A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, Downtown Marina is located north of AICW marker #239, a short distance west of the Lady’s Island swing bridge, in the heart of downtown Beaufort. Our thanks to Charlie and Jackie for these good words.
9-20-18. Over night at Downtown Marina at Beaufort. As usual terrific spot. Deck hand Troy- very experienced and nice- helped with lines. On inside of face dock. Bath house nice, decent ships store. And the most very nice ladies that take reservations are in the store. Pleasure to deal with. Always a must stop- especially with all the restaurants, shops, etc all so close. There is a new day dock- just for transients to tie up for lunch, etc. Very large and substantial– even looks nice. Good wifi and many air tv channels, but they also have cable. Charlie and Jackie on Traveler
While flooding in the Waterway might solve some depth issues, it creates an entirely new set of problems: off-station markers, shifted channels – especially at inlet/ICW intersections, floating and submerged debris washed from shore, swift currents in normally calm waters, etc. If you are navigating in the upper South Carolina and North Carolina ICW, use great caution and TAKE YOUR TIME! And remember, your wake may be washing into someone’s living room!
Our sincerest thanks to Tom Hale for sharing this detailed look at Waterway conditions following Hurricane Florence in North and South Carolina.
Sept. 17, 2018
As previously suggested and as hoped, the Northern part of the ICW between Norfolk and Beaufort NC is partially operational. Some facilities are fully up and running. Some facilities are damaged but running. Some facilities are closed. However the ICW seems passable with dockage, fuel and water available in places between Norfolk and Beaufort, NC. Those facilities which are open for business are anxious to have cruisers come through. But be aware that many homes and businesses are flooded and already damaged. Be even more careful about your wake, as in flooding conditions your wake is hitting homes and yards. The ICW south of Georgetown SC is operating normally.
But that 125 miles between Beaufort, NC and New River (Myrtle Beach) is still flooding, is lacking electrical power and phone lines, and is several days away from being able to fully report, and weeks or months from being back to normal water levels.
Great Bridge bridge and lock are fully operational.
According to USACE Norfolk District Dismal Swamp Canal is open and the locks and bridges are operating on a normal schedule.
All is OK at Coinjock. Over 20 boats have left and headed to Hatteras, Wanchese, Beaufort and points south! They have not heard of any reported problems in any of the canals and creeks to Beaufort NC.
Alligator River Swing Bridge is operational.
Dowry Creek has power to the office and heads, still working on the dock power. The water is below the docks but is still up 2.5 feet. USCG has been through Alligator Pungo Canal to check ATONs. There are damaged ATONs.
Wilkerson Bridge now at about 60.5 feet
River Forrest Marina has no fuel but is taking reservations. Transient space is limited to smaller vessels. Grocery store is open, downtown restaurants are “drying out” after 4’ of flood water. Main streets are dry this morning, but only just barely. Many parts of town are still flooded. .
9/17 A tug and barge headed north in AP canal this morning, so commercial traffic is resuming.
Hobucken USCG has covered about 20% of their territory. So far AP canal to G7 in Adams creek has been checked. ICW has damaged ATONs.
Jarrett Bay is closed. No Power. Area is devastated. 2 USCG boats went north bound in Adams Creek this morning 9/17.
Homer Smith Docks had no damage. Still has no power but is taking transients. They report that boats are moving up and down the Beaufort waterways with no trouble.
Morehead City Marina is not answering their phone.
Beaufort City Docks are operational. No Power as of noon 9/17. A generator is wired to the fuel pumps, so fuel is available. 2 x 100’ yachts are inbound from Coinjock today.
Onslow Beach Bridge phone not working 9/17
Surf City Bridge phone not working 9/17
Figure 8 Bridge phone not working 9/17
Wrightsville beach bridge 910.256.2886 not answering 9/17/18
Southport NC: All the marinas were spared major damage. There is still no electrical power in the area. The city potable water system has had several major breaks and it is unclear how long it will take to get the water flowing again. All of the roads leading into Southport are washed out and flooded. At this time there is no vehicular access to Southport. The Cape Fear river is expected to crest later this week. There will be significant debris washing though.
