You will appreciate the humor Tom sees in this photo. As Jimmy Buffet says, “If we couldn’t laugh, we’d all go crazy!” Thank you Tom!
There are lots of speed restrictions around here, to protect the manatees. I guess the manatees were having trouble reading this sign so they lowered it to make it easier for the manatees to read?
Tom Hale
Tom Hale
BoatUS: Tax Provisions for Boats Extended
Have a boat loan? Ask your lender for form 1098
WASHINGTON, March 6, 2018 – Just two short years ago, Congress extended some boat sales tax and mortgage interest deductions for recreational boat buyers. Excluding home equity loans, those deductions remain for next year’s 2018 tax season with the recently passed GOP tax overhaul plan signed into law on December 22, 2017, albeit with some new lower limits on lending amounts, according to Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS).
Before passage of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017, BoatUS, the nation’s boating advocacy, services and safety group, had concerns that boat owners would be singled out for negative tax treatment. However, recreational vessels with a sleeping berth, cooking and toilet facilities will be treated equally with second homes and recreational vehicles that may qualify for some sales tax and mortgage interest deductions when filing (in 2019) a 2018 federal income tax return.
The new Tax Cut and Jobs Act reduces the previous $1 million second-home mortgage deduction limit to $750,000. “Most new boats sell for far below this new cap, so we don’t think that will have much impact on the average boat buyer,” said BoatUS Manager of Government Affairs David Kennedy. However, what could affect buyers of smaller vessels is the act’s removal of the deductibility on interest for a home equity loan. Historically, borrowers could deduct home equity interest on loans up to $100,000 ($50,000 for married couples filing separately). “With the new tax law, that deduction is gone,” said Kennedy.
For the current 2017 tax season, the existing deduction remains in place and is offered to new owners who paid substantial state sales taxes on a new or used boat purchased in 2017. If there is a loan taken, mortgage interest paid on the loan may also be deducted from federal income taxes. Again, the vessel must have a sleeping berth, cooking and toilet facilities to qualify. Here are the details:
2017 Sales Tax Deduction
The Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 continues to offer a federal tax deduction for state sales taxes paid on a recreational vessel. Boaters must choose either the state sales tax deduction or state income tax deduction on their federal tax return — they cannot take both. In addition, to take the state sales tax deduction, the sales tax on a boat purchase must be applied at the same tax rate as the state’s general sales tax. In order to claim the sales tax deduction, tax returns must be itemized. State sales taxes are entered on IRS form Schedule A, line 5b.
2017 Boat Loan Deduction
A boat is considered a second home for federal tax purposes if it has a galley, an installed head and sleeping berth. For those owners with a secured boat loan, mortgage interest paid on the loan may be deducted from federal income taxes. Taxpayers may use the home mortgage interest deduction for one second home in addition to their primary home, and must itemize deductions on their returns.
Some boaters may be unaware of this potential tax benefit because not all lending institutions send borrowers an IRS Form 1098, which reports interest paid. Not receiving the form does not preclude taking the deduction. If a 1098 is not available, boaters should contact their lender for the amount of interest paid and should enter it on line 11 on Schedule A along with the lender’s tax ID number. If a form 1098 is sent, boaters should simply enter the amount on line 10 of Schedule A.
For more details on the mortgage deduction on boats that qualify, go to IRS.gov and download IRS Publication 936.
Looking to 2018
The new limits on deductibility of mortgage interest and state sales taxes will kick in when boat owners calculate their 2018 tax liabilities along with changes to home equity loan deductions. Boaters are urged to contact a tax preparer or financial adviser for more information.
Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: “Seminar: Crossing the Gulf Stream” plus 1 more
Seminar: Crossing the Gulf Stream
Posted: 06 Mar 2018 05:24 AM PST
A seminar on the topic of Crossing the Gulf Stream will be held on April 19, 2018, at Dania Beach, Florida in the IT Parker Center. Time to be announced.
