Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

May 3, 2017by: Curtis Hoff No Comments
Announcing the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net App – Android Version
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Android App has ARRIVED! A year ago we released the iOS App and today we are pleased to announce the first release of the Android App.
True to the SSECN website, all SSECN Mobile Apps are FREE.

Take a look at all that is available to the captain and crew, while underway, using its cartographic features and continually updated information:
All submitted information from cruisers who have just navigated waters where you may be headed is vetted for accuracy. Local Notices to Mariners and Navigation Alerts are readily available to the skipper while underway with high-resolution charts, as well as maps for planning purposes.
Fuel prices and daily postings are automatically updated, so your information is always current.
With the fuel price menu, you can quickly find the best fuel prices nearest you and/or the closest fuel available to you, sorted by type, price, location, and range.
Available on phones and pads for iOS and Android devices.
All this always available on line or off line because of the full support of the SSECN Sponsors whose contact information will also be seen on this new tool for cruisers.
We highly recommend that if you cruise from Mile Marker “0” to Mobile, AL, get it, use it, and report back to us your thoughts and suggestions!!
Thank you,
The Salty Southeast Cruisers Net Team
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May 3, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.876,-78.00089999
Pets Welcome at Bald Head Island Marina, Cape Fear River, NC

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Bald Head Island Marina is located on Bald Head Island on the eastern shore of the mouth of the Cape Fear River just south of the Waterway’s westward turn. Of course, this pet-friendly island is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Hello,
Did you know that Bald Head Island is pet-friendly?
Check out our Pet-friendly rentals!
We’re even offering our Bring Fido gift to guests who bring their pets along on vacation!
Please select “pet-friendly” in your online search or tell our Rental Relations Coordinator about your pet so we can select a home for you that will suit your needs.
-Bald Head Island Property Management
Contact Us: (877) 344-6673
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Bald Head Island Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bald Head Island Marina
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May 3, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Is It AICW, GICW, GIWW or West Florida Intracoastal Waterway?
Regarding the West Florida intracoastal waterway, Paul E. raises questions about official USCG terminology versus local usage with this comment:
Just a friendly reminder that the ICW by Sarasota is officially part of the AICW and not part of the GICW. While Sarasota in along the Gulf Coast, the GICW goes from Carrabelle, FL to Brownsville, TX.
to which I responded:
Re “GIWW” I try to use the USCG’s terminology. See these recent LNM headings:
FLORIDA – GIWW – TAMPA BAY: Maximo Marina Redevelopment
FLORIDA – GIWW – CHARLOTTE HARBOR TO TAMPA BAY – GASPARILLA SOUND CHANNEL: Construction.
FLORIDA – GIWW – CHARLOTTE HARBOR TO TAMPA BAY – FORKED CREEK: Private Aid Hazard to Navigation
I know Claiborne always told me that West Floridians hated having the West Florida Waterway referred to as GIWW or GICW. However, for the novice boater, I find it hard to refer to the western waterway as Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Confusing at best.
We welcome your opinions!
Hi Larry,
Actually this getting more interesting. I recall reading some time back that the Gulf Intracoastal waterway extends from Brownsville, TX to Carrabelle, FL. Location along the GICW is measured in statutory miles east and west of Harvey Lock, NO. That is Harvey Lock is 0 StM, the StM values increase east from 0 to 375 StM at Carrabelle whereas westward, the StM increase from 0 StM at Harvey Lock to StM 665 at Brownville, TX. There is a wiki page on the GICW which defines the GICW as ranging from Carrabelle to Brownsville too(but just because it is online does not make it correct).
At some level it is all semantics, in that is there is one ICW, Intracoastal WaterWay, that encompasses all, with regions of the ICW loosely defined(or loosely labled & used). The ICW has many segments, and it is probably not fair to split it in two regions. In fact, historical there were AIWW, GIWW, and the FIWW (plus I’m sure others). The well known Atlantic Inland Water Way, the Gulf Inland Water Way, and the Florida Inland Water Way (West FL & Okeechobee). While the FIWW label is not widely used, the Florida west coast region has it own layout of statutory miles going from Anclote Key (StM 150) to Sanibel/Ft Meyers area (StM 0). In fact, one very trusty online resource, CruisersNet, gets this right and distinguishes this region as “WF ICW”. See: /marinas/060-wf-icw-miserable-mile-to-gasparilla-island/
Actually, I found the attached historical document “History of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway” by the US Army Corp of Engineers very interesting. At one point there were plans to extend the GIWW from Carrabelle through St Marks and down to Anclote Key, making one continuous GIWW which would include the Okeechobee Waterway(which I guess one could be referred as OIWW (or Oke-ICW) since it has it own StM system). Ok, I give up. But I do prefer: Atlantic-ICW, Gulf-ICW, West_Florida-ICW, Oke-ICW, … And I would rather not use the old inland waterway terms like AIWW & GIWW.-
Paul E.
1981 C&C 38 Landfall
S/V Johanna Rose
Carrabelle, FL
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May 2, 2017by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
In Memoriam – Woody Sutton, Past Commodore of Royal Marsh Harbor Yacht Club, Abaco, Northern Bahamas
Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is a popular cruising stop in the Bahamas and Commodore Woody will be missed.
Fellow Members,
It is with profound sadness that I share with you the passing of immediate past Commodore Woody Sutton in a car accident in South Carolina this past Sunday. Woody and his wife Ellen were heading home to Chicago for the summer when the accident occurred. Ellen, thankfully survived the accident with only minor injuries.
On behalf of the Club, I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Ellen, a treasured member of our organization. I also wish to send our sympathies to Woody and Ellen’s children and extended family, and of course to their Dock 7 family as well.
Woody will be remembered for his compassionate leadership, his contributions to the Club and the larger boating community, and his enthusiasm on the pickle ball court and in his yoga classes.
Personally, I am grateful for the guidance, wisdom and generous support Woody shared with me over the past few years. His advice, as we have transitioned roles this year, has been invaluable.
Memorial arrangements are currently being planned and I will share that information with you when it becomes available.
We have all lost a great friend. Boat Harbour will never be the same without him. Please keep Ellen and the Sutton family in your thoughts and prayers.
Respectfully,
Ray Meyer
Commodore,
Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club
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Thomas Comber - May 5, 2017 - 1:22 pm

