Choosing Marinas in NC/SC area for the winter

[Alex F]

Hi guys,

We decided to move our boat South (somewhere in NC/SC area) for the winter. Preliminary, we thought that Myrtle Beach area would be a good choice, but based on more research we’ve realized that it’s not the best location from boating stand point (there aren’t many destinations within 20-30NM range), while there seems to be number of things to do on land.

I’m looking at few other places like New Bern, Southport and Wilmington.

New Bern - based on the info I could find it seemed like a quaint town, but on a smaller side. Considering the fact that not all our visits will be complimented by a nice weather we feel like keeping the boat near larger city would make more sense. I figure that if it's not a boating weather we could take advantage and tour the city while utilizing the boat as a condo, not to mention checking on the boat.

I'm trying to determine if Wilmington would be a better choice for us. Based on my preliminary research there are couple preferred local cruising destinations like Southport and Wrightsville. BTW, I just received a tip that Wilmington may not be the safest place, so now I'm questioning this place.

Unfortunately, cruising guide doesn't offer too much info. So, I’m looking to pencil few places and see them first hand before making the commitment.

If anyone has any recommendations on decent (and of course safe) marinas/towns with few local cruising destinations, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Alex.

 

[ZZ13]

Come on down to Beaufort,SC. Downtown marina is right on the downtown waterfront. Foot access to good restaurants. Easy cruises from there to Charleston, Hilton Head, Savannah and even Jacksonville.

 

[Kendall]

I would seriously consider Charleston SC as my winter home.

 

[Alex F]

I had Charleston on my list, but wanted to see if I can find something closer to north to cut on driving. Also, based on my findings the prices in Charleston are much higher compare to what I was given in Myrtle Beach and Wilmington. I don't expect to experience beach weather during winter months, therefore I see no reason to go extra 100 miles south. As I understand, folks in southern VA don't even winterize their boats.

 

[fwebster]

I did an engineering project several years ago in the Wilmington area. The factory was in Wilmington, but all of our guys stayed on Wrightsville Beach. We just looked at the 2 as a common location. I don't think Wrightsville Beach is a "cruising destination" from a Wilmington base.......it is more like a lunch stop.

 

[Lucky's]

What happened to FL?? Good luck wherever you decide.

 

[Alex F]

Frank,

Based on your experience, would you suggest considering Wilmington as a winter home base or should I search for something else?

The way I look at anything near the beach would not be practical in the colder weather and due to lack of cities. That's what I think of when we talk about places like Wrightsville. I could be wrong, that's why I'm asking other opinions.

 

[Alex F]

What happened to FL?? Good luck wherever you decide.

I'm just taking one step at the time. For number of reasons FL was not on the radar for this winter.

 

[Lucky's]

I'm just taking one step at the time. For number of reasons FL was not on the radar for this winter.

Gotcha. Well like I said, best of luck on making the decision, wherever it is.

 

[carterchapman]

I have a former squadron mate who keeps their boat in Shallote, NC, and they don't like Wrightsville Beach...

 

[bahamabreisus]

Wilmington is a downtown location, you do not want to leave your boat there. Wrightsville is a safe place. There are many places to eat and shop. We are in Harbour Village Marina in Hampstead NC, about 10 miles north of Wrightsville, Great marina, calm water and very safe. Also much less expensive than Wrightsville. Slip should be $10/ft or less here. Also there are 2 Club Sea Ray guys here to keep an eye on things for you. Let me know if you need more info.

 

[mistercomputerman]

Better add that $150 NC Transient Permit fee into your calculations. Might as well go to SC.

NC is cold during the winter.

 

[bahamabreisus]

No difference in the weather here as compared to MB SC. Southern tip of NC pretty decent in the winter

 

[bmac]

Alex

If it were me, I'd head to Charleston. You can easily (and cheaply) fly there from Newark. The City marina was outstanding and the town was great. I was pretty impressed with the whole place. Good luck in whatever you decide. I'll be winterizing in another month or so....

