Cape Fear River N of Wilmington

[Ski in NC]

Has anyone run a boat up the Cape Fear River or NE Cape Fear River north of Wilmington NC? My charts don't go past Willywood. I know the rivers are somewhat navigable, but not sure if shoals and channel are marked.

I've got a single screw 38' and my prop blade tips are the lowest thing under the boat. A little sketchy going into an unfamiliar water with poor vis. Draw is about 3'.

The black water rivers do tend to run pretty deep. Maybe I'll just pick my way up slow.

Going on a little trip this weekend with the boat and girl, would like to explore a bit. Would rather not involve Sea Tow on our date.

 

[caltexflanc]

Ski, give the CG a call, and Seatow for that matter. There are some big locks up the river, and I am not sure if they still are functional. Maybe the Wilmington Corps of Engineers office would be the best source for that. You used to be able to go all the way to Fayetteville "back in the day".

http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes-and-Dams/Cape-Fear-Locks-and-Dams/