The two-hour seminar will be led by Captain Chase Camacho, USCG Master for 27 years. Captain Chase has traveled to the Bahamas since 1991. Also about six other captains will be there to assist with any other questions. Special Guest will be the U.S. Coast Guard.
Topics include:
Do’s and Don’t’s of crossing the Gulf Stream
How to prepare
What to bring
Storage
Important engine quick fixes
The fee is $795/boat up to 5 people and $100/pp for additional passengers.
For further information, please contact Captain Chase Camacho at chaseuone@gmail.com.
New fuel and dockage survey March 6, 2018
Posted: 06 Mar 2018 05:11 AM PST
A new survey of dockage and fuel prices has been completed and posted showing most of the marinas offering these services in the Bahamas. Some we were unable to contact at the present time and they are shown in red. In general, fuel prices were up with a few exceptions.
Please go to our website www.explorercharts.com under Fuel and Dockage Prices to check our latest findings. We will be updating continuously as we get new information.
In FWC’s first application period for derelict vessel removal grants, $488, 550.00 was available and only $184,935.00 was requested. This leaves $303,615.00 still available for derelict vessel removal grants. Therefore this 2nd opportunity announcement is being advertised.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is announcing the opportunity to apply for Derelict Vessel Removal Grants. The application period for the Bulk Derelict Vessel Removal Grant Program will begin on Monday March 26, 2018 at 8:00 AM (EST), and end on Wednesday May 9, 2018 at 5:00 PM (EST). Applications received after Wednesday May 9, 2018, will not be eligible for consideration. All removal applications must demonstrate proof that due process was provided for each vessel’s owner. At a minimum, this would include an opportunity for the vessel owner to challenge the derelict vessel determination, either in criminal court or in an administrative hearing. Vessel cases not demonstrating that these opportunities have been offered to the owners of the vessels will not be considered for state funding assistance. The grant guidelines and application form may be downloaded at: http://www.MyFWC.com/DVGrant.
You may also receive the guidelines and application by contacting Phil Horning at (850) 617-9540 or email DVGrant@MyFWC.com.
Applications that meet the requirements for the Rapid Removal Grant Program may be submitted at any time after the opportunity announcement start date, but no later than November 31, 2018 at 5:00pm (EST) (based on available funding). Rapid removal cases must also meet due process requirements. Total funding allocated for derelict vessel removal for fiscal year 2017/18 is $488,550. Applications may be mailed to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Boating and Waterways Section, Derelict Vessel Grant Program Administrator, at 620 S. Meridian Street – Room 235, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600 or emailed to DVGrant@MyFWC.com.
For further information, please contact:
Phil Horning, Derelict Vessel Program Administrator, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement, Boating and Waterways Section, (850) 617-9540 or email Phil.Horning@MyFWC.com
Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: New Anchoring fee for Exuma Land and Sea Park
New Anchoring fee for Exuma Land and Sea Park
Posted: 02 Mar 2018 01:53 PM PST
This was posted in Bahamas Sailing and Cruising Facebook group. Big change is a $0.50/foot anchoring fee for vessels under 90′.
“Good morning cruisers; Park Warden at the ECLSP here. Below is some important info from our Administrator in regards to a new anchorage fee structure.
Attention ALL vessels:
New Anchorage Fees in effect as of today; March 1st, 2018.
Vessels 90’ and above will be required to pay $1 per foot for anchoring within the Park boundaries.
Vessels under 90’ will be required to pay $0.50 per foot for anchoring within the Park boundaries.
Please remember the park boundaries run from Wax Cay Cut in the North to Conch Cut in the South, and extend outward 4nm to the East and the West.
Thank you,
Park Administrator
Joseph Ierna Jr”
While red tide is common between Tampa and Naples, the occurrence near the Keys is unusual.
Waters off Florida Keys hit with rare red tide. It’s prime suspect in fish kills
CLICK HERE FOR THE REPORT by Jenny Staletovich in the Miami Herald
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is a group of dedicated cruisers who always provide unique reports from the marinas they visit. Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR and voted Best Small Marina in 2017, overlooks the westerly banks of the Mantanzas Pass channel, west of marker #13.
