The discussion below is copied from the MTOA List-Serve. Note that Captain Chuck Baier is the past editor of “Waterway Guide” and the current southeastern Navigational Editor for a good friends at “Marina Life.”

Another area of concern is that we would like to do some outside running and don’t know which inlets are suitable to our boat and limited experience.
We have heard some inlets referred to as a “Class A Inlet” and would assume that these are inlets that we should consider. We don’t know where to find a list of Class A inlets. Do you have any recommendations for such a reference?
Shay and Elizabeth Glass
49′ Defever CPMY

Shay and Elizabeth,
As to inlets from Beaufort, you will have Wrightsville Beach, Cape Fear, Little River, Winyah Bay, Charleston, St. Marys, St. Johns River, Cape Canaveral, Fort Pierce, Lake Worth, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Key Biscayne. There are many other inlets but most are either not navigable or are local knowledge only. Any one of these can be unusable under certain conditions so watching the weather is a must.
Chuck

St Simons is also class “A” inlet for the major port of Brunswick, Ga. Class “A” inlets are associated with major commercial shipping Ports so maintained to a very high standard of navigational aids and depths. They are very obvious when referenced on a chart. Check notes …any local knowledge only is not a class A.
Joe
M/V “Carolyn Ann” GH N-37

I would add that between Charleston and the St. Mary’s River, you have Port Royal Sound, Tybee Rhodes (Savannah River) and Doboy Sound. In this stretch, there are several other inlets that are acceptable, like Sapelo and St Catherine’s Sounds. If you can read a chart – an UP-TO-DATE chart – it’s no problem. There are shoals, but these inlets are marked. Some buoys are fairly far apart and can be tough to locate visually. Nevertheless, success depends on finding and honoring them.
Port Royal and Tybee are Class “A” inlets for commercial shipping.
Doboy Sound is in an area that has a terrible reputation. It’s immediately north of the Mud River and Altamaha Sound, some of the shallowest water in the ICW. However, Doboy itself is wide, straight-forward, well marked and carries 15′ – 18′ at MLW. Southbound, we stay at the Duplin River, just north of the ferry dock. Then, in the morning, we balance tides and the beauty of the region against weather (conditions and forecast) and sea state. If tides are against us and weather and sea conditions meet our criteria, we leave via Doboy and travel south offshore to either St. Simons (Brunswick), St. Mary’s (Fernandina) or St. John’s (Jax). The run from the Duplin to the intersection of the ICW on the St. John’s is 90 – 95 StM or so. In November after the change to EST, it’s twilight-to-twilight at 7.5 knots. It’s 115 – 120 StM on the inside. You do have to run nearly 5 miles offshore to clear shoaling on the shelf at Altamaha Sound, south of Doboy. At max ebb and max flood, the current in the DOBOY channel can run to 3 knots. That’s also true on the class “A” inlets, btw. Once on the outside, run in shallower water for better sea conditions. In winds with a S or SE component, seas on this run will be abeam, and potentially uncomfortable. But then with active stabilizers on a big DeFever…
Hope this helps.
Jim

Thanks to all for so much information! Has anyone ever traveled out of (or in to) Wassaw Sound?
John B.

Earlier, we posted a major announcement of the public forum, described below by Captain Knapp. This was another of the public meetings being held at sites which have been chosen to participate in the Florida Pilot Mooring Field Program. Sorry to say, sounds like the cruising community was outnumbered at this event, but, fortunately, it also sounds like nothing was definitely decided upon.

Cruising News:
Claiborne,
I attended the meeting held for Martin Co. Fl. Aside from officials, there were about 25 people, the majority being property owners ( maybe 6 boaters that I could tell ). The biggest issues were “derelect boats and discharge”.
They need to have these meetings when all the boaters are back in town. I know this is only one persons observation, but it seems to me that boaters are going to get regulated out of the water.
Boaters need to get involved and make their presence known to the powers to be before this turns into a can of worms and we get hurt. Keep reminding boaters.
John Knapp

