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    • Oct 10, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Important – Geographic Changes At Shackleford Banks (near Beaufort Inlet)

      Shackleford Banks is a long, somewhat thin island that flanks the eastern side of Beaufort Inlet, almost opposite Fort Macon. This isle's western tip almost touches Cape Lookout, but is separated from the Cape by Barden Inlet. For years, cruisers, particularly those of the weekend variety, have anchored behind (south of) Shackleford Banks, and dinghied ashore to beahcomb and hunt for shells. One of my earlier shelling finds here, a large conch, currently sits atop this writer's desk.
      There has always been shallow water to watch for around Shackleford, and running around here is a not uncommon occurrence, particulary for non local captains. Now, Captain Bently reports below that the shape of Shackleford has changed, and these changes are apparently not reflected on the NOAA charts covering these waters (11547 and 11545). Read his note carefully before naviating the waters near Shackleford Banks!

      I've been sitting on this announcement, as I've been hoping that the propagation will improve.  For safety's sake, I can't sit on it any longer.
      We recently anchored overnight, staging, at the Shackleford Banks, south of Beaufort NC.  Please see chart 11547.  The weather has made EXTREME changes in the contours of the banks.  Per the chart, the northwest tip had what looks like a barrier island or spit and an inland marsh.  In the past, we've walked the dogs there.  It is now long gone.  There is a channel of deep water that runs along the island, as it did before, but that channel has moved south, and appears to now be at the southern edge of that previous marsh.  The range marker is now in the middle of the channel (we passed to the north of it.)
      Note that the current edition (8/2008) of the downloadable NOAA raster chart doesn't not yet reflect these changes.
      If you are traveling to the Shackleford banks, read the water and keep your eyes away from the electronic chart (it's too frightening to be traveling through the center of an island.)
      Safely,
      Bentley
      SaltyPaws

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    • Oct 6, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Exellent Storm Protection on Dismal Swamp Canal and Pasquotank River

      I've always known that the waters of Pasquotank River and the Dismal Swamp Canal were very well sheltered from rough water. Now, this impression is confirmed by Captain Ray below!

      Subject: Dismal Swamp
      Message: We just rode out the north-easter inside the canal and the Pasquatank River. The wind was howling over the trees but the water was calm and quiet. This was a great place to ride out the storm. The senery is beautiful. My mast height is 50 feet and the trees were always higher, giving good protection. I never saw less than 4-1/2 feet inside the canal locks. There was low water exiting South Mills because the storm blew the water down the river the day we came through.
      Ray Schmidt

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    • Oct 3, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Pelican Marina (Staute Mile 50.5 – Dismal Swamp Route – Elizabeth City)

      Since the ownership changed at Pelican Marina last year, we have had several complimentary reports here on the Cruisers’ Net about this facility. Captain Dave’s message below continues that tradition!

      Subject: Pelican Marina
      Message: I am responding to a news contribution from Sept 16 by MV Hale Kai. I am currently living aboard at The Pelican Marina where they still do a very steady transient business. I do know that more and more they stay full (including nightly slips) because of how ideal their marina is. When possible, us as monthly slipholders even use the excuse to go hang on the hook and free up additional slips. They offer a flat nightly rate of $35, and that is all inclusive (even laundry). It is true that they have sold slips. What is not true is that they are all privately owned. The Pelican still owns 65% and the rest are still rented monthly or nightly.
      Thanks for letting me contribute.
      Dave

      And, here’s another!

      Subject: Pelican Marina in E-City
      Message: We just (Oct 4) came through the Dismal Swamp Canal and overnighted at the Pelican Marina. Plenty of water in the canal – we had 8 feet all the way through. Pelican Marina was $35 for the night – we are 43 feet and the laundry and electric were included. This is an endorsement for the marina. Nice people and an easy walk over the bridge into town.
      Fred Sorensen
      OA 43


      Click Here For More Information On Pelican Marina

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    • Oct 2, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Cedar Creek Anchorage (Staute Mile 187)

      Cedar Creek is the only really good anchorage anywhere near the ICW between Neuse River and the Morehead – City. There have been several earlier postings on this page concerning the sunken or semi-sunken wreck here, so watch out for that hazzard.

