Cape Fear local knowledge

[heritage58]

I found an affordable 36 but she draws 6.5'. As a moderately experienced sailor from awhile ago, I am concerned the draft may be a problem in this region. One doesn't have to be a pirate to know there are shoaly areas on the Cape Fear river and the ICW in Wilmington, not to mention narrow channels to the ocean through barrier islands. Frankly, I'm a bit intimidated. 99% of the local boats are power, fishing, etc. not to say there aren't big yachts berthed here or constantly passing through), hence the great price on used sailboats .My question is... would this be a foolish purchase or is it too much to ask for some help with onboard navigation from a neighbor, fee or not. Naturally, I'd accept all responsibility for mishaps.

[sailorboy1]

Well I draw 6'4" and have been through a few times and it wasn't any more an issue than a 5' draft would have been.

[NCGunDude]

I grew up in the area, and still visit regularly, in fact, headed down today. We boat in the sounds behind the beaches.

More than 4.5 feet of draft, and you'll be limited in what you can do. If you know the channel, and you're headed for deep water, no problem. The ICW is supposed to be maintained at 10', if I'm not mistaken, but getting into marinas and anchorages may be a problem.

I'm actually looking at multi-hulls for that very reason, shallower draft.

6' draft can even be a problem in the Caribbean. 4.5' is much better.

It depends on the type of sailing you want to do, if it involves getting in and out of tight places, or open ocean.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by NCGunDude

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6' draft can even be a problem in the Caribbean. 4.5' is much better.

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Where in the Caribbean is 6ft draft a problem? Perhaps in the Bahamas, but that's not the Carib.