Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Jun 17, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Comment on Old House Channel, Pamlico/Roanoke Sounds, NC
Old House Channel and Oregon Inlet Channel connect Pamlico Sound and Roanoke Sound and form the main/bridgeless northbound route into Manteo, NC. Please see Note C on Chart 12205 regarding frequently shifted navigation aids in these channels.
Old House channel was a piece of cake but knowing the marking convention ahead of time, prevented confusion. [Northbound Old House Channel is Red to Port until Marker #36 where Red becomes Starboard into Manteo]
Chase
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Old House Channel
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Jun 15, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Praise for Manteo/Doughs Creek Anchorage (off the AICW, on Roanoke Sound, Shallowbag Bay)
The Manteo/Doughs Creek Anchorage lies east of the Manteo, NC cottage/screw pile lighthouse monument, and well northwest of Shallowbag Bay Channel marker #10.
The Doughs Creek anchorage is a great spot for a NE blow. It blew 20-25 kts over the past two days and there is little fetch and holding is good. My Crealock 34 is riding to a 35 lb CQR and a 33 lb Bruce, but the Bruce is probably not necessary. The dock is a short ride in the dink and everything you could need is at your feet, including the outer banks. It is mid-June, and the beaches are closed to swimming, it is a heck of a nor’ easter for this time of year.
Chase
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Manteo/Doughs Creek
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Jun 8, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
High Praise for Jarrett Bay Boatworks, AICW Statute Mile 197, Beaufort, NC
Jarrett Bay is actually located north of Beaufort, NC, on the Core Creek Canal section of the AICW. This is a superb facility for dry storage, and for any sort of repair work. There are many repair firms on-site, including our friends at Core Creek Marine. And, oh yes, even though Jarrett Bay is not strictly a marina, there is some transient dockage available by the fuel dock, and both gasoline and diesel fuel can be purchased.
Just to pass on experience at Jarrett Bay:
I stopped on a Saturday to try to find a small part which had some immediate importance but that is not the story. There was an ancient trawler in the slings belonging to an equally ancient couple headed back to the NE. They had struck something and had serious vibration. Turns out that Jarrett Bay had come in on a day they were closed, the manager and two helpers, to lift them out to fix the problem. They could find nothing wrong, maybe something had hung up on the props and had cleared.
The notable thing was they did not charge them a cent. Not even for the short haul. The owner did tip the dockhands. Now that is service.
BTW they did not have the part i needed they gave me something that was a temporary fix, also for free.
Keep these guys on your list if you need work done near Beaufort.
Gregory Han
Jarrett Bay is also a Detroit Covington dealer, parts and repair center. I’ve had good service on my Covington 6V92’s Jesse is the parts guy there.Prices are reasonable and factory Detroit oil and fuel filters are downright cheap.
Phil.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Jarrett Bay Boatworks
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Jun 7, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Rocky Night at River Forest Manor Marina, AICW Statute Mile 135.5
River Forest Marina and Manor will be the first facility spied upon entering Pantego Creek and Belhaven Harbor from Pungo River. And they are A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Took 2 footers on the swim platty while berthed there and got no sleep. Lesson learned. Nice people, complimentary golf cart to go into town and decent wifi. Would stay there again, but not with an E SE or S blow.
KJ
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For River Forest Manor Marina
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May 31, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Beach House Marina to Close, Surf City, NC, AICW Statute Mile 260.5
The approach channel to Beach House Marina cuts southeast from the Waterway, southwest of unlighted marker #69, and just northeast of the Surf City swing bridge.
Cruising News:
Check www.wect.com for closing news on Beach House Marina, Surf City NC.
Capt Mike Wilmington NC
And this from the Pender-Topsail News and Voice and WWAY:
SURF CITY, NC (WWAY) — A marina in Surf City is closing, but the tenants are not the only ones affected. As the Pender-Topsail News & Voice was first to report, Wells Fargo, which owns Surf City Beach House Marina, delivered the news to people who keep their boat there yesterday.
“It’s been a pleasure being able to promote our entire village,” business owner Capt. David Luther said. “That’s gone now.”
For Luther and other tenants of the Beach House Marina, the past few days have been a whirlwind. Luther found out Tuesday he has to move his boats, one of which he lives on, by June 19. It’s a tough situation for him as he runs entertainment cruises from the Belle of Topsail and the pirate ship Raven.
“We’ve gotten very involved with all the businesses around here, because surprisingly enough, this marina feeds business,” Luther said. “We get back in at 8 p.m. because we do a sunset cruise, and at 8 p.m. you have been out having a good time, what do you want to do? Go somewhere else.”
Capt. Luther and his business are not the only ones affected by the closure of the marina. There are also those who own and live on boats here that will have to relocate.
