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New Bern lies at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent rivers, about 24
nautical miles up the Neuse from the Intracoastal Waterway in Pamlico Sound.
The 8- to 12-foot deep channel is clearly marked, and the river is broad
enough for you to sail day or night says Bob McNutty, dockmaster at Sheraton
Grand Hotel and Marina, the larger of New Bern's two marinas, “Be aware
of the ferry crossing between Minnesott Beach and Aurora [Cherry Point].”
"Watch for sapling net stakes, usually marked with plastic bottles or white flags, dotting the river in early spring and late fall. Lunar tides are negligible, but a strong westerly (25 knots) may drop the water 2 feet, while winds from the east or north may increase its level. The clock tower on New Bern City Hall is a navigational landmark. Both the Sheraton Marina (downtown) and BridgePointe Marina (across the Trent River) are above two bridges- The new Neuse River Bridge has a vertical clearance of 65 feet. The Alfred Cunningham swing bridge over the Trent River downtown opens on demand except between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m, and 4 and 6 p.m., Monday to Friday. Openings during those times are 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 PM. On Summer weekends and federal holidays, the bridge opens on demand, except only on the hour and half-hour between 2 and 7 p.m.. Contact the bridge operator on VHF channel 13. Free short-term daytime boat and dinghy tie-up is permitted at the town dock in Union Point Park and the Sheradon Marina’s outter dock. Both the marina and park have launch ramps. Anchoring is allowed off the marina or upstream above the railroad bridge, which is open, with 60-foot vertical clearance, unless a train is expected. Vertical clearance is 4 feet when closed. A half-mile upstream, twin highway bridges have a 45-foot vertical clearance. Power boaters can cruise the upper Trent another 15 miles or so, says McNulty. A grocery
store, seafood market, liquor store, banks, post office and public library
with free Internet access are within walking distance of the Sheraton Marina.
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New Bern's vintage downtown has undergone a renaissance, with shops, art galleries and restaurants occupying the renovated buildings. Independent contractors
provide repairs and canvas work, and marine equipment and accessories are
available. Tidewater Marine, about a mile up the Trent River offers full
repairs on boats to 60 feet and may have transient dockage. Call (252)
637-3347.
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