Group input on AICW status

FootballFan

Well-Known Member
Jun 20, 2012
3,567
Florida
Boat Info
Marquis 59
Engines
MTU Series 60
Specifically in the region that has experienced storm damage.

Starting this thread to collect observations and status of the waterway and marinas. Several people on CSR are planning for a trip south and would be traveling through VA, NC, and SC.

Would also be valuable for those taking short trips through the same area.

All input appreciated,

Mark
 
As far as I know The ICW is closed in most of NC. There is a lot of trash in the water. One of our neighbors, who backs up to the ICW has a dumpster in his back yard that floated across the marsh and ICW from Topsail Island north of Wilmington. We had another friend who was chased off the waterway by local law enforcement when out surveying damage on his center console.
 
mquiet keeps his boat in the area. Hopefully we will hear from him.
 
Only time will tell, but I would think that it wouldn't be too long and one could run outside from Beaufort inlet to Masonboro inlet, then Cape fear to Winyah Bay. Maybe even a little less, Little River possibly. It says they're pumping fuel in Beaufort with a generator, so their tanks must be ok, don't know how long before they can get fuel to them though once they run out. Fuel in Alligator/Pungo and Georgetown, so fuel isn't an issue. Pick your weather days, but just better to wait a while if you have the time and hope that the rest of the storm season is better.
 
Last edited:
.... Fuel in Alligator/Pungo and Georgetown, so fuel isn't an issue...

That's actually a bit of a stretch. But, doable at trawling speed. Any ideas what the ICW is like in Goose Creek and Adams Creek? Based on post by bahamabreisus, I'm guessing it's closed now.

So, if most ICW in NC is closed off, then you'd have to stay outside from Virginia Beach all the way to Winyah Bay. This is roughly 400NM of open water. It's a challenge even trawling. Besides fuel demand, there aren't many bailout options. I wouldn't try going in Oregon, Hatteras or Ocracoke inlets, especially right after Florence damaging the area. So, you'd be committed to Beaufort inlet, to take a break. Tough call.
 
We don’t plan to leave until 10/27 because our insurance requires us to be North of St Mary’s until 11/1. This gives us time to let things sort out.

My brother keeps his boat at a marina in Beaufort, NC and had no damage, but they are still waiting for electricity to come back on.

We usually do the CT to West Palm trip in 5-6 days on the outside, which requires us to stop each night. But we also usually go inside Norfolk to Morehead, so fuel in Morehead/Beaufort is key. Of course we carry enough fuel to do the whole trip non-stop, but that requires additional crew, as my wife and I usually do this trip doublehanded.
 
That's actually a bit of a stretch. But, doable at trawling speed. Any ideas what the ICW is like in Goose Creek and Adams Creek? Based on post by bahamabreisus, I'm guessing it's closed now.

So, if most ICW in NC is closed off, then you'd have to stay outside from Virginia Beach all the way to Winyah Bay. This is roughly 400NM of open water. It's a challenge even trawling. Besides fuel demand, there aren't many bailout options. I wouldn't try going in Oregon, Hatteras or Ocracoke inlets, especially right after Florence damaging the area. So, you'd be committed to Beaufort inlet, to take a break. Tough call.

I just heard Dowry Creek's tanks are good and they are having their lines pressure tested today and should be pumping fuel by tomorrow, this weekend at the latest.
I am "assuming" based on the link I posted above, that Adams Creek will be doable shortly.
When we came up, we fueled at Osprey and then again at Atlantic Yacht Basin, I can't remember how much fuel we took, my log is on the boat, but it wasn't close by any means maybe 200 - 250 gal, and yes, we were running slow in the ICW, but at least outside we can run in a straight line and no waiting on bridges.
I am trying to think positive, we have to go in the next week and a half as the Erie Canal closes the 10th of October and we want to leave with some time to spare. Once through it, there's no turning around so we're going, just might have to wait around in the Chesapeake, which isn't a bad thing.
 
Last edited:
I think floating and partially submerged debris is going to be a problem for a long time.
We had a lot of it around here for months after Sandy.
 
Links with more information

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f158/icw-status-reports-after-hurricanes-in-2018-a-207548.html

http://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/s3/nc-icw-status-thread-40577.html

https://www.waterwayguide.com/hurricane-status-updates?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news_09-19-2018&utm_content=News+09-19-2018

This wasn't all my research - but collaborative effort. I think @Alex F and I have 5 or 6 emails back and forth last night.

Net - looks like fuel may be available on the southern side of NC.

Waterway conditions will improve after the flooding clears.

Love to hear from NC folks about what you are seeing.

Mark
 
Currently no traffic on the ICW, other than official vessels.

Any specific section or you're referring to entire NC? I thought I read in other forums that some center consoles were spotted on ICW. Not sure if they were officials.
 
Any specific section or you're referring to entire NC? I thought I read in other forums that some center consoles were spotted on ICW. Not sure if they were officials.
I know Morehead City to Southport is closed
 
Any idea what the situation is in Adams Creek area? I know that Jarrett Bay Marina is closed.
 
Just got this: https://www.waterwayguide.com/assets/files/uscg-safety-zone-sept2018.pdf?1537839299

7e8a3441827ab828056c6a1d16475ac2.jpeg
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,946
Messages
1,422,763
Members
60,929
Latest member
Henchman
Back
Top