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ICW Suggestions on where to stop.

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Danvilletim, Sep 14, 2021.

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  1. Danvilletim, Sep 14, 2021
    #1
    Danvilletim

    Danvilletim Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2011
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    Location:
    isleton, ca
    Hi All.. We are 92' MY w 6' draft. We have decided to go on the inside through coinjock.

    Is the best route for larger boats through the Alligator river? Tonight we are heading from Soloman's to Atlantic Yacht Basin. I wish I could push on a bit further as we'll get there around 5:30pm but seems like coin jock is the next stop and that seems a bit far.

    What would recommend for tomorrow? Seems like Beaufort is unfortunately out of the question. Where to stop? Seems Bellhaven has a few marinas.

    I appreciate all the suggestions so far. This has been a great trip to the Chesapeake.
  2. motoryachtlover, Sep 14, 2021
    #2
    motoryachtlover

    motoryachtlover Senior Member

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    Location:
    smithfield, VA
    Coinjok is OK for a night stop. Not much there but a couple of restaurants. Look at active captain for any notes on the Currituck sound. It has/had some shallow spots in the ICW channel. Also after crossing the Albemarle heading south make sure you have updated charts as there is a spot in the Alligator before the bridge heading south that has got a few people. Bel haven is a nice stop or atleast it used to be. Definetly stop in Beaufort for a night or more.
  3. Pascal, Sep 14, 2021
    #3
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Location:
    Miami, FL
    Coinjock never impressed me. The restaurant is ok but never understood what the fuss was about.

    i usually bypassed it and just anchored in the aligator River.

    Oriental is nice

    Beaufort is nice. We anchored in Cape Look out bight once. Explored the beaches. Also a render run to the shackleford banks and its wild horses is nice

    I like Southport as well
  4. RER, Sep 14, 2021
    #4
    RER

    RER Senior Member

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    Jan 20, 2009
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    Location:
    Newport Beach CA
    I second Beaufort and Southport also. Southport is larger. Beaufort is more charming.

    Why does Beaufort seem like it’s out of the question?
  5. Capt J, Sep 14, 2021
    #5
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Bellhavn is a good stop, stay at river forest. You have free golf carts to go to town. Henry the owner is a great guy. Not much of a town, but does have a good restaurant. I doubt you could find a marina to accomodate that size in Oriental.
  6. Sea Gull, Sep 15, 2021
    #6
    Sea Gull

    Sea Gull Member

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    Aug 3, 2010
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    Location:
    CT
    We draw 5’ and always run the sounds, rather than Alligator River. We never see less than 10-15’ under the keel. Stops along the way will depend on your cruise speed. At 23 knots we often do Norfolk to Beaufort, but it’s a long day. Atlantic to Beaufort would be comfortable for us. If you cruise more slowly, there are more options for overnight marina stops on the alligator river route.
  7. Danvilletim, Sep 25, 2021
    #7
    Danvilletim

    Danvilletim Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2011
    Messages:
    794
    Location:
    isleton, ca
    Great trip. We stayed at Brllhaven and Dockmaster was super friendly. Beaufort town docks were okay. Bald Head Island was the best stop. Such a cool little island and marina. Amazing bar. Water is a little shallow in places. I wouldn’t go in at low tide w 6’ draft.

    Charleston was okay. Great town but power at the docks ( Ashley ) sucks and you are an uber ride to anything.

    Pulling into skull creek in an hour. We will call that home until Dec Yard period.