My wife and I gave the family dog back to our son in Colorado and now are without one. We are looking for a new one that we can take on our boat for weekends and eventually the Loop. We are moving up from a 30′ Catalina sloop to a 37′ trawler.
Any suggestions? Breed? Weight?
Thanks from ‘dogless’ in NY.

We have a golden retriever. He’s a great boat dog and companion but sheds like there is no tomorrow. If we had it to do again, we probably wouldn’t have a dog at all. Charlie (our golden) is happy to spend days at a time on the boat, is trained to pet grass in the back cockpit and is a quiet, all round easy going fellow. However, he is an added responsibility and requires some attention (physically and psychologically). There are some marinas that don’t allow dogs. We’ve been in marinas that required us to
put him in a cart to transport him off site for exercise! Be sure you want all that even with a non-shedding breed…and beware that many of those non-shedders are small, yappy dogs that may not be irritating to you but may drive your neighbors nuts. Good luck on any decision you make.
PS Russell (Admiral)
M/V Ocean Breeze

We didn’t have a pet for 13 years because we lived in a high-rise in the city. We got another pet because we plan on moving to the boat full time. We had a small Yorkshire Terrier before and she was a great boat dog because she didn’t shed and we could pick her up with one hand and carry her wherever we wanted to go. We ran across a YorkiePoo puppy that a friend had and brought her home two months ago. She will stay small, and like her predecessor, will be quiet when we need her to be with proper training. We’ve converted our second head into her “room”, and she is using the shower as a litter area. (We use the potty pads.) She too doesn’t shed, not much food needs to be stored, and her waste is small. But she will be lots of company as she already is, and she’ll let us know if someone comes around when are sleeping. You can read more about Holly on our blog http://www.swingsetonthehook.blogspot.com
Swing Set

Why not go for a rescue Springer? No housebreaking to worry about and they are SO happy to get into good homes with people who actually WANT them. A friend of mine flies them all over the country, I can put you in touch with her.
Bob

For those of you looking for a dog good for cruising I encourage you to consider a Golden Doodle which is one of the new half breeds-a mix of a standard poodle father and a golden retriever mother. I have a female that weighs 50 lbs, doesn’t shed, has the gentle and relaxed temperament of a golden retriever, is a great swimmer with large webbed paws, loves the water, the boat and people. She is always a great
conversation starter since they are not so common yet.
Gary

Google “swedish vallhund”. pure Viking breed so good for boating. Ours learned to carry out his ablutions on the landing board (swim platform) so we don’t even have to take him ashore. They shed a little, but are small (up to 30lb), very friendly and look like a real dog (wolf actually – which generates a lot of comment). They are available in the US. Unfortunately due to quarantine issues, we cannot bring ours with us on the Loop.
You can read more about our Woody (Vallarity Norwegian Wood) on our blogspot: http://www.loopykiwi.blogspot.com
Phil Johnston
Loopy Kiwi
New Zealand

After thirty years of sailing with a Husky onboard I’ll have to admit I’m partial to the breed. There are a few serious drawbacks to them, they occupy a lot of cabin sole when they are sleeping and they give a new meaning to “hair factory”. On the positive side they are gentle and loving. They have a natural curiosity which helps keep them occupied when underway and because of their size make a good security system. While they they look tough as though they are saying “Come on, make my day” they are really saying “Come down here and scratch my ears”. During the hotter days they do have to be kept cool and shaded with perhaps an occasional bucket of water they do well. Generally they do not bark or “Yap” like most small dogs and tolerate the neighbors kids. One other major factor in making these good boat dogs is they do not like to swim, they can, but as a rule they try to stay out of the water. As much as I like Labs, I would not want to be responsible for a dog that asks for permission to go swimming from four feet outboard of the boat. I have done “Dog Overboard”, they are harder than “Man Overboard” since the dog does not help or cooperate in the rescue, they resist and struggle because they do not understand what is going on.
Jim Davis

Customs and Border Protection Decal – Renewal Lead Time Now Running 60 Days
For cruisers planning to head to the Bahamas this year. I just spoke to the Customs and Border Protection – Decal Renewal office in Indianapolis. Because of reduced government staffing, their processing time is currently running 4-6 weeks from the time they receive the correct completed application and payment for a sticker (or renewal). Allowing for receipt in the mail, they suggest that people apply at least 60 days prior to their planned departure. This can be done online or by mail, and requires that an account be set up with C&BP.
Regular cruisers to the Bahamas in HISC probably renew this decal annually in November for the following calendar year. For those not aware of the need to have it (first time Bahamas cruisers), or who prefer wait until a closer time to their departure, the new 60-day lead time could become a challenge.
Ronnie Babin

