If you have navigated New Topsail Inlet recently, let Doug and us hear from you!
Have never used top sail inlet south of surf city. Do you have any information on the inlet?
Thanks
Love all the information on your site
Doug
Our thanks to Jim Ward for this praise for Historic Edenton, a longtime Cruisers’ Net Sponsor. During their 350th Anniversary Celebration, Edenton has an exciting calendar of Celebration events for all ages. Edenton is at the mouth of the Chowan River on the northwest shore of Albemarle Sound.
Wonderful city dockage. Overnight free and electricity reasonable ($3 for 30a, $5 for 50a). Neat Southern town with good places to eat and even a courtesy car to go to a grocery store. Dockmaster A Richie welcoming and helpful. Well worth a visit.
Jim
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Edenton Harbor (City Docks)
The two-year project to build a dedicated dredge for NC waterways should insure a much more consistent dredging of the NC inlets and intersecting ICW.
Dare Moving Ahead on Inlet Dredge Plan
Coastal Review Online
DARE COUNTY — As the need for dredging in North Carolina waterways has long ago surpassed the availability of funds and equipment to dredge, Dare County, with the help of $15 million provided in the recent state budget, is about to try something different: Build a dedicated dredge to maintain its waterways.
Elizabeth City, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR and the friendliest-to-boaters community on the Waterway, is located on the Pasquotank River off the northeast corner of Albemarle Sound and at the southern end of the Dismal Swamp Canal Route. With the canal fully open to navigation, this wonderful community continues its calendar of exciting events, making a stop at Mariners Wharf in the heart of Elizabeth City a must!
Discover These Delightful Ways to Savor Locally Prepared International Cuisine
This destroyed ICW light is on the west shoulder of the Waterway immediately north of its intersection with Masonboro Inlet channel.
2. SEC NC BNM 348-18
3. NORTH CAROLINA – NEUSE RIVER TO MYRTLE GROVE SOUND (CHART 11541)
4. NEW RIVER – CAPE FEAR RIVER LIGHT 128 (LLNR 39625 [34°11.8130N / 077°49.4033W, 34.196884 / -77.823389]) RPTD DESTROYED. PORTIONS MAY REMAIN.
Our thanks to William Spaur for bringing this to our attention. Deep Creek Basin is on the south shore of the Dismal Swamp Route east of Deep Creek Lock.
The COVE on Deep Creek, the Deep Creek Basin, is now being developed by RYAN HOMES and has been named BRYAN’S COVE. The land and the water are now NO TRESPASSING.
Deep Creek Cove is near the junction of the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River and Deep Creek waterway, Chesapeake VA. It has always been a favorite anchorage for boats transiting the Dismal Swamp Canal. It is a borrow pit vintage 1962 to develop Interstate 64. It is the size of a city block and connected to Deep Creek by a narrow channel.
William Spaur
Is this legitimate or just another case of a landowner overstepping his bounds ?
Our thanks to AGLCA members for this nice thread regarding their recent experiences navigating the Great Dismal Swamp Canal and visiting Elizabeth City, both CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS! The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center Docks and information are provided at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, a NC DOT Rest Area facility, located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC. Elizabeth City and Mariners Wharf is located on the Pasquotank River off the northeast corner of Albemarle Sound and at the southern end of the Dismal Swamp Canal Route.
We came thru Dismal 10 days ago…water was less beautiful as lots of pollen on water then. Also additional risk to prop hitting submerged snags, but you are seeing history on rivers & canal trip. You also get to soend a couple minutes with Bob at the North Lock! BOB is a HERO to boaters. At North end of locks if you are there early you can tie up to landing before draw bridge before lock and do a quick shop in the Supermarket a block east or run over to Pizza + for an exceptional lunch.
