We are planning to leave Naples on April 2, head north through Lake Okee…to the Chesapeake. First time on the ICW…would like to hear from you.
Sue Ellen

We will be about four days ahead of you heading to North Carolina. What advice are you seeking? We have a 28 ft trawler and go slow. Will be leaving Franklin Lock about March 28.
Jean Thomason (DOVEKIE)

Subject: Okeechobee rim route
Cruising News: We are leaving Fort Myers next week and are wondering on the status of the rim route
Jon Gill

What is the controlling depth for the St Lucie Inlet.
Bob Hutchison

Subject: Storage on the hard in Georgia or South Carolina
Cruising News: For the past two years we have taken our boat back to Deltaville, VA after spending the winter in the south. This year we are considering putting it on the hard in either GA or SC. The boat is a Krogen 42. Can any one recommend a marina that might accommodate us?
Eric Hauptmann

Have you considered one of the sponsors on the South Carolina page of the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net?
I would highly recommend Ross Marine, LLC
2676 Swygert Blvd.
Johns Island, SC 29455
843-559-0379
info@rossmarine.com

In Georgia, the choices are quite limited. Savannah’s pretty much the only option for your boat:
Thunderbolt Marine: 912-629-6200
Hinckley Yacht Services: 912-629-2400

In South Carolina, there are more options depending on how far south you want to be:
Beaufort/Hitlon Head Island area:
Marsh Harbor Boat Works: 843-521-1500
Dataw Island Marine: 843-838-8410

Charleston area:
Charleston City Boatyard: 843-884-3000

Bill Ballard

Subject: Where can I store my 34′ in mid-Bahamas?
Cruising News: The trip south is great, but rather than turn and head North soon, we’d rather store our 34\’ power cat (16.5′ beam) in the mid Bahamas. Prefer to keep it on the hard until we can continue next fall, but would consider a dock or mooring. Security is very important. Any suggestions on where or what we should do will be greatly appreciated.
Bill Carlson

Subject: Otter Key – St Armand’s Circle
Cruising News: we’re heading to Sarasota and looks like anchoring in our mainship 390 trawler would work in a “lake” SW of Otter Key near St Armand’s. now the trick is to get into St Armand’s to enjoy shopping and dining. anyone have any ideas about taking the dink to shore? maybe just glide up to one of those mega mansions and tie up?
Tks,
Bob and Shannon
m/v Everyday,
Port Charlotte, FL

Subject: Local truck/trailer transport in Beaufort, SC
Cruising News: I need to make arrangements to move a 28′ Sedan power boat by trailer from one boat yard to another in the Beaufort, SC/Lady’s Island area. Can anyone make recommendations?
Bill Ballard

Tim and I are getting closer to Looping; we are looking at a boat in the Tampa Bay area and if our offer is accepted we will need a surveyor. Does anyone have a recommendation?
Thanks.

I used Tom Laskey in FT. Myers to survey a 34′ power cat and was pleased with his thoroughness. They come as a husband and wife team, which is good because she documents while he inspects. On more than one occasion she said “Did you check the ….?” so nothing was missed. He’s very opinionated, but that’s OK.
bcarlson@erols.com
Bill Carlson

Subject: DIY Yards in Charelston area 
Cruising News: We are planning a major refit over the course of a year.  Our boat is in the Charelston SC area.  We are looking for a yard where we can do a combination of hire out and DIY.  Does anyone have a suggestion?
Phillip North

We highly recommend Marsh Harbor Marine in Beaufort, SC.
Capn Chuck

YOU MAY GET APPROVAL FOR “DYI” AT ROSS MARINE
Ross Marine, LLC
2676 Swygert Blvd.
Johns Island, SC 29455
843-559-0379

Subject: Sailing Key West to Miami in March
Cruising News: We\’re sailors from New England, looking for a respit from the cold and snow and rain. We could sail a Hunter 29.5 from Key West to Dinner Key in late March. I\’ve been studying anchorages and prevailing winds, trying to decide if this would be a vacation or a nightmare! Any thoughts or advice?
Thx,
dge

Subject: Bahamas Great Sale cay..beach access
Cruising News: If we stop at Great Sale Cay..is there beach access to take a dog to shore from the southern anchorage?
Thanks
Larry Hemmerich

Your Email Address: svkoko@msn.com
Subject: PET CERT.
Cruising News: Where do i find a vet for pet certification to enter the Bahamas? The 48 hour requirment is difficult. Will be leaving from Miami, mid March.
Thanks,
Owen Keeter

We are planning on attending the New Orleans Jazz Festival the end of April-first of May. Can anyone give me current information about the Orleans Marina, the South Shore Harbor Marina and or the Seabrook Marine facility (or any other facility which can handle a 48 ft trawler). I will be calling them shortly, but would really appreciate some local knowledge.
Thank you.
Chuck Miller
Whichaway

We stayed at the Orleans Marina which was a convenient $20 cab ride to town. There are restaurants across the street outside the complex and there is a shopping center with pharmacy and grocery store about five blocks away. Enterprise is about 15 minutes away and will pick you up if you want to rent a car.
The South Shore Marina by the airport was recently rebuilt but is not in the best of neighborhoods. The Seabrook Marine facility is easy to access and is an industrial complex with all sorts of services for boaters including haul out. No conveniences outside the gate, just a long road either way.
Hope this helps.
Bob

Subject: From Miami to Keys have 4 days and 5.5 feet of draft
Cruising News: Where would you go and what route would you take.
Brad

Claiborne:
We on the Trailersailors board and as members of WCTSS are receiving lots of conflicting information about about Porta potties and Wag bags regarding useage in the Florida Keys and in Marathon harbor. Could you please do a update with current information for us.
I have a wagbag system on board, in my small 19′ boat I do not have room for a porta pottie and pump out hose system.
respectfully
Gene Koblick

Does anyone know if there are a ton of no wake zones on the Okeechobee Waterway? Is it realistic to travel from Stuart to Ft. Meyers in a day in a 22ft Robalo (leaving at sunrise) and weather permitting. Thanks for any advice!
Penny~Lyss

Yes, I have traveled from Naples to Ft Pierce in 12 hrs. There are few formal slow zones. The 5 locks you will encounter can hold you up more than speed limits. You certainly can make your trip in a day if lake weather cooperates. It’s always an enjoyable trip.
Capt Dave

My boat draws 6′, any difficulty getting to this area following the channel from the clearwater memorial bridge> I noticed there is an obstruction between marker 8 and 10.
Debra

Subject: handicapped friendly facilities
Cruising News: Anyone know of a source that evaluates marina/docking facilities for handicapped access: crutches, cuffcanes, wheelchair?
Captain Harry Moles

Subject: info 0n 2002 Prima Seahourse 45′
Cruising News: I am thinking about purchasing a 2002 Prima Seahorse 45\’ and don\’t find much info on this vessel. Apparently not many are made and there are only a couple on the resale market. I have looked at one of them and it seems the perfect combination coastal cruiser, great loop and Bahamas jumper. I was just wondering if anyone had any personal experiences or other resource on the quality, seakeeping and value of these yachts since they are no longer made. Thanks in advance for any help!
Regards,
Brian Sullivan