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    • Jun 2, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Galley Stores Marina (Neuse River, New Bern)

      Galley Stores Marina is the newest pleasure craft facility in New Bern, NC. Unlike the town’s other marinas, Galley stores is located on the Neuse River side. And, let me quickly add that these good folks are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! Give them a try!

      Subject: Galley Stores Marina New Bern
      Cruising News: We arrived here on Memorial Day and the marina is now open. This is a great location in downtown New Bern, with new, full length floating docks and all types of electrical hook ups. They have a nice pump out system, with in-slip pump out available in the larger slips; good pump outs are hard to find in this neck of the woods! The well managed small grocery store on site has or can get any kind of provisions you desire, and they have on-line provisioning available for advance ordering. Great selection of beer and wine. Private bathrooms with showers are new and top notch. Marina tenants get an additional 5 cents off per gallon of fuel, and volume discounts are available. Good restaurants, and the great Mitchell\’s Hardware are just a couple of blocks away, as are nice parks for dog walking. Loaner bikes are on hand too.Ã’šÃ‚
      The setting is right in the lovely Historic District. It is a short walk further to the rest of downtown. You also avoid dealing with the bridge construction, and once the bridge is finished in November, you will avoid dealing with having it opened for you if you need more than 13 feet.
      The only downside is that it is not quite as sheltered as the two “inside the bridge” marinas, especially from the south east, but the big docks do a good job of cutting down the chop. They are eager for new customers, so give Mark Mangum a call; he will quote you a very reasonable rate. I think we will stay here the rest of the spring, and we\’d love some neighbors!
      George and Ann
      “Incentive” Hatteras 56MY

      Click Here For More Information Concerning Galley Stores Marina

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    • Jun 2, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Oriental, NC Observations (Statute Mile 181)

      Toucan Grill and Fresh Bar in Oriental, NCThe old river village of Oriental, NC, has the good fortune to lie on the northern banks of the Neuse River, directly astride the AICW’s path, just before this passage turns south down Adams Creek, on its way to Morehead City and Beaufort. Oriental is the unofficial sailcraft capital of the North Carolina coastline, and the town is dotted with good restaurants and interesting places to see. It is also very peaceful and quiet.
      If you stop here, please allow me to recommend Oriental Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR). This facility is located on the innermost part of Oriental Harbor, and EVERYTHING in town is within easy walking distance.

      Subject: Oriental
      Cruising News: Left Beaufort this am, only to find high winds and rough water. so we ducked in to Oriental. Walked the town and found a Marine Consignment store @706 broad st., just a few Blocks from the marina. Dockage here at the Oriental Marina is $1.75 a foot, no monthly rates. but does include wifi, showers with towels, etc.Hopeing to get moving again in the am.
      Using your fuel page, thanks
      Sterling

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    • Jun 2, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      St. James Plantation Marina (Statute Mile 315)

      St. James Plantation Marina is located directly off the AICW, south of Southport, NC. I’m glad that Captains John and Gail had a good experience here, but there is a much earlier posting here on the Net’s “North Carolina” section which relates a different experience.

      We are just leaving St. James and want to pass on a good review, very nice stop, great biking, diesel $2.20 (including all taxes) dockage $1.05/ft with Boat US discount.
      John & Gail Thomassen
      Our Time

      As you mention it is a really nice stop, very reasonable for the area but not much of a provisioning stop unless you get a rental car.
      Theresa Valentine
      m/v Lauren Grace
      currently on Lake Barkley


      Click Here For More Information On St. James Plantation Marina

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    • May 27, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Morehead City Municipal Docks (Statute Mile 204)

      Like Peg and Jim, we recently visited the Morehead City municipla docks. They are located on the western end of the downtown waterfront, and seem to be very well sited and constructed.