 

[SearayPaul]

Wrightsville and Charleston are both great places. Charleston is a much better location. Charleston has better entertainment, golf, dining, and cultural events. The weather is similar. Lots of places to take the boat to. Bohicket, Edisto, Beufort, Hilton Head, Georgetown, Myrtle Beach just to name a few. City wide transportation is much better in Charleston. You can walk, bike, take a taxi, City Marina will drive you to a lot of places, Charleston Harbor has a trolley and yes you can rent a car but certainly don't have to. Personal experience will vary.

 

[fwebster]

Alex,

I get the impression you are considering the Wilmington area as the balmy south. I was there roughly 1/2 time...Monday thru Friday....from mid November to April 1. November-mid Dec was nice and I enjoyed evening walks on the beach, but I have never been colder in my life than I was in a Holiday Inn room on the beach in Jan-March. The wind off the sea will get your attention. Perhaps that year was abnormal, I don't know.......but I do know that boating in a NE wind blowing all the time would have been miserable.

This also may be a product of the Wilmington industrial area the leather goods factory was in, but it was a very high crime area which was why we chose to stay on Wrightsville Beach. That winter, Wrightsville Beach was DOA and we struggled to even find a restaurant that stayed open till 7 pm. I don't know how you might find it now, but it seems that some of the other guys recommendations of Charleston etc. may offer you a more desirable place to winter, particularly with kids along.

 

[mistercomputerman]

Wilmington

 

[Alex F]

I totally agree with you guys that Charleston is the best out of everything on the table here. However, they no longer run any specials and their prices are very close to what I'd pay for excellent marinas in Ft. Lauderdale. I guess things changed slightly there and they're able to build up good business and charge the top dollar. It's about x2-x3 compare to prices in MB, Wilmington, New Bern. At this point I have to keep searching for something that makes more sense to me.

I'm a bit disappointed to learn that Wilmington is not a safe place, so I'll have to scratch it off my list. It's obvious that I'll rather stay in area with less entertainment, but as long as it's safe it will be a priority. I understand that Wilmington can be used as a weekend destination to stay for a night or two and see the city, but that's the extend of it.

I'll look in to areas like Southport, Wrightsville, Hampstead.

If anyone has other ideas, please let me know.

 

[Capt. Rusty Higgins]

Alex,

You are receiving all the right advice here on heading south for the cold months and you should heed the advice offered. But before you discard Charleston due to no specials at local marinas, have you spoken with the folks at Hall Marine. The Hall group is our dealer is the Charleston, Hilton Head and Savannah area and they do posses their own slips in the city.

Not trying to change your itinerary but am wondering if you have exhausted all your options before changing your mind. I can check on all of the particulars if you wish. I have motored through every location being mentioned here and have opinions, but will not interject unless I think your missing something…..missing a relationship with the Hall group would be one of those things.

We can talk about Hazzard Marine in little old Georgetown SC where I know Reed will watch your boat like it is his own…etc…etc…etc…. I did not have a problem in Wilmington but I had AJ watch my boat all night. AJ works for the city and took pride in making sure the city dock was tight that night. We live on the water a lot of the time folks and for me it is about relationships all the way up the Eastern Seaboard….and into the Gulf.

And of course we know the MarineMax group in Wrightsville ! All good.

Alex, I know people and you do too, aren’t we lucky to have such a support group.

Call on me to assist if you wish.

Capt. Rusty

 

[Alex F]

Rusty,

Thanks for your suggestions. I called Hall Marine and it's just a service yard with no marina. However, they recommended couple of places around, which I'll be contacting. Georgetown is a good suggestion as well. I'll look in to it. I hope that the recent fire won't discourage boaters from there.

…. I did not have a problem in Wilmington but I had AJ watch my boat all night. ...

:smt043

That explains a lot about the place.