Myrtle Beach YC is fully operational with power and water. Center console boats are running in the ICW
Wrightsville Beach Bridge not answering 9/17/18
All bridges in Horry County SC (Myrtle Beach area) are operational! Socastee Swing Bridge, Barefoot Landing and Little River Swing Bridge. Flood waters are still rising inland and it is entirely possible that the bridges will be non-operational at some point as the rivers crest. The 65’ bridges aren’t! Water still high and rising. After Matthew it took weeks for the water to get back to normal levels.
Myrtle Beach YC is fully operational. Center console boats are running in the ICW
Osprey Marina reports that they survived with no damage. The Waccamaw crest is expected Thursday . It could be worse than Mathew. Expect floods and a slow speed zone through Socastee. The 65 foot bridges in Socastee are far less than 65′ right now.
Port of Georgetown is open. Marinas are open and selling fuel.
McClellanville, Leland Oil open reports USCG has checked channel. They have not heard of any problems.
Isle of Palms Marina is fully operational and taking transients. No word yet on the condition of ICW to Georgetown. No boat traffic in ICW except center consoles and work boats.
Ben Sawyer Bridge is now operational and back on normal schedule.
Port of Charleston Open. Charleston Marina is taking transients.
These three anchorages lie off the ICW between the Waterway/Ashley River intersection and the Hwy 17 bascule bridge several hundred yards up the Ashley. See Observations for further comments. Our thanks to Robert Pease for this warning!
I was warned by the marina of a lot of crap on the bottom. My anchor got fouled on long lengths of scrap electrical cable. You may want to put a note of caution on this anchorage. Am currently up the Wando river, very good holding. Robert Pease SV Journey
This non-ICW anchorage and unlisted in Cruisers’ Net’s Anchorage Directories has been mentioned here in the past, see https://cruisersnet.net/34459. Gearry and Stacey are hoping you might have recent experience to share re anchoring there.
We’re considering stopping at Bluffton on our way back to Savannah from Beaufort in a couple of weeks. Any updates/additional information on this anchorage? I’m assuming the public dinghy dock mentioned is the Calhoun Street Dock. Planning to give it a try. Gearry and Stacey
I have anchored many times just past the shrimp boats docked at the Bluffton Oyster Company. Plenty of room for our 43 foot trawler. You can leave a dinghy on the beach next to the boat ramp or at the dinghy dock. One of our favorite spots and well worth the run up from the ICW. Anchoring further down the creek could be tight if a shrimper is going in or out.
A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Myrtle Beach Yacht Club occupies the northerly banks of Coquina Harbor; Coquina Harbor itself cuts into the northern banks of the Waterway, opposite marker #13.
Stayed there over a soggy Memorial Day weekend. Good price ($1/ft with Boat US discount), great facilities, helpful dock personnel (Bud and Lex), friendly locals. Tight entrance, so be careful. Jimbo Jr.
Congratulations to Georgetown, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, home to Harborwalk Marina, also A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, only a boardwalk away from Georgetown’s Historic District for history, entertainment, great food, and shopping! This recognition as Best Coastal Small Town is certainly well deserved! For more on Georgetown, go to FOCUS ON.
Georgetown wins ‘Best Coastal Small Town’ from USA Today
GEORGETOWN, SC – South Carolina’s third oldest city is America’s No. 1 coastal town, according to USA Today and 10Best Reader’s Choice voters.
This stretch of shoaling has been a Problem Stretch for some time and just recently, see https://cruisersnet.net/171976. Our thanks to Bill King for this onsite report confirming shoaling and groundings, as well as good advice about mid to high tide passage.
Crept through at 30-minutes after low tide. This entire stretch between the bridges is a very challenging area. We draw 4′. Stayed in center most of the time for 5′-8′, favored the red side opposite the small inlets for double-digit depths. Just south of the high rise bridge, it is shoal on the red side. A sailboat with 5.5′ draft was aground; 50′ sportfisherman was just off center to red side and being pulled off as we approached. Much less stressful to do this stretch at mid-tide or more. Bill King
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!
The stretch north of the Ben Sawyer Bridge around marker 118 has been a Problem Stretch for years and, as Phillip Mullins notes, the channel is constantly shifting, negating area dredging very quickly. Cruisers’ Net continues to recommend mid to high tide for passage through this stretch.
