Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Jun 4, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from Miami Beach Marina, east of the AICW, north side of Government Cut
Miami Beach Marina - Click for Chartview
Miami Beach Marina is found on the southwesternmost shores of Miami Beach, just west of the Government Cut Inlet.
Stayed a night ‘“ planned on two, but decided not to stay. The marina facilities are OK, but needed a good clean when we were there. The help was fine. Access to South Beach is great, and that is a fun place. Access to the ocean is also great, and the ride from the ICW past the cruise ships is very interesting. Police security is active around the cruise ships, so keep your distance from both the patrol boat and the ships.
We were located on the south end of the marina, and had constant surge from (I believe) the ocean and tides, as well as wakes from boats. It was awful. You are right next to a ship’s channel at the entrance to the Port of Miami. The two boats next to us were long term live-aboard residents, who had all types of mooring lines from their boats (8 on one and 9 on the other I recall ‘“ I ended up with 6) all to no apparent avail. They said they loved the location, and you get used the constant surge, wakes and currents. We felt that at the prices they charged, there had to be a better place to stay.
William Lawrenson
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Miami Beach Marina
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Jun 4, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Praise for Boca Raton Resort & Club Marina, AICW Statute Mile 1048
Boca Raton Resort and Club Marina - Click for Chartview
Boca Raton Resort & Club Marina flanks the western banks of the combined Lake Boca Raton and ICW passage, north of marker #66.
Stayed a couple of nights and loved it. The Waldorf Boca Raton is beautiful and the facilities are just fabulous. The staff was helpful and we were given a great location close to the facilities. We are only 36ft, so were small by comparison to others in the slips, but were treated with great respect, as would any guest at the Waldorf.
The funniest thing is the Dock Masters Office. You enter these massive double wooden doors in this luxurious hallway to find a few cheap desks with the dock staff sitting around ‘“ as you would in a small start-up company.
The cloisters offered many an evenings solitude and the pool and towels were great.
You could call this marina expensive ‘“ it certainly was not cheap, but we were at the Waldorf Astoria and loved it. We would do it again in a flash.
William Lawrenson
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Boca Raton Resort & Club Marina
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Jun 4, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Titusville Municipal Marina, AICW Statute Mile 879
Titusville Municipal Marina - Click for Chartview
Located south-southeast of AICW marker #27, Titusville Municipal Marina is one of the best medium-sized, municpal marinas on the Eastern Florida coastline.
Stayed a night mid May 2013, as we did a couple of years back, and it was still as good as we remembered. The facilities might be a little dated, but are well maintained and are spotlessly clean. There is good access to town and shops, well within walking distance, and public transport if you don’t care to walk.
We were initially unhappy with the floating dock assigned to us, so they immediately accommodated our wish and moved us to a fixed dock.
Good ships store and good fuel dock. Great staff. Easy in and out from the ICW. Maybe not many frills and fancy’s but a good, solid, safe, well-run marina.
William Lawrenson
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Titusville Municipal Marina
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May 31, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Alligator Creek Anchorage, south of Fernandina, FL, AICW Statute Mile 726
Alligator Creek Anchorage - Click for Chartview
The entrance to Alligator Creek Anchorages lies north-northeast of the ICW’s unlighted daybeacon #36. The two recommended locations are above and below the mouth of Alligator Creek.
Anchored here on 4/13/13. Entered and exited by the south end. Came in near low tide and bounced twice. Have anchored here last year also and find holding is good. Current is not too bad and protection is good. Waited in morning for rising tide, no problem leaving. Would rate it a 3 because of the problems entering at a lower tide.
Has Royer s/v Skye
Anchored here last week to await next day high tide at Amelia River `1’³
Entered at half tide (range was 7.1 ft) with 5.5 ft draft strongly favoring R’36’³ and going mid-creek after that to the southern spot. Lowest reading was 12 feet (~8.5 ft at low water). Water ebb/flood out/in western leg did not come beyond center line of lower creek so we favored eastern side when anchoring. Otherwise it would be a bit swirly.
Speedboat traffic short cutting the oxbow makes it rolly here. Definitely need a low level anchor light that illuminates the boat ‘” background lights in the trees on Amelia City side confuse the picture.
