With two recent groundings at this AICW Problem Stretch, we are upgrading these reports to a Nav Alert. Until dredging is done, slow speed and mid to high tide is recommended for this intersection. Thank you Michael and Ken for sharing these incidents and SSECN is glad neither of you sustained damage in the grounding, other than your pride!
Coming south 16Aug16 at +1′ above low. Draw 4′. At idle speed ran hard aground in mid-channel just past green buoy. C-Map charting [updated Sep15] shows channel angles sharply toward red at the green buoy — should have followed its suggestion. My mistake was to “stay mid-channel.” The bottom raised VERY quickly, almost a wall. After backing off, saw above 10′ in area on line between reds. Michael Loy
We were also headed south through this stretch on August 14. We draw 3 feet. Just past the green we also ran hard aground. We were in the channel toward the red side as recommended, but not quite on the line between the two reds. There was no warning on the depth meter before it was too late. We were able to get off eventually using bow and stern thrusters and some wakes from passing small boats. We didn’t incur damage except to our equanimity. Captain Ken Hirsch
Keeping in mind that rapid changes in shoals at inlet intersections is not unusual, RodC offers this January 2016 ACOE survey:
Latest ACOE survey for the area – clearly shows the traditional channel is ~100% shoaled to between 2 and 4ft MLLW. What channel there is (or was as of 1-16-2016) is just to the outside on the RED side of the marks. RodC
Dredging of this perennial AICW Problem Stretch was last done in the Spring of 2014. From John Winter’s report, dredging is needed again. As always, we recommend caution and mid to high tide for this intersection. Thank you John for this update. /span>
Came through July 12, 2016 at 0.5 feet above low tide and saw 3.9 feet where all the nuns are at one point. Stopped and felt around side to side and could not find any deeper water. We draw 46″ but did not feel bottom. John Winter
Coming south 16Aug16 at +1′ above low. Draw 4′. At idle speed ran hard aground in mid-channel just past green buoy. C-Map charting [updated Sep15] shows channel angles sharply toward red at the green buoy — should have followed its suggestion. My mistake was to “stay mid-channel.” The bottom raised VERY quickly, almost a wall. After backing off, saw above 10′ in area on line between reds.
July 16, 2016 Just touched at Shalotte inlet. In the middle of the marked channel with the tide up 1.7 feet. Our draft 4.5 Ft. Felt like a sand ridge. Fortunately we are a single so no harm done. Captain Jerry Taylor
A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Southport Marina is located just west of the Cape Fear River along the northern banks of the Waterway hard by flashing daybeacon #2A.
James Lea’s comments are in response to a recent Local Notice re shoaling at Lockwood Folly. Cape Fear River intersects the Waterway at Mile 309. Little River Inlet lies south and east of the Waterway, right at the NC-SC state line, intersecting the Waterway at Mile 342.
This section of the ICW can be easily avoided in good weather by using Little River and Cape Fear River. Little River is well marked and frequently used by boats of all sizes. The currents in the Cape Fear River can be a challenge, particularly if the wind opposes current, but it is an all-weather entrance. In six trips up and down the ICW we have never transited this section of the ICW [Lockwood Folly], always enjoying a nice sail while listening to all the VHF chatter about passing and depths. Highly recommended. James Lea
Lockwoods Folly passing is no problem at this time! Just follow the markers as they move from time to time. If you want to be extra cautious travel through on a rising tide.
St. James Plantation Marina is on the Waterway’s northerly banks, about one nautical mile west of flashing daybeacon #16.
St James Marina, mm 315. Very friendly staff, quiet, protected marina, fuel, showers, laundry, excellent wi-fi, cafe/restaurant, “Tommy Thompsons”, and Enterprise will pick you up! A good place to hide, especially when the weather is bad. Bruce Franz s/v “Hemisphere Dancer” Dickerson 41
St. James Plantation Marina is on the Waterway’s northerly banks, some one nautical mile west of flashing daybeacon #16.
