Visit Logged
  •  Chart View
    • At Current Location
    • At Selected Location
    • Enter A Location
    • Enter Latitude and Longitude
  •  Fuel Prices
    • Lowest Diesel Prices Anywhere
    • Lowest Gas Prices Anywhere
    • Virgina to North Carolina
    • North Carolina
    • South Carolina
    • Georgia
    • Eastern Florida
    • St. Johns River
    • Florida Keys
    • Okeechobee Waterway
    • Western Florida
  • Select Region
    • All Regions
    • VA to NC Line
    • North Carolina
    • South Carolina
    • Georgia
    • Eastern Florida
    • Western Florida
    • Florida Keys
    • Okeechobee Waterway
    • Northern Gulf
    • Bahamas
    • New York
    • Ohio
    • Pennsylvania
    • Washington
    • Puerto Rico
    • Minnesota
    • Maryland
    • Tennessee
    Order by:
    • Aug 7, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Sign of the Times: The Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge Becomes a Boat Ramp (Statute Mile 338)

      Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge - As It Used to Be

      Many of us were glad to see the old Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge replaced by a modern high-rise last year. Between the mechanical problems and shoaling, many cruisers most certainly did NOT have a soft place in their hearts for the old, floating span.
      Now that it’s gone, though, I cannot help but be a little saddened at this piece of the past that is now long gone forever.
      Below, we are pleased to present another superb report from our strategic partners, Captains Dian and Mark Doyle, founders and owners of On The Water Chartguides (http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com). Check out their NEW paper AICW Anchorage Guides (with a 42% discount until 8/10/12), by following the link above!

      Hi Claiborne,
      Passed through the Sunset Beach area a couple months ago and was reminiscing … about bridges, and about a slower pace. [smile]
      The Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge at STM 337.9 was an historic landmark’”the only vehicle pontoon bridge left in operation on the entire East Coast.
      But a floating pontoon bridge, with “zero clearance,” became more and more incompatible with modern times and schedules.
      About six times per month the tide was so low the bridge couldn’t be opened. Boats had to circle and wait through low tide. And if there were high winds, the bridge could be closed indefinitely.
      In addition to its hourly scheduled openings, the bridge opened for every commercial vessel. (Trivia Fact: Because the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway was constructed before bridges, technically commercial vessels take precedence over vehicular traffic.)
      And, of course, many island residents (local taxpayers) felt they were spending too much time waiting for the bridge …
      But the final demise of the bridge was credited to safety concerns for island residents. Emergency crews had difficulty responding promptly to calls on the island. There was also concern about the risk of a serious fire spreading, given that large ladder trucks and tankers were too heavy to cross the old pontoon bridge.
      The site of the old pontoon bridge will become a public park, with boat ramp access to the ICW and plans to incorporate remnants of the old pontoon bridge in the park design.
      As of June 2012, you can see construction of the boat ramp at the old pontoon bridge location.
      Best and see you On the Water,
      Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
      http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com

      Soon to be a memorial park with boat ramp ICW access

      Be the first to comment!

    • May 8, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      62ft Vertical Clearance Reported at Sunset Beach Fixed Bridge, AICW Statute Mile 338, Sunset Beach, NC

      This unusually high tide could be because of the Super Moon condition we are finding both high and low tides along the east coast. The bridge and its gauge are relatively new and should be accurate. This new bridge replaced the old pontoon bridge to Sunset Beach.

      We’re seeing a 62′ reading on the tide gauge on the new bridge at Sunset Beach at high tide this morning May 7. Is the tide three feet higher than normal? Perhaps the gauge is inaccurate?
      Ed

      As a follow up…4 boats went thru and radioed back reports of 62′ readings on a 65′ bridge. I don’t think the super tides were 3′ off! 2 sailboats waited a few hours before risking it. One sailboat just had their mast measured after recently clipping apparatus. The tip of their antenna is at 65′. The board was reading 63′ and nothing touched.
      This height board is different than most in that you cannot tell for sure if the depth is above, in the middle or below the number. If 63 is showing, we assume that is the height.
      So, APPARENTLY, the board is 1 to 2 feet off.
      Ed

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Sunset Beach Bridge

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sunset Beach Bridge

      Be the first to comment!

