Reviews: Ocracoke - Silver Lake

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Holding:
4.40
Good, Sand
Wind Protection:
4.80
All Around
Current Flow:
4.80
Wake Protection:
4.80
All Around
Scenic Beauty:
4.60
Ease of Shopping:
4.60
Shore Access:
4.80
Pet Friendly:
4.80
Cell Service:
3.60
WiFi:
2.50

  • Review for Ocracoke - Silver Lake

    Reviewed by: Johan on Sep 20, 2022
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 54'
    Draft: 7.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    3
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    5
    Wake Protection:
    5
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Ease of Shopping:
    4
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    3
    WiFi:
    2

    We anchored here after coming through the ocracoke inlet which was very hairy and nav markers were unreliable. Coast guard assured us there was at least 10 feet at mean low under them when they are in the channel. We found it the old way - slowly using caution and eyesight. Channel is precipitous not gradual so very little forgiveness. Do not attempt in swell is my advice. Upon making the right turn into teach's channel we generally had more than 20 feet of water under us and in places saw 30. It's not for the feint of heart as the channel in places can't be more than 8 feet from the beach.

    Silver lake has 360 degree protection and ferry makes very little wake. We were there for 3 days during which a 25 knot wind piped up. Holding was not good and we dragged anchor. Local waterman said the bottom is slimy clay so make sure you put out lots of anchor chain. We (mid April) were only one of two boats at anchor so was able to put out a lot more chain and then we held.

    Easy shore access and good for sightseeing, good for pets, and restocking at local grocery store.

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  • Review for Ocracoke - Silver Lake

    Reviewed by: Jason Spitz on Jul 2, 2020
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 40'
    Draft: 4.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    5
    Current Flow:
    5
    Wake Protection:
    5
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    5
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    2
    WiFi:
    2

    We spent 4 nights in Ocracoke. The ‘lake’ will easily accommodate 10 or more vessels. There were between 3-9 boats anchored each evening. There is a marina and the NPS docks are available as well. Dinghy dockage only at NPS. Hurricane Dorian dumped a 7.5 tide over the island in 2019. The majority of businesses had opened by Late June 2020, but some are still closed. Many buildings have been or are in the process of being raised. Very interesting to watch the process. Apparently there are still about 70 homes to be demolished. The two car ferries are running and there was significant traffic on the island. Bike and golf cart rentals are plentiful. For walkers there are not sidewalks and you’ll often be walking in the dirt. 2 miles to the beach from the anchorage. Gorgeous! The 1718 brewery was fantastic - try their hot pretzels and a beer sampler! Verizon cell service was 1-2 bars. Google Fi had NO service! No open wifi. Nice stop with excellent holding and wind protection. Fun place.

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  • Review for Ocracoke - Silver Lake

    Reviewed by: Lucy Wilcox on Dec 13, 2016
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 38'
    Draft: 3.9'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    5
    Current Flow:
    5
    Wake Protection:
    5
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    5
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    3
    WiFi:
    2

    Silver Lake is our favorite spot off the ICW. There are two dinghy docks - the Park Service dock and a small dinghy dock by the Community Docks. Easy shopping for groceries, great restaurants and boutiques. Many restaurants and coffee shops have outdoor seating and are pet friendly. About 50% of the restaurants and stores are closed between November and March. We visited post Hurricane Matthew with no issues. AT&T and T-Mobile have no service, but Verizon works great. Wifi available at the many coffee shops.

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  • Review for Ocracoke - Silver Lake

    Reviewed by: John Lark on Jul 14, 2016
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 44'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    4
    Wind Protection:
    5
    Current Flow:
    4
    Wake Protection:
    4
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Ease of Shopping:
    4
    Shore Access:
    4
    Pet Friendly:
    4
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    4

    Great Anchorage, but be careful of debris on the bottom. Anchored there many times without incident, but at music festival in june, anchor pulled up old crab baskets, and an 2 in steel cable. Lost a boat hook trying to get the cable off the anchor.

    Cell service Verizon.

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  • Review for Ocracoke - Silver Lake

    Reviewed by: Terry Hoy, Meridian, on Jul 9, 2016
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 42'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    5
    Current Flow:
    5
    Wake Protection:
    5
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    5
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    5

    Large anchorage in Silver Lake with excellent holding.

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