Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Oct 4, 2011by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Price Angst at Beaufort Municipal Docks, Beaufort, NC, AICW Satutue Mile 201
We confirmed David’s prices: $2.30/ft under 50ft, $2.50 for 50ft and over, $6.00/night for 30amp, $12.00/night for 50amp. There is a $.10 per foot discount for seven days or longer. The transient rates at Charleston’s City Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, are $2.00/ft up to 69 ft and their monthly rates vary with the season. In September, the monthly rate is $20/ft. Comparing this to Harbor Town Yacht Basin, also A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, on Hilton Head where the rates are $2.00 up to 49ft, $2.50 50ft to 79ft with weekly discounts of $.25 /foot up to 49ft and $.50 /foot 50ft to 79ft. $12 for 30amp and $15 for 50amp, makes Beaufort Municipal Docks slightly more expensive than both City Marina and Harbor Town. With these prices along the AICW, one can easily understand why anchoring rights are so much in the news now.
We loved old town Beaufort ‘“ great food, shops and friendly people. The marina is expensive (2.30/ft with a whopping 0.10 discount for > 7 days) ‘” 2 weeks there cost almost twice what a month costs at Charleston City Marina which is much nicer. Lots of current, rude staff (except the head dockmaster who was very helpful and friendly), and old equipment. We’ll not return.
David Fry
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Beaufort Municipal Docks
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Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Charleston City Marina
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Click Here To View This Facility’s Full Listing of Services on the South Carolina Marina Directory
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Oct 3, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
A Vote For An Overnight Stay at Mile Hammock Bay Anchorage (Statute Mile 244.5)
Over the years, the entrance to Mile Hammock Bay has gotten infrequently shoally, but that is not the case now, and, as noted by Captain Gantt, unless the US Marines are conducting exercises, this is a great place to drop the hook and spend a quiet evening. Just don’t try dinghying ashore. All the surrounding land is military property and off limits to cruisers.
For those heading south, Mile Hammock Bay is a very good anchoring area. It is a couple miles south of Onslow Beach Bridge and before the intersection of the ICW with the New River. The area is within the U.S. Marine Base Camp Lejeune but unless the Marines are having an exercise in the area, is available to ICW travelers. We keep our boat at Old Ferry Marina which is a couple miles up the New River, and frequently go to Mile Hammock Bay with others for rafting up, etc.
Reid Gantt,
Atlantic 30
“Vouivre”
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For Mile Hammock Bay
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Oct 3, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
An Invitation to Cruise Upstream on the Cape Fear River to Wilmington, NC
Sounds like a good time to abandon the AICW, and cruise upstream to the Wilmington Public Docks. I’m sure a good time will be had by all during Riverfest!
If you are inclined— why not proceed up the Cape Fear River to Wilmington and dock at the City Docks with numerous restaurants nearby. Dockage is around $1.50/ foot. This weekend (Oct. 7-9, 2011) is River Fest and there will be lots going on downtown if that sort of thing suits you.
Edmond Badham
COSMO
Wilmington, NC
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For the Wilmington City Docks
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Oct 1, 2011by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Possible Reduction of High Tide Clearance at Wrightsville Beach/S.R. 74 Bridge, AICW Statute Mile 283
As Capt. Young expected, the Wrightsville Beach bascule bridge is charted at 20ft vertical clearance at high tide. When I spoke with the bridge tender tonight, he had 20ft and was unaware of a lessening of the high tide clearance. If you also experience a less than 20ft clearance, please let us know.
We were very surprised to see 15′ on the signboard at Wrightsville Beach Bridge today (10/1/11) at high tide. I asked the bridge tender and she verified 15′. We clear 18′ and did not expect to wait for the hourly opening.
Capt. Wendy Young aboard “Blue Crab” Island Gyspy 32 headed home to FL
There should be two feet available extra at the center, the board should read low steel, so you should have had 17 feet available. I checked tide table for today and heights looked normal, was the wind blowing water in? Skipper Bobs lists bridge at 17+2 = 19 feet which may be closer to what it really is. I have cleared the bridge at lower tides and I need 21 feet, tidal range is about 4.5 feet.
Joe Urban
Joe –
The reason we wrote the note was to warn MTOAers cruising south that water level in Wrightsville Beach is higher than usual and even with the 5′ tide variation and the wind blowing at that time, this bridge clearance was much less than one would expect=- 20′ minimum.
