The 2026 OBX130 is July 19-24. OBX is Outer Banks. Since I live in the IBX, I'll be sailing my 19 to the start, sail the even, and return. I have 2 routes an available to me. One takes me down the ICW to Beaufort and then north along the OBX to the campgrounds it starts at. The second route is up the Neuse river to the south end of Pamlico Sound. From there I'll sail into West Bay just north of Cedar Island and to the river connecting it to Thorofare Bay and Core Sound. I'm hoping the weather allows me to take a route there and a different route home. Although taking Adam's Creek (ICW) is longer and with more traffic from large vessels.
If anyone is interested in going, I have plenty of yard for your rigs and a suitable ramp .7 miles away.
Wow, sounds like an adventure for sure.
im thinkthast you could bring the 19 to the clr and get some practice in
Update. All the supplies needed are in a pile in the garage. The only thing I still need is food. I made 8 - 12lb blocks of ice and put together a shower. The outboard is refusing to run, so that and/or the extreme heat may be a problem. We have had heat indexes over 105* for the past 2 weeks with no relief in sight. Along with the heat are days of 35+mph winds and inches of rain coming down in a few hours. I need to leave by the 16th to get there in time.
Sometimes it's better to be smart than lucky - the weather is no joke these days.
Well, as usual, the outboard won't start. 😤
I put together and tested my new shower. It puts out more water than I'd like. My old pump shower held a gallon and a half and would give me 12-15 showers. That's washing up in lake/ocean water and rinsing off with freshwater. I can see this pumping through the 5 gallons in 5 showers. Tried some starting fluid, still nothing. Might have to get the AR out and put the o/b out of my misery. I have a 3.5 for the rib I could use. It has a 5hp carb on it so it pushes good, but the little internal fuel tank will need several fillings as I traverse Adams Creek. (ICW)
ah, the joys of 2 stroke======sorry
Carl,I know what I would do. Well I just did it and life has gotten much, much better. As explained on the TSBB board, I just bought a new carb, along with a new tank (original had a crack and was bulged) and a new fuel line, old one leaked badly at the tank fitting. Now I just go up and pull the cord twice and it fires right up, idles, accelerates, decelerates and runs at any rpm without missing. No adjustment necessary, ran perfect with the install. All of that turned out to be about $350 because the carb was OEM, not a knock off. With that all you have to do is start it once a week and hey, the boat is in your back yard. Regarding the expense it is about twenty bucks a missed trip when I traveled up and could not go because the motor would not start or run right if it did. Life's too short.......
The carb was replaced in 2019 and the o/b stored until this year. I honestly believe this boat is cursed when it comes to motors. I have a propane o/b for the rib. Never gave me problems. Then I put it on the 19 and within minutes it started leaking propane from 2 areas. Neighbor loaned me his "ever reliable" Honda last summer. It quit 10 minutes into a run. We put it back on his boat and it started right up. Reinstalled it on mine, and couldn't get it started. Back on his and no problems. At one point I had 4 outboards for this boat. If one wouldn't start, I'd switch it out until that one quit and so on. The 3.5 I recently acquired for the rib runs great, so I am hesitant to use it less the curse ruins it. I also bought a new 55lb thrust electric trolling motor for it in 2022. Water got into it and fried it after only a few uses.
This boat is cursed.
I have looked at electric outboards. They would be fine for day sails, but a trip were I may need to motor for hours wouldn't work.
It's been raining hard the past few days so I haven't been able to remove the motor and I'm a bit cautious as the last time I did, I tore a calf muscle and am still having problems with it.
I'm so tired of messing with motors on this boat, I am seriously considering selling it and just sailing the Orion. I have a sunfish for short sails around the house. No motor to mess with. If the wind dies, I have an extendable paddle.
So, I've been delaying shopping for food because it is the least favorite of things to do. I grabbed a 2 wheel dolly, some ratchet straps, and went to the boat with the intention of bringing the engine into the garage. I repositioned the boat so the transom was as close to the dock as possible. This way I could loosen the o/b clamps and lift it off without being in the boat. (don't need to tear another calf muscle) Just before loosening the clamps, I figure another try can't hurt and give a pull. 🤔 That sounded promising. On the 4th pull she fired up! I ran it and even went for a short motoring. The boat must have heard my thoughts about selling her and decided the next owner could be worse.