All of you here at SSECN are indeed being represented. My Organization, Mariner’s BARR (Boaters’ Anchoring Rights and Responsibilities) is on top of what is going on in Stuart/Martin County. BARR is working closely with Kathy FitzPatrick, the Coastal Engineer and person-in-charge of implementing the Pilot Program for that area. I have met with her personally and she is very concerned that the area not overreach and alienate cruisers and recreational boaters. Of course she has those she has to answer to as well, but we at BARR will assist by reading into the record a prepared statement at their next meeting. October 4th was the first public meeting of Stuart/Martin County.
Stuart/Martin County was the last of the five Pilot Program sites chosen and are behind the other areas as far as progress towards goals. BARR has your backs. I will be discussing some issues with Ms. FitzPatrick early this next week.
If you have not become a member of BARR, please do so. Claiborne is a big supporter of BARR and we appreciate his help in spreading the word that we are here to represent your interests.
At our website (marinersbarr.org), we have all the tools one needs to send letters and/or emails to the FWC and Boat US in protest to keep the Pilot Program on track and not discourage responsible boaters and cruisers from Florida’s waters. This is actually what is needed most at this time.
Florida has a most tainted image with regard to being labeled “Boater Unfriendly.” The FWC and Boat US need to be reminded of that, as the very basis of the Pilot Program and its circumvention of FL Statute 327.60(2) which protects a navigator’s right to anchor, is very disturbing.
You can help by helping BARR help you! John Knapp is a member of BARR and we are very thankful for his support. If you want to cruise Florida’s waters NOW is the time to ACT. Complaints later will be too late. This is not a done deal, by any means. Together, united as a force, boaters and cruisers can make the difference by making their protests known.
Charmaine Smith Ladd
Executive Director
Mariner’s BARR

Our collective hat is off to all who participated in this worthwhile project, but particularly the First Coast Cruisers. Good job everyone!!!!

On Friday and Saturday, September 23rd & 24th, 24 stay-at-home First Coast Cruisers participated as a team in the Palm Coast fourth-annual waterway cleanup. Combining the city event with their own barbeque, the FCC team manned their dinghies to collect 876 pound of debris and 32 pounds of recyclable materials – more than half of the 1,706 pounds collected by all volunteers. On November 15th at the Palm Coast City Council meeting, the First Coast Cruisers will be recognized as contributing the largest amount of trash collected and will receive a plaque and invited to comment. FCC
members will be there wearing MTOA hats and shirts.
Today’s (Oct 6th) issue of Palm Coast Observer has an article on our cleanup efforts on page two with a picture of new members Debbie and John Coffey, their Whaler, and trash bag.
Pending publication, date as yet unknown, the Daytona News Journal will publish a similar article, probably in the section dealing with FlaglerCounty on Saturdays.
The MTOA Magazine will also be printing more of the photos.
Thanks to Fred and Elaine Becker, for doing a great job coordinating the event.
Barry Kipnis
FCC coordinator

This lighted buoy which is the subject of the message below is part of the channel markings in Lake Worth Inlet which is actually 10 nautical miles north of Lake Worth.

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week 40/11
Lake Worth Lighted Buoy LW (LLNR 745/10175) is sinking. A Temporary Red Unlit Buoy has been attached to Lake Worth Lighted Buoy LW even bail. Mariners are advised to use caution while transiting the area as the Temp Buoy may move approximately 10-20 yds from assigned position [Ref Miami BNM 182-11]. Chart 11460 and 11466

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

Located south-southeast of unlighted daybeacon #27, Titusville Municipal Marina is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

We had an excellent experience with the Titusville Marina and crew (2x). We would definitely return.
People considering this mooring field need to be aware it has an uninterrupted 2 mile fetch NE. When the cold fronts come through, this place gets bouncy.
Skipper Chris

I’ve anchored here many times, always in the deeper water between the marina channel and the bridge. Today, arriving after dark i was surprised to see all the echos on the radar from anchored boats were on the north side of the channel in the more narrow stretch of water between the shallows and the channel.
When i passed south into the old anchorage i found myself into a mine field of floats. since they are all lined up in a grid I have to assume Titusville is building a new mooring field… I ended up anchoring just north of the marina channel.
I knew some towns are setting up mooring fields, I guess i missed the news or the LNM on this one… of course, arriving at night made it more interesting!
I’m all for moorings but the obvious downside is that here we’re loosing the best spot as the area north of the bridge is closer to the ICW, more exposed to wakes, and a lot more narrow as the shoals extends further from shore.
Pascal aboard MY Charmer, 70′ 6+ draft

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Titusville Municipal Marina

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

Click Here For the Latest on Titusville Mooring Field

Halifax Harbor Marina is in Daytona Beach on the western shores of the ICW/Halifax River, south of unlighted daybeacon #39A.

