Marina opinions in the Wilmington, NC area for a first time boat owner

[skuronen]

Hello all,

I am on the cusp of becoming a first time boat owner (probably end up in the 24 to 27 ft cruiser category) and am likely to wet slip it somewhere in the Wilmington, NC area. Anyone here have any opinions or advice on the marinas in this area? I am going to visit Sea Path, Bradley Creek and Inlet Watch this weekend, but I know boaters who have actually leased or owned in a marina have the true and honest info.

Many thanks for your time and I hope to join your ranks soon!

Steffen

 

[JimT]

Hello all,

I am on the cusp of becoming a first time boat owner (probably end up in the 24 to 27 ft cruiser category) and am likely to wet slip it somewhere in the Wilmington, NC area. Anyone here have any opinions or advice on the marinas in this area? I am going to visit Sea Path, Bradley Creek and Inlet Watch this weekend, but I know boaters who have actually leased or owned in a marina have the true and honest info.

Many thanks for your time and I hope to join your ranks soon!

Steffen

.
I rented a slip for several years at Sea Path. It's a great facility, well run, nice people and walking distance to restaurants, bars, etc. It's the most expensive of the options you mention.
I recall that there were some depth issues at Bradley Creek at low tide 5-6 years ago. They may have dredged it since then.

 

[rbryn]

Seeing that you are from Rocky Point and based off the experience that the closer you are to the boat - the more you will use it

I would suggest that you look at Harbor Village (in Hampstead). It's an easy marina to get in and out of by boat and is alot closer than Inlet Watch. If you want to be closer to Wrightsville Beach then your choices are wide open. If you want dry storage go with MarineMax, Seapath for wet slip or Masonboro Yacht Club. Most of these will require a full year commitement.

If you want something just month to month until you can find a permanent home you could also check out where we keep our boat at Masons Landing Yacth Club (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mason-Landing-Yacht-Club/181969795176408) - it's a newer facility and is under some financial changes - they are only doing month to month slips at the moment. Another month to month option (a bit pricey) is Anchors Bend Marina (he advertises in Craigslists alot in the boat section).

Once you get in the water, or if you need any info... let us know! We are out on the water alot and love to show new folks around.

 

[skuronen]

Thanks so much for the responses and information. I am adding the other marinas mentioned here on our list, but our favorite thus far is Sea Path, as it is close to some good food and scenery.

We will certainly touch base again when all is said and done to meet some new friends on the water!

Many thanks,
Steffen

 

[All's Well]

Unless you have to be in Wrightsville, Federal Point in Carolina Beach is another option that we liked. It's closer to Bald Head for a day trip and the current isn't as bad.

 

[mquiet]

I splashed about a month ago at harbor Village Marina. Rob, mentions it in this thread. Great access and deep water. Very clean with friendly people. Easy to get to beaches and less crowded versus the closer you get to Wilmington. If you are new to boating, you will want the extra room to learn how your boat handles and the space required without hitting anything. Learning how a boat handles takes a while and you will be adding in wind and current. best of luck and look to see you on the water.