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    • Oct 30, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.4197,-80.65899999

      Report on ICW Debris and Ladys Island Marina, Beaufort, SC, AICW Statute Mile 536.5


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      Ladys Island Marina - Beaufort, SCThis report on the Waterway from Oriental, NC to Beaufort, SC comes from longtime Cruisers’ Net Special Correspondent, Captain Jane Tigar. Note especially her observation about reduced bridge clearances. Over the last several years, Ladys Island Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, has been undergoing big improvements in the marina portion of this property under the direction of owner, Kelly Ryan, as confirmed by the positive comments SSECN has received. Ladys Island Marina is located on Factory Creek just east of Ladys Island Bridge.

      Hello Larry
      From Michael Tigar and Captain Jane, now on M/V Tara
      We went from Oriental to South Harbour Village and then from SHV to Ladies’ Island Marina (Beaufort, SC) in these past two weeks. We did not see any debris other than a large floating log in the Waccamaw — but those show up there at other times. The rivers are higher than normal, and boaters should indeed watch the effect of wakes on homes and docks. The higher than normal tides in Charleston and on South to the Coosaw meant that bridge clearances were less than optimal. The McKinley Bridge, MM 501.3, showed only 61.5 feet as we passed, and two large catamarans were waiting for the tide to go down. All in all, a good trip.
      Second item — Hertz in Beaufort SC will deliver a car to Ladies’ Island Marina if you give them notice and it is during their regular hours (before 5pm). “Yes Indeed Thai” restaurant on Boundary Street was a really good place to eat.
      Best
      Michael and Captain Jane

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Ladys Island Marina

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

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    • Oct 30, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 30.6665,-81.48289999

      Advice for Avoiding the Shoals South of Fernandina Beach, AICW Statute Miles 717 – 720


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      Reports of shoaling south of Fernandina Beach have been coming in for several years and prompted a USCG Hazard Warning in May of last year (/?p=140702). Our thanks to cruising writer Robert Sherer, New Intracoastal Waterway Cruising Guide, for sending these charts and waypoints to guide you through the shoals.

      There is a 10 ft MLW path through the shoals south of Fernandina that I took on October 28, 2015.
      Heading south:
      Depart channel 300 ft before R16 aiming for the tongue of deep water shown on chart (Garmin) at a heading of 275M for 17.8 MLW.
      Run along the 12 ft contour line next to shore until the tongue of deep water ends as shown on the chart, then aim for G1 which will be at 245M, pass by 30 ft for 13.4 MLW, higher along the way.
      Important: do not turn immediately around G1 (shoals), continue for 170 ft, then turn due south for 500 ft before turning towards deep water as shown on charts on the green side close to shore. Run just outside the 12 ft contour line down to G3 and G5, 200 ft off. 10.4 MLW entering the 12 ft contour line, deeper after that.
      This passage is difficult because you’re avoiding three shoals:
      – one is in the middle of the marked channel in the bend that’s down to 3 MLW
      – the second one comes out off the eastern shore just south of G1
      – the third one is further south coming off the western shore
      None of these are marked.

      After six years of passing through here, I’ve settled on the above description, it works for no less than 10.4 MLW. The depths were adjusted for not only the tides but also for the higher than normal water levels as reported by the Fernandina weather station. This passage would be easy if buoyed properly, the route has been constant for the pass five years.
      A chart of the route:
      fb1
      fb2
      For those wanting the exact path, here are the waypoints with the usual disclaimers (things can change on the ICW)

      F01
      N 30° 39.804
      W 081° 28.596
      F02
      N 30° 39.805
      W 081° 28.730
      F03
      N 30° 39.853
      W 081° 28.938
      F04
      N 30° 39.803
      W 081° 29.082
      F05
      N 30° 39.713
      W 081° 29.084
      F06
      N 30° 39.613
      W 081° 29.030
      F07
      N 30° 39.409
      W 081° 28.968
      F08
      N 30° 39.254
      W 081° 28.970
      F09
      N 30° 38.824
      W 081° 29.024

      Robert Sherer
      aka Bob423
      Author of “2015 ICW Cruising Guide” available on Amazon.com
      Daily blog at fleetwing.blogspot.com

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    • Oct 29, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy 2 Comments

      A Wake Frustrated Boater Speaks Out!

