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Machelhe Island - Pasquotank River

Location: Dismal Swamp
Mile Marker: Mile 49
Lat / Lon: N 36° 18.211' / W 076° 12.472'
Depth: 7-14 Feet
Description:
This area is often used as an alternative to the Elizabeth City town docks when strong east to south winds make those docks uncomfortable.

4.50

(4)

4.50 out of 5 stars

Holding:

5.00

Good, Mud

Wind Protection:

3.50

Somewhat Open North

Current Flow:

4.50

Wake Protection:

4.00

Somewhat Open North

Scenic Beauty:

3.00

Ease of Shopping:

2.75

Shore Access:

4.67

Pet Friendly:

4.75

Cell Service:

4.00

WiFi:

1.00

Review for Machelhe Island - Pasquotank River

Reviewed by: Eric Stanley, Argyle, on Nov 10, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 5.0'

Overall Rating:

5

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

3

Current Flow:

5

Wake Protection:

4

Scenic Beauty:

3

Ease of Shopping:

4

Shore Access:

5

Pet Friendly:

5

Cell Service:

4

WiFi:

1

Excellent anchorage with good 360° protection. A bit of fetch to the north but as another reviewer stated, there is also room northwest of this marker on the other side of the ICW channel. Not much wind protection due to the low lying surrounding land. No noticeable current. Nearby free docks are good for dinghy landing. Lots of good restaurants and bars in town. Only downside is that the grocery store is about 2 miles from the dinghy docks.

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Review for Machelhe Island - Pasquotank River

Reviewed by: Abroad Reach on Nov 13, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.5'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

4

Current Flow:

5

Wake Protection:

4

Scenic Beauty:

3

Ease of Shopping:

3

Shore Access:

4

Pet Friendly:

5

Cell Service:

4

WiFi:

1

Nice well protected anchorage with a little exposure to the Northeast that is easily rectified by moving to the north side of the river. Some minor wakes from small boats headed up and down the river. Easy dinghy ride to the Mid Atlantic Christian docks which makes for an easy walk into town. One downside is with winds out of the N or NW the waste water treatment plant can be a little smelly.

Two great breweries (Seven Sounds and Ghost Harbor) and great food at Hoppin Johnz. The Museum of the Albermarle is really well done and provides a lot of information about the area's history.

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Review for Machelhe Island - Pasquotank River

Reviewed by: Capt. Sterling on Jul 31, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Overall Rating:

5

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

5

Current Flow:

4

Wake Protection:

4

Scenic Beauty:

2

Ease of Shopping:

3

Shore Access:

5

Pet Friendly:

5

Cell Service:

4

WiFi:

1

I think it's the best free dock in Elizabeth City. They do need to trim the trees however.

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Review for Machelhe Island - Pasquotank River

Reviewed by: Skipper Bob on Jun 1, 2016
Draft: 0.0'

Overall Rating:

4

Holding:

5

Wind Protection:

2

Current Flow:

4

Wake Protection:

4

Scenic Beauty:

4

Ease of Shopping:

1

Pet Friendly:

4

Cell Service:

4

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer