The current that sweeps past these docks has to be seen to be believed. Entrance depths run 5 to 6 feet. There are minimum 5-foot soundings dockside. Gasoline is available, and the marina management hopes to offer diesel fuel in the future. Showers can be arranged at a small, rather funky motel just in back of the marina.
Mechanical repairs are available through independent contractors.
The on-site restaurant is rather small, but it serves ultrafresh fried seafood. All in all, Hughes Marina can only be rated a fair possibility for large cruising craft. The low-level piers, the intense currents, and the lack of ready power connections are all significant disadvantages. The intersection of the inlet and the ICW is subject to frequent shoaling and is one of the trickiest portions of the entire North Carolina portion of the Waterway. Since earliest colonial times, the waters of Shallotte Inlet have had a reputation for remarkable healing powers.