Progress continues to be made toward the opening of this new SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Port City Marina, which will open for business in a few weeks along the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River, in the heart of downtown Wilmington, NC. See /?p=148108 for photos of the facilities.
BIG Announcement. We mean BIG. Dear Boating Enthusiast: We are thrilled to announce the marina opening is not far off!!!! We are finishing up the last minute touches, and are NOW accepting reservations. Our soft opening is June 5th, and we are gearing up for a grand opening later this summer. (Hint: Stay tuned for announcement and invite to our celebration). We hate to brag, but our location can’t be beat! Did you know you will be able to step off your boat and walk right downtown or along the Cape Fear River on the Riverwalk? Our Downtown is quaint and offers boutique style shopping, lots of good eats, culture, and entertainment. Wrightsville Beach (just one of three nearby beaches) is just 15 minutes away if you want to enjoy a beach sunset or feel the sand on your toes. Need to travel — the Wilmington International Airport is just 5 minutes away from PCM. Whatever you want to do ‘“ Port City Marina is in the middle of it all. Wilmington is thriving, and we have some really exciting (AND BIG) plans in the works for the marina. Sneak peeks can be found on our website www.portcitymarina.com. On our home page – scroll down to see a cool video of what’s happening at PCM! Call to schedule a time to come and check us out at 910.251.6151 ‘“ or feel free to reach out directly to our staff.
Marina Manager Pete Werling Cell: 910.612.8810 Email: petew@portcitymarina.com
I live in town and they are working much faster than before to transform the dusty construction site. I did see sprinklers out where they hope to grow grass, so hopefully progress continues. Gas pumps not yet installed and no marina building yet. I hope they have a plan to mitigate the construction dust, but this will be a nice place once fully filled out. Not sure how fast the area around them will be finished or constructed…
Swan Point Marina guards the Waterway’s western banks, immediately south of the AICW/New River/New River Inlet Problem Stretch intersection, just north of marker #4. These good words for Swan Point Marina were posted by Skipper Schucker on AGLCA’s Forum.
Swan Point Marina is the place for you. Small, family run marina by Tina and her mom. Floating docks that hold 8 boats, good power, a little exciting to get into when the tide current is going, but hey, you are a Looper you can do this. Great dock help, cheap rates ($1.50 per foot, no electric up charge) and the cheapest fuel in NC is right next door. Sold? But wait there is more! The Riverwalk Restaurant will send the manager over to pick you up. Great food, decent wine/beer selection, home made pies. We loved the free hush puppies, our steaks, blacked fish and two giant pork chops. Baked potatoes the size of a Westerbeke Oil filter. And they will cart your “in a food coma” body back to the marina. Get the pie to go. Don’t want to leave the boat? There is a great build it yourself pasta and pizza place that delivers. Laundry? Got it covered. Local boaters to meet and swap tales with? Done. Great Sunset? Why of course, rain or shine the sun sets here every day! Tina, the manager, just brought us a quart of strawberrys. The perfect jump point to Beaufort, catch the bridge, watch the Marines do live fire across the ICW.
You loved the friendly family marinas in Canada, NY, down the Middle Rivers, in Florida and up the coast, this place ranks in the top 10. Foster Schucker
Despite a number of delays, lots of progress has been made at this new SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Port City Marina, which will open for business in a few weeks along the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River, in the heart of downtown Wilmington, NC. See /?p=122272 for earlier reports.
Click Here for more pictures of the new facilities.
Last summer, the National Park Service Docks had closed in anticipation of Hurricane Arthur, see /?p=143288, but re-opened for business after having suffered only minimal damage from the storm. Now as Skipper Noel confirms, the docks and businesses in Ocracoke are all open.. Certainly good news for summer visitors to this beautiful village on the Outer Banks.
We are currently at the NPS docs and they are up and running. This is pre-season, but there have only been a few boats in and out. Dockage is $1.25 per foot per night, power is $2.00/$5.00. There is an updated sidewalk leading to the village. We had a great meal at Dajio and a great one at Eduardo’s Taco Truck. We enjoy the relaxed pre-season vibe on Ocracoke! Katherine Noel
The Waterway typically shoals either immediately north or south of the four-way intersection with New River and New River Inlet. Dredging at this intersection was last done in February of 2013. Skipper Johnson’s detailed comments were posted on AGLCA’s Forum and see /?p=142854 and /?p=146808 for more information and good advice for the New River Inlet area.
