Reviews from Phillip G (6)

Marina Review for Bald Head Island Marina

Reviewed by: Phillip G , Sea's the Moment, on Jun 21, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 28'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 4

Very nice and well-kept marina. Like others have said the approach can be rough. We took 18 mph winds on the beam coming across the mouth of the Cape Fear. Glad the ferry wasn't in the channel on our approach. It would have been hard for us in such a small craft to turn into the wind and wait for the ferry to pass. I would recommend radioing the marina to make sure the ferry isn't about to pull out the channel. As others have mentioned the currents entering the marina make it rocky the whole time. (-1 star hard to sleep with the boat jerking against the lines all night.) I originally though it was the wind, but on the last day we were still rocking every few seconds with little to no wind. The bathrooms were always clean even though there is only one each men/women's and a handicap bathroom with one shower and toilet each. Be warned that the marina is NOT manned 24x7. They close around 4:30.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Wrightsville Beach Marina

Reviewed by: Phillip G , Sea's the Moment, on Jun 21, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 28'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 1

Called on 6/19/2025 to check availability. The person that answered the phone said it would be $4.50 a foot, but she had to check with the dock master to see if they had anything for us and would call us back. We never received a call back.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Marina Review for Dockside Restaurant and Marina

Reviewed by: Phillip G , Sea's the Moment, on Jun 21, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 28'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 4

Was too windy to anchor so we called around. They were the only marina with open slips on a first come first serve basis. These are also the slips dock and dine people use so arrive early if you want to dock where there is power. As of 6/21/2025 they are charging $4 a foot which is kind of pricy for no amenities like the neighboring marinas. If you don't have a working head don't dock here. When they close they lock the bathrooms too. Surprisingly enough the bar wasn't too loud. We did not eat here but the menu didn't look too bad. Being in a no wake zone is definitely a plus as most boats observe it. Will stop here again if the other marinas are full.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Wrightsville Beach

Reviewed by: Phillip G, Sea's the Moment, on Jun 21, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 28'
Draft: 3.0'

Never EVER again will we anchor here. We anchored here twice. once on 6/17/25 and again on 6/20/25. Where to start with the problems of this anchorage... The first night the wind was out of the south west coming straight up Motts channel at about 16~17mph with the current going out and the wind hitting us on the beam being such a small boat we couldn't handle the fetch, so we left and rented a slip at the dockside marina. On our return trip the wind was out of the south west again, but this time at only 5 mph. That's when all the fun began. First of all these people with wake boats need to learn what a safe distance is. We got waked by several boats within 50 feet OR LESS of us pulling wake boarders. We were waked so bad water came over the swim platform and through the transom door. The second one to get us stuffed the dingy under the platform I was trying to load it. This went on until dark despite the fact that there were no boats on the other side of the bridge. I was really surprised that the jet skis mainly stuck to the western side of the anchorage, and were not weaving in and out of the anchored boats like everyone else. Second is the dinghy dock. You have to wait in line to get a spot at this dock. Luckily after waiting for 5 min or so another boat waived us in to dock in front of them as there was just enough space for us to squeeze in. Oh and remember the wake boarders. Nope they don't slow down when they go by, so if you have a small dink like us (9.5') prepare for a wet ride if they are around. Once ashore everything is walking distance. There is a beach access less than a quarter mile from the dock as well as several restaurants near the dock. The ONLY two things I can say positive about this anchorage is that the holding was great. Our Danforth stuck first try both times we were there and came up fairly clean and easy. Amazingly there were no mosquitos or any other flying pests to speak of. We actually were able to hang out on deck till well after dark, and sleep with the cabin door open. All and all this anchorage would be so much better if it was a no wake zone (like Carolina beach). from what we could see the anchorages along Motts Channel wasn't any better. there were boats blasting by everywhere. Our recommendation is unless its winter and the wake board and skiers are not out stay a little further south at Carolina beach I know we will be.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Mile Hammock Bay

Reviewed by: Phillip G, Sea's the Moment, on Apr 2, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 28'
Draft: 3.0'

We have anchored here several times during summer and fall 2023 (Camp Lejeune is our hailing port). It is one of our favorite anchorages in the New River area. Every time the anchor set on first try in the real thick (stinky) mud. There is a lot of marsh land surrounding this anchorage so beware the bugs can be bad in the summer. lots of room to swing. We are usually anchored with 6 or more other boats so get there before 3 to get a good spot. Most boats start rolling in around 4 pm. I have read several reviews that people went ashore. I assure you being there without proper military issued ID or a sponsor is a bad idea. The Military Police patrol the area frequently so don't get caught on the dock or surrounding sea walls. There are sand bars that are less than a mile either way down the ICW that are open to the public and a short dingy ride away.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Anchorage Review for Lookout Bight

Reviewed by: Phillip G, Sea's the Moment, on Apr 2, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 28'
Draft: 3.0'

Great shallow anchorage never saw less than 7 ft at low tide. Holding was good until someone decided to tube with their family 100 Ft off our bow (reason for 1 star wake protection) for a couple hours then add all the jet ski's. Next time we are going to use the deeper anchorage on the other site of the bight. It looked like there was a lot less traffic over there. Once the sun started going down most of the day boaters started clearing out and the bight became smooth as glass. very impressive views of the light house. You can get great sunset and sunrise scenery from one location. if you dingy to the light house there is a gift shop and sometimes a food truck by the ferry dock.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer