Dismal Ditch

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talexander38

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Need some info on the ditch, The Ins. co. has cleared my boat to go through it. Would like to know how deep and width of it and how long it takes to get through it. And best place to stay in Elizabeth City and is there room to swing and the hook.
 
I assume you are talking about the Dismal Swamp and not the C&D Canal which is also affectionatly know as "The Ditch".
 
THe canal is plenty deep and about 60 foot wide.

There are good places to swing on the hook just south of the locks in SOuth Mills and near goat island near Lambs marina (which happens to be the4 only fuel stop in town. Just north of town (after the railroad bridge) there are some wide areas to drop the anchor. In town is the free slips along the seawall. No power there tho. Good restaurants right across the street.
 
well, you dont' say how much you draw so i woudlnt' say that it's plenty deep but up to 5' draft is no problem. some folks have run it with more than that. take a look at Active Captain, good info provided by cruisers.
 
thanks for the info guys I draw 3'8" and I'll check out that site. Not C&D MikeeH the Dismal swamp ditch, I just worry about sucking up logs I heard it happens to power boats. And I take it that it's no wake all the way ?
 
According to the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Canal has a centerline depth of 6'3" and can handle most boat drafts.

Boaters on the 22-mile long Dismal Swamp Canal are welcome to tie up to the 150-foot face dock and spend the night. The Welcome Center is located at Mile 28 on the ICW. Locks, located at each end of the Canal in Deep Creek, VA, and South Mills, NC -- open four times a day: 8:30 am, 11:00 am, 1:30 pm & 3:30 pm. North Carolina's Coastal Boating Guide and other publications on the waterways of our state are available to members of the boating fraternity.

Fresh water is also available.

Tourism information is available on-line thru the http://www.icw-net.com/info/forms-db/nc/ftour-nc.htm INFO REQUEST FORM or by phone. Come visit Northeastern North Carolina and experience southern hospitality at its best! And, DO THE DISMAL!
 
thanks I found the guide web site Sunday so that's on the way, I just want so REAL info from guys like you that have done the ditch.. and live down there..thanks again Chief
 
If you get by Coinjock, try the 32 ounce prime rib and their homemade fries. The best!
 
We did the ditch in the fall of 2008. I'd say it's easy to pass in a day. We banged something coming out of the south lock but it did not bend the props. Perhaps I was to far to port out of the South lock. Don't push your speed and you will be fine. If you follow someone be ready to eat the debris they stir up.
If the wind is correct Elizabeth city is a good stop. If the wind is howling out of the South or South East (I suspect) it will suck, er, ah blow. Sailboats line up in the morning hoping to glomm spots there for the day.
We stayed at Lambs which was outside town and rustic. I had work to do on the boat. In a 36 no problem but more than that like us you better be ready to test your skills. It's tight. But it's totally protected.
All things considered we did ok even tho we were stuck there at Lambs for 3 nights due to a failed antifreeze pump. Great folks that know when a Yankee is in town but with some talking we all agree on some points.
 
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