Jay,

I've heard, no personal experience, that Charleston, SC is rapacious.

If you consider the Oriental, NC area I'd advise you to stay away from
Sailcraft, but recommend Triton Yacht. Tell Paul Welles I sent you if
you call them. Deaton Yacht has also treated me well there. Triton and
Deaton can provide you with current rates.

You can also anchor in the town harbor. I haven't done it so don't know
the particulars. Don't plan on hiding from storms up river unless your
boat has little draft, as the rivers around Oriental are shallow. See
local charts.

It's hot as hell over there in the Summer but if you're leaving Texas,
you'll be fine :-)

Also, NC is 2nd only to FL for lightning and it sticks way out in the
Atlantic making it a good hurricane target. But the entire SE is quite
vulnerable.

Waterfront and near waterfront property has gotten quite pricey in the
last 5 yrs, but I guess that's almost universal now. If you're
interested, tell Larry Gwaltney of Sail Loft Realty I sent you. He's
that rare item these days, competent and a nice guy.

In any case, I've lived in Tx and NC [and live in neither now] and I'd
be most surprised if you weren't much more satisfied, no matter what
you're looking for :-)

HTH
Courtney



just me wrote:

I've decided it's time to hang it up and get out of town! I'm currently in
Texas on an inland lake. I'm going to move my boat, a 40' Jeanneau, to the
east coast in the spring of 05. I'm thinking of the Carolinas, but have no
first hand knowledge.
I would appreciate input regarding marinas, monthly costs if possible, and
any recommendations. I'd like to roam the east coast for a year or so then
to the Bahamas and on to the Caribbean (or wherever the wind blows me).
Thanks to all.
Jay







--
s/v Mutiny
Rhodes Bounty II
lying Oriental, NC
WDB5619