All.. Please don’t forget Daytona Beach, Fl if you’re headed south, north, or just hanging out this fall/winter. We have good facilities between the marina’s available, and yards from do-it-yourselves to they do it all. Several decent anchorage areas and Halifax Harbor has plenty of transient space. Farmers’ market on Saturday within walking distance of Halifax Harbor. Keep this harbor in mind on your way around the east coast of Fl. Rebecca and I are happy to help facilitate your visit unless we’re at anchor somewhere or on the road.
Don & Rebecca,
m/v Andante,
moored Halifax Harbor, Daytona Beach, Fl

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Halifax Harbor Marina

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

Fort Pierce’s Harbortown Marina overlooks the AICW/Indian River’s western banks, a short hop not of Fort Pierce City Marina.

I just returned from a trip where I spend two days at this marina. I was amazed at the changes that I witnessed. Apparently new owners took over this place in the springtime. Since that point, the docks have been completely renovated. The decking has been replaced, many pilings replaced. Existing pilings have been cut to a uniform length and capped. A completely new wireless internet system has been installed. ( service is very fast and reliable ). The main marina building has been renovated and the boaters lounge has flat screen TV, new furniture paint and carpet. The Bar/restaurant now has a large waterview deck overlooking the sportfish area. The Bar itself is completely new and the restaurant has been upgraded substantially. Supposedly it will open at the end of October. The gas pumps are brand new as well. The 150 ton lift is brand new and the small lift has been rebuilt. All the employees have a spring in their step and seem eager to please. It’s obvious the new owners want to run this place the right way. Most definitely recommend and I see this place getting even better in the months ahead.
Jeff S

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

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

We have just heard, as of 10/3/11 from Captain Mark Leslie, manager of Titusville (Florida) Municipal Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR), that the city sponsored mooring field, lying just east of his dockage basin, is nearing completion. As you will see on the attached, “preliminary drawings,” the field will be extensive, and will help facilitate a visit to this charming community. Completion is slated for the first of December, at the latest, but it’s hoped everything will be ready to go by the end of October, 2011.

Claiborne
I’ve attached a drawing that shows what anchors we are installing during this phase of the mooring field development. We are installing 75 of the permitted mooring units. Unique to the Titusville Mooring Field is the incorporation of seagrass beds within the marked boundaries of the field which are now off limits to anchoring. This was a requirement from FDEP as a condition of the permit.
The attached legend depicts the different symbols so you’ll know what’s what.
I’m happy to report that all of the 75 anchors and all of the anchors for the boundary markers are installed and that the installation went extremely well.
Mark Leslie
Marina Manager

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Titusville City Marina

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

The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net unreservedly voices its support for “BARR” (see below), and we heartily recommend this organization to the entire cruising community!
One of, if not “the,” prime mover in organizing BARR is Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net’s very special Florida Keys Correspondent, Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd. You go get em girl!!!!!

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
Updated: September 30, 2011
Contact: (657) 333-2277
Charmaine Smith Ladd, Executive Director
csmithladd@marinersbarr.org

Anchoring Rights Group Formed

A group of boaters concerned about legislation restricting or even forbidding anchoring, have banded together to form BARR: Boaters’ Anchoring Rights & Responsibilities.
Their goal is to educate boaters, legislators, and the general public on the issues concerning anchoring; to promote responsible boating; and to dispel myths and concerns about anchored boats.

Currently, the big push against anchoring rights is in Florida, where the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has put in place a ‘Pilot Program’ to allow five test sites with mooring fields to institute ordinances regulating all boats outside of the mooring fields. This directly contravenes FL Statute 327.60(2), made effective July 1, 2006 by then Gov. Jeb Bush to stop municipalities from enacting and enforcing illegal and contradictory ordinances against boats in navigation. The Pilot Program is ‘notwithstanding’ to and thus overrides the aforementioned Statute, even though laws exist to control targeted problem issues without the Pilot Program.