Chris and Janet
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Alligator Creek Anchorage
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May 31, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from Hobe Sound Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 998.5
Hobe Sound Anchorage - Click for Chartview
Hobe Sound Anchorage lies west of the ICW channel between unlighted daybeacons #38 and #40.
Anchored between R44 and R46 on 3/27/13. Have anchored there last year also. Find good holding but somewhat exposed. Far enough off channel to limit wake from other boats. Would rate this anchorage a 3.
Has Royer s/v/Skye
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Hobe Sound Anchorage
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May 31, 2013by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Report from North Palm Beach Waterway Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 1013
North Palm Beach Waterway Anchorage - Click for Chartview
North Palm Beach Waterway Anchorage is on the waters of the first charted basin on the western banks of this alternate waterway which cuts off to the southwest of the ICW, northwest of the North Palm Beach/Parker Bridge.
Anchored there on 12/11/12. First time there. Nice homes surrounding anchorage. Weather radar showed lots of storms in the area. Put out 140′ of chain. Had several hours of heavy ts, wind from all directions and 10’³ of rain. Boat swung 360 degrees several times and anchor held fine. Anchorage is relatively small, maybe two boats. Rate this one a good three.
Has Royer
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For North Palm Beach Waterway Anchorage
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Harbour Isles - April 21, 2020 - 1:31 pm

Please be aware that the location cited is private property. Anchoring is prohibited without permission.
If you were seeking shelter during a storm or a disabled vessel you may contact Harbour Isles Security.
Reply to Harbour
May 31, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Praise for Fernandina Harbor Marina, Fernandina, FL, AICW Statute Mile 716
Fernandina Harbor Marina - Click for Chartview
Fernandina Harbor Marina is a very special place being in the very heart of one of the nicest communities on the east coast – it’s one of our favorite harbors! If you haven’t visited Fernandina, you are missing a real treat. My family has been vacationing in Fernandina for more than 50 years and it gets better every year, as Chris and Janet attest.
We hadn’t expected to stay here. Life intervened, and we found it necessary to do so. We encountered a generosity of spirit at this marina we will be talking about for years to come. The crew there are special people.
The facility is also excellent and well maintained.
We loved the small town atmosphere with all the services one would expect in a much larger place. We could imagine living here. We will be shifting our cruising schedule to do our provisioning here in the Fernandina-Yulee area instead of Jacksonville Beach from now on.
Chris and Janet
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Fernandina Harbor Marina
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May 30, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Fernandina Harbor Marina and Fernandina Beach Dining (Statute Mile 831)
We share Cap’n H’s enthusiasm for downtown Fernandina Beach, Florida. The dining and shopping possibilities are many and deliciously varied. Have not yet given Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro a try, but will have to correct that oversight SOON!
Guys,
We just finished our two day layover at Fernandina Beach before continuing north.
Everyone here is so friendly both around the harbor marina and the town.
Most notable was a simply superior dinner to anything I have experienced in many years. Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro should be on every boaters must do list here. Only two blocks off the harbor marina, the staff, service and food outshine anything in recent memory.
We tried the gumbo and the loaded potato soup for appetizers which were perfect with the fresh homemade bread and olive oil and cracked pepper.
The 14 oz blackened rib-eye was beyond description in its perfection and flavor. The potatoes were superb as was the vegetable medley. The vegetables were cooked to the perfect degree of doneness, not mushy and yet not hard.
If you never stop anywhere else, make it here!.
Cap’n H
We agree. Due to this posting we have been to joes bistro twice and are going there again today. The food is great, the decor is very nice, above what you would expect. The lunch menu runs until three pm and is a great value. And the food is really good.
Dave Bell
We’ve been there [Joe’s Bistro] twice and love it!
Bill
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fernandina Harbor Marina
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May 29, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Halifax Harbor Marina, Daytona Beach, FL, AICW Statute Mile 831
Halifax Harbor Marina - Click for Chartview
Halifax Harbor Marina is not only the largest marina facility in Daytona Beach, but one of the largest in all of Florida. It guards the western shores of the ICW/Halifax River, south of AICW marker #39A.
