Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Oct 16, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
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.
A little update. First of all, Mr. Sligh’s comments posted back in February are in reference to the Galley Store Marina, which is on the Neuse River, and is indeed exposed to that river’s weather. The New Bern Grand Marina, which this thread addresses, is on the TRENT river, and is very well protected from open water. It is also much larger than the Galley Store Marina. It is however, on the back side of the Cunningham draw bridge, which will open on request most of the time, otherwise on the hour. As for the laundry facility, there is only ONE washer and ONE dryer, and they are not free ($1 each at this writing.) Everything else I’ve read here is still accurate. The cruiser’s lounge is very small, and filled with furniture the hotel seems to not want. There is no TV or anything else of much use in it. Rates at the NBGM are still very attractive, but I hear rumor that it is headed for an increase soon.
Clay Watson
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
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Oct 15, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Upper Broad Creek Explored, off the AICW on Neuse River, near New Bern, NC
Upper Broad Creek - Click for Chartview
Upper Broad Creek Northern Anchorage is 18.7 nautical miles off the waterway 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.
Cruising News:
We berth our trawler in New Bern and I was curious to see how far one could go up Upper Broad Creek in the Neuse River. If you look at chart 11552, you can see that Upper Broad Creek travels quite a ways north at some reasonable depths, so we decided to gingerly check it out.
I measure on the chart it is about 4.5 Nm from the mouth to Lee’s Landing where there is a boat ramp for small boats and the marked overhead lines. The overhead lines indicated on chart 11552 appear to be no longer there, but there is still the utility pole, on which they used to be. We went as far as the kayak docks for Latham-Whitehurst Nature Park (5.4Nm from the mouth at 35’07.000N, 76’56.515W), until it started to become almost too narrow to turn around. At that point we measured 11 feet of water. The channel is probably about 60-70 feet wide at that part and plenty deep (readings as high as 21 feet) in most places. Most of the creek is around 11 feet deep with occasional 5-foot depths. We have a full keel protecting our prop and draw 3-1/2 feet most days, so it was worth a look. It’s a very remote area, and our trawler drew a few looks from some bass boats in the little creek, but it was a nice test of skill to maneuver slowly up the way. The creek up that far is too narrow to anchor, but fun for a look for a day.
If you go, you will want to have a bit of time to take it slowly, as per the chart and our experience, it was a very narrow tributary. Our trawler is 35 feet and I would not recommend going as far as we did on a larger boat. Turning around as far as we went required a good bit of patience and attention. Still well worth the experience of doing.
Ben Matthews
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
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Oct 13, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Another Report from Masonboro Inlet and Wrightsville Beach, AICW Statute Mile 285.5
Other recent reports on depths in Masonboro Inlet have indicated no shallow water problems in the inlet itself, unlike the shoaling reported at the intersection of the inlet/Shinn Creek and the AICW.
Oct 6 Traveled outside to Wrightsville Beach Inlet [Masonboro Inlet], good place to re-enter the ICW, however, the boating traffic at Wrightsville on the weekends should be avoided at all costs, the most friendly inconsiderates along the entire ICW.
Doug Cordello
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Masonboro Inlet
Click Here To Read Recent Comments about Shoaling in the Masonboro/AICW Intersection
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Oct 13, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from Cape Lookout Bight Anchorage, southeast of Beaufort Inlet
Cape Lookout Bight is a wonderful, natural harbor formed by Cape Lookout’s curve of land. This superb anchorage, one of the most popular in North Carolina, is best accessed via the Beaufort Inlet, rather than through Back Sound.
Oct 5 Anchored at Lookout Point [Cape Lookout Bight], great anchorage very calm and clean water, well worth the short trip.
Doug Cordello
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Cape Lookout Bight Anchorage
Click Here To Read Earlier Comments For Cape Lookout Bight
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cape Lookout Bight
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Oct 12, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Carolina Beach State Park Marina, AICW Statute Mile 297
The long awaited remodeling and reopening of this fine facility has happened! The State Park entrance channel cuts off from the AICW, at the western end of Snows Cut, between markers #163 and #165.