Under the guise of preventing pollution, other negative environmental impacts, and ridding waters of derelict and abandoned vessels (all issues involving a very small minority, only 0.2%, of Florida’s 900,000 registered boats), some cities have opted to address these issues by over regulatingall boats. Boats in navigation will be subject to restrictions within the Pilot Program site areas. Restrictions can include anchoring time-limits or a complete ban on anchoring. This is a trend counterproductive to ensuring that cruisers have all available options for safe passage.

BARR contends that the Pilot Program, which was a last minute addition (introduced without the usual FWC public forum review) to House Bill 1423, is merely a backdoor attempt to restrict boaters’ access to anchorages because they are considered ‘visual intrusions’ to a very few waterfront homeowners who feel they have the right to control the public waters seen from their windows. The vast majority of waterfront homeowners are also boat owners who do not want their anchoring rights eroded.

According to BARR’s Executive Director, “Five sites were chosen to participate in the Pilot Program: Sarasota, St. Petersburg, St. Augustine, Monroe County (all of the FL Keys), and Stuart (partnered
with Martin County). The cities of Sarasota, Stuart, and Key West each have a history of enacting illegal anchoring ordinances that were challenged and defeated in court or settled in favor of the plaintiff outside of court.”

BARR emphasizes that unless the public has an effective way of understanding their rights to anchor are in jeopardy and coming together to make their protests known, public navigable waters will continue to be manipulated for commercial gain and private interests. Public waters will soon become privatized, putting them out of the financial reach of the average boater and cruiser to enjoy. The confusion to boaters as to where they can anchor and for time period, if any, will no doubt produce issues that are counterproductive to sound decision-making and safety in navigation.

Enjoying the right of navigation on the seas and waterways is the last of the great freedoms, and this activity has historically been available to all responsible boaters. BARR is working to protect and preserve this right so that cruisers and recreational boaters can continue to enjoy the cruising and boating lifestyle.

Boaters and others wishing to show their support can, as BARR’s motto states, “Join Us at the BARR” either via facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/MarinersBARR

or contact BARR via their website:

http://www.marinersbarr.org

_________________________

There are forms and email links and the BARR website and its FB Group to express your concerns to FWC and Boat US. Please feel free to share this email with others and post links to BARR on cruising forums. With Florida’s unique definitions of “liveaboard” and “non-liveaboard,” most are not aware that as cruisers we are defined as NON-LIVEABOARDS in the State of Florida and our right to anchor outside of mooring fields will be affected. This has caused much confusion and the error in thinking that the Pilot Program does not affect boats in navigation. BARR is working hard to stress to other boating organizations to make it very clear that ALL boats can be affected in these areas. Pilot Programs have a way of becoming law…we must do our part to keep that from happening
and spreading.

Many thanks in advance!
Big Hugs,
Charmaine
Aboard s/v September Sea
SSECN Special Correspondent for the Florida Keys

Acosta Creek Harbor Marina and Guest Quarters lies on the east side of the St. Johns River between markers #41 and 42A, south of Seminole Grove, FL.

A great little marina! Kathy and Jay were very helpful with docking and offered suggestions when our AC was out. Showers clean. Easy in and easy out for our 37ft O’Day. They also have a DIY yard and a closed lift should you need a haul out.
Torie Cannon

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Acosta Creek Harbor

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Acosta Creek Harbor

Capt. Bliss has kept us well informed about the dredging and depths in this dangerous inlet. His report below brings some good news, especially the news of extensive dredging planned for this winter.

USCG Jacksonville went to extra efforts to engage the services of the 49′ buoy tender out of Charleston. St.Augustine inlet is now well marked on the green side. 5A is in place with 12′ of water alongside. Massive dredging for the inlet channel is scheduled to begin in Dec or January 2012.
Jay Bliss, USCG Lic. Capt.
St.Augustine Port Commissioner Seat 5

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the St. Augustine Inlet

Another fine review of Ortega Landing Marina, located along the northwestern banks of the Ortega River.