Ed Kelly
The dismal swamp is used by slow boats with no schedule. The is a six Stm per Hour speed limit, and the dockmaster will enforce that. It is shallow, but a 6′ draft boat without exposed running gear can easily do it without issues. I recommend that boats not follow another boat at less than 1/2 to 3/4 mile. That way, if the first boat does pick up debris off the bottom, that debris will have time too settle back down before the following boat arrives.
We came through the Dismal Swamp a month ago. It’s our preferred route for the reasons cited by Ben and Brenda. We had no issues.
There are locks at Deep Creek (the lockmaster at Deep Creek is ROBERT Peek, not Bob.) and South Mills. The locks operate four times per day, at 08h30, 11h00, 13h30 and 15h30. The distance between the locks is 22 miles. There is no good place to hold station at either end, so the strategy is to travel at 5 StM per Hour to avoid getting there early. There are no wakes. The Dismal Swamp canal is narrow, and in general, passing is probably inappropriate. Fast boats do not use the Dismal Swamp.
The Albemarle and Chesapeake route is used by go-fast boat with no courtesy for slower vessels. Two of the drawbridges have been replaced, but there are still several bridges that operate on 1/2 hour or 1 hour schedules. The is one lock, at Great Beidge. It operates on an hourly schedule. You will get waked by go fast boats. Secure for that stretch as if you are going offshore in nasty weather conditions.
Hope this is useful,
Jim Healy
Hands down, Dismal Swamp Canal. Only recrational boats, and not many, in Our experience. Beautiful, serene, lots of birds, turtles, deer. Don’t miss it! The Virginia Cut (which includes Coinjock) is fine, but lots of commercial traffic and sports fisherman.
Gena Olson
To add to our original post, if you are opting for the swamp canal and plan to stay at the city’s free Mariner’s Wharf, I think it has a 48 or 72 hour limit. That in mind, the 4th of July and Independence Day festivities are approaching so you might want to scurry in. There are a couple of marinas but have never used them. We happened to be in Elizabeth City on the 4th several years ago and the fireworks were launched off a barge a 100 yards or so behind the docks towards the sound so pull bow in. There will also be festivities on the lawn adjoining to waterfront. Haven’t been there for two years and the only concern was the old crooked mooring pilings but they may have replaced them by now when the new bridge was built.
I Stand corrected… I think the Rose Buddy welcome crew was re-birthed. The lady of the boat was welcomed with a fresh cut rose grown on sight.
Brenda Sanderson
Went through 3 days ago. Beautiful narrow and shallow. Bumped something 8 to 10 times. Have 3 ft draf and protected props. Stayed overnight at welcome center. Have plenty bug spray and fly swatter the green flies are terrible and hurt. We enjoyed the slow beautiful trip.
Elwyn & Carol Segres
We came through yesterday and today and overnighted at the visitors centre. Lowest water we saw was 6.5 ft but we smacked a couple of large logs, the worst of which was 1.5 miles north of the visitors Center. We sat on idle for most of the trip so we don’t think we stirred them up but we do draw 5ft.
Great trip but we will go the Virginia Cut on the way south.
Paul Lewis
We came through in April and anchored off Goat Island because the southern lock was down for the day. Then rafted with 5 other boats at the Visitor Center and waited out a severe storm for two nights. Dodged a bit of flotsam along the way. But would not have missed this part of the journey for all the steak in the world – the trip through the swamp is simply magical.
AND Lockmaster Bob is a skilled musician with a conch shell – if you have one on board, pass it up and ask for a tune or two.
Breandon and Kathleen
When traveling down the Dismal Swamp, stay to the center of the channel OR drop your VHF antenna if it has an air draft of >=22ft. We wandered to the side and tore ours off 3 years ago. Forgot about the overhead clearance of the tree branches! Otherwise, it was a very nice trip.
Joyce Truthan
During their 350th Anniversary Celebration, Historic Edenton, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, has an exciting calendar of year-long Celebration events for all ages. Edenton is at the mouth of the Chowan River on the northwest shore of Albemarle Sound.