As you make your way northward to the rendezvous there are a couple of areas that warrant a caution. Both are always areas to be cautious, but this year are even worse than ever. First, just as you pass by the Marinas in Sneads Ferry, NC (New River Marina, well known for cheap fuel, and Swan Point Marina) you come to the junction with the New River Inlet, where you make a sharp turn to the right. The shoaling, to a depth of less than 3 feet at low tide, is in the vicinity of markers 72 and 74. This is immediately before you reach the popular Mile Hammock Bay anchorage. Then a few miles later after you pass under the Onslow Beach Bridge, Browns Inlet is always a point of concern. Follow the markers very closely, erring to the west if you are in doubt. Betsy Johnson
Intracoastal Yacht Sales, a long-time SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, offers full service brokerage representation from three locations, Wrightsville Beach, NC, Little River, SC and Charleston, SC.
Intracoastal Yacht Sales is pleased to announce that we are now the exclusive dealer for Nordic Tugs in the both North and South Carolina!
For years boat cruising enthusiasts have had to travel out of state to find a fuel efficient trawler with a good reputation. That’s why we are so excited to offer the Nordic Tug brand to our customers! Finally a well built trawler available here in the Carolinas. With Nordic Tugs well known existing reputation for superior construction, and an increase in demand for new boats and fuel efficiency, our team is certain these boats will be a big hit on our east coast! Not only do climate controlled helms increase year round boating, but with their sharp entry and deep keel, her stability and seaworthiness ranks with the best ocean boats built today! Our Nordic Tug 42 was a big hit at the Charleston In-Water Boat Show! One great comment after another was made about the spaciousness and livability of the layouts. We are certain that if you compare these tugs with the competition, you will find a more stable and seaworthy vessel for your next expedition!
Nordic Tugs Cruising Yachts share a heritage that includes their distinctive profile, a hand-laid overbuilt hull and the famous Nordic Tug ship-style pilothouse. Wherever a Nordic Tug owner goes, they travel in comfort and security, safe in the knowledge their vessel is one of the most seaworthy cruisers on the market today! From the classic charm of the Nordic Tug 26 to the majestic elegance of the Nordic Tug 54, there is sure to be a Nordic Tug that is right for you!
Intracoastal Yacht Sales offers full service brokerage representation from three locations, Wrightsville Beach, NC, Little River, SC and Charleston, SC, and we are now are very proud to include Nordic Tugs customers to our growing list of good friends!! Check out our website at www.IntracoastalYachtSales.com or call Capt. Ric Stanley, Capt. Doug Ford, or Capt. Bobby Gregory for more information!
Capt. Doug Ford CPYB Intracoastal Yacht Sales 720 Hwy 17 Suite 201 Little River, SC 29566 843-340-0080 888-566-5886 fax dford@IntracoastalYachtSales.com
2016 Nordic Tug 26 Custom Build your 2016 Today! Diesel Power Seaworthy and Stable Sale Price $213,102 2016 Nordic Tug 34 Available in August 2015 Diesel Power Separate Shower Sale Price $334,039 2016 Nordic Tug 40 BRAND NEW MODEL! 4mpg at 8 knots Sale Price $582,280 2004 Nordic Tug 42 In Charleston SC this Weekend! 4mpg at 8 knots Only 180 Hours! Sale Price $399,900 2016 Nordic Tug 54 Custom Build your 2016 Today! Luxurious and Comfortable Full Beam Midship MSR Superior Construction Sale Price $1,646,331
Thanks to everyone who came to visit us an the 42 Nordic Tug at the Charleston In Water Boat Show. It was a pleasure meeting and talking with all the Nordic Tug fans! What a great family of boaters!
My family can second these recommendations on observing wildlife in South and North Carolina, as posted on AGLCA’s Forum. These sections are some of the prettiest passages in the Waterway. You can find charts to each the ICW miles given by using the “STATUTE MILE/LAT-LON WIDGET” at the top of our Homepage.
Going north on the ICW in South Carolina near mile 425 up through South Santee River keep your eyes peeled for several eagles who live in the area. Every single time we go through this area we see them. Next section is what I have deemed alligator alley is from North Santee River curve R16 through mile 416, one year in mid-May we spotted 18 on the banks and in the water. Also keep eyes open in the Waccamaw River from mile 385 to 377 we’ve spotted them in this section as well. Pam & Eric on Pier Pressure headed home to Beaufort, NC
With the Alligator River Swing Bridge closed to navigation, several of our most experienced sailors have offered alternate routes to avoid the Alligator River portion of the Waterway. See /?p=147457 and /?p=147463. One of those stops along the alternate route is Manteo, home of Manteo Waterfront Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
This video of Manteo’s entrance channel was sent to us by our friend and genuine “Old Salt” George Barr – you can trust his judgement! See George’s comments on this alternate route at /?p=147457.