Calvin and Wendy
It has been my experience that this bridge only has between 17′ & 18′ clearance in the center at normal high tide
George Grafer aboard Time Out
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Wrightsville Beach Bridge
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Sep 30, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Elizabeth City Shipyard (AICW/Dismal Swamp Canal Alternate Route)
Elizabeth City Shipyard
(252) 3358-0171
Address: 722 Riverside Avenue, Elizabeth City, NC 27909-5338
Statute Mile: 51 (AICW/Dismal Swamp Canal Alternate Route)
Lat/Lon: 36 17.790 North/076 12.937 West
Location: lies on the southwestern shores of the Pasquotank River, southeast of AICW/Pasquotank River Marker #8
Haul-outs via Travelift/Railway – Tonnage:
Bottom Painting:
Mechanical Repairs – Diesel Engines:
Mechanical Repairs – Gasoline Engines:
Other Repair Services:
“DIY” Allowed:
Marine Supply Store:
Storage Available – Wet/Dry:
Minimum Approach/Dockside Depth:
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Sep 29, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Mackeys Ferry Marina (well off the AICW, off the southern shores of Albemarle Sound)
Mackeys Ferry Marina
(252) 793-5031
Address: 417 Mackeys Ferry Road, Roper, NC 27970
http://www.mackeysmarina.com
Lat/Lon: 35 56.022 North/076 36.471 West
Location: on the western shores of Mackeys Creek (also known as Kendrick Creek), north of the charted 8-foot fixed bridge
Haul-outs via Travelift/Railway – Tonnage: Travelift – 16 tons
Bottom Painting: Available
Mechanical Repairs – Diesel Engines: No
Mechanical Repairs – Gasoline Engines: No
Other Repair Services: None
“DIY” Allowed: Yes
Marine Supply Store:
Storage Available – Wet/Dry: on-site
Minimum Approach/Dockside Depth: 6 feet
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Sep 28, 2011by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
A Good Report from Dismal Swamp Canal, AICW Alternate Route
The Great Dismal Swamp Canal route southbound departs the primary AICW – North Carolina-Virginia Cut, south of Norfolk at Statute Mile 7.2 and begins officially at Deep Creek Lock at Mile 10.6. Elizabeth City at statute mile 50.5 is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
We traversed the Dismal Swamp canal today. We highly recommend this route as a quiet, picturesque “Lewis and Clark” channel to reach Elizabeth City. Both locks are on full schedule. The floating debris was no more than usual. Water depth was at least 6.5′ and over 7.5′ in many sections. There was no smoke in the air although the swamp fire is not fully contained. There was no excessive vegetation, as there had been earlier in September.
We’re tied up tonight at Elizabeth City and had a great dinner at Cypress Creek Grill across the street. We’re headed across Albermarle tomorrow before the forecasted front kicks up the wind.
Capt. Wendy Young aboard “Blue Crab” Island Gypsy 32.
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—
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Sep 28, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Cypress Cove Marina (off the AICW, off the southern Shores of Albemarle Sound)
Cypress Cove Marina
(252) 796-0435
Address: 175 Ramp Road, Columbia, NC 27925
http://www.cypresscovenc.com
Lat/Lon: 35 55.034 North/076 16.627 West
Location: south of the Scuppernong River’s flashing daybeacon #7
Haul-outs via Travelift/Railway – Tonnage: Travelift – 25 ton
Bottom Painting: Available
Mechanical Repairs – Diesel Engines: Available
Mechanical Repairs – Gasoline Engines: Available
Other Repair Services: fiberglass, electric, marine carpentry – full service
“DIY” Allowed: Limited
Marine Supply Store: on-site
Storage Available – Wet/Dry: Both Available
Minimum Approach/Dockside Depth:4 feet
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Sep 27, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments 35.8445,-75.65369999
Wanchese Dock and Haul (off the AICW, off Crotoan Sound)

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Wanchese Dock and Haul
(252) 473-3338
Address: 32 Beverly Dr, Wanchese, NC 27981
Lat/Lon: 35 50.672 North/075 39.218 West
Location: entrance channel cuts into the western shores of Roanoke Island, off Crotoan Sound, well east of marker #10
Haul-outs via Travelift/Railway – Tonnage: Travelift, 35 ton
Special Note: this yards caters mostly to vessels between 36 and 45 feet LOA, and while pleasurecraft are certainly serviced, many of this yard’s customers are commercial fishing craft
Bottom Painting: Available
Mechanical Repairs – Diesel Engines: work done by sub-contractors
Mechanical Repairs – Gasoline Engines: work done by sub-contractors
Other Repair Services: sub-contracted
“DIY” Allowed: Yes
Marine Supply Store: can order parts overnight
Storage Available – Wet/Dry: Wet and Dry – 800 feet of dock space
Minimum Approach/Dockside Depth: 4 1/2 feet
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Sep 26, 2011by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Highest Praise for Staff of Northwest Creek Marina, Off the AICW and Neuse River, near New Bern, NC
Northwest Creek Marina lies off the eastern shores of Northwest Creek, north of charted McCotter Point.