CLICK HERE FOR Summer on Edenton Bay
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Edenton Harbor (City Docks)
Last dredged in 2017, Carolina Beach Inlet is noted for shoaling and a shifting channel. The approximate location of uncharted buoy 4, re-positioned in May, is marked with a pin on our Chartview. Local knowledge is strongly recommended for navigating this inlet.
1.MARINERS ARE ADVISED THAT SHOALING HAS BEEN REPORTED BETWEEN CAROLINA BEACH INLET BUOYS 4 AND 5 ACROSS ENTIRE CHANNEL TO A DEPTH OF 2 FEET MLW. MARINERS ARE ADVISED TO USE EXTREME CAUTION WHILE NAVIGATING THIS AREA.
Our thanks to Bev Burger for confirming (sadly!) that Topsail Island Bridge is not at the old charted 65ft, but 64ft as noted in a NCDOT notice in 2012: https://cruisersnet.net/3862. Why the clearance gauge board was incorrect is unknown. See https://cruisersnet.net/45168.
Topsail Island Bridge (at milemarker 252.5) is shown as a 64’ fixed bridge. Upon approach (with a very clear 65’ +) we hit the bridge with our anchor light. (We need 64.5’ clearance and did not have any issues with other bridges marked 65’.) We estimate the bridge is off the markets by 1/2 – 1’. Please proceed with caution.
And we know the bridge is listed at 64’ in the guide, but the markings on the bridge showed a clear and visible 65’ which is why we proceeded. So not only is the bridge a lower bridge, but the markings from the water line are what are not correct.
Bev Burger
Click Here To View the NC Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Topsail Island Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Topsail Island Bridge
Shoaling and groundings are always possible in the constantly shifting sands of the New River Inlet/AICW Intersection area and our thanks to Hank Pomeranz of Carolina Yacht Care, a partner of Southport Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, for this Problem Stretch notice. For another recent report from this AICW intersection, see https://cruisersnet.net/171321
This reported to me this morning along with attached photo. Please help get the word out.
Report from Skipper Tim Burr, M/V Bella
R72 has dragged way off charted location. Now way too close to shore and considerably northeast of chart location. Ignore, stay center…”
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New River Inlet
Thanks
Hank
Zimmerman Marine is part of the excellent facilities of Southport Marina, a much valued 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. Our thanks to Chris for these kind words.
For more information, visit www.zimmermanmarine.com.
Outstanding service at Zimmerman Marine. These guys know their stuff. They are helpful and great problem solvers. Manager Steve Wallace runs a great shop. CJ outstanding. We will come back here for sure. PS – don’t miss the weather briefing at 1800. Hank is awesome.
Chris C
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport Marina
Owned by McCotter’s Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! in nearby Washington, NC, Inland Waterway Provision Company Store has expanded their offerings! Located on Hodges St. in Oriental, it has long been the place to get boat gear and clothing.
We at the Island Waterway Provision Company are excited to be offering transient boaters fresh local produce, grocery items, Beer and Wine. We appreciate your help getting the word out!!
Thanks,
Mark Henley
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Oriental, NC
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For McCotter’s Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of McCotter’s Marina
During their 350th Anniversary Celebration, Historic Edenton, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, has an exciting calendar of year-long Celebration events for all ages. Edenton is at the mouth of the Chowan River on the northwest shore of Albemarle Sound. Our thanks to Gena Olson for these kind words from AGLCA’s Forum. See FOCUS ON – Albemarle Loop for more in the Loop.
Our favorite [of the Albemarle Loop] so far is Edenton – what a beautiful little town. Lots of huge, beautiful homes from the 1700s! Our favorite night since we’ve been cruising – we had a nice meal at the Waterman’s Grill, then went strolling. It was Saturday night. Just a few doors up from Waterman’s was what looked like a home store, plus maybe some private apartments…but, the store was open, and we heard some great and very loud music. So, upon exploration, it was vinyl night in the ‘courtyard’. What a hoot! Crowded with folks, all singing along to the 60’s, 70’s 80’s, and 90’s music. I’ll always remember the Bohemian Rhapsody – some guys played air guitar with great passion, and we all joined in to sing. If you’re there on a Saturday night, don’t miss it!