Now I need to work on the anchor light and the transducer.
And...😒😩 shop for food.
as my dad used to say; "you probsbly held your mouth right"
I've been running the outboard twice a day to keep it "healthy". Topped off the external tank with ethanol free and another 2 gallon container for reserve. Topped off the internal 10 gallon water tank. Went grocery shopping this morning for fresh foods, raised the sails and checked all the rigging. I still need to pack clothes and toiletries. Checking the winds, I decided I can make it to the start in 2 days, so I'm leaving Friday instead of tomorrow. Next week predicted winds are 15-20, with gusts to 32 mph depending on the day and time. They will be mostly out of the s/w, so hopefully the mainland will afford some shelter. I have all new reefing lines, as long as remember to reef early.
I grilled up some burgers, breakfast sausages, and Spam. Vacuum sealed them so they only need to be boiled. Can't go on a sailing trip without Spam. Also have fresh eggs, already scrambled and in a container. Canned and fresh fruit. Homemade trail mix for snacking on the go. 30-24oz bottles of water. 20 of them frozen. 8-12lb blocks of ice. 6 pack of beer. Flask of "Shanky's Whip". 1/2 gallon of milk. A quart of OJ. Coffee. Tea. Left over from the truncated Keys trip: 2-Ramen noodles. 2-cans pears, 1-can baby potatoes, 1-can wax beans, 3-small containers green beans, 8-small containers applesauce, 8-small chocolate puddings, 2-cans pork & beans, 2-cans hash, 2-cans chicken, 4-pouches tuna, and 2 mystery cans with no labels. Also packed butter, salt & pepper, brown sugar, sugar, and olive oil.
Way more food than I'll need, but it was all still in the bin and it was easier to just put the bin in the boat.
As for other stuff. I have a blow up dinghy and oars, 12v pump for the dinghy, 22lb claw anchor and 30' of 5/16" chain for storms. 5 gallon of water and 12v pump for showers, 10lb navy anchor 3' of chain for the dinghy, 2-PFDs and recharge kit for both, hose clamps, tool kit, butane stove, 3-canisters of fuel, bowl, pie plate (high sides keep the food on it), coffee mug, eating & cooking utensils, cutting board, 1st aid kit, 3-pairs of sunglasses, cooling towel, handheld VHF & base mounted VHF radios, phone & tablet, 2-12v oscillating fans, 2-group 27 100ah lithium batteries, 50 watt solar panel and charge controller, danforth anchor and 20' of chain on bow, mosquito netting, 12v vacuum, wag bags & bucket, fenders, extra line, binoculars, go pro, water camera, snorkeling gear, cooler, solar/crank lantern, 12v cockpit light, clothes, swim wear, 4-towels, 6-rags, 2-sponges, 2 cycle oil, assortment of shackles, pulleys, SS split rings, pins, sealants, and such, 2 wheel dolly, boat hook, small 12v battery and kit for testing, running small items away for the boat, and miscellaneous items.
It's amazing it all fits and still allows me to comfortably move about. I could not locate the Compac hanging storage bags. They must be in the attic, and with temps in the 90s, Im not looking for them.
It sounds like a lot of crap for a 10 day outing, but I keep a list of things I've needed, and things I've never used on trips. When you consider half the days I will be on my own, it's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
I tried imagining where all that would go on my boat; I'd be stumped.
Left the dock about 830 with predicated sw winds ro arrive at 9. They didnt. Motoring across the Neuse river, i begam ro smell gas. I forgot to replace the failing primer bulb. With that accomplished i continued on to Adams creek. (ICW) About noon thebqind arrived, but ir was on the nose ans I was already fighting a 2 knot current. Half way to Beaufort I stopped to refuel. I arrived in Beaufort and grabbed a day dock. Near me is a gwntleman o have chattwd with on our creek. He sails a Nomble 30 that os currently for sale. At this posting im on my 3rd beer. I dont have my reading glasses with me, aonplease forgive any spelling mistakes.
Oriental bridge. Greens Creek to Neuse River. No wind on the Neuse. Adams Creek.
Compac 23. Typical homes along the NC ICW. Bridge #2. Hope I clear it . Everyday sught on our waterways. Beaufort bridge. Another pirate is in town. Club sailing. Beaufort day docks.
Pics continued...
More pics?????