Carolina Beach State Park is a hidden gem. Rob, the dockmaster, is worth the stop there. He has been everywhere, seen everything, speaks many languages and is fascinating. Our 42 feet was pushing it getting into a slip. Fairways very narrow and really not designed for boats our size although there is a face dock that might accommodate 1-2 boats our size. Pump out is $20 but just north of there at Joyner’s, it’s $5. The park charges $30/nite includes water and power. Retail, restaurants, and Food Lion is 1.5 miles away–just outside the gate of the park. The park, 700+ acres, has 6 miles of hiking trails, We were a short bike ride from old-timey Carolina Beach, Cure Beach, and Fort Fisher where the Civil War ended. We loved it there and hate to make its existence known—but what a great stop. Planned to stay one night–stayed three.
Laura Bender
Oct 6 stopped at Carolina Beach State Park Marina, a real hidden gem, great price only $30 including electric, plenty of water and room for our 48 foot that draws 4.5 feet and then you are well positioned to time your trip down the Cape Fear River.
Doug Cordello
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Carolina Beach State Park
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Carolina Beach State Park
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Oct 12, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Praise for Southport Marina, Cape Fear River, AICW Statute Mile 309
Southport Marina – A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! – lies just west of the Cape Fear River along the northern banks of the Waterway hard by flashing daybeacon #2A.
Southport Marina is always good and a treat! As you know, laundry and shower facilities are on site. PJ’s, a converted gas station across the street is great for breakfast. Moore Street Market, recommended by a local, was a lunchtime treat. We’d never have seen their obscure sign. Came upon a retired biology prof who’s a water colorist and such a delightful man. Love his work and the bright colors of local scenes. When we visit Southport, it’s always difficult to drag ourselves away.
Laura Bender
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport Marina
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Oct 10, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
A Happy Ending Thanks to Ocean Isle Marina and Sharky’s Restaurant, AICW Statute Mile 336 and 334
Ocean Isle Bridge and Sharky's Restaurant - Click for Chartview
Always good to hear of the kind of courtesy extended by Ocean Isle Marina management, the courtesies shown by Sharky’s Restaurant, as well as a recommendation of good food. A real Happy Ending!
Cruising News:
After we aborted our planned overnight stay at Calabash Anchorage on 10/6/2012 (see /?p=98764), we found nearby marinas were full. A courtesy call made by Ocean Isle Marina (MM 335.5) found us overnight space at “Sharky’s Restaurant” located at the Ocean Isle Bridge. Jim, the owner, met us at the dock and treated us like family. He has limited space, so call ahead if you are in a pinch. This was a great place to stay overnight and he offers a 10% discount for guests on the great food they serve.
Capt. Pat Carter
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Ocean Isle Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ocean Isle Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ocean Isle Bridge and Sharky’s Restaurant
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Oct 8, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
CHARTING ERROR Discovered By Way Of Good Advice on Transiting the Northern Alligator River/AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 80
Over the weekend of 10/6/12 to 10/7/12, we received the message below from Captain Sykes DeHarrt, concerning the perennial AICW Problem Stretch at the northern mouth of the Alligator River.
Clearly, this is good advice, but as you will see, Captain Syke’s info pointed out a potential problem.
Cruising News:
Came thru there going south 2 days ago. There is absolutely no problem at the entrance if one follows the marks. The problem area has apparently been near marker 8. If you stay half way between 7 and 8 the depth never gets below 12 feet. Go from this point straight to marker 9 and don’t do the dog leg I think a lot of chart plotters show. They have added marker 8A to help keep you away from that shoal.
Sykes DeHart
sv Aquarius
After reading Captain DeHart’s welcome input, we consulted the latest edition of chart 11553, and immediately spotted marker #8A mentioned in the article above. WHAT REALLY CONCERNED US WAS THE DEPICTION OF THE INFAMOUS MAGENTA LINE SHOWN AS PASSING TO THE WEST OF #8A. BOTH THIS MARKER’S COLOR, AND CAPTAIN DEHART’S COMMENTS SUGGESTED THIS AID TO NAVIGATION SHOULD BE PASSED TO ITS EASTERLY QUARTER.
We all know that navigators CAN’T trust the magenta line, but many cruisers do follow it all too closely, so a charting error at this crucial intersection needs to be called to the immediate attention of the cruising community./
First, we sent out a special SSECN Alert on the morning of 10/8/12, asking for input from our fellow cruisers, and, in particular, confirmation that marker #8A should be passed to its EASTERLY side. By the same afternoon, we had much appreciated, plentiful evidence from multiple captains, that CHART 11553 IS INDEED IN ERROR, AND THAT ALL CRUISERS SHOULD PASS TO THE EAST OF #8A!!!! IGNORE THE DEPICTION OF THE MAGENTA LINE PASSING WEST OF #8A, ON THE CURRENT EDITION OF CHART 11553!
