Oriental, North Carolina

[crazycarl]

we're flying into releigh/durham this friday and we'll be spending the week looking at properties again.

we should have plenty of time as we fly out monday, sept. 21st.

soooo...anyone in the area want to invite us for a sail, pm me and we can exchange cell #s.


C.C.

[crazycarl]

after looking at several properties and weighing the pros and cons of each, we've narrowed it down to two.

property #1                                                                                    property #2

5 miles to town                                                                                                          11 miles to town

flat .8 acre                                                                                                                 flat .43 acre

new wood/cement dock                                                                                              older wood dock/needs some repair to decking

3 1/2' of water at dock                                                                                               5' water at dock

no trees needing removal for building                                                                          at least 6 trees must die

beautiful neighborhood with brick homes                                                                    sparsely populated/rural neighborhood

beautiful water view from dock/partial view from house                                               beautiful view from dock and house

large lot without septic in place will easily hold planned house and large shop               set backs from water and marsh on both sides, plus existing septic tank and field in place, reduces options on size of                                                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                 house and shop

$10k less than property #2                                                                                        $10k more than property #1



i scientifically measured the water depths by dunking a measuring tape dockside.

i'm going out tomorrow morning with a resident to sound the area around property #1.  he claims his boat draws 3 1/2' and he turns around in front of the dock, but he has seen the water go as high as 5', and once in 15 years, go down to 1'.  there isn't a lunar tide, rather a wind tide, depending on which direction it's blowing.


on another note,  there sure are a lot of compac 'o nauts down here!  i've seen a 16, a 16cb, 2-23s, 2-25/27s, and a suncat.  in just 3 days!


C.C.

[Bob23]

Hmmm...I knew the East coast was feeling a bit crazier than normal...now I know why! Tough call with each one having plus's and minus's.  What will you be sailing?
Bob23

[crazycarl]

well bob,

until the house and shop are completed, we'll still be sailing our 19.

however, we would like to upgrade to something in the 28 to 30' range.

a compac 27 could work, but joan is particular to the bayfield 32.  which draws 3' 9".

i'll find out how deep the water out in the channel at property #1 is this morning.

[Jon898]

I'm certain you're very well aware of it, but be sure to research both flood zones and septic permitting issues...and not just with a realtor or existing owner.  The former have changed significantly over the years, resulting in many homes being built on pilings instead of on grade/foundations.  The latter have changed in most localities such that areas that used to be able to perk no longer can (there are engineering solutions to this but they drive up the cost); even with an existing septic system and field, the original permit may have expired or be very restrictive with respect to number of fixtures connected.

Enjoy your search!

Jon

[tmw]

You didn't ask for anyone's thoughts, but I'll post anyway.

Property #1, the additional size and closeness to town and neighbors would be winners, except for the lack of a great view from the house.

Property #2, having the great view from the house (not everyone is going to spend all their time on the pier) would be my kicker.  Also having the septic already in place (assuming it's in good shape) could be a huge factor.  In Maryland, they require new or upgraded septic systems to have this nitrogen system or something that really adds to the cost (like >$10k increase), so much that for a while the state was subsidizing the additional expense.

Your mileage may vary, and feel free to disregard if you prefer Property #1.

[MHardy]

crazycarl,
I live in Raleigh, NC and have spent a good bit of time in Oriental over the years. For what it's worth, I would rather be 5 miles, versus 11, to The Bean: http://www.thebeanorientalnc.com

For those not familiar with Oriental, this is THE coffee shop in the village, directly across the street from the town dock.

[crazycarl]

mhardy,

i know the bean well.  i was sitting on their porch this afternoon enjoying a fresh brew when a green pacific seacraft flicka arrived across the street.

there is nothing better than sitting outside, sipping great coffee and watching shrimp boats arrive with their days catch. 

the smell of the fresh shrimp takes me back to when i was just a lad walking the gulf coast shrimp docks with my father and brothers.  dad was always trying to get the best deal from the locals who would boil or fry the shrimp up for you dockside.


jon,

we did check everything out, and all looks good with the septic and building codes. 

dick, the retired coasty, took me out on his boat today and gave me a tour of the area.

the lot is less than a mile from the oriental bridge by water.

i was shown pics of some fine fish caught from his dock across the creek from the lot we're looking at.  7 1/2 lb tout!

dolphins were playing just outside the creek, and while taking soundings, we spooked a ray.

the area seems quiet, however it is a week day.

C.C.

[Bob23]

Will you be building a guest house???  (hint, hint)

[crazycarl]

Will you be building a guest house???  (hint, hint)

we'll do you one better.

we'll supply the materials, and you can build it when you come to visit!

C.C.

[crazycarl]

while out on the water, i saw someone launching a compac 16.

in town, i stopped at a marine consignment store and he had a compac 23 for sale.

looking at another property, the home next door had a compac 19 at their dock.

with all the compacs here.  there's no reason not to have a gathering here.

C.C.

[Bob23]

It's a deal on the guest house! And I'll humbly volunteer to try it out first! I briefly looked in the area you are for a retirement property until I realized I already live in the best state! Are you soliciting for names of the first Crazy Rendezvous of the East Coast Compac-o-nauts!!!
Best to you both,
Bob

[rogerschwake]

  When building that cottage make sure you keep Carl away from that table saw. Those fingers don't grow back. It would be kind of hard to sail with no finger but I remember some pirates as having a hook.

ROGER

[Bob23]

Hmmm. Good point, Roger. Maybe I need to buy Carl a copy of the story of Howard Blackburn "The Lone Voyager". Crossed the Atlantic at least once with practically no fingers.

B23

[crazycarl]

well, we have come to an agreement with the sellers.

after sounding the water, the choice was clear, and a lot cheaper!

we have a current survey, septic permit, and all we need is to find someone to keep the lawn mowed.

we spent most of the week looking at properties including...Morehead City, Harkers Island, New Bern, and Swansboro.

we even looked at the Outerbanks, but for waterfront, we'd both have to sell a kidney.

nothing is final until $ changes hands, so anyone out there willing to part with waterfront property with direct access to the ICW for a miminum amount of $, please, speak up now.

C.C.