    • Apr 28, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Favorable Tidal Currents from Myrtle Beach, SC to Carolina Beach, NC

      Capt. Miller shares good advice regarding northbound currents in the Waterway.

      Subject: Favorable Current Northbound from Dock Holiday Marina
      Cruising News:
      We departed Dock Holiday Marina two hours after North Myrtle Beach low tide and enjoyed a following or slack current all of the way to Southport.

      Subject: Northbound Boost from Current when Departing Southport
      Cruising News:
      We tried Skipper Bob’s suggestion of departing Southport one hour before high tide and found that we enjoyed a following current all the way up Cape Fear River and as far as Carolina Beach Inlet.
      Max Miller

      Be the first to comment!

    • Apr 24, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Good Report from Southport, NC and Southport Marina, AICW Statute Mile 309

      Southport Marina – A 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.

      Before I get to the marina, I need to report that there are alternatives to using the marina and they are within the safety of the harbor. The staff at Fishy Fishy Restaurant tell me that they often provide free overnight dockage (no elec) if you dine there. It’s the second restaurant on starboard with the green roof which has their name set into the roof tiles. Your chances, they say, are better if you arrive nearer sunset when fewer boats are likely to arrive for dinner. Ask the manager when you call. Fishy Fishy can be reached at 910-457-1881. The same used to be true of The Provision Company, the first restaurant on starboard, at 910-457-9900. It’s worth a call to see if they still do.
      There is also a free tie-up (which we have used before and a local confirmed today that it is still available for overnight transients) at the T-head of the town docks. Look for a large black-on-white sign posted on the end of the pier on your port side as you enter the harbor. The tie-up is small but we managed to tie our 32 footer with an array of breast and spring lines using four fenders to avoid damage to our topsides. The sign told us to call the local police to report our stay which we did.
      This year, we stayed at the marina. The laundry room has two 30 minute washers and two 45 minute dryers. They are $1.75 each but they get the job done with no extra quarters.
      The marina has floating docks which are in excellent condition and the finger piers are long so you can go bow-in and have room to back out.
      When we landed at the gas dock, we met Captain Jeff who is the most nimble and well informed dock hand we have ever seen. He will take good care of you.
      The wifi works fine here (we were near the main building so I don’t know about the piers out in the 3rd world area) and has no `cyper-hoops’ to jump through to use it.
      The town, which is a short walk from the marina, has many bar/restaurants and shops, mostly antiques. We liked the bar at the Cape Fear Restaurant, 101 West Bay Sreet. Say hi to Gary. The Walmart is about two miles from the marina.
      This is a truly, well maintained marina with many gregarious live-aboards and, in my opinion, worth the cost.
      Regrettably, the marina Tiki bar is closed but you can create your own tiki bar experience because the bar is still there and boaters hang out there even there is no bartender.
      Max Miller

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

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Jan 20, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Report from Lockwoods Folly/ AICW Intersection, Statute Mile 321

      Lockwoods Folly Inlet (NOT the AICW) was closed to navigation in October of 2011 and as reported below, dredging is underway. We will update the condition of the inlet as we get word, but for now, even though the depths at the intersection of the Waterway and inlet are good, you should still avoid the inlet passage!

      1-20-12
      Lots of dredging going on as we go through this area. we have no problems and we showed 16 feet as we passed the inlet. Just after fell to 8-10. this is low tide at 8:30 AM
      Penny and Dick
      Penelope catamaran

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Lockwoods Folly Inlet Intersection

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

      Be the first to comment!

    • Aug 5, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Report on St. James Plantation Marina, AICW Statute Mile 315

      St. James Plantation Marina is on the Waterway’s northerly banks, some 1 nautical mile west of flashing daybeacon #16.