Gena Olson
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Edenton Harbor (City Docks)
Our thanks to Jan Irons for these beautiful photos and report from the Dismal Swamp Canal. During this cruise, Jan visits two of our favorite CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS, Dismal Swamp Welcome Center and Elizabeth City, NC.
Commuter Cruiser
“Drain The Swamp” … Geo Washington 1763
Posted: 13 May 2018 04:00 AM PDT
Did you know George Washington was the first “Drain the Swamp” supporter? The Great Dismal Swamp, that is … now a historic landmark. After the frenetic pace of the past 5 weeks winding our way north on the Atlantic ICW, the Dismal Swamp route felt so effortless. Just peace and quiet, serene waters and reflections.
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now
Jan Irons, Commuter Cruiser
Sorry that we have to disagree with Jan. We did the Dismal Swamp route 5/19/18 in our DF 49′ RPH trawler with 4’9″ draft. I do agree that it is pretty but we were so distracted by hitting things on the bottom that we could not enjoy it. We contacted stumps or logs at least 15 times between South MIlls and Deep Creek. These were not just bumps or taps but hard bangs. Near the end we picked up something on our prop that rotated around and keep hitting the bottom of the boat until we went into reverse and it came off. It is not our first rodeo as we have traveled 75,000 miles and been to 7 countries aboard our vessel.. Just our 2 cents.
On the other hand, another trawler that pulled in next to us in Hampton, went the traditional route and right before the Centerville Bridge hit hard and was having both props taken off for repair. Maybe we were lucky.
McCotters Marina and Repair Yard, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located on Broad Creek, off the Pamlico River, a few miles downstream of the Washington, NC waterfront. McCotters is one of the largest marinas in North Carolina and its repair capabilities are impressive.
55th Annual Ocracoke Regatta
CLICK ON ALL THE LINKS BELOW FOR THE FULL DETAILS:
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For McCotters Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of McCotters Marina
Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located on the eastern banks of the northeast Cape Fear River, just north of the Isabel Holmes – Highway 133 bascule bridge, and only a few steps from the downtown Wilmington waterfront.
MAKE YOUR HURRICANE PLANS BEFORE STORM SEASON STARTS
We have released our 2018 Hurricane Storage Application and it is now live for you to submit online. All of our frequently asked questions can also be found online on our website. There is NO CHARGE to submit an application. Be sure you check with your insurance company for their requirements when formulating your plan for storm refuge.
CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS ON STORM PREPARATION AND STORAGE
Intracoastal Yacht Sales, a long-time CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, offers full service brokerage representation from three locations, Wrightsville Beach, NC, Little River, SC and Charleston, SC. You will want to see these new offerings!
NEW LISTINGS !
Click here to visit our Brand New Website!
The Albemarle Sound and the Albemarle Loop
In the jargon of the cruising community, “Enjoy the journey not just the destination”. Okay, that is often the case, but don’t you love it when both the journey and destinations are equally enjoyable? Whoever said, “You can’t have your cake and eat it too” never was part of a cruising or boating family.
Albemarle Loop
For those who don’t live in or near North Carolina, as you pass through North Carolina there is so much to be enjoyed that is not along the shores of the ICW. Like it’s sister cruising waters of the Chesapeake Bay, the many rivers and creeks along the shores of North Carolina’s sounds are dotted with waterfront communities that invite you to explore the local culture, foods, and history. The area’s heritage dates back over 300 years. The callings of the Roanoke, Perquimans, Pasquotank, Croatan, and Chowan, are inviting you into a new cruising adventure. Learn how Native Americans lived in this resource rich area; follow in the wake of the area’s first English settlers; visit where 51 women signed their real names to a document sent to King George that they planned to boycott all British goods. This was to be known as the “Edenton Tea Party”.