Please excuse me adding to my previous comments on Northwest Creek Marina but, with the passing of Hurricane Irene recently I really feel it’s worth adding:
The standard of preparation and service at this marina went WAY beyond anything we have experienced in any other marina. During the storm (`during’,mind you) the staff were OUT ON THE DOCKS checking and adjusting the boats’ lines and hauling boats when needed. Carol & I were safely tucked into the hotel overlooking the marina throughout the storm and took videos (which can be seen at http://www.HurricaneIrene.Muttlets.Com) of the staff working in 60mph winds and water up to their chests. Several owners had left headsails up and the staff went round removing them and stowing them safely (remember, Irene was expected to be a cat2+ hurricane on arrival). They had lines strung across the marina channels to reduce any damage which might be caused if a boat did break away. They dismantled all the mains power units.
After the storm, we had power back on the docks just as soon as the power company had returned power to the Fairfield Harbour area and all the cross channel lines cleared ready for the next weekend.
I can’t say enough good things about this marina. It just keeps getting better!
They really earned the money we pay there and more (although I won’t tell them that, just in case!).
Fergus & CarolMcLean
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Northwest Creek Marina and Fairfield Harbor
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Sep 26, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Bluewater Outer Banks Yacht Service (off the AICW, off Roanoake Sound, in Wanchese, NC)
Bluewater Outer Banks Yacht Service
(252) 475-1420
Address: 920 Harbor Road, Wanchese, NC 27961
http://http://www.bluewateryachtsales.com/content/locations/bluewater-outer-banks-yacht-service
Lat/Lon: 35 50.602 North/075 37.223 West
Location: lies on the northeastern shores of Wanchese (Roanoke Island) Harbor, a short hop northwest of the harbor entrance
Haul-outs via Travelift/Railway – Tonnage: Travelift, 75 ton
Bottom Painting: Available
Mechanical Repairs – Diesel Engines: Available
Mechanical Repairs – Gasoline Engines: Available
Other Repair Services: Electrical, Fiberglass, Marine Carpentry
“DIY” Allowed: Yes
Marine Supply Store: Ship’s store on-site
Storage Available – Wet/Dry: Both Available
Minimum Approach/Dockside Depth: 7-8 feet
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Sep 25, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
River Forest Shipyard (Statute Mile 135.5)
River Forest Shipyard
A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR
(252) 943-2151 Ext.1

Address: P. O Box 295, Belhaven, NC 27810-0295
http://www.riverforestmanor.com
Statute Mile: 135.5
Lat/Lon: 35 32.319 North/076 36.623 West
Location: lies on the southwesterly branch of Battalina Creek, west – northwest of Pungo River marker #1, off Tooleys Point
Haul-outs via Travelift/Railway – Tonnage: Travelift – 40 ton
Bottom Painting: Available
Mechanical Repairs – Diesel Engines: Available
Mechanical Repairs – Gasoline Engines: Available
Other Repair Services: Electrical, Fiberglass, Props, Shafts, Marine Carpentry
“DIY” Allowed: Yes
Marine Supply Store: large parts department on-site
Storage Available – Wet/Dry: Both Available
Minimum Approach/Dockside Depth: 7 to 9 feet
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Sep 24, 2011by: Claiborne Young 1 Comment
Belhaven Waterway Marina (Statute Mile 135.5)
Belhaven Waterway Marina
A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR
(252) 944-0066

Address: 332 East Water Street, Belhaven, NC 27810
http://www.belhavenmarina.com/
Statute Mile: 135.5
Lat/Lon: 35 32.188 North/076 37.344 West
Location: lies on the northeastern banks of Pantego Creek, north of marker #9
Haul-outs via Travelift/Railway – Tonnage: Railway – 75 ton
Bottom Painting: Available
Mechanical Repairs – Diesel Engines: Available
Mechanical Repairs – Gasoline Engines: Limited
Other Repair Services: Fiberglass, Electrical
“DIY” Allowed: Yes
Marine Supply Store: No
Storage Available – Wet/Dry: Wet Available
Minimum Approach/Dockside Depth: 7-8 feet
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Ray Kurlak - April 30, 2013 - 10:19 am

There are a few choices in the Belhaven area, which is the first area when going southbound that offers marina stops after Coinjock, other than the Alligator River Marina (which is a good stop in bad weather). Over the years the choices have evolved as the marinas have changed. We find the Belhaven Waterway Marina to be best because it is located in “downtown” Belhaven near a few stores and several restaurants. All other nearby marinas are some distance away from this area.