“I really don’t have any plans,” tenant David Avery said. “We’re looking and trying to find out. We’ll probably have to moor here for a while until we find another place to go or figure out what’s going on… at least till my daughter gets done with school.”
Tenants have signed leases, and Capt. Luther even bought $30,000 worth of advertising promoting the location. They say it’s a nightmare they wish was not happening.
“I put everything I had into this, and then for them to come and give me 20 days to get the hell out, that’s painful,” Luther said.
Surf City Mayor Zander Guy says he does not want to see this happen. He says the town is looking into alternate options for the boats.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Beachhouse Marina
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May 28, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Photos of Roanoke Lighthouse Being Moved to Its New Home in Edenton Harbor
Earlier, we ran a series of photos showing the historic Roanoke River Screw Pile Lighthouse, freshly perched atop its new home overlooking Edenton Harbor and Town Docks (see /?p=87872). Then, just today, we received a fresh set of photos from Captain Greg Han, showing the lighthouse being moved to its new resting place. Excellent pics!
Cruising News:
Recently the Roanoke River lighthouse was installed in its permanent home at Edenton harbor. A party atmosphere took over the town park while the crews readied for the transfer from land to a platform over the harbor waters. House moving is a slow and careful business so the crowd thinned considerably by the time the crew was ready. The house was rolled across the divide inch by inch on a study network of girders.
Allegria had a front row seat in Edenton’s terrific town harbor (first two nights free).
Gregory Han
Follow the Photo Gallery link below to check out these images for yourself!
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May 26, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Electric Service Upgraded at Bath Harbor Marina, off the AICW on Bath Creek off Pamlico River, NC
Bath Harbor Marina is located on the eastern shores of Bath Creek (off the Pamlico River), north of flashing daybeacon #4.
We now have 50 Amp service on the transient slips. Our 2012 daily rate is 1.25 per ft with water and power included.
Paul Minor
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Bath Harbor Marina
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May 23, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good Words for Whittaker Pointe Marina (Oriental, NC – Statute Mile 181)
I just visited Whittaker Pointe Marina in April of 2012, and found it to be a quiet facility, with superb showers and a welcoming swimming pool. This facility lies at the entrance to Whittaker Creek, a bit downstream of Oriental’s primary harbor.
Whittker Point in Oriental,clean friendly great Club House and Facilities,.If you want more city Bridgepoint Marina New Bern conveient resonable good Facilities.
Casual
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Whittaker Pointe Marina
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May 23, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Praise for River Dunes Marina (Statute Mile 173.5)
River Dunes, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, found just off the AICW’s run up Neuse River, on Broad Creek, is battling it out with several other marinas for the greatest number of POSITIVE reviews here on the Cruisers’ Net. Below, Captain Cheoah, in a message copied from the Cruisers’ Forum, chimes in below with more words of praise!
River Dunes in Oriental, NC is about as nice as it gets. It is out in the boonies, but they have floating docks, a nice club house, hot tubs, swimming pool, bikes, wifi, exercise room and primo showers with AC. Oriental is a ten minute drive. They have a very nice loaner car, so no beater, and very competitive long term rates. I don’t care for marinas much and stay on a private mooring nearby, but we use River Dunes for all their services before and after cruises and feel at home there.
Cheoah
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For River Dunes Marina
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May 21, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for River Dunes Marina, AICW Statute Mile 173.5
River Dunes Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located off the AICW’s run along Neuse River, in Broad Creek between unlighted daybeacons #1 and #2.
We spent the night of Sunday 20th May at River Dunes on our Beneteau 50′. The marina facilities are first rate, the staff are helpful and professional, one of the nicest we have visited. We could not eat at the restaurant as it closes at 3pm on Sunday and doesn’t reopen until later in the week. The one big negative as far as we are concerned was the lack of cell phone reception ‘“ if you are with AT&T, basically there is no service, I am told others have spotty reception, to make thing worse the wifi does not really cover the marina docks well.
Andrew
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For River Dunes Marina
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May 21, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More Good Words for Casper’s Marine Service, AICW Statute Mile 229

Casper's Marine Service - Click for Chartview
Family owned and operated, Casper’s Marine Service lies at the western foot of the Swansboro channel -northeast of flashing daybeacon #46C in Swansboro, NC.
On Saturday 19th May 2012 we spent an overnight at Caspers on our Beneteau 50′. The proximity to the local town makes this an ideal stopping place. The marina staff go out of their way to be helpful from the dock hands on arrival to the ride to Piggly Wiggly for groceries. The docks are fixed and in good condition and as the tidal range seemed small no extra tie up measures were necessary. The Ebb tide brings a strong current but it is in line with the docks and therefore isn’t a problem. The one both positive and negative is Caspers lies more or less directly on the ICW and unfortunately not everyone slows to a no wake speed!
