Heading to SC for the Winter

Greetings to all.

First post on this forum. We're a crew of 4 cruising mostly in between NJ and New England during the summer season. This year we decided to extend our season and avoid winterizing hassle by taking our boat to Myrtle Beach, SC.

I was hoping to get some advice on things that are not obvious for someone who's doing the trip for the first time.

After preliminary review of the charts and a cruising guide I have a draft of the following plan (providing that the weather cooperates):

Day 1. Cover NJ coast and do overnight in Cape May (open ocean run).
Day 2. Cape May to Norfolk (open ocean run).
Day 3. Norfolk to Manteo (via Virgina Cut).
Day 4. Manteo to Oriental.
Day 5. Oriental to Wrightsville.
Day 6. Wrightsville to Myrtle Beach.

I'm planning to do a mixed cruise (planing speed and displacement speed). Does this plan looks too aggressive?

It's very likely that I will do most of the legs single handed. Are there any parts of the trip that might be a problem for a single handed captain? The one section that comes to mind is the lock in the VA Cut. Is there a strong current in that lock or I should be able to tie off the stern cleat and run to secure the bow with no issues? We've done few locks during our cruising on the East Coast, but I had my full crew, so securing the boat was not an issue.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Alex.

Alex,
The first thought that comes to mind is why skip all of the great destinations you will pass by? Second what is the speed of your vessel? Third there is no current in the lock and passing through could not be easier. The lift is anywhere from zero to three feet. If you are to take the Virginia cut then you need to study the bridges and their opening times as well as opening restrictions during rush hour. It will take you considerably longer then you think to make the northern sections of that day. I just made the trip north from Marathon to Maine this spring solo in our 48 footer and if you are prepared it is a breeze.

Daddyo said:

Alex,
The first thought that comes to mind is why skip all of the great destinations you will pass by? ...

Click to expand...

Since we're on a tight schedule, the kids are in school and I think that most likely I'll be doing the trip solo, so I was looking at it as just a delivery trip. We mostly planned on doing the stops and take it slower on the way back North in spring (perhaps during spring break).

The way our schedule looks at the moment, is that I can have my crew meet me at Wrightsville and we'll finish the trip together up until Myrtle Beach.

What are the places you think I shouldn't skip, even though I'll be solo?

Also, I've heard too many stories how shallow the AICW is, so I figured if the weather allows I'll try to pick up deeper body of water (Ocean or Sounds) for the delivery trip.

Daddyo said:

...Second what is the speed of your vessel?....

Click to expand...

Cruising planing speed is around 21-22kts. Displacement speed is 7.5kts.

Daddyo said:

Third there is no current in the lock and passing through could not be easier. The lift is anywhere from zero to three feet. ...

Click to expand...

It sounds like as long as it's not blowing hard I should be able to manage alone just fine.

In general, I perfectly understand that the biggest dictator will the weather and I have to be flexible. For this reason I'd like to have Plan A, B and C.

Do you think I'm over thinking the ICW situation and it's fine as long as you're in the channel (I draw 4')? I'm looking at ActiveCaptain and see too many spots reported in some sections. I just hope that not too many of the shallow spots are still not reported.

Since I have planing vessel that can run at faster cruise I figured that I'll be able to mix up my cruising mode, save fuel and go slow and when I need to make up time I'll step on it.

I'm open for recommendations, so if you see something in my approach that doesn't make sense or could be altered, please let me know.

yes your run as a delivery sounds just fine....you may be able to adjust around Norfolk and skip Manteo and press on to Oriental if you can get past Norfolk a bit further and make locks/bridges earlier.

way to much to type...I have made the trip many times as a deliver capt at around 20-23 knots....if you have pre-departure questions or even during the trip...call me at 609-780-2728..especially around happy hour 5-6pm as I'm "happy" to discuss it...

psneeld said:

yes your run as a delivery sounds just fine....you may be able to adjust around Norfolk and skip Manteo and press on to Oriental if you can get past Norfolk a bit further and make locks/bridges earlier.

way to much to type...I have made the trip many times as a deliver capt at around 20-23 knots....if you have pre-departure questions or even during the trip...call me at 609-780-2728..especially around happy hour 5-6pm as I'm "happy" to discuss it...

