The AICW stretch south of Swansboro, NC, where the Waterway runs behind ultra shallow Browns Inlet is shaping up to be the single worst North Carolina section of the AICW during the fall, 2013 transient season. Of course, the Waterway’s intersections with both Lockwoods Folly Inlet and Shallotte Inlet, south of Southport, NC, are pretty bad as well, but at least dredging is planned for these latter areas later this year. We asked SSECN strategic partners, Captain Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com), to take an in-depth look at this AICW Problem Stretch, during their fall, 2013 journey south. As you will see in their report below, this cruising duo has done a wonderful job of putting together a plan to keep to the best depths, at least for the moment. Depart from this plan of action, and you can find your vessel is less then 3 feet of water at MLW!!!
Passed Browns Inlet at 10 AM [10/29/13 – Editor], that was at exactly low tide, and found the problem spot without any effort. We passed mid way between the mainland side and floating green “61A” and found depths of 2.9 to 3 feet. Of course we draw 4 feet. Passing red “60” stay well to the mainland side and the channel will carry 9 feet as you approach green “61A”. Passing “61A” consider the mid channel point the ocean side of the deep water and the shore the mainland side of the channel. That will get you through just fine. The shoal is abrupt as it goes from 8 feet to 2.9 in a short boat length. Chuck and Susan Trawler Beach House
We just passed Brown’s Inlet statue mile 237 as the US Coast Guard was repositioning G61A around 11:15 Oct 31/13. Phyllis Davenport
We passed through this spot on 11/8/13 about mid-tide and observed red floatie `60’³ and green floatie `61A’in nearly a straight line heading southbound. The owner of Caspers Marina in Swansboro said these markers had just been reset. We passed close aboard the red, turned to starboard, rounded the green about 100 ft off our port side, and then returned to the main channel. Our lowest sounding was 6.3′. Three other vessels with 5’+ draft passed through following the same route with no problem. I don’t think I would want go through at low tide. Jake Smith S/V `Ginger’s Mercedes’
Whenever I get together with a group of cruisers interested in exploring Georgia’s coastal waters, the topic always seems to arise about whether it’s better to berth at one of the several transient friendly marinas in Thunderbolt, GA, and then take a taxi into the Savannah Historic District, or cruise upstream to Savannah, and spend some time at SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Savannah Hyatt Docks, or one of the other downtown Savannah facilities. A part of these discussions the possibility is almost always raised at to whether your vessel will be jostled by the wake of a passing freighter or other ocean going vessel. Happily, Captain Tom reports below that he did not encounter any such problems during his visit.
For years, I have read how rough the wakes are on the Savannah River, right downtown; but pleaded with myself to give it a personal try. It was actually fine. The big freighters which pass on average once an hour do not kick up the water that much, the tugs and ferries some more but still not uncomfortable. The only major wake maker was a Coast Guard vessel making a non-emergency run so fast that he was sending water over the top of his boat too. Savannah has so much to offer in history and culinary delight. Patsy and I have not had so much excellent Southern cooking in our memory, even the grits were always done properly. A history buff could stay on the River forever and still learn new things. Then, there is the River itself. TV could not hold a candle to the entertainment of seeing the River activity with so many boats coming and going or people just walking the river side. The dockage rates are high but well worth the experience. Include Savannah in your cruising plans. Stay safe, Tom
We are on the Savannah River docks right now. We always stop here going N and S. Take the visitors center elevator to town level and walk up Bull St. You see all the best squares of the town. It is not too bad wake wise. Huge container ships come and go all night. Last night though I awoke to a very loud blast that in my sleep sounded like my alarm clock. It was a freighters horn which lasted over a minute right outside the boat. At least on this stop the trumpet player looking for tips, who repeated `the Saints ‘ incessantly and badly played, was missing. It’s all part of the experience. Greg Han