      Protected marina. Easy access. Good service until 7 p.m.
      Ed Kroposki

      I agree. We stopped there on the way down to Florida last year. Nice docks and friendly people, but it’s a little far from town.
      Dennis Jay

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For St. James Plantation Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. James Plantation Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Aug 5, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Good Words for South Harbor Village Marina, Southport, NC, AICW Statute Mile 311

      South Harbor 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.

      This marina is hidden but a good stop. Daylight service. Costs reasonable. Contact first on cell phone.
      Ed Kroposki

      Click Here To View the Cruisers Net North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For South Harbor Village Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of South Harbor Village Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Jun 14, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Sunset Beach Bridge Preservation Society to be Formed, Sunset Beach, NC

      If you are interested in historic preservation or just a nostalgia buff, you might want to get involved with this group. As you will remember, the last parts of the old pontoon bridge were removed this past spring.

      I am sure that all boaters were happy to see the last of the Sunset Beach floating [pontoon] bridge on the ICW just north of NC/SC state line. Now there is a society dedicated to preserving the old bridge, fortunately in a park in Sunset Beach. Anyone interested in learning the fate of the old bridge can visit the web site
      http://www.oldbridgepreservationsociety.org/Site/Welcome.html.
      Skipper Richard Ross aboard Chez Nous

      Richard! Thanks for the mention of OBPS. Our plans are to keep her out of all boaters’ way and safe in her new home on land. We welcome you all to visit her at 109 Shoreline Dr. if only to shake your fist at her one last time!
      Chris Wilson

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge

      Be the first to comment!

    • May 4, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Good Visit to Bald Head Island Marina, off the AICW, SE of Southport, NC

      Bald Head Island Marina is east-southeast of Cape Fear River Inlet’s flashing buoy #13, departing the AICW at statute mile 309.

      We stayed at Bald Head Marina for one night. The dockmaster is extremely helpful and a pleasure. With our bikes we saw the entire island and enjoyed seeing the gorgeous homes and pristine beach. Saw a small gator in the harbor. Restaurant was good. Loved the lighthouse. Climb the steps!
      Gloria Crawford

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Bald Head Island Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bald Head Island Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Apr 4, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge Completely Removed, AICW Statute Mile 337.9

      The last retractable pontoon bridge on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway is now a memory. Click on the link below and scroll to Comments to relive the last days of the old bridge.

      We just passed through ICW mile 337.9, site of the old Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge at the southern tip of North Carolina. As of today, 4/4/2011, the Pontoon Bridge is totally removed. It was apparently removed on 3/30/11.
      Skipper Jack Robinson

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Sunset Beach Bridge

      Be the first to comment!

    • Nov 14, 2010by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      A Stop at South Harbor Village Marina, Southport, NC, AICW Statute Mile 311

      South Harbor 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.

      Have always loved this marina. It’s great if you have dogs who want a good walk as it’s near a terrific park ‘“ Dutchman Creek Park. The deli/market is all deli only selling gift items & luncheon meats & cheeses. Not really a market. The `new’ restaurant `deadend saloon’ was terrible. Just bar food mostly & not very good. My $10 salad (without meat) had a good amount of rotted lettuce. I told the waitress & she said, `oh.’ No offer for a substitute or price reduction. My rail Margarita was $8.50 & hubby’s rail martini was warm & $7! Pricey drinks, mediocre food & fair service make this place a `do not return.’
      Captain Linda Hughes

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For South Harbor Village Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of South Harbor Village Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Oct 17, 2010by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Good Review of South Harbour Village Marina (Statute Mile 311)

      Cloud IX continues its Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway journey southward through North Carolina from Oriental to Southport.

      Due to the limited number of anchorages, we have spent the last few nights in marinas, at Oriental Marina (recommend) and last night in South Harbour Village Marina (recommend). Today, we decided to take a down day and do a bit of maintenance, laundry, grocery, etc. The only thing that keeps South HVM from rating five stars is the lack of a courtesy car. It cost me $28 in taxi fare to get to Wally World for groceries and to a replacement for the coffee pot that went bellyup this morning. More to come as we continue South.
      Captain Donnie Young aboard Cloud IX

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

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For South Harbour Village Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Oct 9, 2010by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Good Words for Ocean Isle Marina, AICW Statute Mile 336

      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

      Be the first to comment!

