Thinking of taking a “bucket list” trip up the ICW North to a brother’s house on the ICW near Morehead City. Not so much of a “bucket list” trip, but more just a trip up the ICW to see if I can do it. Would probably just be me, maybe another “willing participant”. 21’ CC w/ single engine 150 Yam. Just wondering how far some have traveled up the ICW and what the route is like. Looks like it can be a little tricky near Georgetown and Wilmington, so just wondering if any have made this trip? What do you think the trip time would be? I’m being conservative and planning on 3 days up, as I’m thinking of going up to Georgetown/Myrtle on day 1, docking somewhere to get a hotel, then cruise up to Wilmington on day 2 and do the same. Would hope to get to Morehead on day 3. His neighborhood has a private boat ramp, so would get a friend to drive my truck and trailer up there and then trailer the boat back to Charleston when done. Any input?
I have done this a few times. I used to deliver boats to points up north usually from FLA. You need a copy of “Sailing Directions” for NC & SC. You will find your self making un-expected stops waiting for high tide and there will be missing ICW markers and many miles of no wake zones. Don’t drive the ICW at night. There can be dangers in the water that you need to see and avoid. It gets difficult near the NC SC state line. Sailing Directions will show you dockage & lodging, fuel opportunities, and good charts with hazards listed. Watch for nice weather and get out in the ocean where you can run faster when you can. It could be done in 3 days IF everything goes perfectly. Uber has changed things with the very expensive lodging along the ICW. You can get a low cost ride to a less expensive inland hotel.
Thanks Natureboy, lot of good info. I’ll p/u Sailing Directions, really appreciate the input. Exactly what I was looking for.