I, too recommend a trip up the river to Savannah. Most of the time you are fine, but the occasional heavy wake does mean you should take some extra care tieing up and put out your biggest fenders. You are right in the middle of Savannah, so it is great for enjoying the restaurants, strolling, and the night life. It is one of the most walkable cities on the ICW, though there is no large grocery store nearby’“enjoy the many great eateries. One night I heard a loud saxophone playing and stuck my head out of the hatch to find out we were the scenic backdrop for a live musician performing before a large crowd. John Kettlewell
In the “good old days,” cruisers could continue southbound on the AICW all the way to marker #35, and then cut directly southeast on the Gallants Channel,thereby cruising past Town Creek, under the Grayden Paul Bridge, and thence to Taylor Creek and the primary downtown Beaufort, NC waterfront. DO NOT TRY THIS ROUTE NOW UNLESS YOU ARE PILOTING A CANOE! For many years now, the northwestern tip of the Gallants Channel, where it intersects the Waterway at #35, has shoaled in completely. Thus, southbound AICW craft, bent on a visit to Beaufort, must abandon the Waterway between markers #29 and #30, and run the marked Russel Slue Channel, until intersecting the Gallants Channel southwest of marker #7. Below Captains Chuck Baier and Susan Landry, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com) provide an in-depth review of the Russell Slue – Gallants Channel route to Beaufort. THANKS CHUCK AND SUSAN! Before getting on to Susan and Chuck’s article, let’s just quickly note another alternative passage to cruise from the AICW to Taylor Creek and the Beaufort waterfront. There is an unnamed (at least on the chart, though the locals call it the “Bulkhead Channel”) channel that leads from Beaufort Inlet to Taylor Creek. This is the deeper and easier to follow of the two routes to Beaufort, discussed here, and it should be your choice if your vessel draw more than 5 1/2 feet. We should also note this Beaufort Inlet to Taylor Creek route is much more convenient for northbound AICW vessels, but, by going out of your way just a bit, any vessel navigating the Waterway, or entering from the briny blue by way of Beaufort Inlet, can make use of this passage!
Edenton, North Carolina by Chuck Baier and Susan Landry We came down the ICW from Core Creek and took Russell Slough to Gallants Channel. We found the channel well marked and plenty of depth. The lowest water in Russel Slough that we saw was at the 7 foot spot marked on the chart, but we found 11 feet and this was at low tide. In Gallants Channel we found 9 feet MLW at green “7” where it meets Russell Slough. The rest of the channel depths run from 15 to over 20 feet and near the bridge we found depths in the 20 to 30 feet range. The bridge opens on the hour and half hour. Chuck and Susan, Trawler Beach House
Bridge Pointe Marina, a new SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, flanks the southern banks of the Trent River (off the Neuse River), opposite the downtown New Bern, NC waterfront. This fine facility is re-opening after more than a year of rebuilding their floating dock system which sustained major damage in hurricane Irene in August of 2012. As you can see from the announcement below, Bridge Pointe Marina is now back in full swing!
BridgePointe Hotel & Marina has brand new floating boat slips located at the confluence of the Trent and Neuse Rivers. Our new state-of-the-art marina includes Brazilian Ipe hardwood docks, free wireless internet, metered electric and fresh water connections for each slip. Our newly redesigned and completely renovated marina lounge includes showers, restrooms, charcoal grills, laundry, and a comfortable air conditioned sitting area. BridgePointe Marina can accommodate vessels up to 150 feet in length in our deep water slips. We will be offering a special rate for a limited time, so be sure to contact our Marina Manager Jesse Schmucker today at (252)637-7372 or by email at bridgepointemarina@colwenhotels.com. Visit us online at http://www.bridgepointehotelandmarina.com. Thank you, Gary Curry General Manager BridgePointe Hotel & Marina
The AICW follows the short and narrow, man-made canal known as Hell Gate between the Vernon and Ogeechee Rivers. These waters have been an “AICW Problem Stretch” for years.
Captain Kipnis’s report agrees with a report from June of this year, /?p=117878, but does not agree with a report from earlier this month, /?p=125114. However you choose to rely on these reports, SSECN advises that you take Captain Kipnis’s advice and navigate this Problem Stretch at mid to high tide.
With a 2′ tide, we saw between 4.3′ and 4.5′ midchannel between G89 and G91. Wait for mid-tide on this one! We have a 3′ draft and found only 1.5′ under our keel. At low tide, we would have been aground.
