Choosing Marinas in NC/SC area for the winter

Strong currents are an issue at the City Marina and Charleston Harbor Marina, too. I have stayed at all three and by far CHM is the best in terms of facilities. They opened a new restaurant/bar/ship store this past spring. The Reel Bar in the hotel has a great atmosphere. We stayed at CHM for a month this summer and we are thinking about going down for February.
 
JimT said:
Strong currents are an issue at the City Marina and Charleston Harbor Marina, too. I have stayed at all three and by far CHM is the best in terms of facilities. ...
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Jim,

So what people do most of the time? I see only two options. Either master docking skills in the current or watch the tides and go out and comeback during slack tide?
 
mistercomputerman said:
Better add that $150 NC Transient Permit fee into your calculations. Might as well go to SC.

NC is cold during the winter.
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Isn't SC has the same 90 days registration policy as NC?

As you saw in my earlier post, according to the weather stats the difference is only 3-6deg between NC/SC. But, I would still prefer to be in warmer state. So, the search is ongoing.
 
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Alex F said:
Jim,

So what people do most of the time? I see only two options. Either master docking skills in the current or watch the tides and go out and comeback during slack tide?
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Alex,

The power boaters just get used to it. The sailors usually try to time the tides.
 
Alex F said:
Jim,

So what people do most of the time? I see only two options. Either master docking skills in the current or watch the tides and go out and comeback during slack tide?
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When I take my friends boat out at CHM I can leave at anytime but it is alot more comfortable to come back on a slack tide. The current can be crazy with the wind not helping... Most others I see out there come and go as they please...I guess I'm just scared.

CHM is very nice but your boat will require a 50' slip which I think would be $950+/month.
 
Alex F said:
Isn't SC has the same 90 days registration policy as NC?

As you saw in my earlier post, according to the weather stats the difference is only 3-6deg between NC/SC. But, I would still prefer to be in warmer state. So, the search is ongoing.
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I believe it is 180 days now before Ptax man comes to call...
 
Kendall said:
I believe it is 180 days now before Ptax man comes to call...
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Does the clock starts from zero if I take the boat to another state for few days? Does the same 180 days policy applies for the registration?
 
If you are documented in another state, you are liable for taxes in NC or SC if you stay 90 days. leave the state within 90 days the clock does start over. Now, if you did get a tax bill from either state, all you have to do is call them and tell them you were transiting. They will drop the tax liability. The laws state wherever a boat is on Jan 1st, it is liable for that states taxes. Nothing for you to worry about.
 
We deal with this all the time with Alabama/Florida. All you need to do is run 20 miles up/down the coast and buy some fuel...any fuel....in the nearby state. Your receipt proves you removed the boat from state waters.....be sure the fuel dock guy writes the name of the boat and the date on the receipt.
 
Last time I was in Charleston City Marina, They had some kind of special exemption for winter dockers. I was there 5 months and didn't have an issue. I used to talk to the inspectors all the time. Maybe they still have it. I also don't remember there being much current at CCM. They also have bike racks on the docks which is great for taking bike rides in the city, which we did daily. It was a great winter stay for sure. I even learned how to make boiled peanuts.
 
Mike, do you know where I can find more about this special exemption?
 
just came back from Charleston.
Boiled Peanuts and Shrimp n Grits...
Not my favorites.
Guess i'm a yankee
 
Alex F said:
Mike, do you know where I can find more about this special exemption?
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Call Charleston City Marina and ask about their winter special and if you have to worry about the registration doodad.
 
Turtlesboat said:
Call Charleston City Marina and ask about their winter special and if you have to worry about the registration doodad.
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Thanks Mike, will do.
 
Thanks Rick. It actually a big relief knowing that it's 180 days. If the boat is close to the border it sure is not a big deal, but if I end up in Charleston, it's about 70 miles to GA border. I'd love to avoid the run just to "reset the tax and reg. clock".
 
mistercomputerman said:
Throw the spreadsheet out the window and head South until it gets warm enough for you. Stop and rent a slip. Visit the boat a couple of times over the winter. Reverse the process in the Spring.

It ain't that complicated...
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Well said Rick!

This thread is making me crazy, but I also can't look away.
 
I would also look at Carolina Beach, halfway between Wrightsville and Southport and Bald Head Island. We used to be at Federal Point Yacht Club and had quite a few options of entertainment and restaraunts in walking distance.
An 8 hour run or less to Charleston and lots of great places along the way.
 
Charleston Average Water Temperatures


Charleston SC 50 50 57 64 68 71 75 79 80 82 84 84 83 82 79 73 68 63 54

The first month is January. Forty is not happening on the coast.
 
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