      Subject: Morehead City docks at StM204
      Cruising News: Just to remind y'all of the presence of the subject docks.  There are 8 slips, brand new, with water and electric, behind Sugarloaf Island at Morehead City, less than 1/2 mile off the ICW.  The transient price is $1.50/ft, and that includes electric, so very competitive for the area.  Coming from the north, turn towards the city immediately past the State Seaport and follow the channel around.  Marinas to starboard.  Coming from the south, follow the charted channel to the west behind Sugarloaf Island.  The channel carries 5 ft at -0.6 MLW, which is what we had when we arrived yesterday.  Marina to port.  The current can be swift, so docking will be easier within an hour or less of slack.  The shoreside setting is a park on a riverwalk.  Today, there is no shower house/restroom onsite, but plans are in place to add those amenities this summer, and they should be in place by the time of the fall migration south.
      The location is 1 block from the library (free wifi).  It's two blocks off Arundel St (NC Rt. 70), the main drag in the downtown area.  There are several restaurants (Sanitary, Raps, others) within a couple of blocks walking distance.  ACE Marine and Rigging is located at 600 Arundel, about 3 blocks, and an easy walk.  Mel Smith, the manager at ACE Marine and Rigging, is a fine guy who offers the best prices on heavy line/rode, heavy electric wiring and maintenance supplies (oil, filters, oil absorbant pads, safety equipment) anywhere the waterway. There is major grocery shopping at Lowes food store at 17th, but that's a bicycle or taxi ride away.  There is a West Marine store, a significant bike ride or taxi ride away on Arundel (Rt. 70).
      Morehad City is a good stop.  Enjoy!
      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary,
      currently at Morehead City, NC

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    • May 24, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Less Wake at Southport Marina (Statute Mile 309)

      Hurry! Our FREE rent offer expires in May!Here’s some good news about Southport Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR). The “ferry” referred to below in Captain Chris’ message, is the vessel that takes visitors to Baldhead Island. Interestingly enough, the ferry used to depart from Cape Fear River, and then some years ago its berth was move to Indigo Plantation, just west of Southport. Now, it looks as if the ferry is returning to its original port.
      Personally, I’ve never had problems with wake from the ferry while staying at Southport Marina, but the absence of these man-made waves certainly can’t hurt. As Captain Chris notes, an already fine facility, will be made even better.

      Subject: Southport Marina
      Cruising News: Good News. The Ferries passing this marina and turning the face dock into a (not so) thrill ride all night long are moving to a new terminal. Within the next 30 days they will no longer operate from Indigo Plantation. The new terminal is up the Cape Fear River. This will make Southport Marina an even better place to stay.
      Chris Waln


      Click Here For More Information On Southport Marina

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    • May 13, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Edenton Marina – Western Albemarle Sound

      Edenton Marina is found up Pembroke Creek, west of the city marina and downtown waterfront.

      Subject: Edenton, NC
      Cruising News: I recently pulled into Edenton Marina, 641 West Queen Street (US 17 Business), Edenton NC, and have really enjoyed my welcome to the town.
      Scotty Harrell, the owner of Edenton Marina is a pleasure to do business with and is a great host. The Marina is low key and a very nice place to tie up.
      Bayside Marina, located about one quarter mile South of Edenton Marina has been re-modeled and now boasts a very good Cafe for breakfast and lunch closing at 2PM. The Cafe is run by Bill and Denise who do fresh home made biscuits daily….you can win a husband with them in my estimation. The Bayside is limited to Bass Boats and other low clearance craft due to the 17 Highway bridge.
      Downtown I have found Sean’s to be an excellent place to dine. Excellent food at a very good price and live music most every Wednesday night. Down the street is the Waterman’s….excellent food, up-scale place….but expensive.
      There is a very nice laundromat located behind the Burger King next to the Subway shop on Highway 32 north on the edge of town….right around the corner from Kathie’s Steak House which has karaoke nights.
      The local Taxi service is very cheap but reliable.
      For American Legion members, the Edenton Post 40, is located a few miles south on Highway 17…taxi fare is about Four Dollars from the Edenton Marina.
      Ralph Chappell


      Click Here For More Information On Edenton Marina

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    • May 12, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Shallow Depths at Southport, NC City Dock

      Just goes to show how much I know. I had no idea that Southport had a "city dock." Well, wherever it might be, Captain Bob reports below that depths here are now quite shallow.