St James Marina has been a nice stop for us as well. Nice floating docks well protected just off the ICW at approx. 315. Dock rate at 1.25 per foot Dec 7, 2015. Nice restaurant, Deli, small store items, and art gallery store that sell items made by the St James Residents only. We found the art gallery to have some very beautiful items. The Restaurant had both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the marina. Fuel dock with both gasoline and diesel. Laundry machines 1 dollar each. Hot showers/bathhouse, all on picturesque, landscaped grounds, walking sidewalks, tranquil setting. Captain Clay
St James Marina has been a nice stop for us as well. Nice floating docks well protected just off the ICW at approx. 315. Dock rate at 1.25 per foot Dec 7, 2015. Nice restaurant, Deli, small store items, and art gallery store that sell items made by the St James Residents only. We found the art gallery to have some very beautiful items. The Restaurant had both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the marina. Fuel dock with both gasoline and diesel. Laundry machines 1 dollar each. Hot showers/bathhouse, all on picturesque, landscaped grounds, walking sidewalks, tranquil setting. Captain Clay
A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Southport Marina is located just west of the Cape Fear River along the northern banks of the Waterway hard by flashing daybeacon #2A.
Southport Only spent one night, they had a fishing thing going on for this weekend and they were going to be full up. Would have liked to walked to Fishy Fishy (less than a mile) but at this time my foot is giving me fits.
We hear that after we left they had a bad storm in the area and with the tides being high to begin with because of the circulation in the Atlantic, the water level came up enough to cause Fishy Fishy to move a lot of their stuff out. Not much else to report. Phil and Sandy Herl
South Harbour Village Marina guards the Waterway’s northern shoreline, a short hop west of unlighted daybeacon #8, and not far from the mouth of the Cape Fear River.
Came here late in the day low on fuel & hoping someone was still at the marina as most fuel docks close at 5:00 pm. To my delight these guys are open till 7:00! After fueling the dock master hinted that if I hadn’t had a good meal in a while to try the Italian restaurant on site. Their dockage rates are extremely fair at only $1.20 a foot & gave me a BoatUS discount on fuel & dockage. The restaurant was definitely what it was cracked up to be. Being solo I sat at the bar & enjoyed the banter from the locals that came through waiting for their tables. Ben the bartender made sure my glass was always full. I had the duck. Excellent! The Marina showers are hot & clean & I cant say enough about this place. 5 stars! CJ Drake
The marked entry channel to Deep Point Marina – A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! – lies northwest of Cape Fear River/AICW marker #20.
Deep Point Marina, NC Deep Point Marina, near Southport, NC. Great marina, we were the late arrival so we were on or near the fuel dock. This was in front of the ferry station, as the ferry docked at the landing the wakes were more than you would expect at a dock, so the rocking from the ferry as it came and left was an issue until after 1:00 am and started early dark thirty the next morning. The marina is very nice the crew are great and Curtis treated us very well. A beautiful pool is near the dock masters office, just a short walk. We took full advantage, it is still very warm. Phil and Sandy Herl
Although seldom mentioned, Southport, NC does have a free (48 hours) city dock as described below. Southport is also home to SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Southport Marina, located just west of the Cape Fear River along the northern banks of the Waterway hard by flashing daybeacon #2A. This reminder comes to us from Hank Pomeranz of Carolina Yacht Care.
`The City of Southport, NC, always a transient friendly destination, now allows transient boaters to use the free city dock for 48 hours instead of 24 hours. Since most transients arrive late in the day and generally leave in the morning hours, the old 24 hour policy did not allow time for provisioning or visiting the city. Visitors should check in with the police station when they arrive. The phone number is: 910-457-7913. As you enter the Yacht Basin, the City Dock will be to port (opposite the restaurants). It is the T-Head on the outermost (closest to the ICW) dock.’ Thanks Hank Pomeranz
And we have this description of the free dock from our good friends, Chuck Baier and Susan Landry in a 2013 review of Southport:
At the end of a long dock at the west end of the basin is the town dock where you can tie up for free for 48 hours. There is water on the dock and a 20-amp power outlet if you can make it work for the boat. Depths at the town dock can be 4 feet at low tide and with the tidal range, climbing onto the dock at low tide can be a challenge. Boaters do offer to allow others to raft up at the dock and it is much deeper even just a boat width off.