With the frequent closures of the Alligator River Bridge, longtime contributors George Barr and Rick Brass offer alternatives to the Alligator River portion of the Waterway. Information on all the marinas mentioned below can be found on Cruisers’ Net’s Homepage under CRUISING NEWS AND REFERENCE DIRECTORIES – North Carolina. See /?p=147457 for more discussion of alternate routes.
To any northbound cruisers in the interim. The alternate route starts at Oriental ‘¦down the Neuse River and into the Pamlico Sound heading north. Possible stops/marinas are Silver Lake in Ocracoke, Big Trout Marina in Englehard (45 miles from Oriental on the Western shore of the Pamlico), Manteo Waterfront Marina off Shallowbag Bay on Roanoke Island 45 miles from Big Trout’¦and then north through the Albemarle to Coinjock 35 miles away. The passage is open and deep and has only one fully 65′ bridge and is 17 miles shorter than the ICW. Of course, weather must be considered as it is less protected. Hope this helps in the interim. George Barr
If northbound cruisers are on a schedule during the bridge repairs, and need an alternate route, I would suggest leaving the ICW at the crossing of the Pamlico River (at about SM 150) and swing east. You will go through Pamlico Sound, with potential stops in Engelhart on the west side of the sound and Manteo on Roanoke Island, and return to Albemarle Sound and the ICW on the north side of Roanoke Island. Manteo, BTW, is a nice cruising destination and well worth the trip. If you have time to wait for the bridge to be repaired and are looking for an hospitable spot to wait and explore, swing west about 25 miles on the Pamlico River and visit the Washington Waterfront Docks. Easy access with deep water slips. A number of good restaurants and places to explore. A good place to provision, with West Marine and a number of parts suppliers and repair opportunities. And if you need a free slip without power and water (but with nice heads and showers, and laundry facilities for boaters) you can mention this post and I will waive the 48 hour limit on free dockage. Rick Brass Dockmaster Washington Waterfront Docks
With the reported groundings and marker confusion at this intersection (/?p=144468), it is definitely wise to follow the advice given below by Skipper Brass: “pay close attention to the charts and keep a watchful eye out for the markers ‘“ particularly the floating ones ‘“ instead of following the Magenta Line in this stretch of the ICW” - just as SSECN has advised by many months!
From a January 19 Navigation Alert:
On Saturday January 17, we experienced a hard grounding with bent shafts (2) and destroyed props (2) at this location. Knew about previous reports but marks were not where the deep water was. Strong current must have moved them. We are now on the hard waiting for shafts and props.Shame that this continuing problem is not addressed Our current bill is $26,000 to be removed back from the bar, and about $80,000 for shaft abd prop repairs! Navigation marks are not maintained!Douglas JemalJust happens that I may have been the next boat to pass the location of this grounding. At 10:20 AM on 17 January, I was delivering a boat to Charleston and came up on a large powerboat stopped in the middle of the ICW at 34-35.847N, 077-14.568W (34°35.8470N / 077°14.5680W, 34.597450 / -77.242800) . The stopped boat had passed us a few miles further North, headed southbound at around 20 knots.As I approached the spot, SeaTow came up and began setting up to unground the boat. It seemed to me that the boat had been on course directly from R60 to G63, which are the prominent daymarks before and after the inlet, and from the appearance of things the boat had been traveling pretty fast.This is a traditional problem area in the ICW, and both my Active Captain software and the Garmin plotter on the boat I was delivering sounded alarms for the hazard.Floating marks G61A and R62 were both in the location shown on my chart software, which is well over to the north side of the waterway (Starboard if you are heading south) and only about 75-100 feet from the shore. Made me quite nervous as we went by, but we saw 8 to 9 feet of depth in the channel at about an hour before local low tide.Object lesson is: pay close attention to the charts and keep a watchful eye out for the markers ‘“ particularly the floating ones ‘“ instead of following the Magenta Line in this stretch of the ICW.Rick BrassClick Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Browns Inlet IntersectionClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Comments from Cruisers (4)
Susan Parker- November 6, 2015 - 3:25 pm
Just went through here and did not see less than 6′ . Follow the marks and you’ll be fine.