We just finished spending a very pleasant two weeks at Ortega Landing Marina. Located on the Ortega River just a few miles south of downtown Jacksonville, OLM is a first class facility with great amenities and a thoroughly competent staff. The night we arrived we were dealing with an outgoing tide and a 30MPH wind. Dockmaster Bruce had three people waiting on the dock to help us back BUFFALO GAL into our slip. Every time a boat arrived during our stay we saw at least one and often more marina staff on hand to asssit in docking and departure.
Docks are all wide concrete floating, gated, with multiple 50A and 30A hook-ups and pump-out facilities at each. Pump-outs are done every Thursday, other days by prior arrangement, and are free. There is a nice pool and common area with gas grills, a captain’s lounge, excellent laundry facilities and a nice area close by for dog walking and excercise. A large shopping area with a major grocery store, large department store, a variety of specialty shops including Starbuck’s and a West Marine is a ten minute walk. If you need maintenance work performed, there is a person in residence who can arrange that for you. Major repairs can be completed at either Lamb’s Yacht Center or the Huckins factory a half mile down river. Downtown Jacksonville is about a $20 cab ride.
Ortega Landing’s daily, weekly and monthly rates are very competitive. They also have discounts for “Loopers”, as well as other cruiser organizations. We would highly recommend OLM to any cruiser passing through Jacksonville. We would also recommend calling ahead for directions into the Ortega River from the St. Johns River, as there are several shoals that can be easily avoided with the proper local advice.
Bill & Kathleen Root aboard MV BUFFALO GAL 1988 54′ Hatteras MY

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida/St. Johns River Marina Directory Listing For Ortega Landing Marina

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

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida/St. Johns River Marina Directory Listing For Lambs Yacht Center

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

Click Here To View An Earlier Article on Gibson Dry Dock

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gibson Dry Dock

As reported in an earlier posting by Capt. Bliss, recent dredging has offered some help in this dangerous inlet. Capt. Bill asks the following question:

Thank you to Capt Bliss for all his updates. With the south migration beginning and St. Augustine being a favorite stop can you tell us what the dredging accomplished? Assuming that we are in the best water along the red side what kind of depth and width is there at MLW now?
Capt. Bill
 

And Capt. Bliss responds:

I’ve heard various yardages 2500 to 5000 cubic yards removed in the 3 days of dredging produced by the Currituck. Either way, it was not significant. You might very well see depths as shallow as 11′ mllw on your way in the channel entrance. The shallower portion starts at the neck between buoys 4 and 5 entering. Favor mid channel or the reds. #6 is a small nun, difficult to see, and more northerly than a straight line between 4 and 8. Always start at the sea buoy, StA.
Jay Bliss
USCG Lic. Capt.
St.Augustine Port Commissioner Seat 5

Click Here To View Capt. Bliss’s Earlier Report

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the St. Augustine Inlet

Click Here For Our Most Recent Posting on St. Augustine Inlet.

We are proud to report that our very special Florida Keys correspondent, Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd, has been instrumental in establishing a special web site/Facebook page, dedicated to Florida Anchoring and Cruising Rights. We invite the entire cruising community to visit, without delay!

http://www.facebook.com/groups/MarinersBARR/

Thank you, Claiborne:
You’re the best! It is our sixth day of being on Facebook and we have nearly 400 Members. This is a wonderful thing, to see the cruising community and freedom fighters come together to protect our eroding anchoring rights. Many are being educated on things they did not know. Cruisers and boaters from all over the U.S. are telling us of their fights. We have a wonderful Group who are positive and passionate, yet firm about helping us all retain our rights to anchor. Please help us in our cause that helps all recreational boaters and cruisers alike, otherwise anchoring within city limits will be something we’ll tell our grandchildren about…something that “used to be.” Hugs!
Charmaine

Note: BARR (Boater’s Anchoring Rights & Responsibilities) is not just for addressing the issues in Florida, but all over the U.S. We are focused mainly on FL at this time because of the time line of Florida’s Pilot Program. BARR has many members coming in from throughout the U.S. reporting anchoring issues in their areas and we at BARR are investigating those.
Charmaine

A fixed bridge, the Blue Heron Blvd. Bridge, also known as Riviera Beach Bridge, crosses the Waterway in Lake Worth at Statute Mile 1018, south of flashing daybeacon #36.

The Blue Heron bridge, mile marker 1018, is published on nautical charts and bridge clearance documents to provide 65 ft from MHT clearance. The construction at the east opening provides 65 ft. The construction at the west side, the main channel provides only 63 ft. From mid tide to high tide, sailboats needing 65 ft use the east opening.
Skipper iracha

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Bridge Directory Listing For Riviera Beach Bridge

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

What a great review of Ortega Landing Marina. Also, notice the quick, complimentary word about SSECN SPONSOR, Lambs Yacht Service.

