For many buyers in South Eastern North Carolina, the dream isn't just to own a boat; it's to have the boat in the backyard. However, dragging a 24-foot center console to a public ramp every Saturday morning is the quickest way to kill your love for boating.

The true Coastal Lifestyle is found in communities that bridge the gap between residential living and maritime convenience. In New Hanover, Pender, Onslow, and Brunswick counties, yacht club doesn't always mean blue blazers and ascots—it often means deep-water access, private boat lifts, and a neighbor who will help you tie up after a day on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW).

Here is the insider guide to navigating the marina communities of our coast, distinguishing between true wet slip neighborhoods and the day dock lifestyle.

The "Wet Slip" Heavyweights: St. James & Landfall

If your vessel exceeds 30 feet or you require a permanent in-water slip, your search should focus on the established heavyweights with full-service marinas.

St. James Plantation (Brunswick County): This is arguably the gold standard for boaters who want it all. The St. James Marina offers 155 wet slips and a dry stack facility, but the real draw is the ecosystem. You aren't just parking a boat; you are gaining access to a Beacon 315 restaurant and a tiki bar where neighbors gather to swap fishing coordinates. It is a self-contained maritime village.

Helms Port (New Hanover County): Located on Masonboro Loop, this is one of the few newer communities in Wilmington with a private, 75-slip deep-water marina directly on the ICW. For buyers who want a modern, luxury home and a guaranteed slip without the 5-year waitlist of public marinas, Helms Port is a unicorn.

The Rise of "Day Dock" Communities

In Pender and Onslow counties, a new style of community is emerging. These neighborhoods may not offer a permanent wet slip for every home, but they provide day docks and private boat ramps—a massive value add that keeps HOA fees lower than full-service marina communities.

Salters Haven (Pender County - Hampstead): This community is redefining the category. With a 75-slip marina and a resort-style pool overlooking the ICW, it offers the social vibe of a yacht club without the pretension. It is popular among younger families who want to boat on weekends and socialize poolside on weekdays.

Summerhouse on Everett Bay (Onslow County - Holly Ridge): If you are priced out of Wilmington, look here. Summerhouse offers a massive resort pool, a boat launch, and day docks on the ICW. You store your boat in their on-site storage lot (saving you $150/month in storage fees) and launch it at the private ramp whenever you want.

The "Club" Factor: Social vs. Sailing

When touring these communities, ask yourself: Are you looking for a place to dock, or a place to dine?

Social First: Communities like Porters Neck Plantation (Wilmington) offer boat ramp access, but the social gravity centers on the Country Club (golf/tennis/dining). It is perfect for the casual boater who prioritizes the social calendar over the tide chart.

Boating First: In Olde Point (Hampstead) or Harbour Village, the culture is decidedly saltier. The Yacht Club here is less about white tablecloth dining and more about deep-water access and competitive fishing. This is where you go if you care more about draft depth than dress codes.

Key Questions for Your Search

Before falling in love with a model home, ask these three questions to avoid a logistical nightmare:

"Is the slip deeded or assigned?" In some communities, the slip travels with the house. In others, it is a license to use that expires when you sell.

"What is the low-tide depth?" A waterfront community in Sneads Ferry might look great at high tide, but if the approach channel drops to 18 inches at low tide, your 26-foot Regulator is stuck in the mud half the day.

"Is there a lift ban?" Some HOA covenants in upscale neighborhoods prohibit boat lifts for aesthetic reasons, forcing you to keep your hull in the water (and paint the bottom annually).

Your Next Step

Buying a home with marina access requires vetting both the real estate and the waterways. A beautiful home is of little use if your boat can't navigate the channel at low tide.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we are experts in listening to your maritime needs and communicating them into a home search that works for you. We can help you verify water depths, HOA slip rules, and lift regulations to ensure your boat has a home as secure as yours. Let’s review the nautical charts and community bylaws to find your perfect port.