Whether you are traveling back north for the summer, or making plans for this Fall’s trip south, the rivers and communities that frame the Albemarle Sound are inviting you to explore their shores and experience their warm southern hospitality.
A community of marine businesses and historical locations, located on and around the Albemarle Sound of North Carolina, have organized to serve boaters through The Albemarle Loop, https://www.albemarleloop.com
This group of marine businesses and waterfront towns have joined together to educate and invite the area boaters and cruising enthusiasts to “enjoy the journey and the destinations,” to be their guests, and to let the area’s warm hospitality, culture, and history be part of your personal enjoyment.
Passport
And while you are doing so, you can earn points towards rewards for free nights at their participating marinas. Points earned accrue from year to year and when you reach certain levels you earn levels of what is known as “Cruising Passport Member Levels” which start at “Surveyor” and go up to “Explorer” and “Voyager”.
Check out the program at this link and get your passport: https://www.albemarleloop.com/cruisingmem.html.
Check out this link to see all the discounts and other rewards available from participating businesses located at or near participating marinas: https://albemarleloop.com/coupons.html
How’s that for welcoming hospitality??
Participating marinas will be in italics with an asterisk, eg. *Albemarle Plantation.
To pick up or print coupons use this link to the The Albemarle Loop website: https://albemarleloop.com/MARINA%20Coupons%202018%20v8.pdf
Since we are currently in the late months of Spring, let’s assume most of our readers have the pointed end of their vessels to the north. You will find Albemarle Sound as you leave the Pamlico Sound, either through the Pungo River into the ICW Canal and into the Alligator River or to the west or east of Roanoke Island around Manteo, NC.
Yacht Doc at Cypress Cove
One of your starting points into the Albemarle Loop experience might be *Shallowbag Bay Marina on the east side of Roanoke Island in Manteo, NC. You are within easy walking distance to the most interesting town of Manteo, NC. Near by is the seasonal outdoor presentation of the “Lost Colony.” If you are inclined to stick to the ICW route, leaving Pamlico Sound into the Pamlico River, then into the Pungo River and through the ICW Canal into the Alligator River, a good place to rest before “looping” is *Alligator River Marina.
If you are headed back towards Chesapeake, most suggest starting this journey on the south side of Albemarle Sound, visiting small towns and villages like Columbia, NC, where your host would be *Columbia Municipal Marina, or * Yacht Doc at Cypress Cove.
Progressing on westward towards the town of Plymouth, your host marina, *Plymouth Landing Marina (City Docks), lies along the upper area of the Roanoke River.
Edenton
Then head over the north side of Albemarle Sound into Edenton Bay and the charming town of Edenton, NC where you are invited to stay two nights free at *Edenton Harbor Marina. At the Colonial Edenton Downtown Harbor, you can dock while you visit and enjoy this charming town. The Harbor has, within walking distance, many historical homes, restaurants and shops. Lots to do, even a “Ghost Walk” ! Information is available below outlining the rules, regulations and rates for using the docks. Contact: 252-482-2832 (phone) Email: edenton.harbor@edenton.nc.gov
Transient boaters are also welcome to a full service marina, Wharf Landing Marina, but it is not close to the town itself, about five miles west of the town. While in Edenton, you will find many fun places to satiate your yearnings for sea food or other southern culinary delights. But one “particular harbor”, (my Jimmy Buffett, slips in every now and then), where you will want to dine, is *The 51 House. There you can tie up and enjoy some very fine traditional American delights. The old home overlooks Albemarle Sound and is a fine example of a waterfront setting, great food and warm hospitality. It takes its inspiration from Revolutionary War period when 51 women of the local area had “tea” together and drafted, signed, and sent to England a document stating that they would be boycotting all British goods. This would later be known as the “Edenton Tea Party.”