When you are cruising in the Jacksonville, Fl area, if you want to spend a few days exploring the area or relaxing after your run up the AICW from the Keys, we would highly recommend Ortega Landing Marina. This is a first class facility with excellent floating docks, great power, a beautiful pool and recreation area. There is a major shopping center with department store, large Publix grocery and several restaurants located about a ten minute walk away. Located on the Ortega River just south of downtown Jacksonville, it provides good storm protection. Tidal current can require care docking, but dockmaster Kris and his staff provide 24 hour docking assistance. The daily transient rate is $1.75/ft INCLUDING 50A power, making it a very attractive value for a marina of this quality.
We have just spent a very fun weekend here on our 54 Hatteras. If you just want to spend a day or two in Jacksonville or have maintenence/repairs to be done, then Lamb’s Yacht Center, an AGLCA sponsor is the best place go. If you want a really nice place to spend a few days or longer with all the nice amenities, Ortega Landing Marina is, in our opinion, the best spot in the area.
We have no affiliation with OLM. We just like to pass along the really nice places we have found, particularly those that exceed expectations.
Bill Root

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida/St. Johns River Marina Directory Listing For Ortega Landing Marina

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

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida/St. Johns River Marina Directory Listing For Lambs Yacht Center

St. Lucie Inlet, where we have posted a Navigation Alert, intersects the AICW near Stuart, Florida at Statute Mile 987. See photos below..

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS:Week 33/11
The entrance to St Lucie Inlet is subject to dangerous frequent changes in depth and direction due to dangerous and shifting shoals. Passage through the inlet is not recommended without local knowledge. Chart 11472

As of 8/22/2011 The Saint Lucie Inlet is passable by boats drawing under 6′. MUST, Must, must hug tight the GREEN can nearest the south jetty. Do Not attempt in outgoing tide or Low tide with seas much over 3′. The shoal is right in the middle of the inside of the inlet right between the can and the nun.
Make sure your filters are clean and engine does not cut out on you. www.DirtyFuelFilter.com
Capt. Rob

Hey..took some pics of the inlet on Friday…the tide was pretty good so it makes it easy to see the problem….hope they’re helpful..
Boyd E. Gunsalus, Lead Environmental Scientist
Martin/St. Lucie Service Center,
South Florida Water Management District

I came through here yesterday [4/26/2011], about halfway down on a falling tide. I saw seven foot minimums – not a big deal, although these photos would have had me shift over a bit for better water.
The rest of the inlet was 12 feet or better. Other than in really rough conditions, I wouldn’t hesitate to use this inlet – and for the record, this was my first time there.
Skipper Wally aboard s/v Gypsy Wind

The photos do indeed appear to show bad conditions. We exited St. Lucy Inlet on February 2 and went to West End. The channel was well marked and we spoke with TowBoat and SeaTow before leaving and obtained some local knowledge. Ft. Pierce Inlet is better nevertheless.
Skipper Bill Brubaker

As I stated in my last posting, favor the Green cans and all should be just fine. I use the inlet all the time and the closer you are to the south breakwater the better.
Outgoing tide and 4′ + seas you must slow down and wait for the inlet to clear of boat traffic before coming in, so you can favor those green cans. And make sure your Filters are clean and not going to stall your engine at a real BAD time.
Capt. Rob
http://www.DirtyFuelFilter.com

While laying over in Manatee Pocket waiting for a weather window for a run to the Bahamas, I took the opportunity to run out and back through the St. Lucie inlet this morning at high tide, 1.0 FT above MLLW. I found the information about hugging the south, green side, breakwater on the ocean entrance to be accurate. However, just inside the inlet, a shoal with only three or four feet of water over it protrudes from the southside between markers “7″ and “9″. You must go over at least midway to the red nun to clear the shoal. Otherwise, 7 1/2 to 8 feet was available.
Bill Gravely, GW28 “Laura Jill”

