Nav Alert comment on NC: Pamlico River, North of Indian Island, uncharted structure

Comment by: Alex Diffey on Jun 4, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 31'
Draft: 3.3'

This obstruction reported previously on WG by Jim Zeigler (Thank you, Jim!) merits serious concern. Thanks to Jim's posting, I looked for this object on recent transit of this area on 5/21/22. My description of what I found is slightly different than Jim's description, and I did not approach within 100 feet, so my location is not exact. I estimate height at 5 feet, I did not perceive as concrete, but solidly built, substantial wooden material on 4 thick creasote pilings. My location at closest proximity, roughly 100 feet NNE of subject: N35.22.076, W076.37.831, Garmin MFD GPS. Object does not appear lighted or marked with any warning markers, day mark, reflective marker, etc. Depth at my location was 13.9', so this is clearly in water shown to be navigible. This is a significant obstruction and danger to waterborn traffic, particularly in low light conditions. It does show up well on Garmin Fantom radar. I called USCG Station Hobucken NC 6/04/22 at 15:10 to report this obstruction, and the contact Coast Guardman said he would report this through channels. Note to WG, I can forward a picture of the object and picture of my MFD GPS position at the time if that would be helpful.
AD
USMV Boatwright

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Marina Review for Schaefers Canal House & Marina

Reviewed by: Alex Diffey on Feb 22, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 31'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

After a strong stern wind and waves all the way from Cape May up the Delaware Bay, the calm waters of the Canal was such a relief - then the welcoming face docks of Schaffer's Canal House. A band was playing, dinner was being served along the docks, and after a quick shower on board, dinner on the dock was fantastic! Crab cakes were awesome! The band continued after we went back on board, and it added to our cocktails on the flybridge. Schaffer's is a desirable destination, not just a great marina and restaurant. Beautiful view of a competitor across the Canal, too.

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Marina Review for Skipjack Cove Marina

Reviewed by: Alex Diffey on Feb 22, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 31'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Goodness Gracious! We landed in the middle of a Luau Festival and Polynesian Dance Party! We were on a 700 mile east coast trawler delivery, and ducked into the Sassafrass River to get out of a nasty east wind on the Bay, finding the marinas or a quiet anchorage to be far from the Bay. But, we were delighted to find a hard working dock hand to help us dock in the strong winds, and a party for slip owners - and they accorded us the privileges of slip owners for having docked there. It seems especially well run for the home port boats, and we were fortunate to find a transient slip.

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Marina Review for Point Lookout Marina

Reviewed by: Alex Diffey on Feb 22, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 31'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Nice people, allowed us to come in and dock after hours. Pump out and fuel the next morning - opened later than most other marinas we've used. Outstanding feature: Chef Andy's crab cakes at the Sunset Restaurant behind the marina (seems to be part of the same enterprise). Absolutely the best ever, and Chef Andy said that he has recipes even better than that one. We were delighted to find Point Lookout Marina, coming in late on a 700 mile delivery down the east coast. It's exactly what we needed!

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Marina Review for Jennings Boatyard Inc.

Reviewed by: Alex Diffey on Feb 22, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 31'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Pulled in here after hours and in a storm, settled up with the office the next day. Thankful to be there! Beautiful traditional wooden boat recently completed docked near to us. At the time this seemed to be a builder's boatyard, not really operating as a marina, so we weren't expecting much. Restroom consistent with boat yard expectation rather than a marina restroom, but good enough for us. I will call ahead next time, and make an effort to visit if they want transients at that time, as they were very kind to us.

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Marina Review for Top Rack Marina

Reviewed by: Alex Diffey on Feb 22, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 31'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Easy to reach and dock. Nice pricing. Restaurant was excellent. Not crowded when we were there. Helpful dock manager. Not a typical marina, but very clean. Fuel priced right, but didn't have Valv-tect. Good place if you're not planning to stop in Portsmouth or Norfolk, and docking is so easy that this my be most convenient in/fuel/out the next morning in this area. Plenty of room to get some exercise. A good choice for our next trip.

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Marina Review for Grand Manor Marina NC

Reviewed by: Alex Diffey on Mar 17, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 31'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

RFM has ValveTec diesel, which I prefer. Henry and Eddie are great. Showers meet my Admiral's tough inspection requirements - super clean. First came to RFM in the 70s, been more often in recent years. Downtown is an easy walk, but we sometimes use the golf carts. Great food in several places within walking distance. Staff called a nearby mechanic when I needed one late on a Saturday afternoon, great repair! Always delighted to be at RFM! It's in the best shape I've ever seen, great restoration! ICW at its best!

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