Andrew
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Casper’s Marine Service
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May 20, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
A Good Visit to 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.
Having stayed at Wrightsville beach on the way south and finding the noise from the bridge too much we decided to give Carolina Beach state park a try. On 18th May 2012 in our Beneteau 50′, 6′ draft we stayed on the A dock ‘˜T’ head. We were initially assigned the B dock ‘˜T’ head but found the draft to be less than 6′ MLW so moved to A dock for deeper water (~7′ MLW). The park offers great walks, a quiet night, power and water, just what we needed and all for $30. If you are skilled at handling your boat in tight places this is a good stop.
Andrew
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Carolina Beach State Park
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May 17, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Historic Roanoake River Lighthouse Now Perched Atop Its New Home in Edenton, NC Dockage Basin (Western tip of Albemarle Sound)

Old Roanoke River Lighthouse Now Set In New Edenton Harbor Home
The historic community of Edenton, North Carolina lies near the western extremes of often choppy Albemarle Sound. Edenton is actually the state’s oldest town, though Bath, NC makes that claim based on incorporation dates. Edenton plays host to a wealth of historic homes and structures. We always feel that a visit to Edenton is like stepping back into America’s Colonial and Revolutionary past. And as Jim and Talley affirm, a visit to this city is well worth any cruisers’ time and effort.
Earlier, we reported here on the Cruisers’ Net that the historic Roanoke River Screw Pile Lighthouse had been restored, and was slated to be perched atop a series of pilings in the Edenton City Dockage Basin (see /?p=81847). Well, as you can see form the photo on the right of this posting, taken 5/15/12, while it looks like some construction is still ongoing, this old sentinel has now been set atop its new home! How utterly appropriate that this historic structure has been returned to its natural habitat, perched atop a series of “screw pilings!”
And what are “screw pilings” you may ask. Well, they are simply pilings that have been “screwed” into the bottom strata!
If Manteo looks like Norman Rockwell, then Edenton looks like Walt Disney. This is the idyllic little town main street leading up from the simple little harbor. Something like you would expect to find forgotten in some New England fishing village. There are houses dating from 1750’s. There are monuments and statues celebrating battles before our countries revolution. Formal English gardens open to the public for all to see. There are a couple of back yards that go on forever. Everywhere you look you see residential architecture depicting taste and grandeur, not efficiency and mass production.
This little town is anxious for the cruising community to frequent. They are improving the harbor, and restoring the old light house. They’ve moved it to sit atop new screw pilings as it was designed to be installed. Maybe the last square light house to sit on screw pilings. There is a large light cupola at the top of the house. With a good light in there, you will be able to see it from all over the eastern end of the Albemarle Sound and Chowan River.
Great walk around town. There is a really outstanding hardware store. The dock master has a courtesy car if no one else is using it, and there is a Food Lion just a mile up the road.
Ya got to come see this town. It’s great!
Jim and Talley Powell
And just across from the lighthouse is the 1758 Cupola House Museum and Gardens. Please do come to visit!!
sally francis kehayes
cupolahouse.org
Cruising News:
Recently the Roanoke River lighthouse was installed in its permanent home at Edenton harbor. A party atmosphere took over the town park while the crews readied for the transfer from land to a platform over the harbor waters. House moving is a slow and careful business so the crowd thinned considerably by the time the crew was ready. The house was rolled across the divide inch by inch on a sturdy network of girders.
Allegria had a front row seat in Edenton’s terrific town harbor (first two nights free).
Gregory Han aboard Allegria
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For the Edenton City Docks
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Edenton, NC
Click Link Below to See Additional Photos of the Roanoke Lighthouse Newly Perched Atop Its New Home at the Edenton Town Docks
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May 17, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Swan Point Marina Reopens Under New Ownership/Management (Statute Mile 247)
We are very pleased to report that Swan Point Marina, located just south of the AICW/New River/New River Inlet intersection has reopened under new ownership/management. According to a telephone conversation I had this morning (5/17/12) with co-owner, Jason, transient dockage is available, complete with 30-50 amp power hookups and fresh water connections. Overnight transient dockage rates are a very reasonable $1.50 per foot, per night. Mean Low Water depths on the entrance cut run to 4 1/2 feet, but the interior dockage basin has just been dredged to 6 1/2 foot MLW soundings. One nearby restaurant will dispatch cars to retrieve cruisers from the marina, and then return them to the docks after dining. Note that neither gasoline nor diesel fuel is sold here now.
So, all in all, it’s a really good thing that another transient friendly marina is now to be found between Swansboro and Wrightsville Beach. Stop by and give Jason some business, and tell him that you read about his newly reopened facility here on the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net!
