One of the best preserved secrets of Windmill Harbour is the lock system which connects the marina to the Intracoastal Waterway and Calibogue Sound. The lock is 80 feet long and 20 feet wide, and can accommodate any craft falling within that size range, or even longer, but no wider! Holding 130,000 gallons of water during the low tide, the lock is operated by a hydraulic pump, and controlled by hydraulic ramps on the doors. Two tunnels located on the north side of the lock are closed off by jackscrew-operated valves on the inside to monitor the water flow. At high tide, the pull of gravity automatically replenishes the water supply in the marina by drawing it through the tunnels.
This prototype lock system is one of only three located on the eastern seaboard and its benefits to boats and owners are many. It allows for much less wear and tear on vessels at dockage caused by rising and falling tides, as well as preventing tidal currents which can hinder the docking process. The restricted flow of fresh tidal water restricts exposure to marine life such as pesky barnacles, which in turn reduces the amount of bottom maintenance normally required on a boat stored in the water. The harbour itself, protected from the wind and currents, becomes a safe haven. During the “winter hurricane” of 1993, two local marinas each suffered $14 million in damage and fourteen boats sank in Skull Creek while Windmill Harbour marina suffered no property damage whatsoever – quite a testimonial!
Now that you know more about the benefits of ownership here, please contact a member of the Windmill Harbour Real Estate sales staff and let them show you the perfect home port for all your boating and sailing pleasures.
