Broad Creek, one of many North Carolina bodies of water with this name, lies to the west off North River just before entering Albemarle Sound southbound.
Our next stop was Broad Creek just north of Albemarle Sound. A lot of crab pots in the creek, but good holding and a quiet night.
Captain Donnie Young aboard Cloud IX
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Broad Creek
This sounds like fun! Broad Creek is off the Neuse River north of Oriental. Click the chartlet below to view this area.
When staying at River Dunes or anchored in Broad Creek, take a dinghy ride up the north side tributary at marker #4 to Paradise Cove (252/249-2025), a blue building with cupola at the end of the first or second side channel to your right. It’s a hoot. Rose, the proprietor will keep you entertained. Ask about the huge (12 ft long) dinosaur bones on the wall. No food served, but on weekends the locals do a pot luck there and boaters are welcome to join in.
Alice and Phil Priemer, aboard M/V Wonderland, 49′ Gulfstar
Navigating the north entrance to the Alligator River continues to confound cruisers. That’s why we have established these waters as an “AICW Problem Stretch.” In this case, the groundings took place between Flashing Red #8 and Flashing Green #7 on the north side of the bridge.
I came into the Alligator southbound two days ago with six other sail. One went aground on the Long Point shoal by turning too far to starboard after passing Fl Green 7. The shoal to port( southbound) does not seem to be there or is at least further east than charted. My chartplotter showed 5 feet while I was actually in 11.
Captain Brian Walter
Click Here To View An Earlier Posting on the Northern Alligator River
Wow, what a GREAT service. Maybe it will cut down on all those “radio checks” on channel 16!
IN CASE YOU UNAWARE OF THIS SERVICE, IN NORTH CAROLINA SEA TOW PROVIDES A CONTINUAL VHF RADIO CHECK ON CHANNEL 28. JUST HAIL THE AUTOMATED SYSTEM AND WHEN YOU RELEASE THE KEY ON YOUR MICROPHONE, YOUR MESSAGE IS INSTANTLY RECORDED AND PLAYED BACK TO YOU INDICATING THAT YOUR RADIO IS WORKING.
Roy & Elvie on Roy El’
Roy and Elvie:
Thanks for that! What a fantastic service to get all the radio checks off channel 16! Wouldn’t it be great if SeaTow could duplicate that technology all over? And it would put any organization who duplicated the capability in a good light. Maybe the Coast Guard? Or BoatUS? Or…
Bill
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 just spent another wonderful afternoon & evening at River Dunes Marina, ICW Mile Marker 173 up Broad Creek about a mile. Where can a cruiser find such a hospitable marina that for $1.25 per foot you can enjoy the outdoor pool & Jacuzzi’s, exercise room, laundry, two courtesy cars, bikes, and I’m sure other items I have yet to experience. If you’re there on the weekend you can enjoy the fantastic view from there top-notch restaurant. Since stopping there last spring, J.C. and his team have installed outdoor fire pits that are sure to be a hit this fall & winter! If you find yourself thinking about stopping in the Oriental, NC area, give River Dunes a try, you won’t be disappointed! And no, we have no affiliation with River Dunes…other than satisfied customers!
Todd & Brenda Lanning aboard Life’s2Short, 1985 40′ Oceania Trawler
When staying at River Dunes or anchored in Broad Creek, take a dinghy ride up the north side tributary at marker #4 to Paradise Cove (Tel
252/249-2025), a blue building with cupola at the end of the first or second side channel to your right. It’s a hoot. Rose, the proprietor will keep you entertained. Ask about the huge (12 ft long) dinosaur bones on the wall. No food served, but on weekends the locals do a pot luck there and boaters are welcome to join in.
Alice and Phil Priemer, aboard M/V Wonderland, 49′ Gulfstar
Long a major center of North Carolina sailing, the weak economy seems to be taking its toll on this wonderful old town on the Neuse River.
Oriental is getting sadder each day, for boaters. Whittaker Creek we hear no longer sells fuel. Inland Provision Company is out of business due to personal reasons, and locals are not so sure about its re-opening. Oriental Hotel and Marina still sells fuel. Oriental Harbor Marina no longer takes transients unless you stay for a month or more. They do have an arrangement of some sort with Oriental Motel, we are told, for overflow on occasion. Fortunately, M&Ms and most shops are still there along with the neat Boating Consignment shop on Broad Street.
John and Sue Winter aboard Just Relax
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Oriental, NC
Ocean Isle Marina, formerly Pelican Point Marina, 2000 Sommersett Road SW, in Ocean Isle, NC, is seven statute miles north of the NC/SC state line and can be reached at 910-579-6440.