Click to expand...

That's great, thank you.

I highly doubt that I can get past Norfolk as this would be the longest day from Cape May (~140NM), unless I stop at Ocean City, MD. But, I don't think I'll be happy with only 40NM run. If the weather allows I'd like to do CM to Norfolk in one day, b/c I know that I may be delayed later on.

If I was to go passed the Norfolk, what would be the next preferred port you had in mind?

psneeld said:

yes your run as a delivery sounds just fine....you may be able to adjust around Norfolk and skip Manteo and press on to Oriental if you can get past Norfolk a bit further and make locks/bridges earlier.

Click to expand...

I agree to skip Manteo. It is a good cruising stop, but much shallow water and tricky getting in and out as the channel south is shoally and has a couple of confusing intersections.

If the weather is good you can zip down through Croaton and Pamlico Sounds by passing Belhaven and Hobucken. This should make a shorter day to Oriental. Moonstruck has made it from Morehead City to Norfolk in one day using this route. We cruise about 5 knots faster.

Alex F said:

That's great, thank you.

I highly doubt that I can get past Norfolk as this would be the longest day from Cape May (~140NM), unless I stop at Ocean City, MD. But, I don't think I'll be happy with only 40NM run. If the weather allows I'd like to do CM to Norfolk in one day, b/c I know that I may be delayed later on.

If I was to go passed the Norfolk, what would be the next preferred port you had in mind?

Click to expand...

there are stops all along the way up to Great Bridge...so then it's a foot race if you made time to stop in Coinjock or if you didn't make it that far in great bridge....making bridges is the trick...don't know your restrictions and there are endless possibilities...that's why a 1/2 hour phonecon is like 2 years of emails/posts.

Moonstruck said:

I agree to skip Manteo. It is a good cruising stop, but much shallow water and tricky getting in and out as the channel south is shoally and has a couple of confusing intersections.

If the weather is good you can zip down through Croaton and Pamlico Sounds by passing Belhaven and Hobucken. This should make a shorter day to Oriental. Moonstruck has made it from Morehead City to Norfolk in one day using this route. We cruise about 5 knots faster.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip. I'll cross off the Manteo from Plan A. Shallow channels is what I wish to avoid the most. However, looking at this more realistically and considering mixing cruise speed I don't want to push over 150NM in a single day. This is why distance wise, I thought that Manteo was a good stop. I was thinking that if I cover 85NM or per day after Norfolk it's conservative enough and will allow for some bad weather day or two. Thus, if I'm stock due to a storm I'll push it the following day. But, if all goes as planned I thought that covering just under 100NM is a good day.

After reading and reviewing the route, it seams like it'll take a while to get passed Norfolk and VA Cut, due to the bridges and the lock. That's why I thought that planning to cover around 75NM (originally to Manteo) was reasonable.

What would you recommend as a good stop if I was to keep it around 85NM per day after Norfolk?

psneeld said:

there are stops all along the way up to Great Bridge...so then it's a foot race if you made time to stop in Coinjock or if you didn't make it that far in great bridge....making bridges is the trick...don't know your restrictions and there are endless possibilities...that's why a 1/2 hour phonecon is like 2 years of emails/posts.

Click to expand...

I got you. I'll follow up with a phone call.

Alex F said:

Thanks for the tip. I'll cross off the Manteo from Plan A. Shallow channels is what I wish to avoid the most. However, looking at this more realistically and considering mixing cruise speed I don't want to push over 150NM in a single day. This is why distance wise, I thought that Manteo was a good stop. I was thinking that if I cover 85NM or per day after Norfolk it's conservative enough and will allow for some bad weather day or two. Thus, if I'm stock due to a storm I'll push it the following day. But, if all goes as planned I thought that covering just under 100NM is a good day.

After reading and reviewing the route, it seams like it'll take a while to get passed Norfolk and VA Cut, due to the bridges and the lock. That's why I thought that planning to cover around 75NM (originally to Manteo) was reasonable.

What would you recommend as a good stop if I was to keep it around 85NM per day after Norfolk?