Numerous reports on shoaling in this Problem Stretch have been filed recently and the report below was copied with permission from the blog of Mike Dickens of Paradise Yachts, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’NET SPONSOR! See also: /?p=125227
Some notes of interest for those cruising south on the ICW near Swansboro, half mile north of marker 58 south of Swansboro there was some shoaling…6′. At marker 61 they only had 3.9 feet under the keel. At Mason Inlet, north of Wrightsville Beach they hit bottom; 8.9 feet of water in the middle of the channel (marker 121). Mike Dickens Broker of Record Paradise Yachts 1417 Sadler Road Box 183 Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 904/556-9431
October 24, 2013 Charging up the channel near Brown’s Creek I noticed a few boats doing circles. A powerboat trying to pass 63 close to the marker went aground. A southbound Island Packet found the water too thin well to the right of the channel. I found the only way to get past the marker was to pass it on the wrong side feeling my way toward a keg that was moored outside the channel in the inlet. A long arc leaving green 63 well to my right gave me enough water to re-enter the channel just beyond 63. I had about 6 feet of water at 4:30 p.m. today. Unfortunately, I had to leave 2 boats aground behind me. There is absolutely no way you can carry even 4 feet through the channel. What a great location for a towboat to hang out! Chuck Gleason Symphony (Caliber 40 5 ft draft)
Newfound Harbor provides the best collection of anchorages off Hawk Channel between Marathon and Key West. The channels are well marked, and any cruiser with a chart plotter and/or good DR navigation can find a host of good spots to drop the hook.
I was pleasantly surprised today while anchored out in Newfound Harbor in the FL Keys. We were on our way back from Dry Tortugas to Marathon, but the winds and seas were supposed to pick up so we pulled into one of our favorite anchorages in Newfound Harbor. It looked like we would be stuck here for a while and we were getting concerned about our holding tank. On Friday morning we hear a boat come by and ask if anyone is on board. We thought it was just someone being friendly, but when we look it is a boat marked as a pump-out boat. They gave us a free pump out funded by FL registration fees. They said all I had to do was register and I could get a pump-out every week, free, paid for by the state of FL. I filled out the simple form and they pumped me out at no cost, but they were happy when I tipped them. They said they offer this service from Islamarada to Key West, and their web site is http://po-keys.com/ I am very happy to see this happening in Monroe County and hope that this spreads throughout the world. Ron Olson
Thank you so much for the brief on the Hawk channel pumpout! Living some distance away but planning on sailing through Florida next spring all I have been reading made one feel that conchs had had it with tourist and planned on making it as difficult as possible to sail without going outside! This story indicates that that thinking was just crazy, thank you so much. Capt. Jerry Robbins
Most mooring fields are handled by the local municipal marina whom you would contact, by phone or VHF, once you have moored. Phone numbers are listed in our Marina Directory. Some marinas, like Carolina Beach, will actually come out to your boat to collect the fee. Others, mostly in Florida, require that you come into the marina in person and will not accept payment via credit card over the phone. Some marinas, like St. Augustine Municipal Marina, offer launch service when you don’t have a dinghy. Suggest that you see /?p=112455 for experiences/suggestions from other boaters. As to parking your trailer, we’ll have to rely on responses from readers for answers to that. I do know that often launch ramps and parking are adjacent to or near municipal marinas, such as at Fort Pierce City Marina.