Ocean Isle Marina (old Pelican Point Marina – same phone #) at MM 336 (Marker 98) has done some dredging and we had 6′ inside the slips. Nice docks and they are still adding and making their facilities better. Nice folks too. BOATUS, but still a little pricey at $1.75. Room for about 6 transients.
John and Sue Winter aboard Just Relax
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ocean Isle Marina
nbv
River Dunes Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located west of the AICW on the southeastern shores of Broad Creek between unlighted daybeacons #1 and #2.
River Dunes, near Oriental that has been advertised and posted on many sites does have the $1.25/ft, and all the amenities that everyone mentions and is a must stop for R&R. HOWEVER, they told us this deal is only temporary in order to get more people in to look at property. Look for them to raise prices to the $1.75 range next year if they sell more lots/build houses. So, I caution your readers to call for pricing before making reservations and then be surprised. But, even at $2, if one wants hot tubs, swimming, etc. first class, then, the $2 would be worth it. After you go up the Broad Creek, turn sharp to port up a small canal. You will not see the marina from Broad Creek as you would think, and could possibly end up traveling a couple more miles to another private facility that you can see from marker 4 by accident.
John and Sue Winter aboard Just Relax
The New Bern Grand Marina lies just inside the intersection of the Trent and Neuse Rivers, along the Trent’s northern banks between the low-level Trent River highway and railroad bridges.
The marina at New Bern is now called “New Bern Grand Marina” if I remember correctly, hopefully they will not change their name anymore (Was Sheraton Grand). Still a fantastic place, but they no longer sell fuel, but do have pump-out. BOATUS. The hotel will take you for shopping for $5 each way. Dockmaster’s phone is 252/637-0318 (versus the hotel desk number in the book).
John and Sue Winter aboard Just Relax
Matthews Point Marina is located in Clubfoot Creek off of the Neuse River just west of where the AICW turns south into Adams Creek.
Matthews Point Marina up the Neuse on Clubfoot Creek is a good haven per your book. Water depth is 5.5′, but it is easy to get in and out (N34.54.383, W076.45.804). Facilities are still about the same as described in your book. We recommend it for a stop on the way to/from New Bern/Trent River.
John and Sue Winter aboard Just Relax
John and Sue Winter have just returned from a month of cruising NC waters and have graciously shared their observations.
We stayed at Joyner Marina at Carolina Beach (MM 295) at the exit (going north) of Snows Cut. It is first class, and we highly recommend it ($1.50). All services. It is good to see them back in business.
John and Sue Winter aboard Just Relax
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Joyner Marina
John and Sue are sharing their travels on the NC waters and we will be posting their delightful and helpful observations in individual postings related the particular port or area. Thank you John and Sue Winters!
We just spent a month cruising our home waters of NC that we call “The Little Chesapeake”, since we have so much to see. Here are some comments that may be of help for your web site and books. From Little River to the Outer Banks, the ICW is a dream to travel right now compared to years past. We have traveled these waters many times and nowhere are there any trouble spots as long as one pays attention.
John and Sue Winter aboard Just Relax
Wilmington Marine Center lies just off the Cape Fear River south of Wilmington, NC, east and a bit south of flashing daybeacon #59. The Cape Fear River departs the AICW at Statute Mile 297 at the south end of Snows Cut.
We have stored our boat on at least three occasions at Wilmington Marine Center on the Cape Fear River. It is a surge free hurricane hole at Buoy 59 about 12 miles off the ICW and a couple miles before Wilmington. Chris, the dockmaster, walks the dock every morning checking on lines. The marina has a secure fence that is locked at sunset. There is nothing within walking distance of the marina and there is no courtesy car but taxis and rental cars are available. Should you need service, Gregory Poole is on site.
Alan Lloyd, Great Circle Navigation Notes, www.NavigationNotes.com
River Bend Marina is located off the Trent River departing at Marker #18 (35 04.488’N, 077 07.814’W). River Bend Marina sounds interesting if your draft doesn’t keep you away.
Took a couple days off work to move the boat out of Earl’s way. So I moved our “Sand Castle” way up the Neuse River into the Trent [River] and found “River Bend Marina”. This is a nice, pleasant establishment off of marker #18 on the Trent River hidden way, way back via canals in a neighborhood. Nice tavern there just getting started by friendly owner George. Good very helpful and accommodating staff. A few convenience/grocery stores in walking distance, and another sports-bar/tavern “Attitudes” which is pretty nice. I took our boat this deep inland to avoid any run-ins with Hurricane Earl, and thoroughly enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere of the marina and it’s surroundings.
If you want that “Heart of Darkness” feeling (NARROW waterways) of cruising and can tolerate the occasional – and unpredictable 5-foot depths of the Trent River, River Bend Marina is a nice place to stop on the way up the Trent however far you choose to go.