Return back to our home Marina yesterday at very dead low tide. Made it through the breach Inlet section but read five and six foot deep at the lowest point. From the Isle of Palms Connector Bridge North to Isle of Palms Marina it is 6 ft for several yards before you get to the marina. Saw 5 and 5.5 feet several places. Was able to stay close to marker 118 as we passed along beside it at 6.1 feet. Does not look like the dredging 2 years ago lasted very long. Thought u might want to pass this along to the cruisers. Phillip Mullins
77 Miles in one day – that is definitely a good day’s run, especially through the numerous shallow spots in that stretch. Such tidal luck may be a once in a lifetime occurrence! And that fact that both Downtown Marina of Beaufort and Isle of Palms Marina of Charleston are CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS had a lot to do with it! Well done Phillip.
Left Beaufort South Carolina two hours after low tide from the downtown Marina and caught the incoming tide up the Beaufort River it continued through the Coosaw back into the Waterway and all the way back to Isle of Palms. Could not believe it. 42-foot sail and we averaged 6.6 knots. Saw 7.5 and 8.10 several times. Never had a head current. Could not believe it. Please pass this along to the Northbound Cruisers this spring.
This trip usually takes us two days but on this occasion it took 10 hours. Phillip Mullins
This stretch of shoaling has been a Problem Stretch for some time, see https://cruisersnet.net/153694. Our thanks to Phillip Mullins for this most recent warning.
Just south of IOP connector high-rise bridge Isle of Palms South Carolina red day mark 118. Middle of channel on the magenta line it was four feet deep two hours after low tide on May 2nd. You must hug the Daymark 118 to get around this low spot in the Waterway. It is not marked and I have seen no information about it. There is 10 to 12 feet next to marker 118.
Crept through at 30-minutes after low tide. This entire stretch between the bridges is a very challenging area. We draw 4′. Stayed in center most of the time for 5′-8′, favored the red side opposite the small inlets for double-digit depths. Just south of the high rise bridge, it is shoal on the red side. A sailboat with 5.5′ draft was aground; 50′ sportfisherman was just off center to red side and being pulled off as we approached. Much less stressful to do this stretch at mid-tide or more.
Our thanks to Great Loopers, Jan and David Irons, for sharing their very attractive blog with our readers. The Waterway photography is exceptional! See The Rock Pile for Claiborne Young’s take on this unusual stretch south of Myrtle Beach.
The “Rock Pile” is a man-made canal-like section of the AICW, officially known as the Pine Island Cut, running between Little River and Waccamaw River. The canal is narrow and lined with submerged rocks and a rock shelf, just a foot or two below the water’s surface.
When the USACOE was building this portion of the AICW in the 1930’s they encountered a sold shelf of granite. The Corps simply blasted through this obstruction, but, over the years, the soft silt above and below these rocky outcropping has washed away, making the canal now appear wider than it really is. Also, over the years, many portions of the rock shelf have broken off, and left all sort of underwater rocks waiting to trap keels and underwater hardware. Cruisers are urged to hold as close to the mid-width of the Pine Island Cut as possible, and announce their presence on VHF in case large commercial traffic is approaching, which could force you out of the channel’s mid-line and onto the “rocks,” especially at high tide when the rocks are fully submerged. Our suggestion is to keep a sharp lookout for rocks and IDIOTS!
Cruising the Carolinas, Great Loopers encounter long stretches of ICW lined with cypress swamps & a few scary spots with names like Lockwood Folly & The Rock Pile waiting to snare unexpecting Loopers. Don’t miss Bald Head Island to climb Old Baldy or the Mile Hammock Anchorage where, if you’re lucky, you might see Marines training to protect our freedom. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now
Georgetown, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is home to Harborwalk Marina, also A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, only a boardwalk away from Georgetown’s Historic District for history, entertainment, great food, and shopping!