Read the input below, say a thanks to our fellow cruisers, and then mark your version of 11553!
Can’t sign off without noting that this is a clear case of the Cruisers’ Net model working to perfection. We hear a report, professionally research the problem by bringing the 50+ combined years of our staff’s Southeastern USA cruising experience to bear, and then ask for on-site input from fellow cruisers. The cruising community responds, and within hours, we have a solution. Pretty neat, huh!
We passed through on 9/28 and had no problems following the markers. If you stay towards the green markers 7 & 9, you should be ok with good depths around 10-12 ft. Our chart plotter had the 8A and the magenta line correctly place left [East] of 8A.
Susan Leaf
Hi Claiborne
We passed there yesterday 10/7/2012 No problem if you follow the markers not the plotter Passed to the east of 8A water depth was never under 11 ft.
Larry Ross
Wanderin’ L&M
55 Hampton
We passed through this area on 9/16/2012 with a 130 foot motor yacht and didn’t have any problems. We ran the channel the same way Captain DeHart did, leaving `R’ 8A to starboard [#8A’s EASTERN side] and had 10 feet or more all the way through. We were drawing 8 feet at the time and got a call from another large yacht behind us who was aware of our draft. He was watching us on AIS and saw that we appeared to pass the marker on the `wrong’ side according to his plotter and the magenta line. After assuring him to forget the line he also ran through with the reds to his right and had plenty of water.
Captain Bill Hipple
M/Y Lady Kath
10/6/2012///Sailed to a point approximately 1nm NW of 1AR, joined with the charted magenta line approx half way to G3. Maintened the charted center (magenta line) until through the opening. Experinced nothing that was not charted, in fact we consistantly had 1-2 ft more than charted. Left the chart to proceed to the AR `Marina’.
We have a shoal draft 4′-9’³ but were sailing with another boat with 5 (or more) draft. Again no issues.
Bob
If you track the magenta line and draw more than 3 feet, at low tide, you WILL ground in a number of places, North entrance to Alligator River being one.
The magenta line does NOT provide lateral information, nor indicate a channel. What it does do is indicate the body of water containing the AICW and provide the basis for the mile markers ‘“ the chart preparers measure the line to establish the mileages.
There are a number of points on the ICW where the magenta line passes the wrong side of the mark, not just by gps location, but shown on the NOAA raster charts. There is a location south of Barfoot landing where you will not be able to track the magenta line unless your boat is amphibious.
A few years ago, one of the revisions of the NOAA raster chart showing Shallotte Inlet provided some wiggles in the magenta line between marks. This would suggest the line might have tracked the channel. Not only did it not, but when we went through the marks had been moved to respond to the recently sounded shoaling pattern.
John Ferguson
I was through the intersection of Albermarle and Alligator River on 10/12 and 10/17 with no problems. With my 5 foot draft I always had at least 7 feet under the keel by using the westerly green 3 and hugging the greens all the way through.
Gray Riddick
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Northern Alligator River
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch at the Northern Mouth of Alligator River
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Oct 8, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
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. However, we were once allowed to stay for three days when high winds prevented the Alligator River Bridge from opening. We are proud to report that Elizabeth, NC is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Cruising News:
Elizabeth City is always a great stop for cruisers. A great place to talk with some of the boaters you’ve been traveling with and get ready for the trip across the Albemarle. Especially want to thank Jessica and Susan at the Convention and Visitors Center for their help when I found out that I needed to get some parts and do some rewiring.
Bill Watson
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
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Oct 6, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Report on Upper Pungo River Anchorages, AICW Statute Mile 127.5
These anchorages lie just off the AICW, north and northwest of Waterway marker #23 and a short jog west of the Alligator River’“Pungo River Canal’s shoal-prone southerly entrance. The easternmost haven is, in our collective opinion, about as good as it gets!
We anchor here on a regular basis. It is a great location just prior to a northbound entry to the canal. Leave the ICW at marker 24 and you will see no less than 8 foot to the charted anchorage. Good holding in soft mud. It is exposed to the East ‘“ South but if it is really blowing you can find more shelter further up the creek. There is a small beach if you have pets. Verizon service comes and goes.
Dave Boxmeyer
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Upper Pungo Anchorages
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Upper Pungo Anchorages
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Oct 2, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More Opinions on Carolina Beach Mooring Field, Carolina Beach, NC, AICW Statute Mile 295
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, such as these below.