      Claiborne,
      Just want to pass along the fact that the free city dock here has shoaled in. I'm hard aground at low tide with 3'11" draft.
      Bob Kassal
      Chateau de Mer
      1981 Hatteras 48MY

      I e-mailed Captain Bob and asked him to please specify the location of the Southport City Dock. He kindly replied:

      Southport, NC basin opposite Provision Company

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    • May 11, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Cruising the Dismal Swamp Canal Discussion

      The following discussion about cruising the Dismal Swamp Canal Route is copied from the Net's "Ask Your Neighbor" page and the AGLCA mailing list. This is good info about cruising one of my favorite routes!

      Hi All,
      We were thinking of doing the Dismal Swamp in a few  days.  Has anyone transited this area lately?  We draw 5 ft. and were  wondering about the depths.  Any thoughts would be  appreciated.

      Jeff and Susie Parker
      Idyll Time

      You might want to go the the web site on Salty South East at www.cruisersnet.net and they have some posting of travel through the canal.  Also you might call the Dismal Swamp Canal Visitors Center 252-771-8333.  Penny is the manager and is very help full with information on the water levels and Lock opening times etc.  She communicates the locks on a daily basis.  It was worth the trip to us as we have traversed several times now. 
      Larry & Theresa V.

      Havn't been that way yet this year but this is about the best time for a 5' draft boat to make it through. We have had more than enough rain. Can't speak for exact levels but you should be able to get through without any problems.
      Angus

      We are sitting at the visitor center as I write this. We draw 4' 8". We tapped a couple of submerger logs (?) but by staying in the middle there has been enough water (so far).
      Jim G
      Footloose

      We're thinking about doing it too. We've heard it's beautiful. We draw 4'6 in saltwater in our 65 foot Marlow. How hard were the "taps?" Did you have any trouble with passing other boats?
      Mell and Michael on Tortuga

      We did it last year and are in Elizabeth City now and will go through most likely on Tuesday the most important thing I can say is go slow and do not follow to close behind any other boats as they tend to stir up the dead heads. I would try to stay 1/4 mile behind someone if you can that's what we did last year and had?no problems very nice trip enjoy it.
      Larry & Margie Ross
      Wanderin' L&M
      55' Hampton

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    • May 11, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Masonboro Inlet (Wrightsville Beach, NC, Statute Mile 281)

      The following discussion concerning Masonboro Inlet is copied from the Net’s “Ask Your Neighbor” page and the AGLCA mailing list.
      Note that the term “direct route” below refers to the Shinn Creek passage from the AICW to Masonboro Inlet. Alternately, you can follow Motts Channel east from the AICW, past Seapath Yacht Club, and then turn south on the Banks Channel, thereby eventually reaching the inlet.

      Is there good water between the ICW in Wrightville Beach and on out Masonboro Inlet? How is Masonboro Inlet? We draw 5′ on a 55ft boat.
      Thank you in advance for your assistance.

      The Masonboro inlet is a fine inlet. We are local. Just be careful to follow bouys, etc.
      Miss Liberty

      You can safely take the direct route out the inlet if headed north or go through the Wrightsville town area On the direct route be careful at the ICW intersection especially on point at the north side
      Everywhere there Low tide is a problem
      Greg and Susan Han

      On the trip north, we traveled outside from Masonboro to Beaufort inlet. Other than massive traffic, it was the 4th of July, we didn’t experience any problems with either inlet. We followed Motts – Banks channel route to Masonboro with no problems, following the charted channel. One thing most may already know is to keep an eye out for smaller, 20 ft or less, stationary boats fishing in the inlet channel.
      Perry & Kathy Sellars
      M/V Marsh Mellow

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    • May 11, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Crab Pots Along AICW/Albmarle Sound Passage

      Crab Pots has always been a problem on Albemarle Sound, and not just along the AICW passage across the sound from Alligator River to either North River (NC – VA Route) or the Pasquotank River (Dismal Swamp Route). This year, though, it looks as if they are a particularl concern.

