Ocracoke is Recovering, Pamlico Sound, NC
This is good news for cruisers to this popular port in the NC Outer Banks. See also Recovery Process.
Ocracoke In Recovery Mode, Awaiting Relief
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Advice Requested by a Sailor with 6 ft Draft
A tall-masted cruiser with a 6 ft draft asks your advice on doing the ditch with a deep keel. This subject has been tossed around in the past and though most of you Waterway cruisers have only 5 ft of draft, please respond to Pat Chadwick’s request for guidance. Pat does not give us his air draft, another limitation to be considered.
I would appreciate some advice about the practicality of cruising the ICW from Norfolk to Oriental in a sailboat with a 6′ draft.
Pat Chadwick1 Facebook Likes, 1 Facebook Reactions
Comments from Cruisers (7)
- Reply to Joyce
Hey …
Just saw this discussion and wondered if anyone had any experience / late intel on ICW from Beaufort to Norfolk with 8 ft draft (C&C 41 – also a tall stick, still getting accurate air draft measure on her, just bought recently). Trying very hard to avoid CH and to avoid having to stay in VA / Chessie for the winter because will have to heat her …
Thanks,
Joyce - Reply to james
Easy to do, just hang around until a tug pushin barge goes in your direction,then follow him close. Also make sure you have a danforth hanging on the stern rail ready to toss if you hit and a zodiac with an outboard to quickly drag the anchor back another 50 feet to winch your self off.
- Reply to Larry
Good point on bridge clearance. Once you're past Great Bridge, that section of the ICW does not have lunar tides, so it doesn't seem that there's any sense in talking about "timing passage for low/mid tides" to get better bridge clearances. However water levels can be affected by persistent, strong winds. We've been told that a persistent, strong W or SW wind can raise water levels at the NE end of the Pamlico/Pungo area, and therefore reduce bridge clearances, at the Wilkerson. I haven't experienced this, but it's something to watch out for if you've got a tall stick.
- Reply to Pat
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Great to hear from someone who's done it. We haven't decided which route to take, but would be interested in why you have always avoided the Dismal Swamp route.
- Reply to Joyce
We had more trouble with mast height than depth. Our mast was right at 65.The ocean was more friendly for us.
- Reply to L
Assuming that you are talking about the Virginia Cut route rather than the Dismal Swamp (I have no experience with Dismal Swamp), that stretch is one of the least problematic parts of the ICW for 6' draft. We've done it over a dozen times with 6'. Pay attention to staying in the channel in Currituck Sound, and the height of the Wilkerson Bridge.
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Now Sea Recovery Certified, Boat Shows, Kadey Krogen Hull Paint, Bennett Brothers Yachts and Cape Fear Marina, Wilmington, NC, Cape Fear River
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.
Click here for Now Sea Recovery Certified, Boat Shows, Kadey Krogen Hull Paint
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Fallen Tree and Obstruction, Statute Miles 37.6 and 40.8, Pasquatank River, AICW Alternate Route
Fallen trees and debris are almost a daily occurrence in the waters of the Dismal Swamp Canal and in the Pasquatank River south of South Mills Lock at the southern end of the canal. The US Army Corp of Engineers is normally quick to clear any obstruction actually blocking navigation, but you should approach these two spots with caution in case the obstructions have not been cleared. Our thanks to Blades Robinson for this notice.
Great Dismal Swamp Canal [Pasquatank River] / MM 37.6 / Tree partially obstructing waterway
A pine tree has fallen and is obstructing 50% of the canal at MM 37.6 N 36*23.236 W 076*16.221Great Dismal Swamp Canal [Pasquatank River] / MM 40.8 / Obstruction
There is a partially submerged piling or tree in the waterway near the Dismal Swamp MM 40.8. Mariners use caution.Blades Robinson
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Albemarle Loop Snowbird Layover Special, Albemarle Sound, NC
Albemarle Loop
Whether you are traveling north or 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, several of whom are CRUISERS NET SPONSORS, located on and around the Albemarle Sound of North Carolina, have organized to serve boaters through the Albemarle Loop. For more, see FOCUS ON Albemarle Loop.
Snowbird Alert!