Great news . Looking forward to stop for a few cold ones. Carolina beach good work.
Ed & Joyce
Those of us who prefer to anchor, and I have done so many times successfully in Carolina Beach, think the `slap in the face’ is what we are getting! I know and trust my anchoring gear, and I go where I can use it. I didn’t spend thousands of dollars on it just to carry it around with me. Hopefully, sufficient room for anchoring will be retained.
John Kettlewell
Cruising News:
Cruisers on your site may be interested in stopping at Carolina Beach NC where ten new moorings have recently been installed for vessels from 26′ to 55′. The overnight charge for a mooring is $20.
We just returned from a three day visit to Carolina Beach where the mooring field is located (Myrtle Grove Sound); the website for the field is myrtlegrovesound.com. Telephone number for Randy at the Mona Black Marina (the manager of the mooring field) is 910-667-0004.
Our trawler Antares is based in Southport, and we’ve anchored at Myrtle Grove Sound once or twice a year for the past four years or so since we arrived here. The area has a lot to offer with regard to restaurants, entertainment for children, beach, etc. (you’ll need a dinghy, of course). It’s a calm, quiet anchorage (now mooring), and certainly a great stop on the way north or south just off Snow’s Cut on the ICW.
Captain Bob Fuller
I worked hard for 60 years to make my millions and I could care less about $20 vs a REAL secure spot for the night and a good night’s sleep. No matter what you do, no matter where you do it, and no matter who you do it for, there are jerks out here who will complain about anything and everything. I once gave a friend $50,000 and, believe it or not, he complained about the English saddle leather attachÃ© I gave it to him in.
In the past 40 years I’ve anchored, moored, and slipped. Each has its advantages and disadvantages’“I would assume most cruisers are aware of them. The moorings at Myrtle Grove Sound offer a reliable and safe alternative for many recreational boaters who may not have your multi-thousand blue water miles under their keels.
Captain Bob
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
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Oct 2, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Pungo Creek Marina Back Up and Running (North Carolina AICW, Statute Mile 136)
A few years ago, the cruising community was actively commenting on what was then a newly revamped marina facility, just off the Waterway, south of Belhaven, NC, on the northern shores of Pungo Creek. Pungo Creek Marina was pumping fuel, had a newly opened ship’s store and lounge, and was (and still is) set in one of the most peaceful places imaginable.
Then, along came strong storms and this facility was all but laid waste. I visited here in March of this year, and could not find any management to speak with, but a long time resident boat owner was most helpful, and it became apparent from our conversation that the future, if any, of this marina, was “iffy.”
Now, we are very happy to report that new owners have taken over, fuel is once again being pumped, and transients accepted for overnight dockage. And, it just so happens, the boat owner I spoke with back in March, Captain Allen McMurtry, is the new, and super friendly, dockmaster!
There are no restaurants that can currently be accessed from Pungo Creek Marina’s docks, but Captain Allen will help with landside transportation to the local Food Lion supermarket, and to propane tank exchange and tank refill dealers in nearby Belhaven.
Of course, it’s only fair to point out that this facility must be weighed against SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Belhaven Waterway Marina, just to the north along the shores of Pantego Creek and the Belhaven waterfront. BWM has the advantage of being within easy walking distance of downtown Belhaven, with its restaurants and historic attractions.
However, if you prefer a marina that is far, far from the maddening crowed, give Pungo Creek a look as well.
We would LOVE to hear from fellow cruisers who have spent some time at the new incarnation of Pungo Creek Marina. PLEASE send your impressions to CruisersNet@triad.twcbc.com, or click the “Contribute Cruising News” link/button on the upper right of this, and all Cruisers’ Net pages (except Chart View pages).
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Updated Listing For Pungo Creek Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Pungo Creek Marina
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Oct 1, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Shallowbag Bay Marina (off the AICW, off Roanoke Sound, on Roanoke Island)
Thanks to “Captain Parky” we have learned that Shallowbag Bay Marina, in the community of Manteo, North Carolina, on Roanoke Island, is under new ownership and management, and is now once again welcoming visiting cruisers. Coupled with SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Manteo Waterfront Marina, this community can now lay claim to marina facilitates second to none in the Tar Heel state!
