Captain Ehlen has been kind enough to share a “Letter to the Editor” that he recently dispatched to the New Bern newspaper. As you will see, the subject is a proposal to charge tolls to all boats that pass through the new Trent River bridge. This is a really BAD idea, and, as Captain Ehlen notes, very probably a violation of Federal law!

To the Editor:
Let’s see now. Motorists have two means of crossing the Trent River to/from New Bern. Boaters have only one means of moving between the Trent and Neuse Rivers. I’m a boat owner and the following has a direct impact on me and most other boaters in the area, not to mention the marinas and boat yards on the Trent River, the New Bern Yacht Club and the East Carolina YC.
A few years ago, articles in the Sun Journal reported that the old Cunningham Bridge was deemed in dire need of repair. In fact, I think it was in 2002, one of your headlines stated that the bridge was “The least safe bridge in North Carolina.” Lead paint and other issues over the years led to the decision by the state to remove the bridge.
North Carolina, according to your articles, at first said the bridge wouldn’t be replaced as there was already a new high bridge over the Trent River.
New Bern’s government and downtown merchants, I read, wanted a new high bridge or draw bridge or tunnel to replace the old Cunningham Bridge because they felt that the bridge brought them customers/visitors/money from the James City area.
The compromise reached was that the state would build the new bridge and turn it over to the city.
Now that the new bridge is completed and open, the city wants to back out of its commitment and let the state pay for its upkeep.
Then, your editorial of April 11 suggests that maybe BOATERS should pay a toll ($2/ft.?) to have the bridge opened. Are you nuts? Boaters don’t need the bridge; it’s a convenience for the city, merchants and motorists.
I’m sure federal laws prohibit blocking navigable waterways, hence draw bridges have to open for boats.
On the other hand, maybe the editorial was just a late April Fool’s joke.
Wade Ehlen

Wow! If $2/ft is even being CONSIDERED, I’ll be parking at the town docks or the Galley Store from now on. In fact, it may end up with us moving our boat from the New Bern area all together. Downtown merchants need boaters to visit. We spend a fair amount in downtown on a regular basis. How will they handle the idea that the town’s two largest marinas will basically be locked behind this toll bridge?
If I had to guess, it was only a proposal or idea just thrown out there as a possibility. I seriously doubt it would make it much further than that.
Tom Beaty

Many thanks to Captain Dayo for his brief report below on this new Neuse River facility near New Bern, NC. Can someone else please provide some additional details about this new marina, and particularly a telephone number. If so, PLEASE click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information. Many thanks in advance!

Subject: new marina in Bridgeton, NC
Cruising News: There is a new marina in Bridgeton, NC, on the Neuse River. It is a short distance up river from New Bern on the Bridgeton side of the River. It is the Bridgeton Harbor. It is located immediately down river from the railroad crossing.
Ed Deyo

My Google Map does not have the name of the river that is to the east of New Bern, NC, but if you look it up, you will find rt. 17 bridge that crosses this river to the right. If you look left on the approaching shore you will see sailboat mast up a-ways. This is Bridgeton Harbor Marina, 252-349-1194, http://www.brigetonharbor.com, dockmaster@bridgetonharbor.com., and his name is Tom. This is apparently a 5 Star marina that was built before the condos were and they aren’t getting done until the economy improves so there it sits. It has, floating docks, marina, car available, 5 washer/dryers, 5 seat type shower that never run out of hot water and it was $300 a month dockage last summer for a 50′ boat. Plus the man who told me about this Ted, who is now in Core Creek like we are, said there was a great breeze all the time at this place that stuck out in the water. So, put that in your places to check out book.
This is from my sister Sarah and is second hand from me. But, she consorts with a salty crew, so there probably is some truth to her advice.
Clint and Lori Wadsworth

Ask and you will receive ‘¦’¦ something
I had just sent this information to my brother Clint Wadsworth heading south on ESCORT, yesterday. We are on ACADIA and soon to head south, but are hauled out in Beaufort, NC.
Two days ago I heard from a fellow `yard-bird’, who had been at this marina for the summer and couldn’t say enough nice things about it. He said it was a beautiful 5 Star type marina and that he had been there for the summer. His monthly was very reasonable, the floating docks jutted out far enough in the river to catch a breeze, no bugs and the tie ups were accessible and large. There is a huge shop building, I am not sure who runs that. There are 5 gorgeously tiled showers with benches in them, lots of hot water plus 5 washer/dryers and a car to borrow. The dockmaster’s name is Tom 252-49-1194, http://www.brigetonmarina.com , dockmaster@bridgetonharbor.com
Sarah Schroeder

The only real problem we have ever had while berthing at Whittaker Creek, is that downtown Oriental, with all its wonderful dining attractions (including, Tucans and Village Food Emporium, both SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS) is a bit far for walking.

Shopping marinas to put our boat. We like Whittaker Creek, for a good neighborly feel, but here’s what we saw in March 2010. Piers in rougher shape than average. Some disaster happened to the clubhouse/pool, can’t figure what. Also, Whittaker seems to be specializing in selling really badly-treated boats. There are many of them about.
Knute (bright spot) is very friendly, but the poorly treated boats that sprinkle the marina are a bad omen. Seems like a marina in decline. I’d repair some boards in the piers and segregate the bone-yard boats away from the general population. Not sure when the clubhouse gets wiped clean or rebuilt. Very friendly place, friendly boaters there though. We thought they were priced higher than the market for long term slips and their general condition.
Ben

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Whittaker Creek Yacht Harbor

Matthews Point Marina is one of our favorite facilities on the North Carolina coastline. If you are looking for a shoreside restaurant, go elsewhere. Otherwise, you could not possibly do better than make the acquaintance of Jet Matthews and his fine staff at this beautiful facility!!!

We love this place. We shopped about 4-5 marinas in March 2010 to put our for-us-new boat and Matthews Point is well-maintained, friendly, casual, beautiful, and well-loved. They take care of the facility like I take care of my home. Dockmaster Paul is helpful and friendly. Making it there our boat-home.
Ben

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Matthews Point Marina

Interesting that dockage rates have dropped at this facility.

Called there in March 2010 about long term slips. Many amenities (A fitness center, New Bern, hotel, restaurants). Competitive rates for what you get, but was also told they had dropped their rates in the past year because they were losing (long term) boaters due to the economy. Very tempting but too far away from the ocean for us. I love this marina, it’s always in top shape.
Ben

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For New Bern Grand Marina