      Who among us cruisers has not experienced exactly the same lack of respect shown to moored vessels by wake making machines along the Waterway? Coincidentally, we are having the same issue here in South Carolina with cars speeding down flooded streets causing wake to flood into homes. Those drivers must be the same immature skippers who rock boats wherever they go…?

      What I find most maddening, having been boating down here for 20 odd years, is that there is absolutely NO enforcement of no wake idle speed or slow speed zones going past bridges or marinas. We have had extensive problems in several different marinas and no one seems to care or do anything about it. I have seen numerous times large yachts and sport fish boats leaving huge damaging wakes and they are never stopped by FWCC or local law enforcement. However, I have seen dinghys stopped, small boats stopped, and slow small sailboats stopped and given citations, which leads me to the conclusion that FWCC is totally catering to the rich. They don’t dare stop them, just some poor, working class guy in a dinghy, who couldn’t throw a wake if he wanted to.
      Karen Lawrence

      Comments from Cruisers (2)

      1. Rick Cass -  October 30, 2015 - 7:41 pm

        When actual damage is done to you or your boat, get in Ch16 and call the offending boat back. We did that recently, and the boat returned, and a claim against the boat resulted in payment for damages.

        Reply to Rick
      2. tim -  October 30, 2015 - 3:41 pm

        Try recording your trips on the waterway with video cameras of your wake and surrounding boats. When the overpaid cops show up record them also then go to court to get the charges thrown out and sue them for harassment especially after you show the huge wake left after a large boat passes by compared to yours if any.

        Reply to tim
    • Oct 29, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.8317,-80.05499999

      Tips and Tricks on Marina WiFi Service, Old Port Cove Marina, North Palm Beach, AICW Statute Mile 1014


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      Old Port Cove If your marina doesn’t have an onSpot WiFi system, pass this information along. You will be glad you did! Old Port Cove Marina is located on the western shore of the northern Lake Worth channel, near unlighted daybeacon #7. Both Old Port Cove Marina and onSpot WiFi are SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORs!

      Ever pull into a marina desperate to check your messages only to encounter Wifi issues? Don’t blame the marina’s Wifi service! According to Bob Taylor of onSpot Wifi, marinas have a very unique set of circumstances when it comes to providing Wifi service. It might not be the service at all, it just could be your device!
      Read Bob’s very useful TIPS & TRICKS on our blog at www.OPCH.com OLDPORTCOVELD2

      Old Port Cove Holdings is pleased to provide onSpot Wifi service at all three of our marina facilities.
      Thank you boaters for choosing to do business with us!
      Sincerely,
      Sue Morgan, Marketing Director
      www.OPCH.com

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Old Port Cove Marina

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

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    • Oct 27, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.1441,-80.10669999

      Dredging to Begin in Fort Lauderdale c. AICW Statute Mile 1060


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      This dredging is in a relatively short section of the Waterway paralleling Hugh Taylor Birch State Park to the east and north of the Sunrise Blvd Bridge at Mile 1062.5. Unfortunately, this article from Soundings does not give project dates. However, the dredging is in a relatively wide section and should not impact through traffic.

      tradeonlytoday
      Dredging set to start for ICW in South Florida
      Posted on October 26th, 2015
      After several years, permits were issued and a contract awarded for the dredging of the Intracoastal Waterway in South Florida, allowing the vessels that patronize the area’s waterways to have better access to local marinas and boatyards.

      The dredging, which will take place from 17th Street to Sunrise Boulevard to 17 feet deep, will be the largest single public works project for the Florida Inland Navigation District, a special state taxing district tasked with managing and maintaining the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, according to the Marine Industries Association of South Florida.

      `The Florida Inland Navigation District’s ICW dredging project will provide an extraordinary benefit to Broward County through the infusion of $20 million by increasing the depth of the ICW from the congressionally authorized depth of 10 feet to a new depth of 17 feet to accommodate the vessels that are seeking to visit, reside and retrofit at our local marinas and boatyards,’ Tyler Chappell, the Broward commissioner for FIND, said in a statement.’