      Subject: Cedar Creek anchorage MM187
      Message: Cedar Creek anchorage, just off Adams Creek at green “9” at MM 187 is a great anchorage. Room for a number of boats in water that runs about 7.5 feet deep. Only caution: a sailboat sunk in the anchorage several years ago – its mast used to be visible, but now the mast is gone and the sunken boat is marked with PVC pipe and several orange floats. Just avoid them as you pass and anchor further to the east.


      Click Here For More Information On The Cedar Creek Anchorage

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    • Sep 30, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Bridge Point Marina (New Bern, NC)

      BridgePoint Marina in New Bern, NC, used to be associated with a large Ramada Inn, but that shoreside hostelry has now changed franchise. I have always found the marina to be a quality operation. The only drawback is its location across Trent River from the downtown New Bern business and historic district! Of course, as noted below by Captain Jim, you can dinghy across the Trent!

      Subject: New Bern
      Message: I want to also point out that the BridgePointe Marina on the south side of the Trent River is another great option for transients. They are a short dinghy ride across to New Bern, VERY close (2 minutes) to EWN airport and Food Lion (and someone will almost always give you a ride), and very friendly. Hotel, pumpout, showers, wireless, laundry, pool, ice, plenty of blo-boaters and stinkpotters with free advice, etc., but no fuel. Unlike the Sheraton, they are essentially full, but they can usually find a spot for you for a few days. Just call.
      Jim
      Click Here For More Information On Bridge Pointe Marina

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    • Sep 23, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Elizabeth City, NC (Statute Mile 50.5) And the Dismal Swamp Canal

      There is a lot of interest in Elizabeth City, and the Dismal Swamp Canal right now (9/23/08) as a place to possibly ride out the storm that is brewing off the North Carolina coastline. I just telephoned the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, and confirmed that the canal’s locks ARE STILL OPERATING ON A RESTRICTED SCHEDULE. THEY ARE CURRENTLY OPENING ONLY AT 9:00 AM AND 3:00 PM!!!

      Below is a series of notes I have copied from the Great Loop list. By the way, both yours truly and that late, great Skipper Bob agree that the free city docks in Elizabeth City can get rough in REALLY foul weather, though in anything short of a gale, they make for a GREAT overnight stop!

      We are considering doing the Dismal Swamp Canal in about 7 days Can you post any comments as to water level & are the Lock back on normal schedule?
      Any problem in making the transit?
      Larry Hemmerich

      Sanctuary was at the Elizabeth City docks on Mother’s Day, 2008. We knew a blow was coming, but we chose to tie up at the docks. Some neighbors moved to the anchorage above the bridge, but we did not. Based on that experience, I warn all EC visitors to be *very mindful* of Skipper Bob’s advice on the EC docks. That storm system blew through the area carrying southeast to northwest winds that came straight up the Pasquotank River. This caused two problems. First, the water rose several feet, into local parking lots, and the very short finger piers made it quite difficult to get
      on and off the boat. Second, the water at the sea wall was extremely rough. As the waves hit the seawall and reflected back off the solid wall, standing waves formed. It was a rough ride. We took a little damage to the handrail while we were at dinner.
      Don’t misunderstand, we love Elizabeth City and we love the Dismal Swamp Canal. I just support Skipper Bob’s observations about conditions when sustained winds blow from the southeast.
      There is a good anchorage just up river from the drawbridge. You be better off there in a real blow, and dinghy into town.
      The NC Welcome Center in the canal would also be quite secure (except fortrees???)!!!
      YMMV, but that’s our experience.
      Peg and Jim Healy
      aboard Sanctuary

      The water level in the canal is 6 feet minimum. Canal locks are opening only at 0900 and 1500 daily.
      Bob McLearan and Judy Young


      Click Here For More Information On The Elizabeth City Mariner’s Wharf Facility

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    • Sep 19, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Excellent Oriental Cruising Recommendtions (Statute Mile 181)

      Below, you will find a superb discussion of Oriental, NC’s marinas and anchorages, courtesy of MTOA North Carolina Port Captain, Frank Erwin.
      Oriental is often considered the sailing capital of the North Carolina coastline. When you see the forest of masts as you enter the harbor, and/or nearby Whittaker Creek, you will not disagree with this assessment.
      Notice Capatin Frank’s ringing endorsement of Oriental Marina. These good folks are also SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS!