By Claude MilotBy some estimates, as many as 7,000 boaters sail the ICW between points north and Florida every year. When the weather turns cold in the fall, some can’t wait to leave New York or New England and head south.
The problem is, because of the hurricane season, insurance companies won’t cover boaters past Hatteras until November 1st. Rather than linger in cold waters, many boaters who have already begun their trek south will seek temporary anchorage in the Carolinas. And this has created an opportunity for Albemarle Sound marinas to provide a practical solution for these boaters, as the Albemarle Sound happens ideally to be the half-way point between, say, New York and Miami, a perfect place to linger in October while awaiting November 1st.
Three marinas on the Sound are participating in Snowbird Layover, a program specially designed to benefit ICW boaters: Columbia Municipal Marina, Edenton Harbor, and Albemarle Plantation Marina.
ICW boaters will be able to tie up in Columbia—slippage free—for two weeks prior to November 1st. Main Street has shops and restaurants, and Pocosin Arts, a gallery and teaching studio that has been offering programs and workshops since 1995. Nearby are the headquarters and wildlife exhibits of Pocosin Lakes Wildlife Refuge, as well as the start of the ¾ mile Scuppernong River Interpretive Trail.
Edenton Harbor offers one week of free slippage to ICW boaters who can use that time to experience this living monument to the colonial era. North Carolina’s first capital is noted for its authentic architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can take walking tours or guided trolley tours of the historic district or take a leisurely walk along tree-lined streets to soak up the beauty and charm of “the prettiest town in the south.”
From October 15th to December 1st Albemarle Plantation Marina will offer two weeks of free slippage to ICW boaters pausing on their migration south. Albemarle Plantation is a resort with a wide variety of amenities available to visiting boaters. It has two restaurants, the Clubhouse Restaurant for fine dining, and the more casual Dockside, famous for its wood-fired pizza oven. It also has the challenging championship Dan Maples golf course, with discounted greens fees for boaters. Also available to guests are walking trails, tennis courts, a fully equipped exercise room, and the best bocce courts in North Carolina.
The welcome sign is out at Columbia, Edenton, and Albemarle Plantation for ICW migrants needing a great place to hang out before November 1st. Come on down!
SNOWBIRD LAYOVER SPECIALS
ALBEMARLE PLANTATION VIDEO
EDENTON HARBOR VIDEO
COLUMBIA DOCKS VIDEOAdditional Information at:
ALBEMARLE LOOPClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Albemarle Plantation Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Edenton Harbor (City Docks)
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Columbia City Docks
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Alan
Dateline: Randallstown, MD
The Albermarle Loop has been on our agenda since last year.
After a year delay getting a new HVAC system we moved SIGMACHI to Olverson's Marina on the Yeocomico River (off of the southern Potomac River…Virginia side) where we headquartered for the Summer.
Concurrent with the prospect of Hurricane Dorian and the need for some fo some repairs including for bottom painting and the team of Krentz Marine Railway finding and fixing a starboard enginr oil leak thatour prior yard's crew maintained didn't exist!SO…come sometime in October we hope to start to amble South towards Florida and savor the Albermarle Loop, visit friends along the Neuse River, and New Bern and…yeah…an adventure of a lifetime with my Co-Captain Jeanne!
Alan V. Cecil
M/V SIGMACHI
40ft. Pacemaker Flush Deck Fly Bridge
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Dismal Swamp Canal Now Open, NC AICW Alternate Route
Having been temporarily closed on Monday, the USACE had it re-opened by Monday evening.
We had a pocket of storms blow through on Friday night, resulting in some downed trees and a temporary closure of the canal. I’m aware the USACE is currently working on the problem. It was a hard fast storm, with local damage from high wind and hail. The advisory from the Norfolk District is attached and has been posted on the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center’s Facebook page.
Donna Stewart, TMP
Director, Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
Chairperson,Camden Tourism Development Authority
2356 US Hwy 17 North, South Mills, NC 27976
252-771-8333 | dstewart@camdencountync.gov
www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com
www.VisitCamdenCountync.comClick here for the USACE Advisory Closure DSC-Aug-2019
VA-NC CUT AREA SPONSORING MARINA
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Atlantic Yacht Basin
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Praise for Washington, NC, Pamlico River
Whether you want to revisit the past, satisfy your curiosities, discover the arts or explore your true nature, you can do it from the heart of the Inner Banks – Washington, North Carolina. Washington City Docks, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, has proven to be well worth the journey up the beautiful Pamlico River! Our thanks to Bob McLeran for theses good words.