Came through 10/11/2015, honored the buoys and saw 7 MLW at the lowest. Saw one boat ahead of me that attempted to follow the magenta line but couldn’t get through, he turned and then followed me through successfully.
Came thru on June 4th and R61a was missing. This critical buoy is at the south end of S bend that should be about 50 ft off the red shoreline. Use extreme caution.
Here is a not-so-typical story of the dangers faced by our Coast Guard as they answer the needs of boaters in distress. Elizabeth City and Mariner’s Wharf are located at the southern end of the Dismal Swamp Canal.
Coast Guard crews battle snow, ice to transport injured boater
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Elizabeth City prepares to land at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital Friday. The crew medevaced and transported an injured crewman from a motor vessel off the North Carolina coast.
The Daily Advance Friday, February 20, 2015 PORTSMOUTH, Va. ‘” Coast Guard crews from Air Station Elizabeth City transported an injured crewman today from a motor vessel about 170 miles east of Oregon Inlet. The Coast Guard 5th District Command Center in Portsmouth, Va., received a report from the 1,052-foot, German-flagged freight ship Dalian Express Thursday at about 4 p.m., stating a 62-year-old male crewmember suffered an eye injury while changing a valve in the engine room about 350 miles east of Oregon Inlet. To enable a medevac, the crew of Dalian Express, en route to Italy from Norfolk, changed course toward North Carolina to meet with a Coast Guard helicopter crew. A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew and C-130 Hercules aircraft crew launched Friday from Air Station Elizabeth City, at about 5:45 a.m. The crews flew through intermittent snow and icing conditions before arriving at the Dalian Express at about 6:45 a.m. The helicopter crew hoisted the injured man and transported him to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, arriving at about 9 a.m. The man, whose name was not released, was reported to be in stable condition.
No one deserves this honor more than Southport Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, located just west of the Cape Fear River along the northern banks of the Waterway hard by flashing daybeacon #2A. Congratulations Southport!
ValvTect Names Marina of the Year North Carolina’s Southport Marina Honored
Northbrook, Illinois – In 2006, Preston Development Company of Cary, North Carolina purchased an aging marina in Southport, North Carolina, on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW).
What started as a simple remodeling project grew into a multi-million dollar, multi-year rebuild of the entire location. The result is one of the finest full-service marinas along the ICW. With 225 wet slips and 240 dry slips, Southport Marina can dock and service vessels from 20′ to 100′. By balancing Southern Hospitality-based customer service with first-class facilities and amenities, Southport Marinaï‚Ž has become one of the most popular marinas for boaters cruising the ICW, local sport fishermen and local power and sail boaters.
Left to right: Paul Craufurd, ValvTect Regional Manager, Robin Rose of Preston Development, Hank Whitley CMM, of Southport Marina, Thad Moore of Preston Development and Jerry Nessenson, founder of ValvTect Petroleum
`To recognize Southport Marina’s accomplishments for customer service excellence, environmental stewardship, community involvement and marketing of ValvTect Marine Fuels, we are pleased to present the 2014 Certified ValvTect Marina of the Year award,’ said ValvTect founder Jerry Nessenson. The award was presented at the ValvTect Marina of the Year award dinner held last month at the International Marina and Boatyard Conference (IMBC) in Tampa, Florida.
Accepting the prestigious award were Robin Rose and Thad Moore of Preston Development Company (owner’s representatives) and Hank Whitley, CMM (Southport Marina Manager). All stressed their ongoing efforts to make Southport Marina a destination for transients and local boaters alike. `By striving to exceed our customer’s expectations we have been able to develop strong loyalty from both transient and local boaters,’ said Hank Whitley. `Throughout the renovation process, our effort to build a top-notch facility was accompanied by a focus on environmental impact. Our efforts have earned us Certified Clean Marina status by North Carolina and the appreciation of our customers,’ said Thad Moore. `We are proud to support the nation’s veterans and our community by hosting the Military Appreciation Day Fishing Event, sponsoring the North Carolina Maritime Museum and various other community activities,’ added Robin Rose.
In addition to the 2014 Certified ValvTect Marina of the Year, Southport Marina was recently named as one of the Top 25 Marinas in North America by Power and Motoryacht magazine. It also earned the 2013 Marina Dock Age Marina of the Year and received the Southport Chamber of Commerce `Golden Pineapple Award’ for Excellent Customer Service.