      All, we just transited the Albemarle Sound (northbound) today. Please use caution if you any concerns re hanging a pot. The sound is solid pots from the Alligator River up to the CG station in the Pasquotank River (on the magenta line). This is the Dismal Swamp route. A companion cruiser went up the to the Virginia Cut and experienced the same. He’s done this route back and forth for 14 years and has never seen the like. I’ve never seen them as dense as we experienced, I thought I was in Maine. The zig zags added a third more time to the transit. Of course the 20-25 knots winds
      gusting to 30 out of the wsw didn’t help any. So much for the forecast of 15 out of the south with 1′ to 2′ ers. Perhaps this is a reflection of the economy and folks trying to make ends meet. Any case be careful up here!
      Joe
      “Carolyn Ann”

      The location of pots and numbers was explained to me by a local friend who is a good friend of a local commercial crabber( fishes over 400 pots). The large #1 males are coming out of the mud at the eastern end of the Albemarle Sound hence the high concentration of pots in the areas of the two ICW routes at this time of year. As the season progresses the pots will be moved further west up the sound with the crabs. The unemployment rate is 13+% hence more folks are crabbing to survive this tough economy. I wish them well, it’s a tough way to make a living.
      I plan to continue my efforts to avoid depriving them of a single pot.
      Joe
      “Carolyn Ann”

      We took the Virginia Cut route almost a month ago and noticed the same. The good news was that they seemed to all be placed on the edges of the channel making it hard not to stay in the channel.
      Gil

      I’ve never seen so many pots as lower pasquatank and up the sound to little river (early July 09). My full keel seems to miss them and sailed that whole section but do not envy those with exposed props.
      Chase

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    • May 8, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Proposed Regualtion Would Require All Marinas to Have Pump-out AND Cruisers to Maintain Pump-out Log

      Very interesting! Looks like all of us who ply waters in North Carolina's New Hanover County (Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach) waters had better get pump-out log books ready!

      Claiborne,
      Joe Johnson of the Wilmington (NC) Star-News reports this morning that Rep Danny McComas, R- New Hanover, has sponsored a bill in the NC legislature (HB 1378) which affects marinas in New Hanover County but would also have a major impact on cruisers. I will be following up to find out more but the following caught my eye:
      Marinas will be required to have pump-out services for boaters by Jul 10, 2010.  This is always a good thing.  BUT, in addition this legislation proposes:
      Vessels that are required to maintain marine sanitation devices will have to keep record of their pump-outs. Violators of the record-keeping provision could face a Class3  misdemeanor and a $10,000 fine. Enforcement is authorized to wildlife inspectors, marine fisheries inspectors, and sworn law enforcement officers within their proper jurisdiction.
      These are very significant fines and they open our vessels up to inspection by many enforcement officers.
      Part of the background to this is that tests over a two-year level have found  human coliform bacteria in Banks Channel, behind Wrightsville Beach, which sometimes have exceeded levels allowed by state law.  The sources of this are in question and the reasoning has left me wondering at times.  Here's an example I saw.  Every July 4,  there is a huge raft-up off Masonboro Island south of Wrightsville Beach.  This has been going on for years if not decades and gets larger every year.  A lot of  (mostly young) people go to party on the shore.  The water taxi of which I'm a part-time captain, along with many other vessels, took a number of people to and from the party.  Between the people on the island and those rafted up in boats, there must have been 6,000 young people there.  There was a LOT of beer and food visible.  Of the boats, 80-90% were of the runabout type.  As the day wore on, more and more people were in the water.  In the next edition of the Wrightsville Beach local
      newspaper, there were reports and editorials about the effects of discharges from boats and calls to make Wrightsville Beach a no-discharge zone.  There was no mention of the discharges of the people on land, which could have been prevented by porta-johns. (But Wrightsville Beach, which has jurisdiction over this part of the island, would have had to arrange for them.)
      Boaters are undoubtedly part of the problem but I am concerned that if this type of legislation goes forward we and the marinas that serve us might end up taking all the blame, and that those of us who cruise will be particularly singled out because we're easy.
      Captain John Meskauskas