Port of Call – Georgetown, South Carolina There is a town, whose location astride the confluence of several rivers caught the attention of our nations earliest explorers, as early as 1526 when the Spanish recognized its natural resourcefulness and tried but failed to settle successfully. Then in 1729 the English actually laid out the town; its natural shipping port qualities provided an important role in our fight for independence during the Revolutionary War, and it was virtually unscathed during the Civil War, thriving to its prominence today. You don’t want to miss visiting historic and exciting, Georgetown, South Carolina, a delightful escape form 21st century hustle with its southern charm and hospitality. Sitting where several rivers, the scenic and mysterious Waccamaw, the Great Pee Dee, the Black, and Sampit rivers all yawn lazily into vastness of Winyah Bay, Georgetown constantly calls to mind its rich and storied past. For many years it was South Carolina’s most important port north of Charleston, this jewel of a coastal town retains its character of years ago while a new spirit of success sustains its future. Skippers and Captains who make Georgetown a “port of call” will be greeted with the warm hospitality of this quiet, historic town.
Georgetown County Museum
The heritage of the remarkable rice and indigo eras is important to fully appreciate Georgetown and its surrounding rivers and streams. Anyone who takes the time to examine their charts, will find that Georgetown is perfectly suited to take advantage of waterborne commerce. These same deep and easily navigable streams, today present a multitude of exploration opportunities for pleasure cruises. As you move quietly through these streams they gradually reveal one or more of the fabulous plantation houses that have survived hundreds of years. As you enter Georgetown’s harbor on the Sampit River, the first marina is Hazzard Marine, which you will see on your starboard side. Located a little further from the historical and dining areas, you are still with in a nice easy walk to the towns central area. Hazzard Marine is a full-service marina and boat yard with transient dockage on floating docks, 30/50-amp power, fuel, and pump-outs. Internet link: www.hazzardmarine.com
Further into the harbor on starboard, is Harborwalk Marina. It is on the boardwalk in the heart of Georgetown’s historic district, shopping, and dining areas. Harborwalk Marina has fuel, pump outs, laundry, lounge, showers, and ships store, along with floating and fixed docks with power services for 30/50/100-amp services. I must say, at Harborwalk you are right in the heart of town, right on Front Street where you are just a few enjoyable steps to 16 restaurants, 23 stores, 5 museums, and more all downtown. We strongly suggest that you first stop by the Georgetown Chamber which is on the same grounds as Harborwalk Marina. Pick up a town and tour pamphlet. A little planning can help you get much more accomplished and everyone highly recommends one of the many tour excursions. Ask about the light in the window story surrounding the Heriot-Tarbox House. Ghosts? You will have to see for yourself. Do a quick check to see what is going on in the Francis Marion Park, where there is often “Music In The Park” concerts and be sure to see what the “Swamp Fox Players” are up to. Could be very entertaining. You will easily spot the Clock Tower of the Old Market Building which houses the Rice Museum, a most interesting treasure of the community that helps one understand how Georgetown’s rice and indigo production was a good for some, but there was a sad side also. None-the-less, the town has survived many economic ups and downs and serious disasters. See the story of an African-American, born into slavery and later in life became the first African-American elected to the US House of Representatives. Next door and part of the exhibits is the oldest recovered vessel of colonial times; built around 1730, the Browns Ferry Vessel, a general-purpose freighter in its day, used on the local rivers. It was discovered on the bottom of the Black River in 1974 and has been carefully treated and reconstructed for display. Don’t miss the South Carolina Maritime Museum in the heart of Georgetown’s Historic District. The SC Maritime Museum is the creation of the “Harbor Historical Association” to help celebrate the maritime history of South Carolina and Georgetown, the states second largest port. On exhibit there is the Fresnel lens from the North Island lighthouse; enjoy the museums many programs and events that tell of South Carolina’s storied maritime history. It is also a perfect place to find that unique nautical gift.