I'm not as think as you drunk I am. LOL
Temporarily anchored at Carrot island. The hull beem cleaned since January, but little growth. The rudder was covered in green slime. A couple montues with a drywall lnife and all is well. I'm surprised how high the waterline is with allbthe weight added. Time to find an anchorage for the night.
Carl:
It's nice seeing your CPYOA Burgee!
Wishing you fair winds with smooth seas.
Alright Carl! Enjoy!
dont worry we will all take care of Joan
Carl, how did you figure out how to post pictures? You were previously having difficulty?
im green with envy
Quote from: soilgod on July 18, 2026, 01:04:46 PMCarl, how did you figure out how to post pictures? You were previously having difficulty?
Im using my old Samsung S10. It has an edit feature to reduce the size and saves in jpeg/jpg.
Miserable night. Goid wind through the cabin and no bugs, bit hot. Didnt sleep well. After a breakfast of coffe,sausage, and scrambled eggs the anchor was pulled and we sailed out of the anchorage about 730. Light winds, but a nice sail up Taylors creek to Core sound. Once in the sound there weren't trees to block the wind and with it pushing 20mph, the sail was...spirited. Lots of trouble with navionics. It kept showing me heading west, but we were heading straight at the rising sun. I deleted the app, reinstalled it to no avail. Everyone i spoke to warned me how shallow Core sound is, but I cut all the corners i could and never had less than 2' under the keel. The wind picked up to 25mph, but no gusts and it was on the stern. Not having a whisker pole made running wing on wing tiresome, I furled up the genny and took it easy. I had to turn east to get to the campgrounds and that was "exciting". She heeled over and took off like the devil was chasing us. Wmtering the narrow channel to the campgrounds I kept inside the markers, but still ran aground. I made like Bogart and pulled into deeper water before setting the anchor. I blew up the cheap dinghy and started rowing in, but just then the gusts arrived and pushed me into an oyster bed. The was punctured and a camper drive out to the point and hauled me in. The office was closed and I tried to call, but my phone was dead. Im still not used to this iphone and apparently on must use their cords, which I dont have with me. An older gentleman, think kickingbug but a gentleman, offered to tKe to my boat in his skiff. He then showed me the correct way in. Im currntly tied up to a seawall and on the hard. The wind is still increasing, but we're sitting stable. 2 OBX participants offered to pick and stay at their pmace tonight, but Im here and grateful Im not spending the night anchored on the spending with 30mph+ winds predicted. Also glad I brought my old phone so Joanie can get a hold of me if needed.
Pics of the "navigation aids" in the campground entrance. Dinghy as deflated as my sailing prowess. Campgrounds.
Boat was sitting on the bottom all night so no rocking ir rolling. Dan left with his Core Sound 20 before I awoke. He text stating the in coming weather as reason. Steve with his hobie and curtis with his Mud Hen arrived as I was alseep next to the pook. The extreme heat found me in a long sleeve fishing shirt and long kayaking pants. I would take dip on the pool get out and read until the heat drove me back in. Another couple arrived with their McGregor 26. They had already participated in the Texas 200 this year. Right now the weather is looking too extreme for this to happen. Currently the wind is 33mph with higher gusts. The same is predicted for tomorrow along with heavy rain and thunderstorms. With the wind out of the SW, it would be dead on our noses. Then there are allbthe shoals to dodge. One wrong move and we could be in trouble. Curtis lives in Beaufort and offered to drive me home to collect my truck and trailer. If this is a no go, I'll take him up on that offer.
As i type, another participant has arrived.
Pics is the boat at low tide.
More boats arrived. A West Wright Potter 15, a Core Sound 20, A self designed/built boat that looks fast just sitting on the trailer, and a Suncat. There are sailors from West Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, other places I fail to recall. Winds have increased and a big thunderstorm coming in tonight, but tomorrow has changed to 10mph w winds. If that holds true, it will be a very pleasant sail to Lookout Lighthouse.
4 boats are in the water and another 4 to be launched in the morning. My and the Potter 15 intend to head out of the narrow shallow channel at first light to avoid the out going tide. We'll anchorbin deeper water and wait for the others. We a nice "burger bash" like the FL120 has and the captains meeting was informative as most have done this multiple times. Thevlargest boat is the MacGregor 26, and the smallest is a 10 or 12' pram. 2 major thunderstorms passed west if us and thebweather forecast for tomorrow, as of now, has changed considerably. SW winds at 10mph building in the afternoon to 15.