I came through the inlet tonight, May 4th, 2011, returning from the Bahamas. The tide was +2 feet and rising. Winds were 9 knots out of the ESE. Seas were pretty much flat. We draw 4 feet and the least I saw was 6 feet 4 inches. This was right beside the center jetty, about half way between the jetty and the floating red marker. There may well have been more water closer to the jetty as suggested in the alert. I was following another boat that draws a bit more than ours so, I was comfortable in his track. This was the first time I have ever used this inlet and I would not hesitate to use it again under similar circumstances. Other than this one hump, the channel was generally 12 feet or deeper. I actually wish I had used the inlet in the past. I’m not sure where the negative reputation comes from.
I forgot to mention that I would probably not have dared to use the inlet without the “local knowledge” that the aerial photos provided. Thanks!!
Alan Sodergren

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at St. Lucie Inlet

Click Here To View An Earlier Posting on St. Lucie Inlet

Captain Charmaine’s message below is actually a reaction to multiple comments received in response to her latest article concerning developments vis-a-via the Florida Pilot Mooring Field Program in the Florida Keys (see http://www.CruisersNet.net/update-on-floridas-pilot-program-marathon-fl-mpac-meeting-held). However, I knew this article would get more visibility published as a fresh posting. so here it is.
If you are at all interested in the question of Florida anchoring rights, PLEASE read Captain Charmaine’s thoughts below. They are worthy of every cruisers’ time and attention!

Thank you all for your comments. Public outrage is exactly what is needed to stop this gross manipulation of the law by a few at the total dismissal of the expressed wants of the majority. It is even more stomach turning when one realizes the “chosen” sites for the Pilot Program are mostly comprised of the same cities that have been caught red-handed enacting and enforcing illegal anchoring ordinances. They lost in court, yet they continue to flex their muscles once again by creating a ploy to go around existing law.
Law enforcement is caught in the middle of a political game and are being used to do the bidding of a few powerful people. The Pilot Program is a tool being used to dictate to law enforcement how to enforce the otherwise unenforceable. The politicians who backed the Pilot Program will distance themselves and run for cover once the general public grasps the enormity of the Pilot Program’s hidden agenda and total disregard for the protection of boats in navigation under the law. FL Statute 327.60(2) was written to shut the door on their attempts–the Pilot Program does not have to adhere to that Statute. Does it make it right to concoct an instrument that circumvents existing law? The Right of Navigation includes anchoring.
Those who want to own the land and the water shall not succeed if we stand together to expose their greed and arrogance. Safety at sea is priority one. It should also be the FWC’s number one priority. Where it is permissible to anchor and for what length of time should not be a concern for any captain whose thoughts should be concentrated on safety first and foremost. This is a recipe for disaster. A captain may, in his or her haste to avoid an anchoring violation, leave an area under pressure when it otherwise would be prudent to stay. It is obvious that landlubbers who know nothing of why the Right of Navigation is imperative to safety, are the driving force behind the Pilot Program and its open door to enacting anchoring time limit ordinances.
Please write the FWC and send a copy of it to Boat US. Allow your objections to be on the record. It doesn’t matter where you live, as the waters of Florida are held in the Public Trust for all. There is power in numbers and we need to speak up. Tell others about this injustice. Our servicemen and servicewomen fight for the freedoms of others abroad, yet we are still fighting to retain freedoms among ourselves right here in America. That is a very sad state of affairs.
Tim’s comment made me recall this quote:

“The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people; it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government – lest it come to dominate our lives and interests.” – Patrick Henry

Again, many thanks!
Charmaine

This LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS, Week 32/11 is of interest to those of you who navigate offshore of eastern Florida. No comments please about how our Navy could lose a piece of equipment in only 3 foot seas!

SEACOAST-FLORIDA-FORT LAUDERDALE: US Navy (SFOMF) Lost Equipment
The United States Navy, South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility (SFOMF) lost equipment offshore Fort Lauderdale, Florida at 1424 EST on July 27th, 2011. The lost equipment is an ”Unmanned Underwater Vehicle” (UUV). The vehicle is 6 feet long, 6” in diameter and is colored yellow and black with “WARD” stenciled on the side. Last known position of the UUV was Lat 26 03.336 Lon -080 03.918. Seas were 3’ or less the day of loss, winds out of the east, and 4 knots of current to the North. Vehicle is positively buoyant and contains no hazardous materials. Should the vehicle be found, please contact SSC Pacific: POC: Peyton Hall 619-221-5245 e-mail: peyton.hall@navy.mil Alt POC: Chris Young 619-553-5387 or 619-607-9000