What is this border protection decal all about. My first time going there, will they turn me away or not be allowed to get back into the US? I have passport, boat papers, etc. Need to understand this decal stuff….
Jerold

Jerold
In answer to your question about the Customs Sticker, on re-entry you are required to give this number to Customs and Border Protection as part of your clearance. I hope you are aware of the Local Boater Option which allows you to pre-register with CBP and then a simple phone call upon arrival in US will complete your clearance. You can access this information via Decal and Transponder Online System Email decals@dhs.gov , PH: 317-298-1245. Customs/Border for the Local Boater Option, http://www.cbp.gov. Hope this is helpful.
John
s/v Shadow,
Hudson, Florida.

Trying to find some posts describing the best options for routes from fort Myers to Miami both inside and out. I’m making the voyage for the first time the end of this month (weather permitting)
I’ve plotted a couple routes by studying the charts but there is nothing like local knowledge.
Any help would be appreciated. I draw just under 36
Steve srlaham@gmail.com

You can take a one night 1& 1/2 day passage straight to Marathon however the Crab pots are numerous and you will
not see all of them at night. At 3’6″ draft I personalty would take the old yacht channel and enjoy the everglades. No se’um netting or screens would be nice. Our Lord’s Blessings and fair winds,
Ed & Bonnie Spomer S/V Almost Heaven

First of all, without knowing your speed, it difficult to give a good answer. However, if you have a fast boat, Ft Myers Beach (FMB) (I use FMB because it’s the closest to the Gulf), is about 140 nm trip to Marathon or about 150 nm to Key Largo (Jewfish Key) via Yacht Channel.
Several options: Inside route, you can go from Ft. Myers to Key Largo via the Yacht Channel. If you are a slow boat (like us), you can stay at Indian Key Pass (we usually go Ft. Myers to Marco Island and take the backwaters to Goodland to Coon Key, avoiding Cape Romano shoals and the winter waves & weather, and stay the first night at Indian Key Pass); You can then add a second night at Shark River which makes for a shorter day or leaving Indian Key Pass follow the coast and go past East Cape picking up the Yacht Channel to Jewfish Creek (Key Largo) and then into Biscayne Bay to Miami (obviously stopping in between) . With your draft it shouldn’t be a problem, but watch the tides and winds.
The other option is to take the Yacht Channel to Channel 5 bridge in Islamorada which takes you into the Atlantic where you can take Hawks Channel north. Lots of options. Have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Gina

I would go through Lake Okeechobee this time of year to avoid the winter frontal passages. It is beautiful and has some great places to stop along the way if you’re not in a hurry. Check “Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net daily for lake info on lock operations etc. ENJOY
Winston

The first question is: what is your boat? Sail or power? If sail, what is your mast height?
Mike

I’m assuming you draw 36 inches not feet. That opens up just about any route you want. The most sheltered, but probably the slowest would be to cross the Okeechobee Waterway over to Stuart, and then take the ICW south to Miami. All inland, all sheltered, except for the crossing of Lake Okeechobee. It’s a beautiful trip if you have the time. Otherwise I would take the offshore route down to Cape Sable, and from there to either Key West or take the yacht channel down to near Long Key. With your draft you should be able to go either inside or outside of the Keys all the way to Miami–inside is more sheltered. This assumes you don’t have a very high stick. I’ve done both and prefer the outside if trying to make time, but the inside if it is rough or I just feel like exploring the Keys.
John Kettlewell

Steve doesn’t mention if he is single handed. I took the Okeechobee route last February alone and would not do it again in a 33 foot sailboat. You need one person on each end of the boat to handle the lines when in the locks. In a smaller boat this may be easier alone.
If not singlehanded, I would prefer the Okeechobee route. Less crabpots and floating grass. Also plenty of interesting places along the way to visit. The free docking at LaBelle, the great marina at Indiantown are fond memories from my trip.
David Burnham

Cruising News:
The popular dinghy landing spot at the north end of Lake Worth will be closed starting January 21. The bridge next to the landing will be undergoing reconstruction. Signs are posted, telling cruisers to remove everything from the spot by the 21st. There’s no clear alternative landing spot.
Ron

And this update from our good friends at Waterway Guide:

Hi Claiborne,
According to Mr. Cavendish, the bridge construction will continue until at least July 2012 (the article cited is from Nov. 2010). I hope the dinghy landing is still accessible when the project is done – he said they will be leaving a 7-ft. opening; however, I’m guessing that it will be a tougher climb, and that many fewer dinghies will fit. I remember once landing there when the dinghies were rafted out 4-deep…maybe 20 total! Here’s my latest entry if you want to link it: http://www.waterwayguide.com/newsupdate.php?area=6#1125
Mike Ahart, News Editor – Waterway Guide

And this from the Palm Beach Post News, posted 2/25:

Construction started Jan. 3 and the completion date is mid-October. If West Palm Beach-based Murphy Construction Co. finishes the two-lane bridge by July 31, the company gets a $150,000 bonus.