The burger bash!
20260719_182801.jpg
9 boats showed. 8 boats launched. 7 boats headed out. With most of the boats tied to the seawall, this morning everyone's boat was afloat but mine. I struggled with it for 29 minutes when a young fellow helped me get it away fron the wall into the channel. The very nuddy channel. I brought enough mud aboard to start a garden. I followed a Potter 15 out and ran aground in the same spot when i first arrived. 2 boats went past including a Suncat without trouble. After a long time pushing and pulling, another sailor stopped to give aid. He pulled on the halyard to heel the boatcand i was able to push it 50 yards into deeper water. With the sails up I officially started my 1st OBX130. A half mile into it, the suncat returned. The capt wasnt feeling we'll, and they were having trouble with their rigging. Not long after, the junk rigged Mud Hen also went in. He wasnt making any progress against the stiff wind. I quick overtook the Potter, but the Core Sound 20 and the hone designed boat shot off like rockets. The 10-15mph winds lasted about 2 hours and then doubled. 2' rollers were smashing into the bow. Core Sound is long north to south and shallow so we were at the end of the fetch and paying for it. Then the wind died. Not good. I looked astern and the sky was dark and lightning was flashing. With nowhere to hide, I kept on. 3 storms passed without reaching me. However, 3 times while tacking, the jib sheet buried itself off the jib car. It took disassembling each time to fix. Not easy in 22mph wind and 2-3' seas. I was tired and hungry. I fired up the o/b and headed for a small bay on the north end of Harkers Island. Lunch and a chance to wash the sand and muck out of shoes was heaven. I got out ofcthe boat and swam a bit until a pod of dolphins swam near. The Potter joined me, but soon they too called it quits and headed inland to a marina where an Uber would drive them back to their vehicle. I decided to take the inside passage around the island as the waves wouldn't be sp bad. They werent, but the water was shallow outside the channel, and didnt want to run aground again. Once on the southside of the island, i needed to make a decision. Head N/E into the chop and to Shackleford Banks, or south into Taylor Creek and back to Beaufort. With my feet chewed up, my calf injured, and my back aching, I chose Beaufort. Im currently anchored in the same spot as day 1 and will leave for home in the morning. Another thunderstorm is brewing, but appears to be down wind.
Pics are of Beaufort waterfront and Carrot Island and it's wild horses.
Nice evening and night. No bugs this entire trip which is always good. I having dinner when this fellow started jumping behind me. I couldnt catch the leaps with the phone, but here it is foraging.
0640 sails up and heading home. The winds hadnt changed, which was good. I was able to sail all but about 2 miles where Adams Creek becomes narrow and the trees block the wind. Entering the Neuse River I encountered 2' footers, and a 22mph wind broadside to port. I was really moving now! Half way across the 4 mile width, a thunderstorm came in. At first I thought it would blow by, but no, I was in for it. With the bimini up there is mo way ro reef the main, and with a the waves it be a difficult task without the bimini. I thought about heading back to Adams Creek, but decided to keep going. Infurled the genny in to storm size and let the main all the way out. Only 2 other boats were out, a shrimp trawler and a 40' Island Packet. The IP immediately dropped sails and headed in. I tried to keep a 45° angle into the now 4' waves. The rain was hard and stinging my face. I could items in the cabin tossing and afterwards the 40' cooler ws upside down on the opposite side of the cabin. Even the little things I ledt in the sink were tossed. Beibg a fast moving storm, it was over in 15 minutes, but what a long quarter of an hour it was. I sailed under the and up Greens Creek tacking to starboard and furling the genny all the way in before entering our little cove. Spinning hwr around 180 we gently hlided to to the dock and after she was secured, the wind reprised it's storm level intensity. I had a lot of trouble bringing down and securing the main, but with that accomplished I walked up to the house, took long shower and dropped on the couch.
2was able to take any pics. It was too rough and I was having issues with my phones and tablet.
I'm glad you made it home safely!
4 boats are still out there. The winds have been over 20mph since I got home and raining. Forecast is showing rain for the next 10 days. We are under a flood advisory.
Really enjoying this thread, here, crazycarl!
Thanks for all the pictures, Carl. Glad you had a safe trip!