Little Washington is a little out of the way for cruisers on the ICW, but it is absolutely worth the short detour to spend a few days in this very hospitable village on the Pamlico River. Super-easy entry to docks, several nice restaurants to choose from, and the towns-people couldn’t be more helpful and friendly. It’s really a don’t miss stop.
Bob McLeranClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Washington City Docks
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Shared Photo: Anchoring in North Carolina by Jeff Reimer
Our thanks to Jeff Reimer for sharing this idyllic scene!
Anchoring in North Carolina by Jeff Reimer
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to C
Where in NC are you anchoring. Very nice sailboat and anchorage area.
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Renovations Have Begun, New Bern Grand Marina, Neuse River, NC
New Bern Grand Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, lies in the heart of downtown New Bern, North Carolina, along Trent River’s northern banks between Trent River highway and railroad bridges.
Note: Dock D has sold out!
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New Bern Grand Marina
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Post-Florence Critique of Swan Point Marina and Boatyard, NC AICW Statute Mile 247
Swan Point Marina guards the Waterway’s western banks, immediately south of the AICW/New River Inlet Problem Stretch intersection. Blades Robinson’s recent critique of Swan Point Marina, which is still suffering the aftermath of Hurricane Florence of August 2018, does not compare with these pre-Florence comments as posted by Skipper Schucker on AGLCA’s Forum. Cruisers Net hopes that Swan Point Marina can soon get back to being a safe and enjoyable marina. Swan Point Marina is not the only business or residence that is still waiting for promised financial aide or insurance following the 2018 hurricanes in North and South Carolina.
Swan Point Marina – July 2019 / SM 246.8
Cruising News
I have been born and raised in the South and my mother taught me the phase “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything.” So following her advice, my “review” of the Swan Point Marina would stop after this … For the sake of other travelers though, I must continue. The good: -The dock master Jim provided excellent information on how to enter the marina and cross past the shoal that set off our shallow water alarms (at dead night tide). -We were placed on a (OLD/wooden) floating dock. -There was electric at the pedestal when we arrived. -The floating dock was afloat -The on-site washer and drier looked to be reasonably new. -I have not had any of the dock boards break as I stepped on them, though due to their flex, it is apparent that they need to be replaced. The bad: We have had multiple power fluctuations that result in our onboard inverter taking over and having to manually restart some of the onboard electronics that shut down when the dock voltage drops. One of the sunken sailboats in the marina was removed this evening using a tractor. This is either a graveyard for old boats or at the very least, an “assisted living facility” for boats. My opinion is that at $1.50 per foot for transient dockage, Swan Point Marina is charging too much. On my return trip this will be a facility that I will likely bypass unless there is significant rehabilitation. Assuming that a good rehab is forthcoming, I will anxiously support the owner and and update the Cruisers Net. Note: The website for Swans Point Marina was not active when I went online today. That may be a sign of the financial woes affecting the facility.
I provide photos that support my honest critique. While the dock master was very helpful he is not in a position to make costly improvements and the owner is likely struggling to get money from an insurance company, assuming they had insurance. The attached photographs should help tell the story and allow you to “connect the dots.”
This is the dock masters sailboat. Bert far from Bristol condition, the dock master stated he plans to leave shortly and relocate to another location further north. i.e, he is leaving this marina
This sunken sailboat has been there for a period of time. To the marinas credit it was removed by a salv0r in exchange for the lead keel ballast.
You may notice the list at the end of the floating dock and this inoperable electric pedestal. Also note the far right piling showing that old fire hose is what secured the floating dock to the piling. Most of the dock was secured to pilings with pieces of fire hose. Regretfully, the left corner of the dock that is most susceptible to being grazed by a boat uses a steel hoop that can easily gouge a fiberglass vessel. Also note the steel barge in the background that partially obstructs the entry channel. Because of the cross current, several vessels have reportedly gone aground trying to avoid the barge.