      Below/south of Belhaven is Oriental…you need to stop in Oriental, NC on the way down the ditch… Very Very Very cruiser friendly, low key and down to earth!!! First choice for dockage is the Oriental Marina…this is the original, small marina (maybe 12 slips) in the old part of town – it has a pool and restaurant immediately there, and you can walk everywhere (actually, you can walk everywhere in Oriental no matter where you are) –http://www.orientalmarina.com/
      2nd choice marina (and again, just 300 yards away and w/in walking distance of everything) is the Oriental Harbour Marina –http://www.orientalharbor.com/ (some may like this better, a bit more
      upscale but no swimming pool and less Jimmy Buffet)….
      http://www.towndock.net/harborcam/ – this shows a webcam of the dozen slips at Oriental Marina.
      http://www.visitoriental.com/
      Make sure you you stop – you can anchor out just above the bridges – bear to port at the fork and anchor… dinghy dock at the east end of the docks of the Oriental Marina.
      Frank & Chris Erwin


      Click Here For More Information On Oriental Marina and Toucan’s Restaurant


      Click Here For More Information On Oriental Harbor Marina

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    • Sep 16, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      South Harbour Village Marina (Staute Mie 311)

      I agree with Nita and Rick that the roads from South Harbour Village Marina into downtown Southport, and all its many good restaurants and neat shops, are NOT bike friendly. However, South Harbour Village does encourage transients, and there are two restaurants on site.

      We came down topless in good weather from Morehead. The canvas shop doing our repairs is near South Harbour Village Marina so here we are. It is only 1.5 nm west of Southport by water but seven miles on unbikeable roads by land, with no courtesy car available. Another boat condo. A golf course and an airport are nearby, but there’s not much here for transients other than fuel, an Italian restaurant, and a bar/grill. The Italian was OK last night, we’ll try the pub tonight. Southport would have been more fun.
      Regards, Nita and Rick George aboard MV Hale Kai

      Click Here For More Information On South Harbour Village Marina

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    • Sep 16, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Harbour Village Marina (Statute Mile 266)

      At one time, the facility discussed below was not accepting any transient vessels. Now, I’m told, they will take a few at their fuel dock.

      HAMPSTEAD (9/8). Harbour Village Marina has gone condo, OK for slip owners, not so for transients. We remembered cable TV, courtesy car, etc., but all are gone now. We stayed there because the Onslow Beach swing bridge had a hydraulic malfunction just as it was to open for us. We enjoyed a three hour lunch break rafted up on the hook with another southbound cruiser by the shores of the beautiful Camp Lejeune artillery range.
      Regards, Nita and Rick George aboard MV Hale Kai

      Click Here For More Information On Harbour Village Marina

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    • Sep 16, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Good Report on Morehead City Yacht Basin (Statute Mile 204)

      I’m glad Captains Nita and Rick found such a warm welcome at Morhead City Yacht Basin. As I’ve often said, after its total rebuild several years ago, this is one of the BEST marinas from North Carolina to New Orleans. And, of course, they are also a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      MOREHEAD CITY (9/3 – 9/8, TS Hanna). We went to the MC Yacht Basin there because it is on the north side of US 70 and better protected than the marinas along the waterfront. They took us in with a warning that we might have to evacuate, but were very friendly and helpful. Many of the slip owners were taking their boats up to Core Creek for haul out, while some others (like us) were coming in for refuge! The town was semi-closed, but we enjoyed suppers at Floyd’s, Sanitary Seafood, and the Ice House. There is a courtesy car available (for $10 rental) for grocery and other shopping. About 0600 Saturday morning we had gusts to better that 60 mph. Several of us had canvas casualties, but no serious damage.
      Regards, Nita and Rick George aboard MV Hale Kai