We stayed at Halifax Harbor Marina in Daytona several times. It’s very secure, has locked security gates, floating cement docks, and very well protected just off the ICW.
Barbara, Jim, and “Lily” Benjamin
The facility is still great, and so is the staff. Prompt attention to your docking needs and you have to love the attendant with the fishing net to catch the keys you have forgotten to return as you depart past the fuel dock. It is great to have floating docks in Florida that are full length.
The biggest surprise is that it has many vacancies. I remember when you better book well ahead as a transient, and there was a two year waiting list for full timers. Still a great marina.
William Lawrenson
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Halifax Harbor Marina
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May 29, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
A Visit to Melbourne Harbor Marina, AICW Statute Mile 919
Melbourne Harbor Marina - Click for Chartview
The Melbourne Harbor Marina entrance channel cuts west, abeam of unlighted daybeacon #6, south of the Melbourne twin, high-rise bridges.
Claiborne,I am traveling northward from Fort Pierce, FL. to Morehead City, NC. aboard the MY Twilight Time, a WC Hyatt 53′. Having stopped at Melbourne Harbor Marina twice within the last three months, I could not help but notice how rundown the men’s’ shower has become. It really is in a sad state. While true, Ichabod’s, is still around, the new crown jewel in dining is only one block away, The Mansion in Melbourne. Food, atmosphere, spirits, shopping. deli and a beer garden and rooftop terrace dining with a view of the ICW. Check it out at www.thebigmansion.com More as we travel northward. Kindest personal regards, Harold
Harold “Cap’n H” O’Briant
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Melbourne Harbor Marina
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May 21, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report on Lake Boca Raton Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 1048
Lake Boca Raton - Click for Chartview
Boca Raton Anchorage on the northeastern section of Lake Boca Raton, east of flashing daybeacon #65, and, as reported earlier (see link below), the preferred entrance channel seems to be on the north side of marker #65.
Moving north, Lake Boca Raton is a great anchorage – beware the hordes on weekends but few remain overnight – nice public dock you can use for your dinghy at Silver Palm Park adjacent to the first bridge heading north on the ICW tucked
into the NW corner – not much nearby but a few stores and again the great beaches.
Peter TenHaagen, Transition
Click Here To View An Earlier Posting on Lake Boca Raton
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For Boca Raton Anchorage
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May 20, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Inlet Marina (Statute Mile 775.5)
Inlet Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, flanks the eastern shores of the AICW, a short hop north of St. Augustine Inlet, and hard by the southern side of the high-rise Vilano Beach Bridge. There is newly opened restaurant on-site, and a new Publix supermarket within walking distance. You can easily provision while filling up those hungry fuel tanks!
Claiborne:
As promised, we stopped at Inlet Marina in St. Augustine Thursday. We checked out the prices on fuel at Comachee Cove, Conch House and the Municipal Marina. Inlet’s price with the usual discounts was .10 – .20/gal less than the others. They do have the best price of any St. Augustine marina on the ICW. Still, it was .15 higher than the price in Jacksonville.
The fuel dock is located on the east side of the ICW between the Villano bridge and the fishing pier, which makes entering look somewhat intimidating. However, there is deep water all the way in and out to both bridges, so maneuvering with our 54′ boat was relatively easy. Dockmaster Jay and his staff are on hand to assist. I would not hesitate to take anything up to 80′ into the dock, although I would be sure to have adequate help on hand if the tide is running or there is a strong wind with a westerly component.
The Publix supermarket is within walking distance, as is the Villano beach on the ocean. There is a good restaurant with Tiki bar on site, and the entire place is dog friendly, which was very important to us. Although the marina does not have transient slip Jay will allow boats to tie up at the fuel dock overnight for $25. There is no electric. There is water, but it does have a strong sulphur odor. The town of Villano provides a free 100′ floating dock located just south of the fishing pier next to Inlet Marina. There are no services, but boats are allowed to tie up all day to visit the town and the beach. Overnights are not technically allowed, but Jay says it is not enforced.
In my opinion, Inlet Marina and the town of Villano Beach are a good place to stop for a day to take on some fuel, re-provision and relax on the beach or at the restaurant.