Blades RobinsonClick Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Swan Point Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Swan Point Marina
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Request for Liveboard Marina Recommendations
As so many of you have, Robert Waldrop and his wife are about to step off land and live on the water. If you have marinas that you can recommend as good liveaboard locations, let us hear from you.
My wife and I are in the process of downsizing to acquire a liveaboard boat and become part-time cruisers, living full-time on our boat. Part of this process entails searching for liveaboard marinas, as we don’t necessarily want to be on the hook all the time especially as my wife will still be working full or part-time (she’s an OR scrub tech). We’re currently in North Carolina and planning to relocate to the west coast of Florida, depending on her new job location. Any information for marinas allowing liveaboards in North Carolina, South Carolina, or the west coast of Florida up thru Alabama (NOT GEORGIA – after this anchoring regulation issue they won’t see ANY money of mine!) would be welcome.
Robert L WaldropComments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to jim
Lots of places in Tampa Bay, Clearwater, Sarasota area. Here is a great place on the Manatee River
http://www.regattapointemarina.com/
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Report of Good Depths in Cut to South Entrance to Snows Cut, NC AICW Statute Mile 297
As Blades Robinson relates below, this straight narrow channel exits Cape River northbound at lighted ICW marker 177 and ends at the southern entrance to Snows Cut. In April, ICW marker 163 was reported off-station. Our thanks to Blades for this update.
Channel from Marker 177 to 164 Near MM-297 / Good depth
We ran this cut today at dead low tide and had a MINIMUM of 7 feet of depth and saw mostly ten and twelves on the depth recorder. FYI.
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Good Visit to Deep Point Marina, Southport, NC, Cape Fear River, AICW Statute Mile 307
The marked entry channel to Deep Point Marina – A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! – lies northwest of Cape Fear River/AICW marker #20.Our thanks to Blades Robinson for this review.
I had a great visit to Deep Point Marina and look forward to a return visit. Dock master Shan provided good information and shared his local knowledge. A taxi driver (Ellen, who lives aboard at the marina) gave us a ride to “town” for $8 where we enjoyed ice cold adult beverages and an excellent seafood dinner. The marina pool was refreshing and the complimentary washing machines/driers were an added bonus. Before leaving this morning we had an excellent breakfast in the coffee shop located in the Bald Head Island ferry terminal located next door to the marina. The fact that they support the CruisersNet makes this a worthwhile stop.
Blades RobinsonClick Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Deep Point Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Deep Point Marina
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Shared Photo Album from Southport Marina, Southport, NC, AICW Statute Mile 309.5
Eleven excellent photos from 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.
Click here for Shared Photo Album from Southport Marina
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
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Information Sought on Hwy 17 Bridge, Hertford, NC, Western Albemarle Sound
North/south Hwy 17, or Ocean Hwy, passes to the east of Hertford and is crossed by a fixed vertical clearance bridge between Ferry Point and Crow Point. If you have local knowledge re the vertical clearance of this bridge or have recently navigated this area, please let us hear from you.
Just wondered if anyone has been through the Highway 17 bridge in Hertford, N.C. lately? Is there a signboard with actual clearance to water level on it? I know the posted clearance to MHW is 33 feet, and my “air draft” is 32.3′, so I would want to make sure I know the real clearance before going through. Thanks.
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LNM: Coast Guard Seeks Your Help to Stop Fake Mayday Calls
Abuse of the maritime radio frequencies is a serious offense and hurts all boaters. If you can help in determining the source of fake calls, please contact the Coat Guard.
Audio Release U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-Atlantic
Contact: 5th District Public Affairs
Office: (757) 398-6272
After Hours: (757) 434-7712
5th District online newsroomCoast Guard seeks public’s help to identify hoax caller near Pamlico Sound, NC
Editors’ Note: Audio edited to omit profanity. Please email d5de@uscg.mil to request audio including profanity.
WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Coast Guard would like the public’s help to identify a suspected hoax caller who has made numerous hoax radio transmissions originating from the Pamlico Sound and Oregon Inlet area.
“The Coast Guard is committed to saving lives,” said Capt. Bion Stewart, the commander of Sector North Carolina. “When someone makes a hoax distress call, we are required to respond. This uses up our limited resources, which may reduce our ability to respond to mariners actually in danger.”