The marina is located inside the breakwater on Pantego Creek just off the Pungo River. It is reached by following the marked channel up the creek (past the River Forrest Marina) to the next dock area on the starboard side adjacent to a newly built multiple story condominium development. The entrance is a narrow channel next to the condos that is identified by a marina sign and a prominent gazebo. The dockage is along a fixed face dock on the port side of the channel. Water depth can be an issue when entering the channel, but we’ve brought in two boats with 5.5 foot draft without a problem.
The nearby “Fish Hooks” restaurant is one of a few popular seafood restaurants in the area. There is no fuel at this stop. But the marina owner is a well regarded boat repair mechanic if service is needed.
Ray Kurlak
Reply to Ray
Sep 23, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
McCotters Marina and Repair Yard (off the AICW, off Pamlico River, near Washington, NC)
McCotters Marina and Repair Yard
A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR
(252) 975-2174

Address: 179 McCotters Marina Rd., Washington, NC 27889
http://www.mccotters.com
Lat/Lon: 35 29.317 North/076 57.491 West
Location: on the western banks of Broad Creek, south of marker #6
Haul-outs via Travelift/Railway – Tonnage: Travelift – 75 ton
Bottom Painting: Available
Mechanical Repairs – Diesel Engines: Available
Mechanical Repairs – Gasoline Engines: Available
Other Repair Services: Outboard Engines, Electrical, Fiberglass, Marine Carpentry
“DIY” Allowed: Yes
Marine Supply Store: on-site
Storage Available – Wet/Dry: Both Available
Minimum Approach/Dockside Depth: 6-feet
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Sep 22, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Captain Sams Boatyard (off the AICW, off Pamlico River, near Washington, NC)
Captain Sams Boatyard
(252) 975-2266
Address: 300 McCotters Marina Road, Washington, NC 27889
http://www.yachtworld.com/captainsams/captainsams_9.html
Lat/Lon: 35 29.234 North/076 57.482 West
Location: on the western banks of Broad Creek, south of marker #6
Haul-outs via Travelift/Railway – Tonnage: Travelift – 20 ton
Bottom Painting: Available
Mechanical Repairs – Diesel Engines: Available
Mechanical Repairs – Gasoline Engines: Available
Other Repair Services: Fiberglass, Electrical, Air Conditioning, Painting
“DIY” Allowed: Yes
Marine Supply Store: parts and supplies can be delivered
Storage Available – Wet/Dry: Both Available
Minimum Approach/Dockside Depth: 6-feet
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Sep 18, 2011by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
River Dunes Marina, Recommended Hurricane Hole, AICW Statute Mile 173.5
River Dunes Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located off the AICW’s run along Neuse River, in Broad Creek between unlighted daybeacons #1 and #2.
Cruising News:
River Dunes, the safest Marina to dock your boat in a hurricane. No damage from Irene and when electric went off we had a generator for the fuel pumps. Just installed more floating docks with a few slips left to rent. What a great place.
Clifford Kisby
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For River Dunes Marina
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Sep 17, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Dowry Creek Marina Photo Gallery
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Sep 17, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Clarks Marina Photo Gallery
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Sep 17, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Big Trout Marina Photo Gallery
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Sep 16, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Anchorage Marina (Ocracoke) Photo Gallery
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