Outer Banks

T

tparrent

New member
I plan to explore the Outer Banks in the next few months. I've lived in the Raleigh area for nine years and have barely seen the area outside of New Bern/Oriental.

I would appreciate any suggestions for 5-10 day itinerary. I will probably stay in marinas a couple of nights but would also like to anchor out.

I do not have a dinghy and wonder how practical it is to simply beach the boat in a couple of places while wandering about.
 
Good morning Tom, and Merry Christmas.

As you can tell, I'm from the other (upper Left) coast and I don't know your geography there, so this is generic info. You asked about beaching vs a dingy. I know there are folks who beach their C-Dorys, so yes you can do that. For me, I really hesitate to do it because there might be a rock. I have seen some very sandy beaches, where there are lots of boats beached, and I guess you can take your chances. I have a friend who regularly beaches a 22 up in the mid Vancouver Island area. We found it one day setting very close to the anchor. (The process is to go into the shallows, drop and set the hook, then let the tide run out, leaving the boat high and dry. Gives about 6 hours of beach time then go back to the boat for the returning tide to lift you off the bottom. Once the boat is floating, you can pole or paddle into deep enough water to put the outboards down and off you go.)

Guess I'm just too shy about the rocks. Maybe , if, or in case.

As to needing the dingy, I carry mine up top and aft, over the cockpit. I have gone for up to 8 days without getting off the boat or taking the dinghy down, but then I had reason not to go ashore too.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
As a freshwater sailor, I've been spared the hassles and opportunities of tides. Drying out may very well be a good option at some of the places I'm thinking of going. I'll check with some of the local sailors.
 
Be sure to check into using the local NC town docks. They are free and are first come first serve. They are located down town and are close to everything. We have used them in Washington-Bath, Oriental, and Bayboro. Nice to also check in to local marinas for gas, food, pump out and hot shower!
Our last trip started in Washington-Bath-Aurora-Belhaven-Bayboro-Oriental-New Bern-Trent River-Pollocksville. Watch the mouth of the Neuse-waves/tide/wind can be challenging!!
 
Haven't been there by boat yet, but have often checked it out by car. Not many transient ports on OBX but Manteo and Ocracoke are interesting villages with marinas. Check out Wanchese and Hatteras Island, too.

As you can see from the chart, lots of skinny water and shifting shoals down there, so take care not to be "beached" more than you intend.

Happy cruising, and keep us posted.
 
Tides run can run around 3 feet and even where we have less than a foot I am very careful about beaching a boat as large as a C Dory--be sure where you are on the tidal cycle, and when the next high and low tides are--and how much. Not sure why you are going ashore, without a dock, unless you have a dog.

I have gone up and down the ICW there a number of times, and Lived in the area some time back--some very interesting areas, but in heavy weather you can get some significant chop--currents etc.
 
The ICW is very nice and accessible to you. If you're talking about the next few months, and are talking still during the winter you want to avoid the ocean. It's challenging out there in your neighborhood.
 
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