      Subject: holding tanks in New Hanover county
      Cruising News: I usually keep my boat in the Wilmington area have done so for 10 years or more and am familiar with the Masonboro party scene (not a participant, just a spectator) and can appreciate the fact that alot of those people are going to the bathroom in the water.  Butt, (pun intended) it was either last summer or the summer before last that they closed down a part of the waterway to swimming in the Masonboro area due to a municipal sewer line break that discharged a bunch of sewer into the ICW.  Maybe was in the Bradley creek area.  Any how, I wonder if the readings were taken at the same time as the sewer main rupture.
      Rob Brugh

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    • May 6, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Good Words About Dowry Creek Marina (Statute Mile 132)

      Dowry Creek Marina is an excellent facility, which I highly recommend.
      Another great choice lies just to the south in Belhaven. Belhaven Waterway Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) can be relied upon for very cruiser friendly services!

      Kismet arrived at Dowry Creek Marina @ MM132 on the NC ICW today just in time to beat the high winds. If you have not been before this is a nice place with a friendly staff. The daily rate is $1.50 plus electric, diesel fuel is $1.99 if you stay at the marina and $2.09 if you do not. Gas is $2.38 and $2.48 and they have a courtesy car available for up to 90 minutes.
      Jim & Lisa Favors – Kismet
      Fathom 40

      I agree. We have been to Dowery Creek several times and enjoyed each time. Very friendly people. Nice Captains Lounge, very clean facilities, barbeque and grill area. Our Power Squadron has been there for rendezvous several times.
      Rick Johnson
      Rick ‘N Roll II


      Click Here For More Information On Dowry Creek Marina

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    • May 5, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Great Report on Town Creek Marina & Repair Yard, Beaufort, NC

      Always good to hear about great marine repair firm, and it sounds as if we have a very good one in Morehead City and Beaufort. Read on!

      I just wanted to forward a truly great cruising experience.
      We have an electronic 5 KW generator (BTW: I will never again, if at all possible, buy another fancy genny with all the bells and whistles, give me the old fashioned, if it runs it generates) that had yet another electronic sensor go bad.
      We were in Beaufort NC and I called Town and Country Marine (the authorized generator warranty repair facility). Eric the tech drove over to the Sanitary Restaurant ($10/night, no hook ups) and took a look at the problem and said he would order parts. We proceeded to go over to Beaufort Town Docks ($2.25/ft I believe, plus electric, grade c bathrooms), where we stayed for two nights (didn’t need the genny here so no hurry on parts). I called Margie at TCM and she asked me what I was doing paying for slip fees at BTDs; she told me to get right over there, no slip fees, since they were doing the work.
      Due to a bunch of circumstances, we ended up staying at TCM from Thursday through Wednesday morning. Eric made several trips to the boat, troubleshooting
      the problem and getting parts. When it was all said and done the bill was only $17.50 for part shipping, as the generator was still under warranty.
      They treated us like Royalty, let us use the facilities, courtesy car. Everything.
      I wouldn’t even begin to promise everyone that anytime you stopped for maintenance work you will get this type of royal treatment. The most important thing was they kept us informed. Told us what was happening; when there was a delay, we knew about it. They treated us with the best of customer service. And yes they advertise in the Waterway and Maptech cruising guides.
      So when you swing through Beaufort NC, and you need a slip for the night or if you need some work done, give Margie or Steve a call, and tell ’em Happy Clamz
      sent you.
      Leslie and Doug
      Happy Clamz


      Click Here For More Information On Town Creek Marina

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    • May 4, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Visiting Morehead City and Beaufort

      Here's some GREAT cruising advice about visiting two of North Carolina's most popular ports of call!

