Looking for pros/cons about Pamilico Sound area in NC

[rgranger]

... you can't build a house out there unless it is on stilts (not sure the exact height but around 10 feet or so).

I'm originally from the Lafayette area of Louisianan. H-cane Rita did a real number on that area. My extended family lost 15 homes (Pecan Island). Those homes were already off of the ground about 4 feet. NOW not only are new homes elevated much higher but many existing homes have been jacked up and mounds of soil put underneath. It seems prudent and you get an automatic car port from the design to boot.

I love the NC coastal area and if a decent job in my expertise came along, I'd seriously consider it... but I'd want a house that was up off of the ground with strong shutters for the windows. And I'd still take a trip inland when the canes came.

 

[Gunni]

The flood insurance debate has been raging in North Carolina for years. The National Flood Insurance Program is welfare for developers and builders, with below-market premiums subsidized by Federal taxpayers. In fact, the insurance would not even exist if the Fed didn't fund the program. The program is tens of billions in debt. Flood insurance encourages development in places where it shouldn't happen and doesn't even collect enough to pay the losses. So yeah, the rates need to go up. And if your rates are going up, it is a very good indicator that NFIP knows you are siting in a predictable flood zone.

 

[jibes138]

This insurance issue currently under way is not a North Carolina specific issue. It is a national change effecting all coastal residents. Louisiana's representatives are heavily involved in attempting to block it.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Rich;

I will speak from a former Hunter/Catalina dealer in North Carolina.

The Albermarle and Pamlico offer expanse areas to sail in but there are many shallow areas as well which is a must to know when planning to sail in unknown areas. If you like to gunk hole, there are a lot of possibilities. Although we do not have the size of Charleston in this area, you will find New Bern, Oriental, Beauford, Elizabeth City and others to be charming places to go to and one of the most important things to consider are the folks who will not only work with you but will treat you courteously. It is less costly and major yards do excellent work. You are correct about flood insurance as it will affect all states on the coasts but that is left up to be seen.

There are a few things to remember. First a deep draft boat will need to be cautious and stay in the channel when going to marinas. Secondly, you have to be very careful when exiting going into the Atlantic due to shifting sands in the channel for example, Ocracoke except for Beaufort. In addition, the mast height with the larger boats have to be careful when traveling the ICW as one bridge is only 64 feet from the water and the others 65 feet except for one that is not on the ICW which is 45 feet clearance near Oriental.
Also, if you plan to stay at a marina, select one that is what we call a hurricane hole or one that is protected from hurricanes. There are a few not naming any that will secure your boat during the hurricanes as part of the regular service. There are a few areas where you can anchor out for hurricanes but ask only those who have lived in the area all their lives how to do that and not the weekend warriors. Above all, the tides are more determined by wind vs. regular tidal currents.

I hope this helps but what many have said over the years, The Chesapeake and the Sounds of North Carolina offer more as to sailing quality on the east coast plus the sailing period is longer vs. northern states.

 

[NC-C320]

The flood insurance is in no way limited to coastal areas (or in particular to NC). Ever hear of flooding along the Mississippi? And every year, when the snows melt, flooding in places up north? And earlier last year in Colorado? It's always interesting how people living in other places (other than the coast) seem to think that insurance rates should go up for those living at the coast. But they are just fine with tornado damage, forest fires etc. being covered and with the costs spread across the country, including to those living on the coast. And those of you who think you are on high ground and have nothing to worry about, nor any need for flood insurance, you just haven't gotten the right weather conditions. And when you do, you'll find that suddenly, flood zones have been re-designated and you are in one That's what happened here in NC in my area. Anywhere in the country, drainage systems are based on previous experience, but if you have an unusual situation in amount of water from rain, hurricanes, snow melt, etc. and the drainage in your area is limited by development, or systems coming plugged with fallen trees, growth, or mud slides, etc., you will have flooding.

Also, I would say that the Pamlico Sound and Pamlico River are both quite suitable for 40 ft. boats, as long as you don't have deep draft. Boats, drawing 5ft. or less, do just fine as long as they pay attention to the charts. The area is largely undeveloped however, so if you are looking for big city lights nearby, you won't find them. Washington has a number of marinas and several boat yards. Also, several nice waterfront developments (Pamlico Plantation, Cypress Landing). Greenville, 20 miles to the west has excellent medical facilities, air service, and a good sized university (East Carolina University).