Shallowbag Bay Marina is accessed via a marked channel, running south from Shallowbag Bay channel marker #10. This passage can be a bit tricky for first timers. Give super-friendly dockmaster, Rita, a call at 252-305 8726. She can give you the latest tips for safe entry!
I’m at Shallowbag Bay Marina (http://www.marinasouterbanksnc.com) – a first class facility at reasonable rates. Grocery stores, pharmacies, a liquor store and a great little family restaurant called TL’s are all within walking distance. Manteo is a bike ride away – but with plenty of things to do and see. And the Outer Banks themselves (Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills etc) offer just about every experience you need for a holiday or stopover visit – including good fishing, good sailing and endless beaches.
So much so, I’m thinking of wintering here so that next year I’ll easily have both Chesapeake and the Outer Banks wihin easy reach.
Cap’n Parky
MV Pisces
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Shallowbag Bay Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Shallowbag Bay Marina
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Sep 27, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.1834,-77.81239999
Report from Masonboro Inlet, Statute Mile 285.5

View In Chartview

Masonboro Inlet - Click for Chartview
Carrying 7.5 ft of draft, Captain Hipple not only came through the Masonboro Inlet cleanly, but also managed to avoid the recent shoaling that has plagued the Inlet’s intersection with the AICW. See Link below.
We are 130 ft drawing 7.5 feet and came in Masonboro inlet on 9/20/12 at mid tide. The inlet is deep and well marked as usual. We rounded G-129 leaving it to port and turned south in the ICW. I never saw less than 10 feet of water. We headed down through Snows Cut out to the Cape Fear and had no problems.
Bill Hipple
M/Y Lady Kath
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Masonboro Inlet
Click Here To Read Recent Comments about Shoaling in the Masonboro/AICW Intersection
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Sep 27, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Lots of Bumps in the 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. See the link below to read an earlier article on the pros and cons of the two inland route choices south of Norfolk.
Cruising News:
Having gone through the Dismal Swamp route a few times in the past and also being on the leading edge of the annual migration south this year, we would like to report that our passage resulted in our going bump at least 10 times that eventually resulted in a broken shaft. We draft 4 1/2 feet and although we did see the ACOE barge working away, we experienced our bumps occurred both up and down stream from them. Just fair warning especially to all powerboats, you may want to think again before attempting this route this year as the risk may just not be worth it.
Doug Cordello
We’re disappointed to hear Mr. Cordello experienced problems. The Army Corps of Engineers has the Elizabeth II barge and crane in the Canal currently to do cleaning and debris removal of stray logs and any other problems they may find. We are grateful they managed to secure funding in the budget and scheduled the crew in the waterway late summer to try to tame nature. The Dismal Swamp Canal is such a beautiful treasure, we do our best to make her as hospitable as possible.
Donna Stewart, Director
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
2356 US Hwy 17N
South Mills, NC 27976
Phone ~ 252-771-8333
www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com
We have to agree; the articles we read elsewhere said that the dismal swamp canal was cleaned, and we wanted to enjoy the ride, so we took it. We were one of two trawlers and 12 sailboats that went through the lock at one time. We also draft 4.5 feet and just had our props trued and balanced, running perfectly. We had about five serious bumps and now the vibration is back, so we are hoping it is just the props and not the shafts. Many of our travelers said the same thing.
Bob and Margaret Kaine
Click Here To Read An Earlier Posting on the Dismal Swamp Canal
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Sep 22, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
State Park Marina Suggested as an Alternative to Carolina Beach Mooring Field, AICW Statute Mile 297
Capt. Bell’s comments were prompted by a lengthy discussion of the pros and cons of mooring fields, Carolina Beach in particular. The recently renovated State Park Marina’s entrance channel cuts off from the AICW, at the western end of Snows Cut, between markers #163 and #165.
An alternative to the mooring balls is the state park marina, to the south, that you pass before Carolina Beach, heading north. Dockage with power is only $30.00 per day. That is a great deal and you are only a bike ride away from town. They will take up to a 45 foot vessel, I believe.
Dave Bell
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Carolina Beach State Park
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Carolina Beach State Park
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
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Sep 21, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Another Visit to Carolina Beach Mooring Field, Carolina Beach, AICW Statute Mile 295
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. A dinghy dock is now available at the Carolina Beach Municipal Marina in the extreme southwest corner of the harbor.
