Recommendations on Home Port Marina

[FritzN]

I've a signed purchase agreement on a Valiant 42, located at the Valiant factory on Lake Texoma in Texas. I was there for the survey on Friday of last week, and did the sea trial on Saturday. There are a few issues to resolve, but the purchase will probably happen. Since the boat is located at the factory, I'm having some upgrades, replacements and service done by them before I ship her to the east coast.

All of my sailing has been on the west coast, but I'd like to get a slip on the east coast for at least six months a year. Here are my ideal criteria:

1) Reasonably low hurricane exposure.
2) Nice marina amenities (floating docks, good depth under docks at low tide, nice showers, gas & pump-out dock, swimming pool or easy access to a beach, etc.)
3) A marina associated with a nice hotel would be preferred, but not essential.
4) Competent repair yard either in the complex or near by.
5) Easy access to super market, marine supply store, restaurants, etc.
6) Not far off the ICW.
7) No farther north than North Carolina. No farther south than northern Florida.
8) No terrible bug problem. (However, all hatches and ports will be screened.)
9) Within a couple hours drive to an airport.

I'm sure that there are other important criteria that I've overlooked.

The boat has air conditioning with an AC generator, so I'm not too concerned about heat when at the dock, or at night on a mooring or at anchor.

I've already visited Charleston (SC), Beaufort (NC) and New Bern (NC). I would prefer Charleston, but I don't know how it measures up to the above criteria -- especially 1).

I'm aware that all of the above areas have some hurricane exposure, but I suppose some areas have less risk than others.

I probably won't have to make a decision until the end of September, at the earliest.

I really look forward to your recommendations and comments.

Thanks in advance,

Fritz

[PBzeer]

I'm currently staying at the Sheraton Docks in New Bern, and can say it pretty well fits your criteria. Especially if you are without a vehicle, as the Hotel has a courtesy van. There's also a new hotel/marina complex just past New Bern up the Neuse.

I would rate Charleston a more interesting place to be, but am unsure of the facilities there.

[sailingdog]

Congratulations.

1 and 2 are pretty simple.

4-9 will limit your possibilities quite a bit. I think Charleston is probably your best bet. A good marina will have a named storm policy that may include hauling and storing the boat ashore or setting up extra docklines, etc, either as a condition of having a slip contract or for a small additional fee.

Originally Posted by FritzN

I've a signed purchase agreement on a Valiant 42, located at the Valiant factory on Lake Texoma in Texas. I was there for the survey on Friday of last week, and did the sea trial on Saturday. There are a few issues to resolve, but the purchase will probably happen. Since the boat is located at the factory, I'm having some upgrades, replacements and service done by them before I ship her to the east coast.

All of my sailing has been on the west coast, but I'd like to get a slip on the east coast for at least six months a year. Here are my ideal criteria:

1) Reasonably low hurricane exposure.
2) Nice marina amenities (floating docks, good depth under docks at low tide, nice showers, gas & pump-out dock, swimming pool or easy access to a beach, etc.)
3) A marina associated with a nice hotel would be preferred, but not essential.
4) Competent repair yard either in the complex or near by.
5) Easy access to super market, marine supply store, restaurants, etc.
6) Not far off the ICW.
7) No farther north than North Carolina. No farther south than northern Florida.
8) No terrible bug problem. (However, all hatches and ports will be screened.)
9) Within a couple hours drive to an airport.

I'm sure that there are other important criteria that I've overlooked.

The boat has air conditioning with an AC generator, so I'm not too concerned about heat when at the dock, or at night on a mooring or at anchor.

I've already visited Charleston (SC), Beaufort (NC) and New Bern (NC). I would prefer Charleston, but I don't know how it measures up to the above criteria -- especially 1).

I'm aware that all of the above areas have some hurricane exposure, but I suppose some areas have less risk than others.

I probably won't have to make a decision until the end of September, at the earliest.

I really look forward to your recommendations and comments.

Thanks in advance,

Fritz

[FritzN]

Thanks for your input on New Bern. I also like the setup at the Sheraton and the first few blocks behind it (the historic district of the town). Two questions please:

1) I would only keep the boat at its home port during the hurricane season. Without having to take the Neuse to the open ocean (a good distance), is there good day or weekend sailing in the New Bern area during the summer?

2) How well marked is the Neuse from New Bern to the ICW? Being from the Pacific, I'm used to immediately enjoying deep water when exiting most breakwaters. I have cruising guides for NC, SC & GA and am aware that shoaling and shallow water are common in most areas that I asked about.

Thanks,

Fritz

[camaraderie]

I love Charleston and the Patriot Point marina there has a hotel associated with it. I am less enthused about the quality of boat services in Charleston.

For that reason I second the New Bern recommendation as the criteria you note are met and there is lots of good support for boat work in and near newBern/Oriental/Beaufort. Better sailing territory too on the Neuse River an Pamlico sound.

Good luck with the boat...hard to go wrong with a V42!

[hasuehounds]

Fritz
Oriental is a great spot to be. Im at whittaker creek , email me privatly for the costs for both transient liveaboards or slip owner costs to liveaboard..


Kathleen
s/V legacy in oriental

[PapaDSailor]

Fritz,

Congratulations on the Valiant. I know this is the boat you have based a lot of your plans on and it is good to see you found the right one.

Have you made the move to Florida yet or are you still in Denver? If you are in Denver and would like to meet to discuss the new boat let me know.

Dale (from USCG Aux. Nav Class).

[hasuehounds]

fritz
Thankyou for the private emails but you have me mixedup w ith someone else. I am from Michigan and retired in the past year to Oriental, NC

Kathleen Banks
s/v Legacy at port in Oriental,Nc