Bill Root
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Inlet Marina
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May 17, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Praise for Ortega Landing Marina, Ortega River, Jacksonville, FL
Ortega Landing Marina - Click for Chartview
Ortega Landing, the first facility you will encounter upon entering the Ortega River from the St. Johns, only a mile or so upstream from downtown Jacksonville, is indeed a fine facility, as is nearby Lambs Marine Center.
We are currently at the Marina and it is fantastic. Over 5.5ft. of water on the approach (call for directions) and plenty at the dock. friendly people, great pool and club house, even a dog park next door. Free washer and dryer, great showers and good internet, and concrete floating docks. We had always blown past the St. John’s River on the ICW or outside. I am really glad we stopped at the pretty convenient luxury marina.
William Lawrenson
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Ortega Landing Marina
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May 14, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Another Good Stay at Jacksonville Landing on the St. Johns River, Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville Landing - Click for Chartview
It’s a 13 mile cruise up the St. Johns River from the AICW to the Jacksonville waterfront, where mariners will discover Jacksonville Landing, on the north side of the St. Johns, midway between the Main Street Bridge and the Acosta Bridge. This complex is a downtown shopping mall/food court with a stage area for special events and concerts, featuring its own dock for visiting pleasure craft.
We stayed at Jacksonville Landing, FREE! just a few months ago. No power or water, but FREE. We loved it. I think the maximum stay is 3 nights.
Betsy Johnson
Rick ‘n Roll
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May 13, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More on Gibson Dry Dock, St. Johns River, San Mateo, FL
This question came in from a fellow cruiser and I am happy to confirm that Gibson Dry Dock is still in business and their contact information and directions are listed at their website:
http://www.gibsondrydock.com
The facility is located on the St. Johns River east of marker #12 in San Mateo.
I would want to contact by e-mail for a quotation for drydocking my boat. Is there an e-mail address?
Raynald C
March 21, 2013
This is a good place to dry store your boat during the hurricane season and a great yard for cruisers who want to do their own maintenance.
David Burnham
May 13, 2013
15years on the Fl coast, 10 at Gibson. Would not consider any place else. Dry stored all these years during hurricane season with no damage.
Harley
Click Here To View An Earlier Article on Gibson Dry Dock
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May 10, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Jacksonville Municipal Marina, St. Johns River
When we last visited with the Jacksonville Municipal Marina in 2012, we found this facility virtually locked down behind multiple gates and fences, and the wet slips were all but empty. There was nothing except the football stadium anywhere close by, and it would be a healthy taxi ride back into town, as this facility is located well downstream of the principal Jacksonville waterfront.
The question and answer below are copied from the Great Loop mailing list.
Has anyone stayed at the Jacksonville municipal recently ? How does it compare to others ? We will be in a 56 Motor yacht.
Olivia and Bob
We stayed at the Municipal Marina last April on Palm Sunday. There was power and water but you are a long way from anything except the stadium. We prefer the Jacksonville Landing right on the waterfront downtown, however there is no power there but so much more to do.
Marty and Jerry
onboard M/V Monarch
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Jacksonville Municipal Marina
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May 6, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Fuel Delivery Ban in Manatee County, Bradenton, FL
This posting was prompted by a recent recommendation for a fuel delivery service in the Fort Myers area: /?p=113209. Manatee County is the Bradenton area south of Tampa. Cruisers’ Net would like to hear the opinions of our readers on the issue of truck-to-boat fuel delivery.
Please use the “Comment” function below, or follow the “Click Here to Submit Cruising News” link found on the upper right of this, and all (except Chart View) SSECN pages.
Cruising News:
Our Homeowners Association in Manatee County has banned the delivery of fuel to vessels in our community. I am trying to find out if this ban is legal. I am aware of three locations where such bans were overturned or rescinded. Dania, North Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale. The delivery service we were using is fully insured and has been in business for many years.
Les Martin
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Apr 27, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Inlet Marina (Statute Mile 775.5)
On 4/26/13, in a supplementary question to our Wish List of 4/22/13, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 775.5 – Who has taken on fuel at Inlet Marina, flanking the AICW’s eastern banks, just south of the Vilano Beach Bridge? Did you try out the new restaurant which has opened here? How was the food? Did anybody provision while docked here, by walking to the newly opened, nearby Publix supermarket?