Albemarle Plantation
Looking for a place to retire, or to just have that residence on some tranquil, beautiful southern waters, then next stop is *Albemarle Plantation with their full service modern marina. Take a look at some nice home locations and get off the boat to go swimming in their pool or play a round of golf. Catch some awesome sun rises and sunsets. Check out this video link to this pristine location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt0j-8zCleA&t=18s
Continuing eastwards, you can take a run up the Perquiman River to the town of Hertford and stay at their *Hertford Bay Marina. It’s a nice ride up this river and a quiet place to get some R&R. The marina is small, nine slips with water, shore power for both 30 and 50 amps, waste pump-out, and the first 48 hours are free. Town is historic and has an aggressive program developing the historical homes and places.
Mariners Wharf, Elizabeth City
On your way north, I highly recommend you experience the Dismal Swamp Canal, and its host city, “The Harbor of Hospitality,” *Elizabeth City, at their *Mariners Wharf which is right in the town proper. Or stay just across the small Hwy 158 bridge at *The Pelican Marina, which is a very easy walk over to town. Elizabeth City was founded in 1793, the same year construction started on the Dismal Swamp Canal, which was a key to safe commercial water passage between the Chesapeake Bay’s Elizabeth River in Norfolk, VA, and North Carolina coastal waters. Elizabeth City is rich in history, filled with fun and excellent places to eat or “dine”, and it is home to the Museum of the Albemarle. We could fill pages on this delightful town, check it out here: https://visitelizabethcity.com/ ENJOY.
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
Then on to the Dismal Swamp Canal as you continue your cruise towards Chesapeake Bay. The *Dismal Swamp Welcome Center” is one of North Carolina’s most beautiful “rest stops” and it is next to a “SWAMP”. But not your ordinary swamp!
As mentioned briefly above, the Dismal Swamp Canal is a national treasure, and so very worth the trip. Explore the rich history and colorful past as well as the floral beauty and wildlife. Take the ranger led tours, participate in the interpretive programs, and let the secrets of the Dismal Swamp Canal awaken you to a new experience. Here’s the link to their website: https://dismalswampwelcomecenter.com/
Be sure to take full advantage of all the special offers available through the Albemarle Loop group of marine businesses to enhance your cruise and save you some money. Website address: https://www.albemarleloop.com
We wish all fair winds and gentle seas.
***********
Editor’s note: Several of the marinas on the Loop route are Cruisers’ Net Sponsors and this FOCUS ON article is brought to you by the following CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS:
Stephen – Check with both Dowry Creek Marina and McCotter's Marina. They may be able to help – Also, Albemarle Plantation may be able to help especially if they know of your intent to do the loop.
Are the any points on the loop tata I would be able to park a trailer while on the loop? I had talked to Mackies marina , however they are closed now ,looks like permanently closed
The Albemarle Loop has such great marinas, each with a unique personality. Sailing on the Albemarle Sound is a treat, as you rarely see another boat…..beauty just for you.
A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Dowry Creek Marina, now under new management and ownership by The Zeltner family who want to “roll out the red carpet” to transients, doing whatever you might need during your visit to this highly praised and transient friendly marina lying off the AICW/Pungo River north of Belhaven, NC. Upon their retirement from shore life, the Zeltners went shopping for a trawler and ended up buying Dowry Creek Marina! Steve, Connie and their grown children, Teresa, Zac and Nicole will treat you like family!
CLICK HERE FOR A FINE ARTICLE ON DOWRY CREEK MARINA by Matt Debnam in the Washington Daily News
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dowry Creek Marina
Comments from Cruisers (1)
Was exploring the channel this past week. Difficult Inlet to navigate thru. Several bouys are missing. Shoaling is rampant and the channel thru to the ICW is VERY hard to find and follow. I would not try this route with a fixed keel boat. Even at high tide, it’s risky.