Yea, I learned that the hard way. That was what I was trying to convey to the original poster, but didn't make myself clear. Kinda sucks sitting in line for over an hour, only to have someone show up 10 minutes before the boat leaves and drive right on.
On our trip this year, being on the bikes, I was uncertain as to precisely when we would arrive in Cedar Island. We managed to squeeze onto the tail end where the gates would barely clear our bikes as they closed. What a relief to be motioned to board! That was a killer trip this year. Few nights in Myrtle Beach during bike week, up to Atlantic beach for a night, and then to Nags Head for a couple more nights before heading west toward the mountains. I thoroughly enjoyed being on the bikes for 1600 miles that week, but I certainly missed my truck. Four Wheeling out on the beaches and in the surf for miles upon miles is one of my favorite adventures.
Man, I love the Outer Banks.