southwest of the Wrightsville Beach Bascule Bridge, just past the host of marina facilities which congregate south of this span. The Motts passage serves at least two important purposes for cruisers.
First, it provides access from the AICW to cruiser friendly Seapath Yacht Club (Marina), and, secondly, it is the most direct route to the very popular anchorages on Banks Channel. Clearly, this is an important side channel off the AICW.
Over the years, the western end of the Motts Channel, near markers #25 and #23, has shoaled and periodic dredging has been required. Judging from the latest reports here on the SSECN, shallowing is again being felt in these waters. Captain Harriet’s advice below will help navigators avoid these shoals, at least until they build farther into the channel!
It’s tricky making the turn into Motts Channel and guidelines on various sites vary. Boaters should be aware that the current will drag them as they make the turn. They need to stay very close to the green 25 and then gradually make their way to the red side. Also, swing wide at the turn from green markers G21 and G19.
Harriet Hardy
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Seapath Yacht Club
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Banks Channel Northern Anchorage
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Banks Channel Southern Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Motts Channel
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Nov 5, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.033,-76.68129999
Words of Praise for Deaton Yacht Services, Oriental, NC and TowBoat/US

View In Chartview

Whitaker Creek - Click for Chartview
Deaton Yacht Services, located on Whittaker Creek in Oriental, NC, is a long-time repair firm that has, according to all reports I’ve had, been delivering quality work for many years. Now, they are a TowBoat/US franchise as well. Talk about a good thing getting even better.
We are a 36 Grand Banks Trawler and we hit a sunken log on the Dismal Swamp, damaging one of our newly-repaired props that were chewed up on Erie Canal. That time, we had both repaired on the Hudson River for $690. This time, we got into the Deaton Marine yard and the staff and management were excellent; within minutes, they had the props off so we could borrow their car and drive them to Morehead City for repair. They put our boat back in the water so we could be comfortable and stay warm. When we picked up the props the next day, they asked us to call them on our way back and they had BTS sitting in the slings all ready for the props to mount.We were put back in the water for a comfortable evening and we left the next day. The charges were reasonable and everyone was quicker than we could have ever expected. About the only disappointment was the $590 charge from the Propeller service for a bent blade on one prop; we expected less.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Whitaker Creek
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Nov 3, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
High Praise for New Bern Grand Marina, Trent River, New Bern, NC
The New Bern Grand Marina lies in the heart of downtown New Bern, North Carolina, along Trent River’s northern banks between the low-level Trent River highway and railroad bridges.
This is by far the nicest marina I have ever had the pleasure of staying in. Ducked in because of hurricane Sandy, THEY COULD NOT HAVE BEEN NICER !!! CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN. Starbucks coffee at Hilton, amazing showers, laundry, cable, WiFi, security, great staff, and to top it off, New Bern is a historic beauty. AAA+++
Chris Dates
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For New Bern Grand Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New Bern Grand Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Oct 23, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from Salmon Creek/Chowan River Anchorage (off the AICW, on Chowan River/Albemarle Sound)
Salmon Creek, near the mouth of Chowan River, well southwest of marker #2CR, makes a fair overnight anchorage, but water levels have shoaled on this stream during the last several years. Minimum depths of 6 feet can now be expected only as far as the second point of land making in from the southerly banks. Past this point, soundings drop off to 4 feet or sometimes considerably less. Consider setting the hook just short of the second southern entrance point, where there is plenty of swinging room for boats up to 42 feet in length and fair protection from all but northern and northeastern winds. There is a large industrial plant on the creek’s southern shore, but the rest of the banks are undeveloped.
We anchored here last night with two other boats ( two 42 foot trawlers and a 39 foot sailboat). Depths got very shallow well before the Sage plant, Don’t go too far past the old decrepit tour boat moored at a dock on the northern shore. We saw three nearly submerged piles towards the southern shore as we came into the creek entrance so stay in the center. As mentioned by others, the dinghy ride up the creek is marvelous. Fall is a nice time to visit Salmon Creek.
Buzz Savage
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Salmon Creek/Chowan River Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Salmon Creek
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Oct 23, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from Ocracoke, NC, off the AICW in Pamlico Sound
Click for Chartview
The Ocracoke National Park Service Docks lie on the northern shores of Ocracoke’s Silver Lake Harbor, just east of its entrance.
We had a great charter out of Washington on In Concert, a Saga 409 that we bareboated from Carolina Wind.
Made it to Ocracoke the first day for two nights including dinner at the Back Porch and lunch at Howard’s. Then we were off across the sound to Adams creek to follow the ICW south to Beaufort and and a wonderful two nights anchored in Lookout Bight. Back up the ICW for a quick stop for wine in Oriental, a night anchored in Bonner Bay before the final leg back to Washington.
I do believe coastal North Carolina is the best cruising area on the east coast – I was very impressed!
As you asked, I visited the public docks in Ocracoke to assess the dinghy dock. The office was closed and the only floating dock appeared to be in association with the adjacent ferry dock and locked behind a dock fence. A sign (see photo) hung in the office window regarding its use, but again, it appeared locked and unavailable.
I’ll make a couple phone calls back to the village and if I get more details will let you know.
Your info and cruising guide were right on it’s with many thanks for your efforts that we had a great trip.
Cheers,
Mike Alyea

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Ocracoke National Park Service Docks
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ocracoke National Park Service Docks
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Oct 22, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Lock Opening Times Verified, Dismal Swamp Canal, AICW Alternate Route
The AICW Alternate Dismal Swamp Canal Route southbound departs the primary AICW south of Norfolk at Statute Mile 7.2 and begins officially at Deep Creek Lock at Statute Mile 10.6.
Question:
Does anyone know if the Dismal Swamp Locks are still restricted to just two openings per day?
WernerS
Answer:
Dismal Swamp openings 2 days ago [10/20/12] were: 8:30am; 11:00am; 1:30pm; 3:30pm
Just passed through with relatively light traffic. 3 boats at Visitors Center.
John Esch
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Oct 19, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More Praise for Elizabeth City, NC, AICW Dismal Swamp Canal Alternate Route/Pasquotank River, Statute Mile 50.5
Elizabeth City, at the south end of the Dismal Swamp route, has been charming cruising visitors to the City Docks since 1983 and it’s wonderful that some things do not change! The city docks are officially called Mariner’s Wharf and dockage is free for 48 hours. We are proud to report that Elizabeth, NC is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Our home is in Kinsale, VA, and we have just made our 6th stop at the Elizabeth City Visitors Center, and of course were greeted by ‘˜Rose Buddy’ Gus! The folks in Eliz City are most friendly, accommodating, and we can’t say enough good things about our experiences at our favorite stop on the ICW. So take our word for it and stop on your next trip ‘˜North’ or ‘˜South’. You won’t regret it!
Tom and Kaye aboard the S/V SHEARWATER
Kudos to Elizabeth City, the Mayor and its tourism board. We had a delightful two days there and had the privilege of seeing the dress rehearsal of `The Sound of Music’. The only bad news is that the Dismal Swamp Canal, even though manned by the most wonderful people, still has a lot of sunken logs in it. Our 4 1/2 ft draft probably picked one up and damaged our props.
Bob and Margaret Kaine
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Elizabeth City’s Mariners’ Wharf City Docks
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Elizabeth City Waterfront
Share:
Be the first to comment!