Responses follow:
Jay is absolutely the nicest guy we have met in a long time. We stopped there on the way south and got inexpensive fuel. Also, received our complimentary six pack. Stopped again on the way up north. Very good fuel prices. It was a rainy, cold, windy night and we finished fueling around 3:30. I asked jay if we might stay on the gas dock instead of moving to an anchorage nearby. He agreed and we stayed.
Have not tried the restaurant. Susan borrowed Jay’s truck and shopped at Publix. I walked down there later. It’s close by and a fully stocked market. The beach is another block or so.
I would recommend checking with Jay on fuel prices and stopping at Inlet Marine.
Tom Law
Visited this marina while northbound in April, 2012. Tied up at face dock/fuel dock and took on diesel for our S/V Carolina. Did not pump very much, but the operator was happy to accommodate us anyway. While taking on the fuel, my wife walked the short walk to the Publix grocery for bread, milk, some salmon and ground turkey, and some salad fixings. She was very enthusiastic about the trip and what the village is doing to encourage visitors.
While able to take our 38 footer alongside, if we had made an overnight stay we would have seriously cut into the fuel sales, as we could not have gone inside the face dock to a “transient” slip due to draft and length.
Steve Kamp
S/V Carolina
We took on 200 gallons of diesel on April 13, on the north to the MTOA Rendezvous in Fernandina Beach. We’d never been at Inlet before, but their price looked good. Their 20 cent discount for mentioning Cruisernet or MTOA and another nickel for 200 gallons or more made it even better. Easy in, easy out, plenty of water at the fuel dock, and they have us a 6 pack of beer as a thank you. We didn’t stop at the restaurant, but on a Saturday afternoon, it was filled with people. We’ll be back.
Barbara Kipnis
We just stopped at Inlet Marina this morning (5/9/2013). They do not open until 7:30 AM. This was only a minor problem because we had left St. Augustine on the early Bridge of Lions 7:00 AM opening to work the tidal flow heading North.
The owner was very nice and very helpful. He even loaned his pickup to my wife to run up to the Publix which certainly got us on our way quicker (no grocery store within walking distance to the St. Augustine mooring field). Very nice gesture! So, we’ve definitely recommend this place. Easy in and out.
The restaurant is not open for breakfast, so no report on that.
Glen Vetter
s/v Freestyle
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Inlet Marina
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Apr 26, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Another Report of Shoaling South of Fernandina Beach, AICW Statute Miles 717 – 720
Amelia River - Click for Chartview
The stretch of the Amelia River area north of Kingsley Creek and Kingsley Creek Railway Bridge, aka Shave Bridge, which crosses the Waterway at Statute Mile 721, has had numerous reports of shoaling in the past. Cruisers’ Net has had a Navigation Alert here for some time. See link below.
Keep to green side of ICW north of Shave Bridge all the way up to the curve that takes you to the Rayonier Paper mill, just south of Fernandina. Shoaling to the west.
Joe Blanchard
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position on the AICW/Amelia River
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Apr 26, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Cement Plant Anchorage (Statute Mile 809.5)
On 4/22/13, as part of a NE Florida – Georgia Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 809.5 ‘“ Has anyone tried anchoring in the so-called, `Concrete Plant Anchorage,’ on the westward running stream, north of marker #13? For awhile, the concrete plant was closed, and this was a good anchorage. Then, there was word the plant was operating again, and barge traffic precluded dropping the hook here. Anyone have recent, personal experience with anchoring here?
Responses follow:
Yes, we anchored there back in January 2013. All was well. Boat plant was active. No barges that we saw, just an old sail boat. Was still a nice anchorage!!!
Raymond W. Smith
“Fire Dog”
I anchored at the old cement plant in February and the only activity I saw was at the Sea Ray plant – and I had read somewhere that facility had folded. It hadn’t as of early February. There is room for a few boats at the end of the
canal just at and past Sea Ray. Total protection, but no land access save a possible place to walk a dog, cat or parrot on the north side of the anchorage.
Peter
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