    • Jul 5, 2010by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Praise for Southport, NC (Statute Mile 309) by a Long-time Resident

      Hurry! Our FREE rent offer expires in May! How nice it is to get that valuable “local information” from a resident of Southport. Free dockage is always welcome news and, from Robert’s description of their 4th of July celebration, the town certainly knows not only how to open its arms to visitors, but how to keep them entertained as well.

      As one who has lived in Southport for the past 38 years, and as the Harbor Host for this area, I think that it would be a loss if you did not stop and visit Southport. We have a beautiful little town, with oak tree lined streets, restaurants, shops, a maritime museum, pirate history, civil war history, great boating, golf, tennis, fishing, sailing, great marinas, and, most of all, great people. I will agree that my opinion may be a little biased however.
      In my response to you two days ago I failed to mention that there is some free dockage on a first come basis in the Old Yacht Basin just east of the Southport Marina. This free dockage is well explained in Skipper Bob’s. One of the choices is a fixed t-head that the City of Southport supplies in this basin, which is in front of our house. Just room for one boat, with 15 amp. power and water. You could run the generator for AC, but again, on first come basis.
      Our town is a little crowded this weekend. Southport is the host for North Carolina’s Fourth of July Celebration annually. On the weekend of the 4th we go from 2500 residents to approx. 40,000 residents and tourists for the 3 day event. The celebration concludes tomorrow, Monday, with a parade, fireworks, crafts, food, etc. You have already missed the sailboat regatta, which was yesterday.
      Robert & Kay

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

      Be the first to comment!

    • Jul 4, 2010by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Praise for Three Marinas in Southport, NC (Statute Miles 309 – 315)

      Hurry! Our FREE rent offer expires in May! Captain John gives us a snapshot review (especially re dining) of three marinas in the Southport, NC area. South Harbour Village Marina at statute mile 311, Southport Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! at statute mile 309 and St. James Plantation Marina at statute mile 315.

      1. South Harbour Village Marina has one of the best Italian bistro’s [in town] I have ever visited. But it is not walking distance to town which is really no big loss.
      2.       Southport Marina is closer to town within walking distance and is also a great place. There are a few good eateries in town.
      3. If you like golf and total protection from the busy ICW try St. James Plantation Marina just south of Southport proper. All are really nice, you can’t really go wrong.
      Safe travels,
      John M. Beaver aboard
      Forget About It 3

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

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

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For St. James Plantation Marina

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Lightkeepers Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • May 27, 2010by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Comments and advice on Shoaling Near AICW/Calabash Creek Intersection (Statute Mile 342)

      We have to assume that an earlier mention of “rock” near the AICW/Calabash Creek intersection was that good old hard packed sand free of soft mud. However, that does not mean that Waterway shoaling along this stretch is still not a concern. Keep in mind that with a 4-5 tidal range, 9 feet at high tide can become 4 feet at low tide. Let Slow and Easy be your mantra as you pass through these problem areas.

      Don’t know where the mystery rock is (not too many in SC’¦) but I came thru today, 5/26/10 with a 6 1/4 draft, just after high tide and found plenty of water on the ICW line. Lowest reading was 9′ MLW’¦the key is to stay on the ICW centerline and not stray off. Like everywhere else!
      Captain Pascal

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the “Alert” Section of the AICW/Little River Inlet/Calabash Creek Intersection

      Be the first to comment!

    • Mar 25, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Southport and Southport Marina (Statute Mile 309)

      Well, you can’t go by me in any discussion of Southport, as I spent many a boyhood summer here, whiling away the hours along the old harbor waterfront, crabbing under the docks, and fishing the Frying Pan Shoals offshore. I love this place. And, let’s not forget, Southport Marina is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      We were there on 3/19/2010. Nice people and facilities. Spent a good bit of time walking around town and have never seen any town where every house was is supurb condition. They take a lot of pride in their town!
      Also, check out their maritime museum.
      Don’t think there is a real great restaurant around. We did eat at Loco Jo’s which is where it seems everyone gathers after work for a drink. Their fresh fish was well prepared, but the place is nothing fancy
      Sykes
      SV Aquarius

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

      Be the first to comment!

