Praise for Beaufort Municipal Docks, AICW Statute Mile 201
Captain Hipple’s comments are in response to recent widely varying points of view concerning the Beaufort Municipal Docks in Beaufort, NC. See /?p=126312
Date: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 12:41:17 -0500
I have been stopping at the Beaufort Town Docks, along with just about every other marina along the AICW, for over 25 years. I have done this in everything from a 30 foot cruiser to the 130 foot motor yacht I currently operate. During all those years I have never experienced anything other than professional, knowledgeable and pleasant service from the entire dock crew at the marina.
While it is true that the laundry and showers are of no consequence to us on this boat, they were for many years but were never a major problem. I been there for an overnight stop and have also spent a month there rebuilding an
engine.
The docks may not be state of the art but they are strong and safe. I have ridden out 2 tropical storms there. One on a 70 foot Hatteras and the other on the 130 foot tri-deck motor yacht without any problems. All the dock guys were there to assist in securing the boats and some stayed through the night to help if needed. They were there along with TowBoat US to remove this sail boat that broke loose from its mooring, before it damaged, or sunk the trawler it got tangled with.
Some of the power pedestals are indeed made of wood but who cares? The power is good and reliable. This is one of the few marinas along the coast where we can get 2, 208V 3 phase power outlets on several docks, while there are still 50 amp and 30 amp outlets for the smaller boats. This is something you will not find in most marinas, even the “state of the art” ones. The Charleston City Marina’s Mega dock is great but 90% of the time we can’t get electric.
The water is good and fuel is available in most of the slips. The Wi-Fi works fine and is free.
The location is among the best on the coast with shops and restaurants across the street. Anything else you desire is easily reached by one of several courtesy cars that the marina makes available at no cost.
As for cost, $1.95/ft. and $6 for electric described in the article, is in the range of similar stops, many of which do not have amenities like loaner cars or Wi-Fi___33. Moorhead City Yacht Basin is $2.00/ft. or $1.80 BoatUS, Oriental Marina and Inn is $1.90/ft., River Dunes is $1.50/ft. and $5 for electric, Beaufort SC is $1.85/ft. and $6 electric.
I consider the Beaufort Docks one of the best stops on the East coast and I look forward to our next visit in the spring.
Captain Bill Hipple
M/Y Lady Kath
There is a lot less current at the marinas in Morehead City and a lot more protection. And the `Praise’ comments mentioned the cheapest, under 35ft rate or $1.95, not the $2.30 rate that applies to boats over 36ft. While the dock crew is indeed good in Beaufort, they have to be because the location is swept with current and the channel occupied by untended boats on moorings, none of which exist at the other options available in the area. Beaufort simply overcharges for a less attractive boating experience. If that appeals, great.
Roger Arrowood
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Beaufort Municipal Docks
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