Click to expand...

Belhaven at about mile mark 135 is certainly doable for you. We have done it from Norfolk in a 16-17 knot cruise boat. Other than that Coinjock would be a short day for you. No way to avoid the shallow waters of Currituck Sound. You could also stop near the bridge across the Alligator River. There are several places to anchor once out of the canals.

If you want to save some time, you can go offshore at Beaufort Inlet at Morehead City to Masonboro Inlet at Wrightsville Beach. Weather permitting both are decent inlets. Forget New River Inlet.

Alex F said:

Greetings to all.

First post on this forum. We're a crew of 4 cruising mostly in between NJ and New England during the summer season. This year we decided to extend our season and avoid winterizing hassle by taking our boat to Myrtle Beach, SC.

I was hoping to get some advice on things that are not obvious for someone who's doing the trip for the first time.

After preliminary review of the charts and a cruising guide I have a draft of the following plan (providing that the weather cooperates):

Day 1. Cover NJ coast and do overnight in Cape May (open ocean run).
Day 2. Cape May to Norfolk (open ocean run).
Day 3. Norfolk to Manteo (via Virgina Cut).
Day 4. Manteo to Oriental.
Day 5. Oriental to Wrightsville.
Day 6. Wrightsville to Myrtle Beach.

I'm planning to do a mixed cruise (planing speed and displacement speed). Does this plan looks too aggressive?

It's very likely that I will do most of the legs single handed. Are there any parts of the trip that might be a problem for a single handed captain? The one section that comes to mind is the lock in the VA Cut. Is there a strong current in that lock or I should be able to tie off the stern cleat and run to secure the bow with no issues? We've done few locks during our cruising on the East Coast, but I had my full crew, so securing the boat was not an issue.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Alex.

Click to expand...

Ck out Charleston's city marina winter special, Much nicer city with many boaterhb resources. About 100 more miles.
Just a thought. Good luck. Randal

Moonstruck said:

Belhaven at about mile mark 135 is certainly doable for you. We have done it from Norfolk in a 16-17 knot cruise boat. Other than that Coinjock would be a short day for you. No way to avoid the shallow waters of Currituck Sound. You could also stop near the bridge across the Alligator River. There are several places to anchor once out of the canals....

Click to expand...

I assume that you're suggesting to head for Alligator River as this is the only way that (from what I see) make sense to stop over at Belhaven. If I go via the Croatan and Pamlico Sounds it puts me about 25NM away from Belhaven. Did I understand you correctly?

Moonstruck said:

....If you want to save some time, you can go offshore at Beaufort Inlet at Morehead City to Masonboro Inlet at Wrightsville Beach. Weather permitting both are decent inlets. Forget New River Inlet.

Click to expand...

This is exactly what I was thinking. From Oriental head to Beaufort Inlet via Adams Creek and then jump in to the Masonboro Inlet at Wrightsville Beach.

The question is, how would you go from Wrightsville to the Little River Inlet, go on the open or via ICW?

SeaHorse II said:

Stop! My head is going to explode! I've never heard of so many alternatives for a boat going in one direction! Here's what we have in Southern Cal. Going from San Diego to Newport Beach.

Click to expand...

The advantages of this run is that you have tons of options. Of course I can jump out on the open and do the ~700NM run in 3+ days burning a lot of fuel. But, where's the guaranty that I'll have the November weather cooperating with me? In addition, I don't mind running on the open by myself (I've done it before), but doing this for days and days might get boring. This is where mixing the trip between ICW and Ocean makes it a lot more fun.

I like diversification, I like having the option offered here on the East Coast.

Alex F said:

The advantages of this run is that you have tons of options. This is where mixing the trip between ICW and Ocean makes it a lot more fun.

I like diversification, I like having the option offered here on the East Coast.

Click to expand...

Of course I was just kidding but in all honesty, I can see where my SoCal run might be a tad more relaxing and more wildlife viewing than yours. (Deep water all the way.)

rking said:

Ck out Charleston's city marina winter special, Much nicer city with many boaterhb resources. About 100 more miles.
Just a thought. Good luck. Randal

Click to expand...