More about Southport Marina: Southport Marinaï‚Ž is located on the ICW at mile marker 309 approximately 30 miles south of the Port City of Wilmington, NC. It is the first mainland marina upon entering the Cape Fear River Channel from the Atlantic Ocean, which is the passage all ships enter to come to Wilmington. Southport is a full service marina and boat yard that services boaters cruising the ICW as well as local fishermen, recreational power and sail boaters. There are 225 wet slips for boats from 30′ to 225′, 260 dry slips, 2 boat ramps, a 75 ton lift and ValvTect Marine Gasoline and ValvTect Marine Diesel. We also provide housing for NC Boat Rentals, MarineMax, Freedom Boat Club and North Sails and have been certified as a Clean Marina in North Carolina.
More about ValvTect Petroleum: ValvTect Petroleum Productsï‚Ž is the largest supplier of fuel additives to the nation’s fuel distributors that supply specially formulated fuels under its brands of ValvTect Marine Fuels, Diesel Guard Premium Diesel, ThermoGuard Heating Oil, AgriGuard Farm Fuel and BioGuard. It is also a major supplier to the nation’s largest fleets and engine manufacturers. In the marine industry, approximately 700 Certified ValvTect Marinas in 42 states supply ValvTect Marine Fuels, which are `specially formulated for marine engines’. Courtesy of Boating Magazine: http://www.boatingmag.com/valvtect-names-marine-year
USPower and Sail Squadrons provide valuable local community services with their public boating safety inspections and boat handling courses, as recognized here by BoatUS, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
NEWS From BoatUS Boat Owners Association of The United States 880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
(L to R) C/C Robert Baldridge; Cdr. Sterling Wyland, Ocean City; Lt/C. Bonnie Kanoy, North Strand; Cdr. JB Bagby, Ft. Macon; Cdr. Dick Todd, Lake Norman; Cdr. Jim Strothers, Sanibel-Captiva; D/C Mary Dodd, USPS District 8: Ted Sensenbrenner, BoatUS.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com
MD, NC, SC and FL United States Power Squadrons Bestowed With Honors
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., February 5, 2015 — At the US Power Squadrons (USPS) Annual Meeting held recently in Jacksonville, Florida, five Squadrons from across the country and one District were honored with Distinguished Civic Service Awards. Sponsored by Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the awards are given annually to the USPS District and Squadrons in recognition of exceptional service and public boating safety education and service to the boating community.
`While America’s recreational boaters are enjoying the water with friends and family, Power Squadron members work hard giving up their own time to help make boating safer. They offer boat owners free vessel safety checks, provide boating safety instruction, and more. We greatly appreciate their commitment to ensuring everyone has a safe day on the water,’ said BoatUS Foundation for Assistant Director of Boating Safety Ted Sensenbrenner.
Top Squadron honors went to Sanibel-Captiva Sail and Power Squadron, Florida. Some of their activities included: participating in an on-water wreath laying ceremony honoring lost members of the armed forces, helping a local food pantry, and working to increase safety for paddlers. `They showed how difficult it can be to see kayakers at dusk and in times of limited visibility, and how simply adding white reflective tape to paddle blades can be a real lifesaver,’ said Sensenbrenner.
Second Place for Top Squadron went to Lake Norman Sail and Power Squadron, North Carolina, for their work with youth and bringing a new Sea Scout Ship to the area, as well as support of the `The Dolphin Project,’ a local non-profit that performs surveys to monitor the health of dolphin populations.
Third place went to North Strand Sail and Power Squadron, South Carolina, which hosted shoreline clean up events, collected donations for their local Helping Hands charity and Sea Haven, a residence for homeless teens offering crisis services.
Runners up for Top Squadron included Ocean City Power Squadron, Maryland, for their community participation in parades, clean up events and their work with a respite care home to take families fishing and sightseeing. Another runner up was Fort Macon Sail and Power Squadron, North Carolina, for their work with the local visitors center to spread safety message as well as publishing boating safety stories and reaching out to boating families.
Top USPS District Award, which recognizes the collective efforts of all of the squadrons within a region, went to USPS District 8, which includes South Florida and the Keys. The award is based on the amount of classroom hours logged, community outreach hours and number of vessel safety checks performed. These voluntary and free safety reviews are designed to educate boaters about recommended and required safety equipment aboard recreational vessels and to assess the condition of the safety equipment they have aboard.