We have heard nothing but good things about these informative weather and navigation briefings presented “at the dock” at Southport Marina. A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Southport Marina is located just west of the Cape Fear River along the northern banks of the Waterway hard by flashing daybeacon #2A. Give them a try – you’ll like it!
Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback from hundreds of cruisers last spring, Southport Marina will present its daily Weather and Navigation Briefs at the Dock for Southbound cruisers from October 15th through December 15th 2014. Teaming with Carolina Yacht Care (cYc) and Zimmerman Marine, Southport Marina invites you to join them for this free, one of a kind service geared towards transiting boaters. These informal discussions are an opportunity for you to join fellow cruisers at the end of the day for a presentation and interactive discussion on weather and navigation issues for the next leg of your journey. Retired US Navy meteorologist, cruising sailor and owner of Carolina Yacht Care – Hank Pomeranz, will host the daily discussions. Hank will review the current National Weather Service advisories, watches and warnings, analyses and forecast charts and discuss the resultant forecasts for winds and seas, precipitation, temperatures, fog and severe weather potential for the Carolinas through Georgia. On the ICW navigation side, Hank will concentrate on the waterway from Southport to the Georgia border. Synthesizing information from the US Army Corps of Engineers surveys, Local Notices to Mariners, recent fellow cruiser postings on popular websites and direct skipper feedback, Hank will review known problem areas and present the most accurate, up to date picture available. And, you won’t have to memorize everything presented. They’ll have handouts you can take back to your boat and review at your leisure. Briefings will be held daily at 6PM October 15th through December 15th at the marina docks.
Daily “Weather and Navigation Briefs at the Dock”: yet another great reason to stop and stay at Southport Marina.
Little River Inlet lies south and east of the Waterway, right at the NC-SC state line, intersecting the Waterway at Mile 342. Skipper Spouse’s opening comment refers to a June 6, 2013 posting on this inlet: /?p=116922 Note that marker references are inlet markers, not Waterway markers.
Last year’s good reports about the Little River Inlet are still valid as at 16 August 2014. This morning we came out through the Little River Inlet from Calabash Creek at half-flood ‘“ just followed the buoys and remained mid channel out to the seabuoy. Tons of water and the minimum observed depth was 15ft over the bar about half-mile inshore of the seabuoy. William Spouse Hallberg Rassy 42
Zimmerman Marine is part of the excellent facilities of Southport Marina, a much valued SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR. These fine organizations lie just west of the Cape Fear River along the northern banks of the Waterway hard by flashing daybeacon #2A. For more information, visit www.zimmermanmarine.com and www.southport-marina.com
Zimmerman Marine Service/Southport Marina in Southport NC, You guys are great! We were traveling North to BHI Fri the 18th on our 40 Silverton ACMY and lost our raw water exhaust pump on our port side about 6 miles south of Southport. I called SPM and they were quick to offer a courtesy dock for inspection. Then I called Zimmerman Marine, remembering they were on site. By the time we arrived there Steve, the Zimmerman tech was waiting for us on the dock. We quickly determined the raw pump had split, pumping sea water into the bilge overheating the exhaust port side. Steve went to check for a replacement part. There was not one available that day. So, on his on, Steve called around and found a good used part, drove way out of his way to get it, came back and installed it and we were on our way in about 3 hours. Steve saved our family weekend trip and was fantastic to work with. Great service is sometimes taken for granted. I did not want to miss this opportunity to give the staff at SPM and Steve from Zimmerman a big shout out THANK YOU! 5 star service and very reasonable price! John Beaver
Here are good words for South Harbour Village Marina from the Skipper of Second Base, as originally posted on Cruisers’ Forum. South Harbour Village Marina is one of the southernmost marinas in NC, south of Southport.