Thanks Randal. Yes, I've heard a lot about Charleston and our friends stayed there over the winter two years ago. Our goal at the moment is to find decent place as close to possible to home (NJ) to minimize the driving distance. With very busy day to day schedule every 100 miles add up. So, between the closer distance, area in general and attractive slip cost we picked Myrtle Beach this time leaving places like Charleston as one of the cruising destinations.

SeaHorse II said:

Of course I was just kidding but in all honesty, I can see where my SoCal run might be a tad more relaxing and more wildlife viewing than yours. (Deep water all the way.)

Click to expand...

That's one of the reasons we spend most of the summer (especially after Sandy) in New England waters. No issues with depth and a lot more destinations.

Alex F said:

The question is, how would you go from Wrightsville to the Little River Inlet, go on the open or via ICW?

Click to expand...

You have to go well offshore to get around Frying Pan Shoals. I don't think the offshore run would save you much time to Little River Inlet. Be careful of the buoy color change upon entering the Cape Fear River below Snows Cut. They change back again as you re-enter the ICW channel at South Port. Not far from there to Myrtle Beach.

I would stay in the Pamlico vs Belhaven. Distance is nearly identical and it's wide open kicked back cruising. I like Manteo a lot and skinny water is a non issue as the Elizabeth II replica ship draws over 10'. Frankly 4' of draft means skinny water is a non issue for you. On the leg your describing Beaufort would be my must stop. Frying Pan Shoals has a marked cut through much closer to shore then folks realize. Zoom in on the charts and you will see it. At your speeds I would stay outside and pop in at Ocean City and/or Ocracoke and/or Beaufort and skip the rest. Norfolk and it's bridges and distance inside is going to add nearly a day to your trip. Offshore is much easier when short handed as you can set the AP and use the head etc. Offshore you can run 24/7 with 20 cat naps if you slow to displacement speeds for the nap.

Moonstruck said:

You have to go well offshore to get around Frying Pan Shoals. I don't think the offshore run would save you much time to Little River Inlet. Be careful of the buoy color change upon entering the Cape Fear River below Snows Cut. They change back again as you re-enter the ICW channel at South Port. Not far from there to Myrtle Beach.

Click to expand...

Can you please clarify regarding the markers change. As I'm heading South (using returning to FL rule) I'll be keeping the REDs on my stbd side. Does the same apply within the Snow Cut up until I reach the R"164"? Does this change now to a regular channel where I need to keep REDs on my port until I get to RN"2" in Southport?

any time you wind up in or crossing a river system...you have to be prepared to switch sides with the marks...that's why charts/plotters are crucial to be referenced frequently.

Alex F said:

Thanks Randal. Yes, I've heard a lot about Charleston and our friends stayed there over the winter two years ago. Our goal at the moment is to find decent place as close to possible to home (NJ) to minimize the driving distance. With very busy day to day schedule every 100 miles add up. So, between the closer distance, area in general and attractive slip cost we picked Myrtle Beach this time leaving places like Charleston as one of the cruising destinations.

Click to expand...

Grand dunes marina in Myrtle Beach is well protected from icw. I have spent time there. Good marina and I was very impressed with staff as checking boat & lines when I was away. Also closet to waccamaw river ( 50 miles of one of the most interesting section of the ice ) , 4 ft. Draft should not be a problem as long as you watch active captain & tides. But do study The last 8 or so miles before M B known as The Rock Pile. Good luck, Randal

psneeld said:

any time you wind up in or crossing a river system...you have to be prepared to switch sides with the marks...that's why charts/plotters are crucial to be referenced frequently.

Click to expand...

Yes absolutely. Both plotters are always on in different zoom levels along with the radar.

Are there any known shallow spots that should only be transited during mid/high tide?

Alex -

Just some notes in random order for NC. I just did Oriental-Wrightsville 2 weeks ago.