If anyone has had occasion to spend a night or two at this new iteration of Swan Point Marina, PLEASE share your experience by clicking the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below!
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Swan Point Marina
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May 12, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
High Praise for Manteo Waterfront Marina and for Manteo, NC, off the AICW on Roanoke Sound
We heartily recommend a visit to Manteo, NC, with its really GOOD restaurants, plentiful shopping and access to multiple historical attractions. And, you simply can’t do better than to coil your lines at SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Manteo Waterfront Marina. Tell Captain Carl we sent you!!!
Cruising News:
What a swell place to spend a couple of days. All of the docks are in good repair, and most of the city has recovered from Hurricane Irene. There is an excitement in the air as if something was about to happen. Children actually play in the streets here. The waterfront invites residents and tourists alike to walk along its length. BBQ pits and picnic tables! Park benches! I keep looking over my shoulder to see if Norman Rockwell is drawing all this, or is it really happening. Someone should make a list of the best Cruisers Restaurants and put the Full Moon Restaurant and Brewery at the top of that list. Their shrimp and crab enchilada is the best in the whole world. Come tie up here. Eat here. You’ll like it here.
Jim and Talley Powell
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Manteo Waterfront Marina
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May 12, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More Praise for Dowry Creek Marina, AICW Statute Mile 131.5
Dowry Creek Marina is a fine family owned and family run marina. Off the AICW/Pungo River, north of Belhaven, NC, Dowry Creek Marina has long been a favorite among cruisers, as Jim and Talley attest below.
Cruising News:
We all tend to remember things being bigger, prettier, and brighter than they really were. Then we return to the best marina on the entire AICW, Dowry Creek Marina, and we see that it is just as big, just as bright, and Mary is just as pretty as we remember. Maybe even more than we remember. And, suddenly, the whole world is a good place to be, and Dowry Creek Marina is the best place to be. Wherever we cruise, we always measure how far we are from Mary, and how long it will take to get back to her.
Jim and Talley Powell
We totally agree! Dowry Creek is our favorite stopping place and Mary and her crew are tops!
Marshall and Patty Timm
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Dowry Creek Marina
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May 12, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Oriental Marina, Oriental, NC, AICW Statute Mile 181
Oriental Marina is located on the eastern banks of inner Oriental Harbor off the Neuse River and is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Cruising News:
The Oriental Marina in NC continues to provide great accommodations and a wonderful stop. We are so glad that some fine things remain consistent.
Here and Now
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Oriental Marina
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May 12, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
High Praise for Alligator River Marina, AICW Statute Mile 84
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!
This facility has always inspired strong feelings from cruisers. Some, like Captains Jim and Talley below, really like it. Others have had different sorts of things to say here on the Cruisers’ Net. Speaking personally, we have always gotten along famously with “Miss Wanda,” but, then again, we’ve known each other for many years!
Cruising News:
The Alligator River Marina is the oasis we all try to find when we’ve been out too long. It is the fertile ground where new friendships spontaneously grow, and where old friends are glad to see you again.
Great fried chicken and hamburgers. Outstanding breakfasts. Clean showers and laundry facilities. Friendly staff.
The only reason we ever leave Wanda and the gang is so we can have all the fun of coming back again. And, we will. Again and again.
Jim and Talley Powell
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Alligator River Marina
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May 11, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Swanquarter, NC Photo Gallery
Captains Jim and Talley Powell included some really neat photos with their recent posting concerning a visit to Swanquarter, NC, off southwestern Pamlico Sound (see /?p=87218). This port of call remains one of the most isolated on the Tar Heel coastline, with only one small marina (mostly geared towards commercial fishing craft) and very little in the way of shoreside dining or amenities. Nevertheless, a visit to Swanquarter is like stepping back in time, and many cruisers will find it to be a memorable experience!
Click the link below to check out these superb images!
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May 11, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Praise for Bath Harbor Marina (off the AICW, off Pamlico River on Bath Creek)
I just visited Bath Harbor Marina in April of 2012, and, while the grounds could use a little straightening, I agree wholeheartedly with Captains Jim and Talley, that you will not find a warmer welcome anywhere!
Cruising News:
Bath Harbor Marina, just at the bridge crossing Bath Creek, feels like coming home again. Paul Minor and his lovely wife do everything to make you feel `right at home.’ Paul met us and helped tie us up in the pass through slip at the end of the pier. Everything here is just what you expect and hope for. There is a large cabaÃ±a with a couple of BBQs and lots of shade. It is the coolest place with its gentle southern breezes and pleasant conversation. Water and electric included in the transient fee. Clean bathrooms and showers. Well worth the trip up the Pamlico.
Jim & Talley Powell
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Bath Harbor Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bath Harbor Marina
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