I gunk hole as much as I can to keep costs down. With a big cold front, I pulled in for a couple nights at South Harbor. It was a record low and despite the challenges the cold weather brought they take care of business no matter the conditions. This is a good stop for 3 things- waiting on the weather window coming in, or heading out, from Cape Fear, and catching a football game at the Dead End bar & grill which is right at the dock and open 7 days/nights even off-season. The other advantage is they are directly on the AICW and not one meter off the route. A welcome oasis after all the inevitable current and traffic on the Cape Fear River. When you get off the river, try to stay on the outer transient dock – get your fuel right there and enjoy the best, sunny views. SecondBase
Southport Marina, a much valued SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, lies just west of the Cape Fear River along the northern banks of the Waterway hard by flashing daybeacon #2A.
I cannot say enough positive things about Southport Marina. I have been here for almost three weeks and will be here for a couple more as well. All of the staff are attentive, professional and pleasant. Excellent facilities, a short 10 minute walk into the heart of downtown Southport and a myriad of services available. Highly recommended for one night, a week or longer ‘“ and will return! Jay Kuhn
Wow, what a great endorsement of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Carolina Yacht Care, based in Southport, NC! If you are anywhere near Southport, and you need yacht services, NOW YOU KNOW WHO TO CALL!!!!
While transiting to Miami from the Chesapeake on MV The Gator, my Outer Reef 65, I had the good fortune to stop in at Southport, NC. Southport is a quaint, friendly town with excellent marina facilities. We stayed at Southport Marina. While there we needed a ride to a laundry facility and were referred by marina staff to Hank Pomeranz of Carolina Yacht Care (cYc) who, in addition to other services, runs a shuttle from area marinas. The shuttle is on demand and inexpensive and we used it several times. During our shuttle runs we learned that cYc provides a host of services for transient boaters. One of those services is monitoring boats when owners are unavailable. So, when weather interrupted our plans to continue south and with Thanksgiving drawing close, I left The Gator in their hands for 10 days over the holiday, during which time they monitored the boat daily, made adjustments and kept me informed of her status. We were in touch almost daily and I had the sense that they were looking after The Gator as if she were their own. As happens, the delay also impacted my crews’ availability and I found myself without crew to finish the trip. I called Hank and asked if cYc might be able to provide crew. While this was not an advertised service, Hank adjusted his schedule and crewed for me himself. His competency and professionalism underway during the four day transit were typical of the same levels of service he applies to the other aspects of his business. I suspect his 30 plus years in the Navy and experience as a cruising sailor contribute a great deal to his expertise, level of detail and professionalism. It is rare when you can truly find a single business dedicated to every need of the transient community and with a singular focus on customer service. In short, I would strongly endorse Hank and his crew at Carolina Yacht Care to any transient boater needing services in the Southport, NC area. Jim Hammel Owner/Captain, The Gator Outer reef 65
As the Marina Manager at South Harbour Marina in Southport I also heartily endorse Hank @ Carolina Yacht Care. Our laundry is right at the end of the dock but we have also used Hank for his shuttle and other services. He is dependable, professional, and his extra customer service efforts certainly makes my marina look good too! He can be trusted to give my customers good value. Bill Gregory
Southport, NC, which plays to three SSECN sponsors, Southport Marina, Zimmerman Marine and Carolina Yacht Care, is a delightful riverside community with which I have long lasting, personal ties. It was on the banks of the “Old Basin” that I had the good fortune to live aboard my parents 48-foot wooden sportsfishermen during the summer months, between the ages of 10 and 15. Talk about an idyllic existence. My father had a good friend and local skipper here, Captain Sonny Potter. If Captain Sonny couldn’t find where the fish were biting, it was time to return to the dock. We had many a rare day fishing off the Frying Pan Shoals at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. While today, Southport is far more frequented by visitors than was true during my boyhood days, this delightful community’s charms remain very much intact, and it is one of my very favorite personal ports of call. And so, when SSECN strategic partners, Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, filed their delightful article below, it was with much pleasure that I set their account up to be published here on our web site. We are once again greatly indebted to Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com) for providing the superb, in-depth article and copious photographs, set below! THANKS CHUCK AND SUSAN!