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    • Oct 26, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy 3 Comments 36.3004,-76.2189999

      “Free Dockage” Blog by James H Newsome


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      James Newsome is a regular contributor to SSECN and other publications, both online and print. He has been compiling his list of free dockage along the Waterway for several years and it is a list worth perusing! Naturally, author Newsome mentions Elizabeth City, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, and one of the best known free docks on the Waterway.

      I don’t know if you remember me mentioning the “FREE DOCKAGE” list project back during the summer, but I’ve continued to work on this and believe I have everything listed from 0 MM at least down through Jacksonville, FL and 738 MM. I have a few more listings below Jax, but I have a lot more work to do in this area.

      I’ve started a Facebook page FREE DOCKAGE where I offer the complete list. I’ve had a very good reception from folks who find the list useful and I’m currently at 643 likes. This format is working well for now because it is a no cost option for me to get this information out to a lot of folks who realize, like me, that none of the other cruising guides offer a short concise list for FREE DOCKS.

      Elizabeth City, NC is a great example of a town that really tries to promote themselves as cruiser friendly with free dock offerings. They understand that most cruisers who come to their town are essentially tourists who happen to arrive by boats instead of cars, and these cruisers always spend money when they stop. Therefore, “Free Docks” is a win-win for boaters as well as communities.

      James H. Newsome
      Contributing Writer – Southwinds Magazine
      s/v CaiLeigh Anna – Coastal Cruising With Hugh & Suze
      98 Buena Vista Avenue
      Warrenton, GA 30828

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Mariner’s Wharf Elizabeth City Docks

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Mariner’s Wharf Elizabeth City Docks

      Comments from Cruisers (3)

      1. David Burnham -  November 21, 2015 - 7:04 am

        Free “daytime” docks at the Gulfport, Florida Casino. No overnight docking but unlike the “courtesy” docks in downtown Saint Petersburg, there is no docking meter.

        Reply to David
      2. Len & Lisa Rorke -  October 28, 2015 - 8:54 am

        This is an excellent addition to any cruiser out there. Good on you for doing this James. 🙂

        Reply to Len
      3. Joe Brasfield -  October 27, 2015 - 5:30 am

        I have used and really like the list of free dockage list. We traveled to the Cheaspeake and used quite often. Great idea James and thanks for the work.

        Reply to Joe
    • Oct 26, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      A Cruising Writer Speaks for Georgia’s Waterways

      James Newsome is a regular contributor to SSECN and other publications, both online and print. Since he is a Georgian, as am I, we can forgive his concern for the reputation of Georgia’s Waterway. However, he makes valid points in comparing Georgia’s ICW to those problem areas in South Carolina and Florida.

      I have found that GA does have a few areas of concern on the ICW, but the extent of the concern far surpasses the reality of the problems. On my cruise down to St. Augustine last spring I learned that FL has more shallow areas between Fernandina and Jacksonville that all of GA’s ICW. And my good sailing friends who cruised to the Chesapeake Bay last summer brought to my attention the terrible condition of the ICW just north of Charleston.

      I’ve never quite understood why GA’s ICW has such a bad reputation. We arguably have two areas of concern, which is Little Mud River and Jekyll Creek, but both are easily manageable. I personally don’t consider Hell’s Gate near Savannah to be a concern, but I know there are many folks who will disagree with me.
      James H. Newsome
      Contributing Writer – Southwinds Magazine
      s/v CaiLeigh Anna – Coastal Cruising With Hugh & Suze
      98 Buena Vista Avenue
      Warrenton, GA 30828

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Little Mud River

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Jekyll Creek

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

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    • Oct 26, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.6677,-81.16199999

      Advice on Southern Entrance to Walburg Creek Anchorage, off the AICW at Statute Mile 619N or 623.5S


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      Walburg Creek shapes the east side of Walburg Island and the Waterway lies on the west side. Good depths and great beach combing. Our young daughters always called the beach spooky because of the skeletal trees and dense forest to the east! While the creek has both a northern and southern entrance from the AICW, we prefer the northern passage, though there is still an unmarked shoal northwest of Middle Ground in St. Catherine’s Sound which must be bypassed. Our thanks to Bob McLeran for this graphic depiction of the southern entrance which exits the Waterway eastward at Mile 623.5.