I am a newby at this cruising . How does one go about finding out how much and how to pay for these mooring fields and hookups to a mooring ball ?? I have a Macgregor 26s and where do I park my truck and trailer for cruises overnite and longer ?? thanks for any info . Coot
In New England, where there are tons of rental moorings and they are relatively expensive, it is almost universal that someone comes by in the evening to collect a fee, or they do so when they direct you where to tie up. No paperwork, just pay up. In Florida, they seem to require you to register and fill out multi-page forms at a dock, before being asigned a mooring for the night. Trailer parking varies a lot too’“many marinas and boatyards have launch ramps and you can usually park for a fee, some municipalities charge also, while others are free for both parking and launching. There is usually a time limit. Varies a lot. John Kettlewell, author of The Complete Cockpit Cruising Guide
A further thought on this is that moorings in Florida are few and far between. You certainly can’t count on finding a rental mooring every night unless you stay close to one of the few mooring fields. Off hand I think you can find moorings in Fernandina, St. Augustine, Titusville, Vero Beach, Stuart, Dinner Key, Marathon, and Key West. On the West Coast of Florida there are moorings at Ft. Myers Beach, Punta Gorda, Sarasota and in St. Petersburg. There may be a few others I haven’t mentioned, but not enough so you could travel the coast and find a mooring every night. You should be prepared to anchor out, and on occasion use marinas too. John Kettlewell
Click Charlet Above To Open Chart View Page Centered on Edenton, NC
Edenton, NC, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, holds a special place in my own heart. During my younger days, this historic community often served as a “base of operations” as my Father and I searched the waters of all the nearby rivers for that elusive quarry known as the largemouth bass. I won’t preempt Susan and Chuck’s superbly written story below, but let me just quickly say that I totally agree with their premise that Edenton is one of the most attractive, historic and friendly ports of call to be found anywhere on Southeastern USA coastal waters. If Edenton actually sat along the track of the AICW, it would be as popular as Beaufort. With its real-world position on the western tip of Albemarle Sound, it take a bit of effort to reach Edenton’s shores, but, just read on, and we think you will quickly agree the happy results are more than worth the effort!!! We are once again greatly indebted to Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com) for providing the superb, in-depth article and copious photographs, contained in the article below. THANKS CHUCK AND SUSAN! Please read on!
Edenton, North Carolina by Chuck Baier and Susan Landry
From a boater’s perspective, Edenton, North Carolina is one of those destinations you have to want to go to. We left Elizabeth City and traveled some 15 miles down the Pasquotank River to the Albemarle Sound. The Albemarle is best known for its unpleasant conditions if the weather is not right. Under normal conditions, it’s no different than any other body of water we have transited. Once into the Albemarle from the Pasquotank, the trip is another 35 miles or more west to the entrance to Edenton harbor. (It is more than 40 miles off the primary AICW, North Carolina – Virginia Cut route.) The water depths are fine for the entire trip, but do keep a sharp lookout for the many commercial floats marking traps that can extend far out into the Sound.
Approach to Edenton City Docks
The Edenton town docks have a full time Harbormaster and staff, but they don’t monitor the VHF radio. To make arrangements for a slip, Buddy the Harbormaster, can usually be reached at 252-339-4316. The docks can be reserved in advance, and you can even make reservations for next year if you can plan that far ahead. The best thing to do is to call ahead and let them know you’re coming, and then call again when the boat is in the approach channel to the harbor. The water depths approaching the town docks averaged 10½ to 12 feet all the way in and 11 feet coming into the basin. The docks are surrounded by a concrete seawall that helps keep the waves down from any southerly winds. It can still get a little rolly, but not uncomfortable if the wind kicks up. From any other direction, the basin is completely protected. As you arrive, the first thing that will greet you at the harbor entrance is the old, picturesque Roanoke River Lighthouse that is being restored and will soon open to the public. Inside the protected basin, we had a dockhand waiting to assist us in getting into our slip. The slips vary in size, and for larger boats, there are places to tie up along the inside of the breakwater. There is power and water at the slips and the first 48 hours of dockage is free. The power is charged at $3.00 per day for 30-amp service and $6.00 per day for 50-amp service. After 48 hours, there is an additional fee of $1.00 per foot per day for a maximum of 7 days in a month.
Revolutionary War Cannons Guarding Entry from Albemarle Sound - 300th Anniversary Banner
For boaters, the town offers the use of a vehicle for running errands and provisioning. The grocery and laundry are 2-3 miles from the dock, and other shopping and services are as far or farther. There is a local taxi service for any short hops that might be needed if the loaner car is not available. The docks are located at a park and the restrooms are part of the park building. Separate showers are available and boaters need the combination to access the showers. The restrooms are closed at night after park hours but the showers have heads and sinks. There is free wifi at the docks and water hook ups as well. Dockside services and repairs are available as is a diver if needed. The Harbormaster can provide contact phone numbers and any other information that might make your stay more pleasant. There are kayak and paddleboard rentals right next to the park with very scenic waterways to explore either by kayak or your own dinghy. Beautiful parks line the waterfront for a casual stroll or just relaxing on a bench to watch the world go by. For some major exercise, there are tennis courts and an excellent golf course nearby, The Chowan Golf and Country Club. For those of us that prefer walking as a form of exercise, there are walking tours of the beautiful historic homes and sites, or a riding tour on a trolley for those that prefer their sightseeing a little more relaxed.