We just left the Carolina Beach mooring field this morning after spending two nights there. The $20 fee does seem steep to me since it does not include access to showers, restrooms or laundry facilities. For access to showers and restrooms you will need to pay another $5 to Randy the dock master who can grant access to the facilities where his boat is docked. We don’t need access but I think a total of $25 a night for folks who do is a high, especially after Labor Day when not much is open except on weekends. I’d stay there again but only if I really, really wanted to go to the beach.
Paula Spence M/Y Sea Eagle
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
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Sep 21, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More Praise for Public Docks, Wilmington, NC on the Cape Fear River
Wilmington, NC, on the Cape Fear River off the AICW, is a longtime popular side trip for many Waterway cruisers. The City Docks are located along the easterly banks of the Cape Fear River, in downtown Wilmington, just west of the high-rise Hilton hotel.
Just spent a week here on the dock in front of the Hilton. Would have stayed a month but the city will only give a daily rate and it was just too expensive to stay longer. I am utterly enchanted with downtown Wilmington and the city dock access to the area is excellent. The wooden River Walk runs for a mile along the riverfront and is just alive with walkers, runners, etc. We even had a very large 5k race group come running by one afternoon. The battleship North Carolina is right across the river and open for touring. The Cape Fear Museum and the Wilmington Railroad Museum are both within walking distance and very worth the time. Farmers Market on Saturday morning, beautiful old homes, gorgeous old churches, lots of shopping and plenty of restaurant variety, Wilmington has it all. The only negatives are dock cost, being waked fairly frequently and many large logs floating up and down the river.
Paula Spence, M/Y Sea Eagle
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Wilmington City Docks
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wilmington Waterfront, NC
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Sep 20, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Carolina Beach Mooring Field Once Again Considered, Captains Mark and Diana Report (Statute Mile 295)
The newly established Carolina Beach Mooring Field, just south of Snows Cut, has been getting a lot of electronic ink here on the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net of late. First, we published an article that was partly critical of this facility (see /?p=95509), followed by a laudatory look at the field (see /?p=97015).
Now, we are fortunate to present an in-depth article by our strategic partners, Captains Diana and Mark Doyle, founders and owners of On The Water ChartGuides. With all this data in hand, cruisers can now make an informed decision as to whether the Carolina Beach Mooring Field is a good spot to spend the evening, or not.
Hi Claiborne,
As many of your readers know, the Carolina Beach town moorings aren’t free anymore … but they’re still a great deal!
Until the town of Carolina Beach found a company to manage their moorings, boaters were welcome to tie up for a night or two at no cost. The moorings, ten of them placed in the well-protected bight of Carolina Beach at STM 295.1, now cost $20/night.
On the upside, you can now make a reservation in advance by calling 910-667-0004. The moorings are for boats 26 to 50 feet in length and the maximum stay is 10 days.
If the moorings are full, don’t overlook Carolina Beach’s two excellent nearby anchorages. The south anchorage has slightly better protection and is closer to the town dinghy dock than the north anchorage. Both spoil island anchorage areas are very deep, as charted, but moving to the edge affords more reasonable anchoring depths.
I’ve included a sample page from our new ICW AnchorGuide series to show the locations of the moorings and the two anchorages.
The town maintains a free dinghy dock at the southern end of the bight. It has excellent access to nearby restaurants, tourist shops, and of course the beach.
Sea Merchants Food Store, an excellent independent grocery store, is located only a few blocks away (910-458-7409). And Carolina Beach State Park, with a visitor center and jogging/hiking trails, can be reached with a pleasant walk ‘Žup pedestrian-friendly Harper Avenue.
Here are pictures of the mooring field and Sea Merchants grocery store.
Best and see you On the Water,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
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
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Sep 19, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Carolina Beach Mooring Field, Carolina Beach, NC, AICW Statute Mile 295
Carolina Beach Municipal Marina
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. A dinghy dock is now available at the Carolina Beach Municipal Marina in the extreme southwest corner of the harbor.
Cruising News:
What a great addition to this area. Arrived on Monday night 9/17/12. There is a big sign upon entering, just grab a ball and call or register on line. Boats from 26′ – 55′. Randy the dockmaster is great. He will come to your boat and collect the $20 fee not to mention that he offered to take us ashore or bring us ice if needed. Really glad to be on a ball during the big blow on Tuesday.
Capt. RL
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Carolina Beach Mooring Field
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the New Carolina Beach, NC Mooring Field.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Carolina Beach Municipal Marina
Click Here for a Lengthy Discussion on Carolina Beach Mooring Field.
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