      Larry,
      Attached is a JPG file I created of the track we produced on October 24th when we exited Walburg Creek via the “southern” entrance/exit closest to the ICW. There seems to be a lot of misinformation about that particular entrance/entrance to this great anchorage and how best to get across the shallow area. Perhaps this will help cruisers decide whether to use the anchorage without having to go out into the “wilds” of St. Catherine’s Sound to get there.

      2015-10-24 Walburg Creek back door track with lat-lon for points Capture

      Obviously, if one goes into the creek from the ICW in the late afternoon, the same tide height (roughly) would be available the following morning. Mid-tide or higher would work best for boats drawing more than five feet.

      FYI, the software creating the background and the track-point intervals is Fugawi ENC (version 4.5x). Our primary navigation software is PolarNavy, but we also run Fugawi as a backup on the same laptop. Fugawi was used here to display the track because it highlights the track point (the square box) and the point’s data whereas PolarNavy doesn’t do that.
      Bob McLeran

      Click Here To View the Georgia Anchorage Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Walburg Creek Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Walburg Creek Anchorage

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    • Oct 26, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.2549,-80.22339999

      Warning for South Entrance to Jensen Beach Bridge Anchorages, AICW Statute Mile 981


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      Our thanks to Skipper Meyer for these words of caution. The twin Jensen Beach Bridge anchorages lie west of the Waterway, north and south of the Jensen Beach bridge, south of unlighted daybeacon #219.

      I entered the south anchorage from the east across the thin strip marked as 6′. It was a bad decision. The depth-finder showed 4’6’³ (my draft) in a couple spots. Managed to hop through but it was nerve-wracking. Will go southeast through the deeper water to exit.
      Chad Meyer

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Jensen Beach Bridge Anchorages

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

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    • Oct 26, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.0648,-81.42869999

      Report from Problem Stretch, Jekyll Creek, AICW Statute Mile 683


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      Our thanks to Skipper Newsome for responding to a Nav Alert posted last year by a longtime resident of Jekyll Harbor Marina, Sonny Reeves. As Sonny would tell us, the channel through Jekyll Creek seems to shift a little with each tide and, as Skipper Newsome advises, “finding” the deep water at low tide is key to a successful passage at low tide. SSECN still recommends mid to high tide passage for this Problem Stretch. See other recent reports and further advice at /?p=148121 and /?p=144895.

      Passed through this area on 10/25/15 an hour past low tide and saw no less than 7-1/2′. Assuming there is at least 1′ more water an hour into the flood, this means there was at least 6′ to 6-1/2′ of water at low tide. And there was a negative .2′ tide yesterday that I’m not taking into consideration. A dock hand at Jekyll Island marina told us prior to passing through that there is at least 6′ of water in Jekyll Creek. We confirmed this with our readings.
      The key to passing through here near low tide is `finding’ the water. Skippers reporting less than 6′ of water obviously aren’t in the deepest area of the channel. I draw 5’8’³ and still wouldn’t pass through here at dead low, but I feel pretty confident making the run through here an hour past low, assuming there’s not a huge negative low tide.
      James Newsome

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Jekyll Creek

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina

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

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    • Oct 26, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.2549,-77.9489999

      FOCUS ON Bennett Brothers Yachts, Cape Fear River, Wilmington, NC


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      Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located on the eastern banks of the northeast Cape Fear River, just north of the Isabel Holmes – Highway 133 bascule bridge, and only a few steps from the downtown Wilmington waterfront.

       

       

      Acting as your host to beautiful and historic Wilmington, NC, Bennett Brothers Yachts at the Cape Fear Marina features 3,000 feet of floating docks in a sheltered harbor. Bennett Brothers Yachts (BBY) has been a widelyimage024
      recognized repair yard since 1986 and every conceivable repair – mechanical, below waterline, electronic, and carpentry – is readily available. Most of all, BBY has the safe and sure reputation of getting it right the first time.

      Voted by USA image015Today for 2015 “America’s Best Riverfront City”, Wilmington, North Carolina is a “must see” as you travel through the Carolinas and a visit Bennett Brothers Yachts at the Cape Fear Marina could be your best stop on your passage or journey. With so many sites to see and so much fun to take part in, Wilmington is located in the northernmost subtropic region with pleasant weather year round. No frozen harbors in Wilmington!

