New Bern NC, Salt or Fresh Water?

[Nicholson58]

There is the problem of the pesky low bridges. Are there options for a boat with 80 feet vertical?

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by Nicholson58

There is the problem of the pesky low bridges. Are there options for a boat with 80 feet vertical?

You're likely already aware that most of the protected waters along the Atlantic ICW are limited to clearance under 65' bridges. Beaufort, NC has the best inlet for you, but the 65' bridge at the Core Canal would block your access to New Bern. You can reach New Bern via Pamlico Sound, but you would need to enter the sound by the way of Hatteras Inlet or Orcracoke Inlet and they are not as reliable.

[deluxe68]

Originally Posted by Hudson Force

You're likely already aware that most of the protected waters along the Atlantic ICW are limited to clearance under 65' bridges. Beaufort, NC has the best inlet for you, but the 65' bridge at the Core Canal would block your access to New Bern. You can reach New Bern via Pamlico Sound, but you would need to enter the sound by the way of Hatteras Inlet or Orcracoke Inlet and they are not as reliable.

Are there any marinas closer to the Beaufort inlet? How hard is the inlet to navigate? It looks like it is the best way to get out to the ocean.

[Blue Crab]

Originally Posted by deluxe68

Are there any marinas closer to the Beaufort inlet? How hard is the inlet to navigate? It looks like it is the best way to get out to the ocean.

The Inlet is simple. Then you can go to Morehead City or Beaufort with marinas in both.

[MarkJ]

That inlet has some great tide races and wind against tide out in the leads.

Good fun but must.get a bit scary in a storm.

[Blue Crab]

We have only lost the windshield on a 47' dive boat once.

[lsearite]

Just followed his lead "freshwater zincs". West Marine or his diver will let him know. Good catch though.

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by deluxe68

Are there any marinas closer to the Beaufort inlet? How hard is the inlet to navigate? It looks like it is the best way to get out to the ocean.

Blue Crab gave you a great answer right after your post. Of course, most any inlet can be troublesome in bad conditions, but I'd judge the Beaufort, NC inlet to be the best between the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/tunnel and Charleston,- a little better than the Cape Fear River.