Southport Town Dock - on the Old Dockage Basin
Southport, NC by Chuck Baier and Susan Landry Southbound from Wrightsville Beach, it can be an easy run down the AICW and the Cape Fear River if you have the right wind and tide conditions. On the day we made the trip, it could not have been better. It was anchor up at 0730 in Wrightsville and we were tied to the town dock in Southport at 1045. Light winds and the outgoing tide made for a fast, comfortable trip and as we entered the basin at Southport, it was like seeing an old friend once again. The basin is just off the AICW channel as you make the turn off the Cape Fear River. This is a small basin with room to anchor a few boats, and several free docks available at some of the restaurants: The Provisioning Company, Fishy Fishy Cafe and The Yacht Basin Eatery. They allow overnight dockage if you eat at their establishments. There is no power or water at the docks and these are floating docks. The tidal range here is about 5 feet.
Southport Visitor's Center
At the end of a long dock at the west end of the basin is the town dock where you can tie up for free for 48 hours. There is water on the dock and a 20-amp power outlet if you can make it work for the boat. Depths at the town dock can be 4 feet at low tide and with the tidal range, climbing onto the dock at low tide can be a challenge. Boaters do offer to allow others to raft up at the dock and it is much deeper even just a boat width off. Don’t be surprised if you get a visit from Bob and Kay Creech, a very nice couple that lives across the street from the town dock and offers to provide any service you might need. Bob and Kay are Port Captains for MTOA (Marine Trawler Owners Association) and have their boat docked inside the basin. They are very knowledgeable about the area and are also very experienced boaters.
We have eaten at many of the restaurants that surround the basin at one time or another, including the newer Frying Pan, and found them to be excellent. The atmosphere ranges from funky outdoors to the magnificent view at The Frying Pan. The menus are typical fresh seafood, burgers and sandwiches to steak and salad dishes. One important establishment is Flava’s Ice Cream Shop. We never miss it when we stop here. They were, however, about to close for the season on November 1st and had a limited number of flavors. They will open again in the spring.
Southport Shops Along Howe Street
Just a couple of blocks walk from the waterfront is downtown Southport. You will find another typical historic Carolina waterfront community with many shops, restaurants, galleries, antique shops and boutiques. From the town dock or anchorage, walk down Yacht Basin Drive to either Bay or Moore streets, and then head east. You may want to make your first stop at the Fort Johnston/Southport Visitors Center to pick up information before you set out on foot to explore. The friendly ladies at the center will assess your needs and provide you with brochures and pamphlets to guide you on your exploration of Southport. The beautiful building that now houses the Visitor’s Center, built in 1810, provided living quarters for military officers and belonged to the U.S. Army until 2006.
One of the pamphlets provided allows you to take a self-guided tour of historic Southport. The Visitor’s Guide points you toward major historic sites and the innumerable shops and restaurants along Howe, Moore and Nash streets. It also lists the many events that occur annually in the seaside village including the Southport Spring Festival held every Easter weekend on the Friday and Saturday before Easter Sunday. Also, the Waterfront Farmers Market is held every Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (between May and September) on the grounds of the Visitor’s Center on the Garrison Lawn at Fort Johnston. Southport holds 3rd Fridays between May and August from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with music and food. Stores also stay open during those hours and the atmosphere is quite festive. Other local events include a wooden boat show in late September, tours of historic homes, fishing tournaments and a Christmas boat parade. A recent claim to fame for Southport is being the location for the filming of the popular television series “Under the Dome,” based on a Stephen King novel.