Sector North Carolina watchstanders have received several suspected or confirmed hoax radio calls believed to be from the same individual.
The calls in the Pamlico Sound were made on VHF-FM marine radio channel 16, a channel designated only for hailing and distress calls. The caller has stated that they were “going down” and regularly broadcasts “mayday” or “help” along with a string of other calls, including profanity.
Penalties for making a false distress call can include up to 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines, plus the cost incurred by the search.
In 2014, Homer Lewis Blackburn from Atlantic Beach was sentenced to 18 months in prison and fined $288,390.80 for making false distress calls to the Coast Guard. Blackburn made a “mayday” call to the Coast Guard claiming he was sinking and abandoning his boat near Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks. The Coast Guard led a search effort involving the U.S. Marines, the National Park Service and a private salvage company.
“Hoax calls are not funny, nor are they clever,” Stewart said. “They are irresponsible and dangerous. Have no doubt, we are committed to identifying and stopping those who are making hoax calls.”
If you have any information leading to the identification of a hoax caller, please contact the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) through the Sector North Carolina command center at 910-343-3880. Information leading to the successful identification of the hoax caller may be subject to a reward from CGIS.
A call is considered a hoax when there is an intent to deceive the Coast Guard or emergency responders.
A search using an HC-130 Hercules airplane costs approximately $15,000 per hour, and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter operates at approximately $10,000 per hour. Boat rescues costs top out at approximately $5,000 per hour.
-USCG-
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Great Trip from Norfolk, VA to Albemarle Sound, NC
Our thanks to Jim Standing for this report of a recent group voyage to the Albemarle Loop, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, in Albemarle Sound. Along the way they encountered two more of Cruisers Net’s finest sponsors, Dismal Swamp Welcome Center and Albemarle Plantation Marina. The Albemarle Loop is also home to historic Edenton, another CRUISERS NET SPONSOR.
See FOCUS ON – The Albemarle Loop, Albemarle Sound, NC .
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Engine Service, Propeller Repair, AwlGrip…all day! Bennett Brothers Yachts and Cape Fear Marina, Wilmington, NC, Cape Fear River
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.
Click here for Engine Service, Propeller Repair, AwlGrip…all day!
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Complimentary Week of Dockage Extended! Bennett Brothers Yachts and Cape Fear Marina, Wilmington, NC, Cape Fear River
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. Bennett Brothers has graciously extended their complimentary week of dockage through July 31.
BENNETT BROTHERS YACHTS is offering a complimentary week of dockage at the Cape Fear Marina in Wilmington, NC. Located on the Northeast Cape Fear River just steps from historic Wilmington, it is a great stop for those traveling north this spring. BENNETT BROTHERS YACHTS is a full service repair facility located at the Cape Fear Marina with full departments in all aspects of yacht repair and restoration. Please call BENNETT BROTHERS YACHTS for details – 910-772-9277. We hope to see you around the docks!
COMPLIMENTARY WEEK OF DOCKAGE IN MAY
Call for Details!
910-772-9277
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A Visit to New Bern and New Bern Grand Marina, Neuse River, NC
Our thanks to experienced cruiser Ben Matthews for this review of the marina and the town. The New Bern Grand Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, lies in the heart of downtown New Bern, North Carolina, along Trent River’s northern banks between Trent River highway and railroad bridges.
Hi All –
I stayed there in May 2019. Real quick:
1. Docks/electric/water were in great shape for me. Many boaters there and some live-aboards.
2. Amenities – Shower/bath/laundry has to be offsite with an agreement with the local YMCA.
3. Notables:
The hotel is still closed from Hurricane Florence. This was a surprise.
I was told by a Lyft driver that the convention center was closed and planning to reopen in September. This makes sense as the MS-150 bike ride ( a big New Bern event) occurs then.I understood also from local information there were disputes about the hotel with insurance and sale options were being pursued. New Bern the town appeared to be in great shape in the tourist/downtown area. Many restaurants full inside and on street tables.
New Bern Grande has many friendly and helpful boaters there. I really like the vibe and the folks. Be aware the staff do close up and leave promptly at 5pm most days. I was helped into my slip by kindness of other boaters.
Ben MatthewsClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New Bern Grand Marina
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