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
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: § Located in the heart of Historic Downtown Wilmington § Only 5 Minutes from the Wilmington International Airport (ILM) § State-of-the-Art Floating Concrete Docks for Boats up to 250′ LOA § Drafts up to 25 Feet § On-Site Concierge Desk & Marina Store with ATM § Walking Distance To Shopping, Dinning & Entertainment § 2 Premier Bar/Restaurants On-Site § Future 10-story Indigo Hotel one block away § Fuel-Service Fuel Dock with Ethanol-Free Gasoline and High Speed Diesel § Metered Water & Electric Service (30, 50, & 100 amp; Single & Three Phase) § Free High-Speed WiFi § 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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 A “Navigation Alert” Position at Wrightsville Beach Bridge
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