US Power Squadrons began with the efforts of Charles Chapman, who in 1914 realized that owners of recreational powerboats needed instruction on how to operate safely and with confidence. Today, the USPS has over 400 regional Squadrons for owners of both sail and powerboats.
About United States Power Squadrons:
Organized in 1914, United States Power Squadrons (USPS) is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. Our members are boating families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. We enjoy participating with our fellow members on the water and in the classroom. USPS has nearly 40,000 members organized into over 400 squadrons across the country and in some US territories. USPS is America’s largest non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three US presidents for its civic contributions. Each squadron’s activities involve the three primary objectives of USPS: community service, continuing education, and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of our fellow members. For more, go to USPS.org.
About BoatUS and BoatUS Foundation:
Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its over half-million members with government representation, services such as 24-hour dispatch, on water boat towing as well as roadside assistance for boat trailers and tow vehicles, feature-packed boat insurance programs, money-saving benefits and vital information that improves the boating, fishing and sailing lifestyle. Its 501(c)(3) nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating, and provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways and keeping boating safe. For more, go to BoatUS.com or BoatUS.org.
All boaters with gasoline fueled engines need to be concerned about ethanol added fuels. The use of ethanol added fuel in marine engines has been a point of contention for everyone in the boating industry from users to repair services and manufacturers. BoatUS continues to be a strong advocate for boating safety including the risk of engine failure and fire due to ethanol damaged fuel lines. See /?p=145755
January 23, 2015
Dear BoatU.S. Member:
If you fill your boat up at Sheetz gas stations in North Carolina beware of E15 or gasoline containing 15 percent corn-ethanol. There is not a single marine engine warrantied to run on this higher blended fuel and any damage it does to your car may not be covered by the manufacturer warranty, according to AAA.
Sheetz Convenience Stores announced on January 21, 2015 that they will offer E15 fuel at 60 of their store locations in North Carolina beginning in early 2015. Because this fuel is often the cheapest at the pumps that offer multiple fuel choices, please take an extra moment to ensure you aren’t filling your boat with any fuel containing more than 10% ethanol. It is not only unsafe for you to use this fuel in your boat engine, but you are prohibited by law from using it in marine engines as well as other small engines such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, snowmobiles and line trimmers.
BoatU.S. will continue to lobby Congress to reform the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) – a law which forces these higher blends and less compatible fuels into our markets. For more on the Renewable Fuel Standard go to www.BoatUS.com/gov.
Thanks for being a BoatU.S. member!
Nicole Palya Wood BoatU.S. Government Affairs (703) 461-2878 x3201
And more today from BoatUS News:
Buyer Beware of Ethanol Fuel in North Carolina:
60 Sheetz Stations to Offer E15 in 2015
“This Isn’t Just About Boats”
RALEIGH, NC, January 29, 2015 – The Altoona, Pennsylvania based convenience store chain Sheetz announced on January 21 that it would offer E15 fuel – gas containing up to 15% ethanol – at 60 of their North Carolina locations beginning in early 2015. Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) believes that could be a problem for recreational boaters, motorists and many other users of gasoline-powered equipment and vehicles.
There are no marine engines warrantied to run on E15 and according to AAA, most automobile manufacturers say any damage due to the use of this higher ethanol blend fuel will void the warranty.
In the US, nine out of every ten boaters own a trailerable boat that is most often filled up at a roadside gas station – not at a marina gas dock. While any gasoline with greater than 10% ethanol (E10) is prohibited for use with recreational boat engines, it’s a common practice among trailer boaters to fill the tow vehicle first, then simply pull the boat up to the pump and insert the same gas pump nozzle into to boat’s fuel fill. A small, inadequate warning label on the pump pointing to the prohibited uses of E15 may contribute to a situation ripe for misfueling.
“This isn’t just about boats,” said BoatUS Government Affairs Program Manager Nicole Palya-Wood. “If you own an older car, truck, or any small engine such as a lawnmower or leaf blower that uses gas, you will need to be very aware — and take an extra moment to ensure — you’re not putting higher ethanol E15 in the tank. At stations that offer multiple fuel selections these corn-based ethanol fuels are often the lowest price, which is an attraction for frugal boaters. Ironically, owners of small, affordable boats could get hit the hardest when the expensive repair bill comes,” added Wood.
