Question about Frying Pan Shoals, Cape Fear, NC
This reader is seeking advice about navigation Frying Pan Shoals from east to west at the large shoal off the tip of Cape Fear. If you have experience in those waters, let us hear from you!
Hi! I have a quick question that I am hoping that you can answer. We currently dock a 20 foot boat in Wrightsville Beach. We are looking to move to an older 45-50 foot Viking by July of 2015. At that time we may move to Southport area as our hailing port. I am originally form up north and still learning the NC waters. Is it possible to navigate across the FP shoals at the 3 mile line or do you need to be closer to the FP Shoals Slue or the territorial line. Looking at a chart is appears that the 3 mile line depth is a bit variable.
Thank you in advance for your time reviewing this note.
Regards, Tom
Thomas N. Denny
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Frying Pan Shoals
Comments from Cruisers (3)
I just went through the Slue the other day and it is an easy navigational route. I went through with an 85 foot cruiser. I like to stay outside if possible, love to see the sunrise and set while at sea. All of the marine life too. Do not like the ditch unless it is rough out.
ICW is a very nice run from Wrightsville to Carolina Beach to the Cape Fear River then Southport. 24 miles I think. A lot shorter and both the Waterway and River are beautiful thru this stretch. Only go outside to sail with prevailing wind.
October 26 at 3:24pm
the Slue is the only way to safely cross, why not go south on the ICW?
Wes Abell