Fishy Fishy Cafe and Docks
If the anchorage and docks in the basin are full, Southport has a couple of great marinas available. Southport Marina is just to the west of the town basin in its own protected basin. It only takes one a few minutes longer to walk from there to the downtown area. They also have a service yard if you are in need of repairs. A bit farther down the waterway is South Harbour Village Marina, where we have stayed on occasion. We have always been offered a ride to the store or a vehicle to use while there. They also have a couple of eateries on site if you don’t feel like cooking. Unfortunately, downtown is not walking distance from South Harbour Village. Other than major provisioning, which will likely require a cab, loaner car or long bike ride, Southport is truly a walking town. We enjoy our visit each time we stop here and have difficulty passing it by.
Here’s a message from the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net’s NEWEST SPONSOR, Carolina Yacht Care, located in Southport, NC. Wow, talk about full services for your vessel, AND your crew, it simply doesn’t get any better than this. For a worry free visit to Southport’s great marinas or anchorages, click Carolina Yacht Care’s sponsorship banner, and leave all your port of call responsibilities to these good people!
Cruisers Hank and Lisa Pomeranz, of Southport, NC completed a cruise south this past winter, visiting 17 towns and cities in the US and Bahamas.
On their return in June, they considered some of the services along their route that helped make their trip memorable. They analyzed those stops where they were inclined to spend a few days, rather than just push through, and came up with a list of services they believe are most helpful to cruisers.
The services include: a shuttle, provisioning, packing and shipping, mail receipt, a single, unbiased point of contact for recommending quality local contractors and responding to any other unique needs of transients.
Founded as the town of Smithville in 1792, Southport is a convenient stop and a warm and welcoming historic city and worth staying an extra day or two to explore. Realizing that none of these services have been available in Southport, and that some cruisers might be skipping the city or just staying overnight, they decided to start Carolina Yacht Care to meet cruisers needs. They have a cruisers perspective which means they understand that, as a service business, they must be dependable and flexible to cruiser’s schedules and myriad other complexities of being a transient. For example, they started running a scheduled shuttle from Deep Point and Southport Marinas (with more to follow) but have also made the shuttle available on an as needed basis. Cruisers needing provisions can order ahead of time and then let them know where to deliver once they arrive. They will meet you at your boat to deliver or help pack up parts and get them shipped.
Of course, consider them a wonderful resource of free local knowledge. Their love of Southport and enjoyment in meeting fellow cruisers will help make your stay memorable.
Says Hank, “We will do whatever we can to help our fellow cruiser’s relax and enjoy beautiful Southport. If they don’t have the time to spend in Southport, we are there to maximize their short stays as well.”
This is the kind of service every significant port of call should have. Really helps you enjoy all a destination has to offer. Looking forward to return visit to Southport. Hank & Lisa being well traveled cruisers themselves, know just what is needed by fellow skippers & crew !!! Skipper CW
SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Southport Marina has just introduced a new video showcasing this fine marina’s facilities and services. It is very definitely worth a look. Southport Marina is located in the heart of the old river village of the same name. In the 1950’s and early 60’s, Southport was my boyhood summer home aboard. I have nothing but the warmest memories of my time spent on the docks of the old Southport harbor. May you too be so fortunate. Check out the new video at:
On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 311 ‘“ those of you who have spent a night or two at South Harbour Village Marina, near AICW marker #9, please share your experiences. Did you dine at either of the two, on-site restaurant? How was the food?
Responses follow:
Joseph’s Italian Bistro has a VERY loyal following with transient boaters and is open 7 days/week between Memorial Day and Labor Day (otherwise only closed on Sundays). Many return year after year to eat there. Dead End Saloon/Fish Factory Grill just completed a major outdoor deck re-modeling to make the dining more comfortable and very often features live music. The owner has operated waterfront restaurants in both Baltimore and Southport so she knows how to do it right! Bill Gregory
Spent several nights there last fall. Joseph’s Bistro is excellent. Great food and service. Marina staff are friendly and attentive. Werner & Kathie Steuernagel
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Shalotte Inlet
Comments from Cruisers (1)
Need to pay more attention to the Nav Markers than your “Chart Plotters”!!!!