BoatUS, which has nearly 20,000 members in North Carolina, will continue to lobby Congress to reform the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) – a law which forces these higher blends and less compatible fuels onto the public. For more on the Renewable Fuel Standard go to www.BoatUS.com/gov.
Sheetz operates 437 locations in six states, including Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and North Carolina.
This response to an AGLCA Forum request for dry storage on the Atlantic coast comes from SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Bennett Brothers Yachts in Wilmington, NC. Patricia Bennett was recently featured by Marina Life Magazine, see /?p=145444.
Bennett Brothers Yachts is a AGLCA sponsor and we can accommodate catamarans! Our 70 Ton lift pit has a width of 26 ft so a beam of 22 ft is not a problem. We are located on the Northeast Cape Fear River in historic Wilmington, NC. Height is not a restriction! Long term dry storage is available for monohulls as well as multihulls. Please call Tricia Bennett for details – 910.772.9277, www.bbyachts.com Patricia Donovan Bennett President Bennett Brothers Yachts, Inc. Cape Fear Marina 1701 J.E.L. Wade Drive Wilmington, NC 28401 www.bbyachts.com 910.772.9277
Bennett Brothers Yachts (BBY) at Cape Fear Marina is a great place to launch and / or cross your wake! Located in the heart of Historic Downtown Wilmington, BBY is a looper and cruiser friendly place. Brokerage and boat works, recreation and socialize pretty much sum it up. Full service marina with amenities, 70 ton travel lift, paint shop, mechanical shop. Leave your boat with BBY and fly home no problem ILM Wilmington international Airport is 4 minutes away… We will give you the lift to get there! Thank You Cruisers Net for sharing a great secret. Get to Wilmington and have fun… BBY will see to it.
The marked entry channel to Deep Point Marina – A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! – lies northwest of Cape Fear River/AICW marker #20.
Just left Deep Point Marina and can’t say enough great things about the staff, facility and the other boaters I met there. Everyone was extremely hospitable and ready to help with whatever you needed. Historic Southport is a good two miles away from the marina so a ride is needed. Also, there are no grocery stores in historic Southport so you need to go a little farther to get to a Food Lion or Walmart. However, there are lots of great restaurants in Southport. Try Loco Joe’s for an incredible pork sandwich and Bernie’s for a deep fried croissant! Docking fee was extremely reasonable and since we arrived in December there was a special on top of that for staying three days. We will come back! Marcia
Our thanks to Skipper Boyd for this message and link in response to one of Claiborne’s “tales” – see /?p=117868. And see “Young’s Yarns” on our Homepage for more of Claiborne’s sagas! Lockwoods Folly Inlet, just east of Holden Beach, is well known to Waterway cruisers, not for the Inlet proper, but because of the perennial shoaling at the intersection of the Inlet and the Waterway.
The number provided by Skipper Walters has been confirmed as the number for all the firing ranges at Camp Lejeune. See /?p=16763. Thank you Skipper Walters!
Kayaking from Maine to Guatemala. Tomorrow I will pass by Camp Lejeune on the ICW. Called the number listed in the above post. It was wrong, but they gave me the current correct number to call: 910 451 3064. Safe Passage for me for tomorrow! Deb Walters
Cape Fear Marina and Bennett Brother Yachts, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, continues to provide excellent service as well as convenient access to the many attractions Wilmington has to offer, including two new restaurants: Catch, with award winning local Chef and Food TV celebrity, Keith Rhodes at 6623 Market Street, 910-799-3847 and Dock Street Oyster Bar, ranked #11 out of 409 picks for 2014 by Tripadvisor, 12 Dock Street, 910-762-2827. Along with the friendly folks at Cape Fear Marina, such haute cuisine makes the trip up the Cape Fear River very alluring!
This question is unusual, not because of Skipper Aigeltinger’s concern for Waterway depths, but because of his vessel’s 7ft 3inch draft. Whether that draft is fin keel or full keel, that is a lot of draft with which to confront the shallow spots in North Carolina. He has access to our listing of NC Problem Stretches, but is asking for your input into his decision to attempt the ICW from Norfolk to Beaufort, NC, which, fortunately for him, is north of all the Inlet/ICW intersections further south.
