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Where should we go today?

Run times and fuel worked out for a typical 26 ft centre console — 26 ft centre console, 26 kt cruise, 2 ft draft.

🐟What’s bitingRanked by today’s water temperature, with the current size and bag limits›⚓Inlets & channelsHow old the survey is behind each inlet, and every buoy that has moved›⛽Ethanol-free fuelE0 pumps by mile on the drive from Raleigh, each with the date it was confirmed›▤Boat storageDry stack, wet slips and trailer yards — and what to ask when you ring›✚If something goes wrongNearest way off the water, and the confirmed ER beyond it›📏Controlling depthWhat the Army Corps last measured, and how long ago they measured it›🌊Tidal currentWhich way the water is running, and what wind against tide is doing to it›🌉Bridges & clearancesEvery span on the waterway, what it clears, and when it opens›📻VHF position reportThe exact sentence to say on channel 16 — works with no signal›🧭Float planTell somebody ashore where you are going and when you will be back›🎒Gear listsWhat to bring for the sandbar, inshore, bottom fishing and trolling›
0.9 nm·9 min·~0.4 gal·Easy

The default Saturday. Idle up the ICW, tie up free at Dockside, eat on the water, be home before the afternoon chop builds.

Tie up at the adjacent marina and walk in.

2-3 hrsDockingFuel on routeKid friendly
2.6 nm·26 min·~1.1 gal·Easy

Fifteen minutes across to one of the prettiest waterfront towns on the East Coast. Dock on Front Street, walk to everything.

3-4 hrsDockingFuel on routeKid friendly
2.8 nm·26 min·~1.2 gal·Easy

Anchor off the north end, walk across to the ocean side, spend the day. The most-run trip in the whole county for a reason.

All dayFuel on routeKid friendly
3.7 nm·24 min·~1.7 gal·Easy

Boat-in state park beach with an actual bathhouse. Cleanest, least crowded beach day on this stretch of coast.

All dayFuel on routeKid friendly
3.8 nm·24 min·~1.8 gal·Easy

Bogue Sound bars go dry at low tide. Beach the boat, set the chairs in a foot of warm water, raft up with whoever shows.

4-5 hrsFuel on routeKid friendly
3.9 nm·21 min·~1.9 gal·Moderate

Cross the Cape Fear, dock in the harbor, rent a golf cart and spend the day on an island with no cars on it.

6-8 hrsDockingFuel on routeKid friendly
4.5 nm·26 min·~2.2 gal·Easy

Twenty minutes from Front Street and you're on an undeveloped barrier island with a herd of wild horses on it.

3-4 hrsFuel on routeKid friendly
7.0 nm·28 min·~3.6 gal·Moderate

Skinny water behind the island on a rising tide. Reds tailing in the grass. Shallow-draft boats only once you're off the channel.

Half day
10.7 nm·40 min·~5.5 gal·Moderate

The best natural anchorage in North Carolina. Full protection behind the cape, lighthouse in view, and room for a hundred boats.

OvernightFuel on routeKid friendly
12.2 nm·59 min·~6.1 gal·Moderate

Down the ICW through Snow's Cut, across the Cape Fear, tie up free at Provision Company. The trip locals send visitors on.

Dock or slips at the restaurant.

5-6 hrsDockingFuel on routeKid friendly
15.4 nm·66 min·~7.8 gal·Moderate

Up the Cape Fear into downtown. Tie up at Port City, walk the Riverwalk, eat downtown, run home in the dark if you're comfortable.

5-6 hrsDockingFuel on route

Thumbnails are live NOAA nautical charts of each destination. Run time and fuel are calculated from your boat profile — no-wake miles at idle burn, the rest at cruise.