      If you can, stay at the Beaufort Muni Docks, as recommended above. Across the street from the marina is Clausen's  Have a derigible.  You can also anchor in Taylor Creek, but it can be crowded and tight.
      If not in Beaufort town, there are two other choices locally.  The Morehead City Yacht Basis is a good stop.  It's right off the main ICW channel, to your left going north, after you pass under the high rise
      bridge at Radio Island.  On the corner of 6th St. and Arundel St., visit ACE Marine and Rigging.  No place like it anywhere, and excellent prices.
      And in Beaufort but on the Newport River side, there's Town Creek Marina.  It's out of town, but bikes would be adequate.  Be careful getting in there; make sure your charts of that harbor are up to
      date.  Use the Gallant Channel, but confirm with the marina.  There is a lot of shoal water in that area, and at least on older charts, a channel shows that has actually been closed to navigation for years. The marina itself is a good stop, with a restaurant and a large service/parts operation onsite.
      Someone else mentioned the Cape Lookout National Seashore bight.  It's a very cool spot, and I recommend it highly.  Be aware of the weather when you go, as the trip from the Beaufort Inlet to the Bight is 8 miles or so, and offshore.  Beam seas can be quite bouncy in the shallow waters of the NC coast when the winds are up in the Atlantic.
      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary,
      currently at New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay, Bahamas

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    • Apr 26, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Spouter Inn Restaurant, Beaufort, NC

      I second everything Skipper Fowler says below. Spouter Inn is absolutely wonderful.
      Spouter Inn is located directly on the Taylor Creek – Beaufort waterfront.  They have some dockage of their own, but only for vessels as large as 36 feet or so. Fortunately, Spouter Inn is within easy walking distance of the Beaufort City Docks, right on Front Street      .

      Hello Claiborne:
      Just wanted to let you know that we have been visiting Beaufort, NC this weekend, and we had the good fortune to have both lunch and dinner at Spouter Inn restaurant. We are very pleased to report that everything is just the same as when we last visited. Owners Robin and Matt are still there. The Bird Shoal sandwich for lunch, and the Scallops Parmesan for dinner, are both to die for. Oh yes, Susie had the "Eggs Orleans" for Sunday brunch. This was a delectable combination of English muffins, crabcakes and poached eggs, all covered with Hollandaise sauce. Yuuummmm!
      Thanks for letting us know about Spouter Inn in your North Carolina cruising guide. If you ever need any help with your restaurant reviews, let me know!
      Skipper Fowler

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    • Apr 17, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Removing North Carolina Mustache On the Cheap

      Never heard of this one before, but I bet it works, and works well!

      Subject: ICWW \"Mustache\" removal
      Cruising News: As we make our way North, North Carolina\'s contribution to the boats appearance is a brown "mustache.  The removal is easier and less expensive than I could have imagined.  LEMON JUICE does it!!  I bought a quart of lemon juice for $2.99, and applied it with a brush and the brown stain vanished!!
      Dick Rosenberg

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    • Apr 14, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Dowry Creek Marina (Statute Mile 131.5)

      Dowry Creek Marina has the reputation as one of the most cruiser friendly marinas on the AICW. Captain Pat’s message below will do nothing to hurt that enviable reputation.

      Dowry Creek Marina is my home tonight. Nice facilitises and staff. Not Cable but wifi works great. Captains lounge with nightly get together. They also have courtesy car for trip to Belhaven for food or booze or….Channel depth coming in was between 8 to 10 feet. Docks are fixed with about 15 foot finger piers so some lines will have to be hung on pilings. Southeast to south, souteast is exposed but other directions are protected. They also have a pool and seem to have tennis courts. Chairs and patios for lounging in the sunny weather. Small ships store. Easy in and easy out from ICW.
      Take it easy have a nice evening.
      Pat Banyas
      s/v Marguerite


      Click Here For More Information On Dowry Creek Marina

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    • Apr 14, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      River Dunes Marina (off Neuse River and Broad Creek, Statute Mile 173.5)