One more note about the Trent – depths average 8-20 feet most of the way, but early on, there are variable changes down to about 5 foot of water. I never kicked up mud in our 3-1/2 draft trawler, but got a little concerned a couple times nonetheless. You will also find some 30 foot holes. Not a river for 6+ drafts, but definitely out of the way, and probably best after bug season. Look hard at chart 11552, check fuel (no diesel past New Bern) and have a good idea how far you want to go. It’s remote. Enjoy.
Captain Ben
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Trent River Marker #18,
“Ducks” sounds like it’s well worth a look and taste, but, speaking strictly for yours truly, I can never get past the MARVELOUS fried seafood at Captain Charleys Seafood Paradise whenever our bow pokes its way into Swansboro waters.
My son helped open a nice place to eat, “Ducks”, right on water front near Caspers Marina [in Swansboro, NC], and [the] city dingy dock. It has a tiki bar with dining tables, and umbrellas on the T pier, and two courtesy slips for diners. The restaurant is on the second floor of the building. Just thought a mention for AICW boaters passing in this area.
Regards,
Mike Williams,
P26, “Chardonnay”,
home port Wilmington
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Caspers Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Swansboro, NC
OCRACOKE, N.C. ‘” The Coast Guard responded to a boat collision in the ferry channel in Ocracoke, Saturday night. Scroll down to article and picture below.
Coast Guard Sector North Carolina received a radio call from a crewmember aboard the ferry Carteret, which travels from Cedar Island to Ocracoke, at 8:30 p.m. stating that there had been a collision between the ferry and a 35-foot motor yacht.
The ferry had eight passengers, one car and the crew aboard. The yacht, Tony C, had two crewmembers and two dogs aboard.
A 25-foot Response Boat – Small crew from Coast Guard Station Ocracoke responded and transferred two crewmembers and the dogs to Station Ocracoke to awaiting Coast Guard emergency medical technicians. The two individuals were cleared with no severe injuries.
No one aboard the Carteret was injured. Coast Guard personnel inspected the ferry and found no major damage. The Carteret was brought back to Ocracoke.
The yacht was damaged and has a hole from slightly above the waterline to the deck.
A 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew from Coast Guard Station Hatters Inlet was deployed to tow the yacht to shallow water.
The cause of the collision is under Coast Guard investigation.
Click Here To View Capt. Ben’s Report and Photo
Be careful out there folks, especially on holiday weekends and especially around larger vessels in close quarters!
One more concern, evidently a 36-foot Albin trawler was struck by another boat Saturday night Sept 4th somewhere near Ocracoke. We saw the wrecked boat docked over by the channel entrance. Can’t say and don’t know what hit it, but was strong enough to dislodge the bridge structure halfway off the pilothouse and crack the hull. Heard the crew got off safely. Still afloat as of morning Sept 5th.
Good luck to the crew and with all the challenges that will inevitably follow!
I obscured the name and hailing port to protect the owner’s privacy, but this is what happens when Trawler meets Ferry. Saw this in Ocracoke Sunday. Was told by a few locals, the ferries have an awfully hard time in the channels maneuvering or slowing down, and that the ferry captain was in full reverse trying to avoid the trawler. Good luck to the unfortunate owner.
Capt. Ben Matthews
Click Here To View an Earlier Posting on Ocracoke, NC
Silver Lake Harbor Anchorage lies in the venerable shadow of the 75 ft. Ocracoke Light and is accessible from the NW via Nine Foot Shoal Channel or by Big Foot Slough Channel, which has been recently dredged, and from the south via the Ocracoke Inlet.
Have been here several times. Most recently the Saturday after Hurricane Earl. Silver Lake is very nice and relaxing. Nice to just bring the boat in and tinker. Cannot beat the view. Ocracoke is in a whole other pace and time zone. Very slow and nice. It’s especially nice after high season is done.
Capt. Ben Matthews
We’ve all had situations like this and it’s why the old salts recommend carrying two different style anchors, such as a CQR along with a Danforth, as well as a good length of chain on your rode. Railroad Bridge Anchorage is just on the outskirts of Elizabeth City, NC.
I tried for well over an hour at multiple spots and could not get my Danforth to hold anywhere in this anchorage.
Capt. Gary Riddick
New Bern, NC is located 21 miles up the Bay River departing the AICW at statute mile 161. Neuse Starter and Generator Service, Inc. is located at 104 Duffy Street, New Bern, NC 28560 252-633-0719
Had a great experience with Neuse Starter and Generator Service in New Bern, NC. Two Thumbs up service!
Capt. Ralph Chappell
Click Here To View an Earlier Discussion on New Bern, NC
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