Kids at the Museum
Dining is really fun and a treat in Georgetown, with the local “Lowcountry cooking,” casual waterfront dining, to the finer upscale restaurants. Almost every skipper I’ve spoken to has enjoyed “Thomas’s Café” for either breakfast of lunch as well The River Room, or Atlantic House Restaurant, or Beef O’Brady’s, (all my Irish friends), you name it Georgetown has it, from international specialties to local specialties, you will not be without something special to please your appetite. Shopping right in the heart of town is fun, no big box stores, most are owned and operated by local citizens, how refreshing. From antiques to local artisans’ crafts, to coastal boutiques for men and women, there is something for everyone. A great place to find that special birthday, Mother or Father’s Day, Christmas, or personal gift for someone special. If you need to take a night or two off from the live-aboard routine, and that is highly recommended, go get pampered; historic Georgetown is ready to accommodate with a host of fine bed-and-breakfasts inns and motels. Be sure when staying in one of the historic inns to check for the resident ghosts, that so loved Georgetown after their lives here, they have stayed in town. Georgetown once visited, will always be a part of you. Wonderful memories will be created and the warm hospitality will pull you back someday. Stop by, for at least several days or more in this coastal port-of-call. Georgetown’s southern charm is calling you.
As Charleston area boaters know, the opening schedule for Wappoo Creek Bridge has been in a “state of update” for years. Our thanks to experienced cruiser Larry Shick for this latest, more detailed schedule.
New schedule from regulations.gov reads:
(d) SR 171/700 (Wappoo Cut) Bridge across Wappoo Creek, mile 470.8, at Charleston, SC. The draw shall open on signal [weekends and Fed holidays]; except that the draw need not open from 6 a.m. to 9:29 a.m. and 3:31 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, the draw need open only once an hour on the half hour.
With a fixed vertical clearance of 65ft, the John F. Limehouse Bridge crosses the Waterway/Stono River at mile 480. If you have local knowledge of the current in that area, please let John and Cruisers’ Net hear from you.
How fast do the tidal currents run on the Stono River at say the Limehouse Bridge? Thanks. John of Jacksonville
Really depends on when you go through. In my experience, the tide ranges there from roughly 8 feet to 4 feet, depending on lunar phase / time of month. Times closer to the moment after the tide has reached full flood, or epp, will experience the least current. The mid tide changes will and thereafter will experience faster currents. Winston
Tagging onto this subject… For those transiting the ICW/Stono River in this region, PLEASE slow down approaching the floating docks at Ross Marine, just north of the Limehouse bridge. Many people fly by there with no regard for the vessels docked there and or the workers aboard them. Thank you!
With a closed vertical clearance of 7ft, Little River Swing Bridge crosses the Waterway at Statute Mile 347 and will soon be named “Captain Archie Neil ‘Poo’ McLauchlin Swing Bridge.”
As long as they open on demand I’m OK with it. I have a soft spot for Socastee because heading South it means you’re officially finished with the Myrtle Beach ditch and entering the Waccamaw River.
I live in Little River easy for someone traveling the ICW to say the bridge isn’t needed because you don’t live here. As far as the name is concerned it will always be the Little River swing bridge to me. Just as Ian’s waterway or whatever new name has been assigned will always be Poo’s to me.
It doesn’t matter what they name it, it should be named “gone”. It (and the Socastee bridge further south) are impediments to navigation. They were “replaced” by high rise bridges but then left in place
The big bridges were built to replace the swing bridge in LR and Socastee, but after they were completed the locals complained and convinced them to keep operating. I understand their plight, but it would make a whole lot of sense to keep the bridge open (meaning open for boat traffic that is) during non peak traffic periods. 9:00am -11:30, 1:30pm – 4:00pm and after 7:00pm would be my recommendation.
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!
Harborwalk Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS, is only a boardwalk away from Georgetown’s Historic District for history, entertainment, great food and shopping. Harborwalk Marina is the third marina on your starboard side as you enter the protected waters of Georgetown, also A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! And OnSpotWifi is also A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
RE: Harborwalk Marina Expansion, Georgetown SC. Despite this winter’s frigid temperatures and construction issues, we are working to complete the planned upgrades, and despite a slight setback in our time frame, the delay will not keep us from using our current floating docks or our new 200’ floating fuel dock. During the winter months we have also installed “OnSpot Wifi” and have had nothing but great feedback. We hope to see everyone headed north soon!
Chris Carroll, Operations Manager Harborwalk Marina Evening Post Industries P.O. Box 274 525 Front Street Georgetown SC 29440 843-546-4250 843-240-2318 (Cell) www.harborwalkmarina.com ccarroll@harborwalkmarina.com
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