Woody will be soreley missed
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May 1, 2017by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Suntex Purchases Loggerhead Marinas
Loggerhead Marinas on the east coast of Florida have been popular with boaters for a number of years and SSECN wishes the new owners the very best.
We are proud to announce the acquisition of eleven Loggerhead Marinas by Suntex Marinas, a Dallas based owner and operator of premier waterfront destination properties. Suntex has owned and operated 37 marina properties across the United States and Caribbean, and we are very excited about adding these properties to our current portfolio of 32 Marinas in Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Maryland, Iowa, Oklahoma and Kentucky.
The Properties that will now be part of Suntex Marinas family:
Loggerhead Marina – South Miami
Loggerhead Marina – Riviera Beach
Loggerhead Marina – Aventura
Loggerhead Marina – Jupiter
Loggerhead Marina – Hollywood
Loggerhead Marina – Vero Beach
Loggerhead Marina – South Lantana
Loggerhead Marina – Daytona Beach
Loggerhead Marina – Lantana
Loggerhead Marina – St Petersberg
The services and quality standards you are accustomed to will remain the same, sustaining the quality reputation that Loggerhead has built over the years. Additional operational support will be provided to the property by Suntex Marinas, which is led by our team of industry professionals. Everyone will be working to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. It is our goal each day to facilitate unforgettable life long memories.
At Suntex our culture drives our daily behaviors. We have a unique set of core values that are essential in every marina we own and manage.
MAKE IT HAPPEN
We hold ourselves and each other accountable.
Find solutions, not excuses. Measure performance to drive improvement. Roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and get the job done.
MAKE IT RIGHT
We act with integrity, especially when no one is looking.
Commit to quality. Say what you mean, do what you say. Honor your faith and your word.
MAKE IT TOGETHER
We succeed as one Team.
Put the Team before yourself. Seize opportunities and face challenges collectively. Do what has never been done…together.
MAKE IT FUN
We love what we do and it shows.
Work hard play hard. Bring energy and passion to everything you do. Be the reason someone smiles today.
With the change in ownership, many of the properties will see exciting changes in the coming months, such as new dock construction and additional merchandise offerings to name a few. Announcements with more specific information and timing regarding our changes will be coming to you in monthly newsletters beginning soon. We hope you look forward to being part of the Suntex family and partnering together to continue making these marinas THE destination in Florida.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this change, please feel free to give us a call at your local marina office.
Sincerely,
Stephen Lehn
Suntex Marinas, Head of Operations
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marty jones - July 10, 2019 - 2:35 pm