      Beautiful antebellum architecture with great “gingerbread” can be

      Photo by Wedding Mapper

      Photo by Wedding Mapper

      seen as you stroll this pedestrian friendly city. Guided tours and horse drawn carriages are commonly enjoyed, but self guided visiting is encouraged and well worth it. The locals are approachable and happy to share a story or two and will direct you to whatever you seek. Restaurants are abundant in all genres of fair, and provisioning is easy with Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s , Harris Teeter Supermarkets and a local seasonal Farmers Market nearby.

      bby3

      Photo by Brad Van Amberg

      The Downtown historic district has some new things brewing and brewing makes another great reason to sample the flavors of the area. Microbreweries and brew pubs have become increasingly popular for locals and visitors alike. Sample craft beers while enjoying the backdrop of a fun peninsula city borded by the Atlantic ocean and the Cape Fear River. The Cotton Exchange, The City Market and Chandlers Wharf are filled with unique one of a kind retailers where you can pick up the perfect gift or present .

      image016If your vessel needs any attention during your visit, BBY – awarded ABBRA “Excellence in Customer Care 2015” – can handle most any repair or service you require. Full mechanical, paint and glass departments supported with carpentry and electronics service are found here at BBY. Work can be completed via our mobile service in-water or, if needed, hauled-out by our certified 70 ton Marine Travel Lift image022with extra wide capacity to haul catamarans. It is one of the largest lifts in the region. Ask for a free, full guided tour of the BBY facility when you arrive, to see if there is something you would like to fix or upgrade to make your cruising more enjoyable.

      image018If you happen to schedule work on your vessel, or just stop for a visit, there will certainly be no shortage of things to see and do. For starters, The USS North Carolina is moored in her permanent home and has tours below her decks that will inform even the experts and entertain the whole family. Golf, fishing, SUP, kayaking, birding, triathlon training and competition, sailing, surfing and theater are just a small taste of what the “Port City ” has to offer. Wrightsville Beach is just minutes away and was acknowledged by National Geographic as a top ten surfing town!

      Located just 26 nautical miles north of Southport, North Carolina, BBY is easier to get to than you think. BBY and Cape Fear Marina are on the Northeast Cape Fear River, approximately 12 nautical miles from the Snow’s image019Cut passage on the AICW. As you travel north along the Cape Fear River, you will first pass the NC State Port Facility, then USS North Carolina and the scenic downtown Wilmington riverfront. You will then pass under two bridges, first the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, with a closed vertical clearance of 65 feet and 138 feet maximum when raised, should be hailed on Channel 18. Next is the Isabel Holmes Bridge with a closed vertical clearance of 42 feet and should be hailed on Channel 13. The image013Isabel Holmes Bridge opens at 10 AM and 2 PM between the hours of 6 AM and 6 PM and on demand at all other times.

      Fly in and out of Wilmington through the International Airport ILM, located just 5 minutes from BBY. We will even pick you up at the airport! We hope you have a wonderful visit when you’re here and return with your friends to experience the many facets this ‘off the beaten path’ town has to offer.

       

      Patricia Donovan Bennett, President

      Editor’s note: Patricia Bennett was honored recently by Marina Life Magazine, see /?p=145444

      Bennett Brothers Yachts, Inc.
      Cape Fear Marina
      1701 J.E.L. Wade Drive
      Wilmington, NC 28401
      www.bbyachts.com
      910.772.9277

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bennett Brothers Yachts/Cape Fear Marina

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    • Oct 23, 2015by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.8749,-82.31359999

      Good Words for Cape Haze Marina, Gulf ICW Statute Mile 38.5


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      Cape Haze Marina flanks the eastern shores of the ICW/Lemon Bay, south of unlighted daybeacon #9. See /?p=148478 for great photos! This report is from our good friends at AGLCA.

      The Cape Haze Marina is about 4.5 miles before the bridge [Boca Grande Swing Bridge] and is the best deal in the area. The staff and live aboards ar very friendly and helpful. I received 3 offers to take me to the local Publix the first day there. We were caught by the weather and this marina at $1.50/ft. electric included was our choice. The docks are fixed wood in good condition. Restaurant about 3/4 mile away (very good), but the heads and showers are only open from 07:30am to 5:00pm. WiFi is iffy at the transient dock.
      Mitch & Carole Brodkin

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Cape Haze Marina

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

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