New River Inlet , NC

[BessLB]

Hi Cruisers!

Does anyone have any current information on New River Inlet at Snead's Ferry NC? Is it marked and passible with a 4ft draft? We've been passed it a few times cruising the ICW, but have never looked at going "through" it. We're looking at doing our first outside cruise and were hoping to keep it short from Masonboro to New River which is 35 miles, as opposed to 75 miles (appx) from Masonboro to Beaufort.

Thanks in advance for the info!
Bess

[s/v 'Faith']

I used to run it in under sail, it is a small inlet and best attempted with 'local knowledge'. It can be done, but can also be a risky experiment.

Some friends have done in several times in their Morgan Classic 41, but they are about the only others I know of who consider it a valid inlet... mostly fishing boats. The exception is if they have just surveyed and dredged it.. that was happening more frequently as of a couple years ago.

At one time a few years back, the boat yard near the inlet (Swan Point) had 4 or 5 sailboats on the hard that all had problems acquired in that inlet.....

... My knowledge of the inlet is not current (it changes every time the wind blows hard)... but you could call Boat US and see if you could talk to the local capt. Without that, I would not risk it if I were in your shoes.

[ActiveCaptain]

The latest data we have includes comments on the hazard (yellow/orange) marker inside the inlet - that describes some recent experiences.

[doug86]

Jeff, don't the hazard and comments you link to refer the ICW, not the actual inlet?

[ActiveCaptain]

You know, you're right. I didn't notice the ICW was right there and was assuming some of those comments were talking about the inlet. They aren't.

The inlet marker sort of scares me away from trying that inlet. "New River Inlet is considered dangerous by local pilots, and entrance should not be attempted except under the most favorable conditions."

[s/v 'Faith']

Originally Posted by ActiveCaptain

You know, you're right. I didn't notice the ICW was right there and was assuming some of those comments were talking about the inlet. They aren't.

The inlet marker sort of scares me away from trying that inlet. "New River Inlet is considered dangerous by local pilots, and entrance should not be attempted except under the most favorable conditions."

Which kinda agrees with what I said in post #2

[chumbucket]

I would be very cautious (euphamism for scared s^&$less) to take a sail boat out of NRI. I go out of it regularly (including today) in my fishing skiff drawing 1'. The sand shifts all the time and the last 2 channel markers are not accurate at current time. If you draw more than 4' I recommend staying to port of the last 2 markers and going at high tide. Good luck

[BessLB]

Thanks Everyone! I sort of figured this would be the case. We have so many inlets here in NC, but only a handful of usable ones. And they are pretty far apart when only going 7-8kts. I was hoping with the base right there that maybe it would be dredged.

FWIW...we're a little traweler, 4 ft draft. I guess if we go out side and need to come in before Beaufort, we'll ask TowBoatUS for an escort!

We appreciate the advice!

[cheoah]

Another vote for skipping New River Inlet as an option. You can do the run from Masonboro to Beaufort or Cape Lookout in a day. It is a great trip I have done many times. Troll some spoons nearshore or rig some ballyhoo when you get farther off. King, Spanish and Mahi are likely to be on the menu when you get to the other side.

csh

[BessLB]

Learning to fish is definately on my to-do list!

We have decided to skip the outside run and go inside again.

[cheoah]

have a great time-

csh