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May 1, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Bahamas Chatter: Bimini Sands reopens restaurants and stores
Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST 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: Bimini Sands reopens restaurants and stores
Bimini Sands reopens restaurants and stores
Posted: 30 Apr 2017 02:22 PM PDT
Gaylord Taylor and Helena Burrows are the new property managers at Bimini Sands on the beach at South Bimini. As new managers they will oversee the grounds, amenities, security and day to day aspects of keeping Bimini Sands running smoothly with a smile.
Grab an ice cold cocktail and enjoy the beautiful infinity pool while Chef George cooks up your catch. The Little Dipper restaurant and bar is now open 7 days a week, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Petite Conch will reopen in mid May as the Big Dipper under the leadership of Phylicia (Philly) Ferguson. The Ship Store will also reopen mid May, bringing more amenities and comforts back to our guests. Want to explore South Bimini? Bicycles are now for rent at the office. Head over and see Shelly and start your adventure today.
Nothing ruins a beautiful Bimini day faster than mosquitoes, the management has brought in a new team to tackle this issue. They have started an aggressive treatment program and we are already seeing and feeling a huge difference.
Dockage for most boats is now $2.25 per foot.
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Apr 29, 2017by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
All Aboard Florida RR to Impact OWW Boaters
The issue of RR bridge closures by additional All Aboard Florida trains in south Florida was protested and discussed by a number of folks in 2015. See /?p=153595 and /153911. The additional Brightline service is scheduled to begin operation in mid-2017. Our thanks to Ted Guy for reminding us of this potential problem for cruisers.
A big threat to OWW cruisers and local Stuart/Palm City boat owners is AAF’s plan to add 32 trains a day through Stuart over the FEC railroad draw bridge. 32 more trains per day; 20 minute closures for each; you do the math. The bridge will be closed more time than open. Most of the day!
You may want to contact C.A.R.E. for more info: http://www.stuartmartinchamber.org/member_profile.asp?memID=11085
W.E. “Ted” Guy, Jr.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON AAF FROM MARTIN COUNTY
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Richard B Emerson - May 7, 2017 - 12:07 pm

In effect, unless someone’s mast is unstepped /prior/ to reaching the Old Dixie Highway bascule bridge, travel to and Sunset Bay Marina and to Indiantown is effectively ended or at least severely restricted (perhaps “catastrophically” fits?) so people can go from Miami to Orlando?
Loggerhead Marina, and possibly small parts of Manatee Pocket, are the only tenable places to stop over or stay in the Stuart area. Anchorage in the open river is constrained by weather and severe waking (Loggerhead isn’t immune on this score). And it’s quite clear that coming ashore by dinghy is, at the least, unwelcome, and often impractical.
Where is the sanity in this? Where is the safety in this? I see neither. Nor do I see a clear cut way to exert pressure to at least limit the number of trips (are 32 trips per day /really/ needed???). Once again the boating community takes it on the neck for a special interest, where money trumps common sense.
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Apr 29, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Interesting Perspective on the “AICW Migration”
We think you will enjoy this blog from Cape Gazette concerning a visit to the Atlantic Intracoastal, especially to places we all know.
CLICK HERE FOR THE REPORT
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Apr 29, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Electronics Technician Recommended
This 5-star recommendation comes from David and Jacquleyn’s blog The Voyage of Elske on America’s Great Loop.
Performance Marine Electronics gets A “5 Star Recommendation” *****
by David & Jacquleyn
As some early readers of this blog are aware, we’ve been having a few challenges with equipment.
Despite installing new Garmin electronics before leaving Gulf Harbour, we had to engage a technician to fix our SiriusXM Weather. Our cousin Ron Barkley contacted Jeff Rinehart for us. He worked on our equipment yesterday and today. Jeff and his father own Performance Marine Electronics. Jeff is a 6 year Navy Veteran and a delightful highly competent electronics technician.
Unfortunately he found many issues with our new installation but was able to fix everything. We got new wiring, updated software, and a re-positioned antenna. The antenna signal went from 1 bar to 5 bars. We can now tell if it is raining without looking out the window (HA … HA … HA)!
We then presented him with another challenge. Our aged KVH/Direct TV system is very sick. Jeff evaluated every component and was able to recommend REPAIR versus BUY NEW. We appreciate his thoughtfulness and efforts to save us money.
In summary, the Kelleys wish to recommend Performance Marine Electronics with a 5 STAR RATING *****
We gratefully say THANK YOU JEFF!
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Apr 28, 2017by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 35.9056,-76.02889999
Ms. Wanda Retires, Alligator River Marina, AICW Statute Mile 84

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Alligator River Marina was recently sold and its owner is retiring after many years of serving Waterway cruisers with delicious food and immaculate facilities. Ms. Wanda will be missed! Alligator River Marina lies on the western shore of the mouth of the Alligator River/AICW, just north of the swing bridge and southwest of flashing daybeacon #12. This facility provides the ONLY readily available dockage and fuel along the patch of the AICW between Coinjock, Elizabeth City and Dowry Creek/Belhaven! Here is a farewell thank you to all her cruising and boating friends:
Greetings to All ICW Travelers:
The Alligator River Marina is open for your fuel and docking needs. We will be transitioning to new management in the upcoming weeks due to my retirement. I appreciate your support and friendship all these years and wish for “ALL OF YOU smooth and happy sailing”.
God Bless each and every one of you and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Ms. Wanda
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Alligator River Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Alligator River Marina
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Steve Kamp - April 28, 2017 - 2:54 pm

She will be missed by all. My wife and I hav dropped in on Ms Wanda several times both by car on US 64 and by boat on the Alligator River. She has always welcomed us with a smile and seated us to the best cheeseburger plate between Raleigh and the Banks or from Norfolk to New Bern.
Steve and Sheila, S/V Carolina
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