      Click Here For More Information On Morehead City Yacht Basin

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    • Sep 16, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Cape Lookout Bight, September, 2008 Visit

      I think I can state, without any fear of passing along an inaccuracy, that Cape Lookout Bight is THE most popular anchorage along the North Carolina coastline. An approach from Beaufort inlet is relatively easy, being sure to follow the charts and exercise the usual caution. Trying to cruise into the Bight from Harkers Island is another story entirely, and I specifically do NOT recommend this passage for vessels larger than 25 feet, or those drawing 3 feet or more!

      CAPE LOOKOUT BIGHT (9/3). One of the best anchorages we've ever done.  The lighthouse and beach were definitely worth a ride in the dink.  We would have stayed another night if TS Hanna had not been coming along.
      Regards, Nita and Rick George aboard MV Hale Kai

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    • Sep 16, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Edenton, NC – August 2008 Visit

      For those who have never before made the trek, Edenton lies near the westerly limits of Albemarle Sound, hard by the sound’s juncture with the Chowan River. I love a cruise to beaufitufl and historic Edenton, but all captains must be aware of the 30+ nautical mile journey necessary to access this community from the comfortable confines of the ICW

      EDENTON (8/27 – 8/30). Town Docks are wonderful. Great enclosed harbor, friendly staff, first two nights still complimentary, still $6 for 50A power. Great seafood at Waterman’s Grill and good pizza at Kristy’s Place. Bike riding and walking about were quite easy, with some very interesting history to absorb.
      Regards, Nita and Rick George aboard MV Hale Kai

      Click Here For More Information On The Edenton Town Docks

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    • Sep 16, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Midway Marina – Coinjock, NC (Statute Mile 50)

      I, too, have always like Midway Marina in Coinjock. Owner/dockmaster Terry always does a good job, and I’m glad to hear that Nita and Rick liked the restaurant here as well!

      COINJOCK (8/26). Midway Marina is still our favorite and Crabby’s is a good place to recover from all manner of tense moments.
      Regards, Nita and Rick George aboard MV Hale Kai

      Click Here For More Information On Midway Marina and Motel

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    • Nov 2, 2007by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Turnagain Bay Anchorage

      Turnagain Bay is (at least until now) a seldom visited sidewater of the Neuse River, almost directly opposite the ICW’s entrance into the Neuse at Maw Point Shoal. I have always found the entrance too shallow to recommend this body of water in my North Carolina guide, but now it looks like Captains Jim and Lynn have had a somewhat different experience!

      On Saturday October 13th, we looked in at the entrance of Turnagain Bay and had a pleasant surprise. In the 6th Edition of the Cruising Guide to Coastal NC, you’d mentioned that the entry shoal was impassable at less than 4 feet. I had the shoal marked on my electronic charts (C-Map), (and it was where it was supposed to be) and saw almost 8 feet going in and over 9 coming out. There seems to be some significant current in and out of the bay, but I don’t think the tide there would be more that a foot given what we see in Oriental. If the shoal had been impassable we had allowed time to go back west into South River in daylight, but as it turned out, we had a nice quiet anchorage in the bay. Glad there were no runs on the Marine’s range!
      Once you are over the bar, the depths increase and there is 10 feet as charted extending in at least to the old canal. I think it is still quite shallow near the green marker 1A. I entered on a course parallel to a line through Green 1A and Red 2, lining up to slightly favor the red side of the channel (about 60 to 80 feet off 1A) , then swinging to port about halfway from green marker `1A’ to red `2’. We tracked halfway between the charted depth contours and saw 10 feet or better once past the bar. You can make out the outlines of the shallows in aerial photos that are on some of the mapping sites. The bar begins before 1A and is done by marker 2. The depth does come up quickly, so watch both the depth finder and the charts.
      While Turnagain Bay is open, I’d recommend attempting entry only with a chart plotter, in fine weather and with plenty of light.
      Regards
      Jim and Lynn Duggan
      IP 38 Cat Tails Oriental NC

       

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