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Active marinas in Moorehead City /Beaufort NC

Discussion in 'Marinas & Waypoints' started by Beau, Jan 19, 2020.

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  1. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    Seriously considering a permanent move to retirement in NC. The marinas we've here in the NE. over the years have been my "golf clubs" We've spent a lot of time on the boat and docks and have made some really great friendships at the several marinas we've docked at seasonally.

    I am currently investigating opportunities and looking at marinas like Moorehead City Yacht Basin. Are there other places to consider that are active and have 1st class facilities and offerings?

    Thanks folks
  2. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    Is your plan to live on the boat or to have a home in the area?

    What amenities are important to you? Pool? Restaurants? Clubhouse? Haul-out and boatyard?

    Will you have a vehicle there?

    Morehead and Beaufort have many nice marinas, but I wouldn't say any of them check all the boxes. There's a combination of commercial, high traffic marinas like MHCYB and private marinas tied to developments. Most of the marinas are not boatyards or are limited in that regard, few with haul out. Most are definitely more boat slips than they are yacht club.
  3. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Beaufort City docks is right on the main drag and fun, but very limited in amenities...….Worth checking into. Lots of restaurants and shops right at the docks...….. Moorehead City yacht basin is off the beaten path and it's a long walk across a busy 4 lane road to anything besides a gas station.
  4. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    I would have a home there, with a car. More amenities draw more folks, though I may not use all the amenities.

    Are there freely accessible haul out and repair facilities in this geographical area? I gotta think there are.

    Are there any Yacht Clubs in the area?
  5. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Jarrett Bay's boat yard is in the area and can haul up to at least 105' that I know of and they do good work. I think you should go down there in the season and spend a week visiting marina's and checking out the general area to see what suits you.
  6. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    I would go home hunting first or at least in conjunction with looking at marinas. There are communities with marinas, marinas that wouldn't be the first choice for transients, but would be very nice for homeowners. Olde Towne, Spooner's Creek, and Crow's Nest are three that come to mind. Nice homes or condos are somewhat limited in the area and could be distant from the marina. I have a cousin who lives out near Adams Creek on the water, but no where near anything else.
  7. motoryachtlover

    motoryachtlover Senior Member

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    I would advise having a place for the boat to go during a hurricane. This might seem a recommendation for most anywhere on the east coast but having spent a lot of time in coastal NC the Morehead Beaufort area does not seem to do well even in weak hurricanes. Don’t know if Jarrett Bay does hurricane haul outs but that might be your best bet. Also consider Wilmington for a hurricane hole. In a day you could get to a marina on the Cape Fear River. Over the years my different boats had no damage even during Fran while slipped up the Cape Fear River. Might want to consider the Wilmington area for your home as well.
  8. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    Jarrett Bay probably has the best hurricane haulout in the country plus they're miles inland.
  9. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    On my list to do, I was just trying to develop some knowledge and specific targets first. Thanks for your help
  10. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    Probably going to build a cottage on my son's property just outside Moorehead City. That's why I selected that location. Plus a care facility for my wife is close by. Thanks
  11. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    Do they maintain a list?
  12. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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  13. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    There are a couple of places called yacht clubs but by the definitions you're use to, they really don't qualify. Olde Towne would come the closest in that it's a marina at some condos and includes the condo amenities such as the pool and whirlpool, fitness center and clubhouse. Only limited activity though. It's midway between Morehead City and Beaufort on Radio Island.

    Spooners Creek has some slip availability occasionally and is tied to a development and is very convenient to Morehead City.

    Crow's Nest is across to Atlantic Beach. They call themselves a yacht club. They do have a pool and small clubhouse.

    We love Morehead City Yacht Basin, but it's just a marina. Nice marina, but not yacht club.
  14. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    Thanks My son thinks MCYB fits me. Going down to check out marinas in Feb or March
  15. Bucksh0t

    Bucksh0t Member

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    Check with Radio Island Yacht Club also, I think there are a few slips available. Depth can get down to 5-6 feet though , not sure if that would be a problem. I keep my rig there, it is a small simple marina but the location is great.
  16. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    The beauty of a yacht is it takes less than 1 hour to move to another marina!!!
  17. Bucksh0t

    Bucksh0t Member

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    We will fill most of our marinas by June, it will be harder but not impossible to find slips after that. Hit me up when you come down, we can grab a beer.
  18. rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    Agreed.
  19. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    I may purchase a slip. What's the ballpark for a 55' slip? I'd probably be looking at a Sept/Oct '20 arrival date
    Last edited: Feb 11, 2020
  20. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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