      The development and marina known as River Dunes, sits in an ultra-sheltered harbor off the particular Broad Creek which cuts into the Neuse River between Bay River and Oriental. In North Carolina, you have to be careful to spell out which Broad Creek you are speaking about, as there are at least a half dozen “broad creeks” on the state’s coastline.
      Anyway, back to River Dunes. This is, quite simply, the most impressive development I think I have ever seen. You have to see the eloquence and charm here for yourself to have a full appreciation. And, the marina is first class in every way. I would urge all cruisers to check out River Dunes. You won’t be sorry.
      And, lest I forget, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISRERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      Subject: River Dunes, NC
      Cruising News: We recently had the pleasure of docking at River Dunes, North Carolina. River Dunes is a sheltered harbor located a few miles east of Oriental, just minutes off the Neuse River and the ICW. Our sailing club the `Carrot Island Yacht Club’ recently held a rendezvous there. I have to say the experience was top notch from the moment we radioed that we were entering their channel to the day we departed. The staff was outstanding, helpful, friendly and accommodating. The facilities are second to none, including all new floating docks, fuel & pump out stations, hospitality center, restaurant, pool, hot tubs, cabanas, laundry, grills, fire pits, courtesy car, and bikes. If you need to sleep in a real bed on dry land, they have beautifully decorated and equipped cottages to rent.
      We have cruised extensively on the Eastern seaboard and can highly recommend River Dunes to anyone cruising in the area.
      Wayne & Vanessa Stryker
      Windancer

      Click Here For More Information On River Dunes Marina

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    • Apr 13, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Oriental and Toucan Grill (Statute Mile 181)

      Toucan Grill and Fresh Bar in Oriental, NCCaptain Pat’s gives us some excellent info concerning the charming river village of Oriental below. Not only is this place the sailing capital of the North Carolina coastline, but, with its location directly off the AICW, Oriental is a very popular port of call for AICW cruisers. And, lest I forget, Oriental Marina and Toucan Grill (located on the community’s innermost harbor), mentioned very favorably in Captain Pat’s note below, is a valued SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      I know from my last visit [to Oriental] that there are several restaurants within walking distance, the best being Toucan Grill at Oriental Marina. A grocery store is about 1 mile away from
      Oriental Marina. Oriental Marina is very animal friendly. Limited number of slips, maybe 10? There are 2 ‘Free’ docks adjacent to Oriental Marina but they have always been occupied and they are shallow. The basin Oriental Marina is in is easy to access and their slips are very well protected. There is also a well equipped ships store and provisioning store 1 block from Oriental Marina. Oriental downtown is small revitalized 3 or 4 block section with some gift, antique, and knick knack shops and some restaurants and snack shops. Fresh seafood available in season otherwise fresh frozen.
      Pat Banyas
      s/v Marguerite

      We spent a week at Oriental Marina. Very nice and helpful marina personnel. The only negative I find is the lack of pump out capability. Especially in light of a week’s stay.
      We enjoyed a meal at M&M while enjoying a lovely sunset. Also, there’s a very nice art store, Down East Canvas & Gallery, located just across the main road (at the bridge) from the other Oriental marina. Lovely original watercolors. Additionally, the store owners do marine canvas work.
      One item of note. We needed to get to a pharmacy as well as having the desire for a larger grocery store. A lady heard me asking the marina personnel how far a walk it would be. After learning the trek could be at least 10 miles, she offered to drive my wife and I, strangers to her, to handle the errands. One of the many examples of the great people we’ve met along our way.
      Perry & Kathy Sellars
      M/V Marsh Mellow

      Click Here For More Information On Oriental Marina and Toucan Grill

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    • Apr 13, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Proposed North Carolina Legilsation Would Mandate Pump-out Logs

      Here's one I had not heard about before, and right in my back yard.

      Subject: Proposed Legislation in NC
      Cruising News: House Bill 1378 has been filed in the NC General Assembly. The proposed legislation would require boaters to document every pump out and keep the log for random inspections by various government agencies. Furthermore, the proposed legislation would require marinas with 10 or more wet slips, sells fuel and provides water must have a pump out station by July 1, 2010.
      To see the proposed legislation in its entirety, go to
      http://ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2009&BillID=H1378
      and click on the latest version under "TEXT".
      Van Perryman

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