2008 REED’s East Coast Edition - Pilot Notes
Facilities Location Phone VHF
Morehead City Marina Morehead City 252-726-6862 16
Portside Marina Morehead City 252-726-7678 16
Town Creek Marina Beaufort 252-728-6111 16
Beaufort Docks Beaufort 252-728-2503 16
t
ilo
Beaufort to Cape Fear
touted as an all-weather inlet, Masonboro
P
can be hazardous in heavy onshore winds
Tides p. 438, Differences p. 526
and seas.
Currents p. 630, Differences p. 706
Note: The Masonboro Inlet Lighted Whis-
tle Buoy A: Mo (A) W 5M, red/white stripes
Pilotage: Several inlets exist between Beau- w/ red spherical topmark, is frequently
fort and Cape Fear, where the next major moved and has no charted position.
g
ia
deep water passage, the Cape Fear River, pro- Dockage/Moorings: Many marinas located
vides access to the towns of Wilmington and along the ICW and in the channel to the e
or
Southport as well as the marina development beach. Be aware of the strong currents.
on Bald Head Island. The entrance chan- Anchorage: Good anchorage in the large
nel to Cape Fear River begins at the Lighted 10ft depth area S of bridge to the beach. Otts
Whistle Buoy CF Mo (A) Racon C (– • – •). Channel is a safe anchorage. g
inia-G
Nearly all the other inlets along this pas- Fuel: Many facilities with floating docks,
ir
sage are subject to shoaling, tide rips and several right on the ICW.
V
shifting markers; use only with extensive Supplies: Most marine supplies available.
local knowledge. Groceries and other provisions may require
Masonboro Inlet, providing access to a cab.
Wrightsville Beach, has jetties on either side Services: Extensive repair and haulout fa-
of its channel, and a charted depth of 9-26ft. cilities, including do-it-yourself yards.
Though still subject to hazardous conditions,
it is the safest of the inlets along this route.
Southport, NC: 33 55N, 78 01W
Frying Pan Shoals, which extend due S
(see chart on next spread)
of Cape Fear for about 16nm, have charted
Pilotage: Approach from the ocean via
depths of as little as 2ft and deeper passages,
Cape Fear Inlet, one of the few good inlets on
known as slues, between the shallows. Leave
this stretch of coast. Currents are strong in
the shoals a safe distance off.
the entrance channel.
Waypoints The entrance channel to Cape Fear River
New River Inlet Whistle Buoy NR
begins at the CF Mo A Racon. Range lights
lead up the first section of the channel bear-
34 31.05N, 77 19.83W Mo(A) W 6M
ing 022°. Consult chart(s) for bearings, light
Frying Pan Shoals Lighted Buoy 2FP
characteristics, subsequent ranges in the vi-
cinity and for other navigational data.
33 34.9N, 77 44.4W Fl R 4s 4M Red
Abundant commercial and other traffic
Frying Pan Shoals Lighted Buoy 4FP
frequents the Cape Fear River, with freight-
ers headed to and from Wilmington. Keep
33 36.5N, 77 54.93W Fl R 2.5s 4M Red
a constant lookout for commercial shipping
Cape Fear River Lighted Whistle Buoy CF
and fishing vessels.
Coast Guard: On Oak Island inside inlet.
33 48.17N, 78 05.25W Mo(A)W 6M Red/White
Dockage/Moorings: Marinas on the ICW
stripes. Racon C (– • – •) W of junction with the Cape Fear River.
Anchorage: Possible in Dutchman Creek,
Wrightsville Beach, NC: 34 12N, 77 48W
but beware uncharted shoaling.
(see chart on next page)
Fuel: Diesel and gas available nearby.
Pilotage: Wrightsville Beach is entered
Supplies: Limited supplies on the water.
from the ocean via Masonboro Inlet. Though
Groceries and other provisions require a cab.
Services: Repairs and haulout available.
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