PINK SHELL CRUISE FEBRUARY 20th – 23rd 2018
By Captain John Queen, Past Commodore, Cape Coral Cruise Club
The Cape Coral Cruise Club has monthly cruises to a variety of destinations in Southwest Florida. For the month of February 2018, that destination was the popular Pink Shell Resort and Marina on Fort Myers Beach. There was a super turnout with 17 club boats making the trip, ranging in size from 30 to 50 feet. Most boats arrived Tuesday, February 20th with fairly decent weather on their bow. Many boats waited until slack tide before arriving, as we know how tricky docking can be at Pink Shell marina in strong tidal currents. Dock master Dave and his assistant Craig did an excellent job getting boats into slips safe and sound.
Tuesday afternoon was a time for relaxing and catching up with other club members. Walking down the marina dock it was great seeing a fleet of white fiberglass boats sporting the yellow Club burgee.
At 4:30 PM, the members gathered at the marina deck for our traditional Docktail hour with chips, pretzels and the like. The marina accommodated our need to have seating for 34 club members as they already had set up tables and chairs on the marina lawn. Club members converged at 6:00 PM for our scheduled dinner of hamburgers, hot dogs and plenty of side dishes. It’s always amazing how much love goes into the preparation of food in this club – members never go home hungry.
After dinner, club members anxiously waited for me to describe the fun and games portion of the evening. I had told them previously that we were going to play “The Pathetic Peanut Game”. As club members watched, 50 shelled peanuts and 50 Styrofoam packing peanuts were placed in the center of a large round table. Two large plastic Dixie cups sat opposite each other on the table. I explained that the object of the game was to get as many peanuts into their team’s cup within a two minute period. Simple enough, eh?
Of course, my silly made-up games are never that simple. “Oh by the way”, “you must keep your hands behind your back and only use a straw to lift the peanuts!!” I demonstrated how using suction with a straw would allow players to move the peanuts. Each team had two minutes to lift as many peanuts to its cup, the team with the most points would win. (Styrofoam peanuts were worth 1 point each, shelled peanuts were worth 5 points each, and two specially painted peanuts were worth 25 points each.)
Let the fun begin! It was a wild sight watching these seasoned boaters trying to move peanuts via the suction of a straw. I wouldn’t have it any other way! Each team worked feverishly to beat the score of the previous team. When it was all over, the winning team prevailed with a score of 158 points. Prizes were awarded to the top three teams and everyone had a good time. A special ring in the shape of a peanut was also awarded to the top finisher.
The next morning, we prepared breakfast on our boat for 30 people consisting of scrambled eggs, sausage, fresh fruit, and juice at the tables on the marina lawn. After breakfast, the next fun game began. Everyone learned it we would be a scavenger hunt. There were 10 questions or riddles to solve, all based on objects found in and around Pink Shell marina and resort property. The winner would be based on accuracy and speed. The weather was perfect, and after receiving their list of questions, couples scattered in every direction.
I thought it would be a while before anyone returned with their answer sheets, so I was surprised when some of them were being returned within half an hour. Within an hour or so, every couple had turned in their answer sheets for ‘grading’. All were advised that results and winners would be announced just prior to dinner that night. The rest of the day was spent by club members at the pool, shelling at the beach, shopping at Times Square, or simply ‘chillaxing’ on their boat. Just prior to dinner the results of the scavenger hunt were revealed with prizes awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams.
We usually have a group dinner on our cruises where other club members will join us by land yacht. This outing was no exception as we had 38 club members dine at Jack’s Farm to Fork restaurant just across the street in the resort. Everyone had a great dining experience and left will full stomachs.
Thursday morning, we prepared another breakfast for the boaters, and again carted everything out to the tables set up on marina lawn. We could not have had better winter Florida weather. The rest of the day was spent shopping, shelling, swimming, playing card games, or just plain relaxing.
Thursday night, club members headed off in different directions for dinner. On our club cruises, we usually designate Thursday night as ‘on your own’. Most of the boaters ended up at a handful of different restaurants along Estero Blvd.