1. Check active captain and cruisers.net for recent reports. There have historically been some reports about deadhead strikes in the Pungo.
2. I'd stop at Belhaven, they have recently remodeled their town docks and going full-court-press to attract cruisers.
3. Jarrett Bay, Morehead City Yacht Basin are good fuel stops - not because they are the absolute cheapest (Jarrett Bay may be) but because of the traffic they get, their fuel is the freshest.
4. New River Marina in Sneads Ferry is typically the cheapest and gets it's fair set of turns.
5. Look on Active Captain for a report of a sunken tank near Camp Lejeune. It's on the green side between #61 and #63. Go slow and stay red. I saw a barge stuck on it when I went by, observing it safely from the red.
6. Surf City Bridge - 12' clearance, opens only on the hour. It's a boring wait.
7. Wrightsville has some of the most expensive fuel. $0.50-$0.75 more than other locales.

Enjoy your trip!


Ben

Alex F said:

Yes absolutely. Both plotters are always on in different zoom levels along with the radar.

Are there any known shallow spots that should only be transited during mid/high tide?

Click to expand...

About half the trip there is really no tide...behind the Outer Banks everything is wind driven tide...past Beaufort, NC it's all shallow outside the channel but inside is fine for anything less than 5'. As Ben pointed out there's always the possibility of trash or new obstructions...pay attention to the live broadcasts the USCG makes every day and read up each day on a new cruising guide or Active Captain.

NJ ICW is wy shallower but still doable on the 3 hrs before and 3 hrs after high tide...at low tide there are spots a 4' draft vessel will drag...even in the middle.

We have done the quick/delivery trip down from Long Island, Capemay, Norfolk, Coinjock and Beuford NC(sp?), then SC, then Florida. I will say the Capemay to Norfolk is a very long leg out in no mans land, if weather window is perfect for a day on either side very doable, if it turns there are not a lot of options, we went in July which affords better weather windows, if I was to do it now I would take the Chesepeake route down, just my gut feeling that's all.

Actually a lot of people don't realize you ca have small craft up to even storm warnings and make the run from New York to Norfolk just fine..the trick is after the beginning og Oct...much of the wind is from the West/Northwest/North.

You can run over 200 miles down the beach close to shore and never see much more than ripples other than when crossing the mouth of the Delaware and Chesapeake bays. If you can time those for outgoing tides...much of the chop is reduced...but it is still lumpy for those crossings. If you can time them for daybreak or after sunset...then often the wind has already started to die down...sure it's a gamble...a little bit..but more often than not a gamble that has paid off for me.

Alex F said:

That's great, thank you.

I highly doubt that I can get past Norfolk as this would be the longest day from Cape May (~140NM), unless I stop at Ocean City, MD. But, I don't think I'll be happy with only 40NM run. If the weather allows I'd like to do CM to Norfolk in one day, b/c I know that I may be delayed later on.

If I was to go passed the Norfolk, what would be the next preferred port you had in mind?

Click to expand...

I've only done the MD-FL segments, but you've got lots of input on all that... so I won't add anything there.

Your first two open ocean days -- if single-handed? -- sound too aggressive, to me. Noise, wind, vibration, concentration... all take a toll over time...

Or if weather keeps you inside, the Delaware/C&D/Chesapeake route is easily manageable... and offers useful rest stops at various distances. Also works at displacement speed under some circumstances, but of course that adds even more time.

-Chris

ranger42c said:

I've only done the MD-FL segments, but you've got lots of input on all that... so I won't add anything there.

Your first two open ocean days -- if single-handed? -- sound too aggressive, to me. Noise, wind, vibration, concentration... all take a toll over time...

Or if weather keeps you inside, the Delaware/C&D/Chesapeake route is easily manageable... and offers useful rest stops at various distances. Also works at displacement speed under some circumstances, but of course that adds even more time.

-Chris

Click to expand...

Chris funny you say that, I do remember after travelling all the way from Cape May coming into Norfolk in a sense of sensory overload with all the traffic and naval ships, so what you say about takes a toll is very true, well for me at least. As the trip went on I adapted better.

May I ask... Why Myrtle Beach? We are in New Bern, NC where there is less of a Las Vegas/touristy feel, the slips are much cheaper than in MB, there is a TON more boating to do via anchorages and lovely places to visit, and you don't have to winterize here either.

Just a pitch.