If you are aware of an alternative landing spot, please let us hear from you. The marina of which James speaks is Old Port Cove Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, but they currently do not have a dinghy dock.

Sorry to hear about this closing of a landing I have used in the past. Is there any alternative? I remember a marina on the west side of the anchorage.
James L. Owens

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For Lake Worth Anchorage

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Northern Lake Worth Anchorage

Any updates on Adams Creek to Beaufort? The sixth ed. is a little scary on that subject. Thanks, Bill Martin

We are planning a trip on the St Johns this Spring…. Anyone know when the leaves start to come out on the St Johns River in the Spring?
Also, favorite places and anchorages to consider?
Thanks,
Jim TWINS

Are you talking about the St. Johns River in Florida? If so, it’s FLORIDA – there are always some leaves on the deciduous trees, and of course, palm trees don’t shed all at once and the evergreens (well, you get the idea).
It’s a great trip. Check our blog at http://sanderling2010.blogspot.com/ for our thoughts on the river. Since it’s a relatively short lineal cruise (180 miles each way from the ICW crossing near Mayport to Sanford (all in Florida) it’s easy to check Active Captain for anchorages and other places of interest, as well as the other cruising guides. Claiborne Young does a nice job of describing the area, its history, etc (as he does with all the areas he covers) in his eastern Florida guide.
March through May would be a good time for the cruise.
Bob McLeran and Judy Young
MV Sanderling

The St Johns is the cruise I want to take. Sooner, rather than later. Is the spring better than the fall, say September/October? I would like to see the manatees, alligators, etc. and be able to take a swim (away from the alligators of course) from time to time. It’s going to be a four to five week cruise from Charleston, SC and back.
Ron Widman

We spent weeks, maybe four, heading from Jacksonville to Sanford in November of 2008. We had perfect weather and very little traffic, as an added bonus we had no bugs! It’s a wonderful trip and should be done slowly to really enjoy all the sights and sounds. Here is the link to our photos and
stories on our blog.
http://btlifes2short.blogspot.com/2008_11_01_archive.html
http://btlifes2short.blogspot.com/2008_11_01_archive.html
Have a great trip and watch those gators!
Todd & Brenda Lanning
Life’s2Short

Click Here To Open the Cruisers’ Net’s St. Johns River Marina Directory

Click Here To Open the Cruisers’ Net’s St. Johns River Anchorage Directory

Cruising News:
Good news for all cruisers – dredging has now completed at Lambs Marina giving minimum water depth throughout at 8ft 6ins MLW. Vessels up to 50ft are welcome at this very friendly and laidback marina. Call Larry Lamb at 252 202 4150 for info or reservations.
Capt. Parky

We used Lambs a couple of years ago to put in for a trip to Hampton, Va. I do not believe we could have put our 19′ Cuddy Cabin back on the trailer then, has the ramp been improved so a float on trailer will work? Thanks and they are very nice people! Reg Holden
Replies to regandbarb@msn.com

Lambs Marina has finished dredging to a minimum 8ft and the water is now wonderfully clear again. Check it out at www.lambsmarinanc.com
The dredging company is now on it’s way to Morehead City, NC, to dredge out their badly needed waterfront docking – and after that the notorious Peletier Creek and Spooners Creek.
Is there no end to our good fortune? I might buy a bigger boat!
Cap’n Parky

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Lambs Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Lambs Marina

From: charles
Subject: grounded ketch
Cruising News:
Any word on the ketch grounded off Ormond Beach FL? Paper said cpt taken off but not much else. Appreciate any update.

http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/east-volusia/2011/12/03/crane-to-remove-sailboat-aground-on-ormond-beach.html

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ormond Beach

Can someone give a fairly accurate depth of the entry channel at low tide for Palm Cove Marina? I’ve wanted to stop here but have heard conflicting responses regarding the depth. Thanks! Rick

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Palm Cove Marina

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Palm Cove Marina