Downtown Edenton is one of the prettiest, historic small towns we have visited thus far. The streets are lined with buildings that date back to the seventeen and eighteen hundreds, and the shops are filled with restaurants, galleries and a major hardware store. Byrum Hardware is a combination old style hardware, gift and craft shop and even houses a Radio Shack. There is the historic Taylor Movie Theater showing feature films in new digital format every evening.
Downtown Edenton
The Waterman’s Grill offers excellent food at affordable prices. The Edenton Coffee Shop makes the best cup of coffee, latte or iced coffee we have found anywhere, and hosts a band on Friday nights. The music can range from jazz to gospel. And our favorite, ice cream, can be found at The Soda Shoppe, an old fashion soda fountain style shop that sells ice cream, shakes, sandwiches and snacks. Along with great food and drinks, you will find some of the friendliest people you will meet anywhere. Walking down the sidewalk will get you a smile and a hello, and passing motorists will always wave as they go by. Edenton is one of those laid back towns where we keep waiting for Sheriff Andy and Opie to come around the corner with fishing poles over their shoulders.
The best word to describe the many beautiful historic homes along the tree lined streets of Edenton is spectacular. Never have we seen so many well preserved homes. If you take away the paved streets, power lines and automobiles, it’s easy to imagine walking along in the 1700s and saying hello to the many residents as they enjoy an afternoon on the front porch. One well manicured garden after another can fill an entire afternoon’s stroll. If pampering yourself is in your schedule, there are 3 salons on Broad Street alone and a day spa that is reported to give excellent massages right on the harbor. The Library across the street from the docks offers yoga daily. Edenton truly has something for everyone.
Edenton City Dock Basin
Ah, but we’re not done yet. During this current visit, Edenton was having its 300 year celebration with many events scheduled over the coming months. A Farmers Market is held every other Saturday and the local airport holds `Wings Over Edenton,’ an air show with exhibits, on a regular basis. The annual Peanut Festival is a don’t miss, and you never know what celebration the town has prepared in any month of the year. Tours of many of the historic homes are available on a regular basis, and, during the Christmas Season, you can tour some of the homes and apartments over the many shops in the downtown area. Edenton is rich in our nation’s history and the town has done an excellent job of preserving that history for everyone to enjoy, such as the current renovations to the exterior of the Barker House on the waterfront.
We said you have to want to come to Edenton by boat, the question really is, why wouldn’t you want to come to Edenton by boat? We enjoyed our short time there and our only problem was making ourselves untie the dock lines and continue on our cruise. It would have been very easy to linger for a while and had we been in a position to have more time before colder weather set in, we would have done exactly that. Beach House has visited many friendly harbors in our travels, but we have to say, Edenton, North Carolina shot to the top of our list of the friendliest harbors we have visited to date. You have to go there.
“One and Only Anchorage” lies on the eastern shore of the Waterway, south of flashing green daybeacon #17, and just north of the San Pablo Bridge. It is considered the only safe anchorage in the Jacksonville Beach area, thus its unusual name.
Anchored here now, Tuesday the 22nd of October. We found the 15′ ish spot that was referenced. It’s on the NE side about 200′ yards away from the bridge near the marsh. We were (well, my husband Mike was) able to walk the dogs for a much needed stop. Yes, the traffic from the bridge is not serenity but it’s a nice spot. Only one abandoned sailboat here on the other shore near the docks ‘“ little Cat 22’ if I’m not mistaken. Men on the bridge (lower bridge) are fishing for trout after work. Current is quite strong it seems. That is the report from here. Day two of our adventure on our new boat ‘“ a 39’ Allied Mistress who’s been so well maintained it’s insane. God bless the prior owners, the Diechtrich’s from Canada! Mo & Mike (or Mike & Mo) from S/V Mi Amante
Just be sure not to anchor too close to the marsh ‘“ it drops off like a cliff! Mo and Mike
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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