Friday morning came too soon, and everyone got underway for the journey home. Some boaters left early in the morning while others were in no hurry to depart. The Pink Shell cruise was another great boating experience for members of the Cape Coral Cruise Club.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. Read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina
Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: “George Town/Elizabeth Harbour Fuel Update” plus 1 more
George Town/Elizabeth Harbour Fuel Update
Posted: 28 Feb 2018 05:25 AM PST
In our monthly fuel survey,for several months we have been unable to get a response to our calls to Exuma Yacht Club. Now we can give a first-hand report on fuel in Elizabeth Harbour. The marina was severely damaged by hurricanes last year and has not been rebuilt. There is no fuel (or water) at the dock. Gasoline can be obtained by jerry-jugging from the filling station.The Harbour Master reports that delivery of diesel can be made to the rough concrete government dock, where the mailboat and freight boats come in. Arrangements can be made through the filling station in town.
The nearest fuel stations are the Marina at Emerald Bay on Great Exuma and Long Island Petroleum in Salt Pond.
Additional information on the harbour: The moorings in Hole #1 have been reduced to just a handful and there is no pumpout boat operational. It is wise to be aware of the possible harbour pollution with the large number of vessels there.
Posted: 27 Feb 2018 04:13 PM PST
What is best way to find others doing crossing from Florida to Abaco?
If you are in the Bahamas, you might see one of these ancient swimmers.
New species of shark discovered has ancestors older than dinosaurs from Fox News
As rapidly as critical intersections, such as the many Problem Stretches listed on Cruisers’ Net, can change due to storms and flooding, you have to wonder how useful this program will be for navigation. Still, it will be fun to use in making your float plan.
Google’s creating a Street View-like program for boaters in South Florida by Adele Chapin in Miami.Curbed.com
Harborwalk Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS, is only a boardwalk away from Georgetown’s Historic District for history, entertainment, great food and shopping. Harborwalk Marina is the third marina on your starboard side as you enter the protected waters of Georgetown, also A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! And OnSpotWifi is also A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
RE: Harborwalk Marina Expansion, Georgetown SC.
Despite this winter’s frigid temperatures and construction issues, we are working to complete the planned upgrades, and despite a slight setback in our time frame, the delay will not keep us from using our current floating docks or our new 200’ floating fuel dock. During the winter months we have also installed “OnSpot Wifi” and have had nothing but great feedback.
We hope to see everyone headed north soon!
Chris Carroll, Operations Manager
Harborwalk Marina
Evening Post Industries
P.O. Box 274
525 Front Street
Georgetown SC 29440
843-546-4250
843-240-2318 (Cell)
www.harborwalkmarina.com
ccarroll@harborwalkmarina.com
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Harborwalk Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Harborwalk Marina
Johns Pass connects the Gulf with the Waterway at Mile 123 north of St. Petersburg. See https://cruisersnet.net/168527 for a earlier off-station buoy report. And note this LNM and observations about buoy placement in our chartlet and on the full chart. Our recommendation is to keep the Green markers on your port side when entering. Our thanks to Torie Cannon for this report.
Friends of ours were coming Johns Pass this weekend and went hard aground causing serious damage to their 39’ Gulfstar Sailmaster. They were taking on water and beached the boat just inside the pass to prevent her from totally sinking. Then hailed SeaTow or Boat US to assist. They did manage to get hauled this weekend but not before a lot of water was in the boat. The towing company quickly showed up with pumps and manage to get them afloat at towed them to a near by yard for haul out. When I heard about the other boat going aground I thought old boat and newbies are a bad combination. But our friends have been in and out of the pass enough to know it. I think last time was about 6 months ago. Something is not marked in that pass.
Torie Cannon
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Johns Pass
The Charleston City Boatyard, a subsidiary of Charleston City Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is found on the northern reaches of the Wando River north of red marker #40.
 | |||
| |||
 |
 |
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston City Boatyard
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston City Marina
Be the first to comment!