    • Feb 25, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      St. James Plantation Marina (Statute Mile 315)

      Sounds like things are really looking up at this facility, located directly off the AICW, south of Southport. The last I heard, there was no restaurant here, and no provisioning either. Has anyone else had good luck at St. James Plantation?

      I can’t believe I’ve never stopped here before. We heard about St. James from several friends and had to try it ourselves. All I can say is that this place is not to be missed by cruisers. At $1.05 per foot and a great restaurant, grocery store/deli, easy access fuel dock and very helpful staff ‘¦’¦ it’s a steal !!!!! We will stay here for sure on our trip back north and hope to be able to enjoy the Tiki bar in warmer weather.
      s/v twomorrows
      Larry Morrow

      St. James Plantation “IS” a very nice stop. Great walking all over the roads next to the marina and viewing the beautiful homes. Four 18 hole Golf Courses right on the property.
      We stayed there in late Nov for a week then left for home for the month of Dec. Arrived back after New Years 2010 and headed for FL. Very secure place to leave a boat, and great monthly rates.
      Bob Wilkins
      Ocean Rose
      KK 44

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For St. James Plantation Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Oct 14, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Why You Should Choose Southport, NC As A Port of Call

      Of course I’m a little prejudiced as I spent a good part of my boyhood living aboard my parent’s boat in old Southport Harbor, but I still think this community is one of the most delightful ports of call from Maine to Key West. And, let’s not forget, Southport Marina is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      Subject: South Port, NC
      Cruising News: This is definitely a town to not by-pass. We’ve been in a slip in the marina for a few days. The last time we were here was at least 7 years ago and it was definitely nothing to write home about. The transformations are amazing. A great amount of creativity and detail went into the planning of the entire layout! We continue to exclaim to each other about how beautiful and inviting it is.
      Now for the restaurants! We live to eat, unfortunately—not eat to live! This morning we had breakfast at PJ’s, just across the street. The food and service were great. It’s a very popular place and there was a continual stream of patrons coming in for brunch. Last night we’d planned to go to the Provision Company but the wind died down and the mosquitos, the size of hummingbirds, were attacking in droves so we opted for inside seating at Fishy Fishy! Bill had Fish and Chips, I had the BEST Shrimp and Grits I’ve ever had, and we both had wine for under $30!!!
      We’ve ridden our bikes all over this town (which doesn’t take long) and there are so many cute shops, antique stores, cafes and bars–and a Super WalMart is a mere 2 miles up the main drag.
      Plan a stop in Southport. “You’ll be glad you did!!!”
      Laura Lane Bender

      There is also free (24hr) overnight dockage on the city dock….fyi w/15 amp
      Bill & Ana Feller
      Knot Tide Down

      The marina was fine, but we also went to Fishy Fishy after reading the comment above, and if that was the only shrimp and grits I ever had in my life, I would never have them again. Shrimp was almost raw, sauce was so much not to my liking that I left half my dinner. It will be hard to convince either of us to eat out again for awhile.
      Beverly Feiges

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Aug 18, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Southport Marina (Statute Mile 309)

      Hurry! Our FREE rent offer expires in May! I have such fond, fond memories of Southport, living aboard my parents boat here during summers for several years in the 1960’s. Those were good, broad days!
      Southport Marina now pretty much has a corner on the market for transient dockage within easy walking distance of the downtown business district. Looks like Captain LuAnne also had a good experience with the staff. And, that’s only to be expected as Southport Marina is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!!!

      8-14-09 stayed at Southport Marina on the fuel dock. Scott was the attending dockmaster. Very informative, courteous and capable with the lines. The boat rolled a bit from the busy ICW. Only stayed one night, but had a fabulous seared yellow fin tuna sandwich at the Provision Company.
      LuAnne Woods

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina

      Be the first to comment!


    Social Media Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com