I am considering delivering a 44 ft sailboat from the Chesapeake to Florida. Draft is 7 ft 3 in. Would like to know if anyone knows if it’s possible to get that from Norfolk to Beaufort in the ICW ? Or if anyone could direct me to a source for that info. Thanks, Ed Aigeltinger
Note this praise for Argus:
The Argus soundings are really helpful. I followed ICW all the way from Norfolk to Beaufort, NC and it looks like the most questionable area is a few miles north of Beaufort. (That area just north of the Alligator River bridge where the channel takes a turn or two around some shoals has always been poorly marked. Have to be careful there but I think there’s plenty of water if you stay channel center.) The shallow area just north of Beaufort is at the south end of the Adams Creek Canal and as I recall that part is narrow and the markers are a little far apart making it a little difficult to stay in the channel. On the chart the Argus readings are shown to be out of the channel. So I wonder if the chart is wrong or if whoever did the Argus run missed the channel, hence the shallow readings there ?? Would appreciate any input from anyone re that. I plan to call Jarrett Bay Boatworks and Beaufort Docks and ask for some local knowledge. Would hate to run 199 miles from Norfolk and get 3-4 miles away only to not be able to get there. However, if the readings are right, the shallowest I see is just over 4 ft and the tidal range is about 3 ft so still might be able to skim through at high tide. Thanks again for your help-Ed
Thanks to all for the info re the ICW depth from Norfolk to Beaufort, NC.
I also spoke with the dockmaster at Beaufort Docks and he assured me there was plenty of depth at Core Creek if one is careful to stay in the channel. It’s narrow there and the markers are a little far apart. Apparently the Argus boat was a little out of channel hence the readings down to 4 ft. Dockmaster also said he has a friend who comes down each year with 9 ft. He said to be careful to stay as close to center as possible in the Alligator River-Pungo River canal as his friend has hit some pretty hard stuff a little off center. As you mention fixed bridge height is also a concern. Boat I may deliver is 62 ft to mast top and 65 ft to antenna top. (I brought a cat down once and rang almost every beam on the bridges with the antenna. A little nerve wracking.) So if anyone has or hears any local knowledge re bridge height problems I would certainly appreciate the info. I may try to do what I’ve done a few times in the past. Install a 4-5 ft long piece of 1×4 wood at the mast head going forward and then a vertical piece at the forward end that is about a foot higher than the highest solid part of the mast. One can then creep up to the first beam and if this ‘˜indicator’ goes under all is hopefully well. If not heavy reverse is in order. Thanks again for the info and please keep me in mind if you hear anything else of importance. Ed Aigeltinger
November 30: Larry- Thanks again for your help with ICW depth issue. I had no idea about the ARGUS ‘program’. Obviously with that kind of data in the laptop one could cruise the ICW from data point to data point. Really amazing stuff ! Thanks again, Ed Aigeltinger
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Comments from Cruisers (3)
Rick Emerson- November 20, 2014 - 9:35 pm
7’+ along the Coinjock or Virgina Cut route is certainly possible. Keep in mind that most of the route, save for Core Creek, near Beaufort, is not tidal, save for wind-driven tides. For that reason, you need to be certain that your air draft (masthead height) is no more than 63′. Not all “65′” bridges have the listed clearance, and there is no tide to help clearance.
We’ve traveled with a boat drawing close to 7′ 6″ who, last time I saw her, had made it as far south as at least the Waccamaw River. We draw 6′ and, with attention to tides, made it to St. Simons Sound before going outside to Fernandina Beach, where we are at the moment.
This can be done. Take the Virginia Route. Be very careful just north of Allligator River Bridge, and go when it is not low water there. Just south of Core Creek Bridge, in Adams Creek, go at mid-tide or higher and stay carefully in the channel. Then head towards Morehead City harbor and double back to get into Beaufort.
I am of the belief that you should not have much trouble with th 7 03″ draft as far as Beaufort, NC I have travelled that portion of the icw with 8ft 2″ of draft from 2000 thru 2004 with a 456 B. Farther south you would have a lot of problems. I now travel that area with 411 B but only draw 5 ft. Best of luck.
Progress continues to be made toward the opening of this new SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Port City Marina, which will open for business in a few weeks along the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River, in the heart of downtown Wilmington, NC. See /?p=148108 for photos of the facilities.
Comments from Cruisers (1)
I live in town and they are working much faster than before to transform the dusty construction site. I did see sprinklers out where they hope to grow grass, so hopefully progress continues. Gas pumps not yet installed and no marina building yet. I hope they have a plan to mitigate the construction dust, but this will be a nice place once fully filled out. Not sure how fast the area around them will be finished or constructed…