Relocating to North Carolina -- need advice

[gusweber]

Hey All --

We've just relocated to Raleigh, NC from the Pacific Northwest. We've decided on bringing our 2010 R29 with us, and am struggling a bit on where to set-up for the summer. We've looked at Wrightsville Beach area and New Bern (both reasonable drives from Raleigh). Looking for suggestions on Marinas in both areas (or others!) that we can do a long-term rental on.

Would love some input from anyone who knows the area well, and can provide some recommendations or advice.

Many thanks!
Gus Weber (M/V Epiphany)
gus.d.weber@gmail.com

 

[fishheadbarandgrill]

Sea path is a popular marina in Wrightsville Beach. We are in Southport, just south at the Cape Fear Inlet. You should check out Southport. We keep our R29 at Southport Marina.

 

[FWTMD]

I have visited both but am an expert in neither.

New Bern as a town is just a great town. I loved that spot. Great feel of southern small town. Great BBQ at Moore's, by the way.

Nothing wrong with Wrightsville at all. Its just different than New Bern, and much like a score of towns along the ICW.

Its worth taking a weekend to see each. They are different so you will walk away with your preference.

Look at a chart. In New Bern you will have access to a lot of rivers, coves and bays. In Wrightsville your choice is north or south on the ICW. Or up the Cape Fear.

If your ambition is to cruise north to the Chesapeake, that's about 3 days from New Bern to Norfolk without pushing it hard. I'm thinking 4 from Wrightsville to Charleston if your ambitions lean there.

Pocket Yachts is the dealer for Ranger from the Chesapeake to Florida, and they recently opened a location in New Bern. Dealer service if you feel that is a benefit.

Good luck with your choice. I doubt you will go wrong with either.

 

[iggy]

Now I could be wrong, but I think on the East Coast there are more yacht clubs. I would try to join a club before paying the high cost of a marina. Clubs are more friendly, lower cost and more knowledgeable boating people that can help you.

I have only been though the ICW once so I don't now a lot about it. But it is on my bucket list to do again

 

[ohioan55]

We are partial to Oriental, but you may not want to drive that far, but it would put you at the mouth of the Neuse River and access to the ICW. But New Bern is a great place also. There are a couple of marinas there that may interest you. Check out Bridgeton as it is on the north side of the river and may be quicker to access from Raleigh.

 

[gusweber]

Thanks everyone for the guidance.

We are leaning towards New Bern to start, but trying to get a sense of what the destinations are (and distance) from New Bern. Looks like a great destinations, but the 20 mile run up/down the river seems like a downside. Also considering distance to beaches, etc.

We're used to New England (Newport, Block, Jamestown, Bristol, etc) as our goto weekend destinations.

Thanks everyone!

 

[FWTMD]

Go to the Navionics website and view their chart app. It’s free on my desktop and laptop, but a subscription is needed for my iPhone. You can set trip destinations together with speed and fuel burn and it will plot automatic courses with trip times and fuel burn. You can very quickly get a sense of range from each home port option. Marinas, fuel docks etc are displayed.

 

[fishheadbarandgrill]

If you want to be close to beaches, consider Beaufort, NC. Not that much further to drive. I hear great things about Homer Smith Marina. Our club is making a 2nd trip to Homer Smith this summer because of our experience last year.