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    • Sep 2, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 36.5054,-76.35519999

      Virginia Cut versus Dismal Swamp Canal


       View In Chartview

      The “debate” over which route is better has been going on for a very long time. The Dismal Swamp Canal route is almost one of those “either you love or you hate it” as shown in this article from November of 2013: /?p=128524. Unless you are in a big hurry, SSECN has always preferred the slow, easy pace of the Canal over the Virginia Cut. The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, is located on the east shore of the like-named Canal at Statute Mile 28. Traveling south, the Dismal Swamp Canal route exits the Waterway westward immediately south of the I-64 fixed bridge at statute mile 7.1.

      i64

      Hi Larry,
      Well it’s that time of year again and we figure a lot of SSECN readers are thinking, “Virginia Cut or Dismal Swamp?”
      Diana and I are BIG fans of the Dismal Swamp route and for those readers interested here’s a link to a PassageMaker Magazine article we wrote to back it up!

      https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/3291490/magazine%20articles/PMM0514%20ICW%20Dismal%20Frugal%20Doyle.pdf

      And the Captains Doyle have sent us the excellent, complete section on the Dismal Swamp from their ICW CruiseGuide:

      https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/3291490/magazine%20articles/OTW%20CruiseGuide%20Dismal%20Swamp.pdf

      Stay in the deep water,
      Best,
      Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
      m/v Semi-Local
      www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Tim Pittman -  September 3, 2014 - 7:48 am

        I went through the Dismal Swamp Cut last weekend. I enjoyed this run and particularly enjoyed staying at the well maintained visitors center docks. However we hit 6 dead heads between the locks on our 4 ft draft boat. I don’t think we had damage.

        Reply to Tim
    • Sep 2, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      On the Water ChartGuides Update: ICW AnchorGuides SECOND EDITION Now Available

      On the Water GuidebooksThe Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is honored to have Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, founders and owners of On The Water ChartGuides (http://www.onthewaterchartguides.com/), as strategic partners. Diana and Mark will be providing the Cruisers’ Net with regular article and contributions for the foreseeable future.

      Hi Larry,
      This summer we were thrilled when Practical Sailor magazine, the “Consumer Reports” of all things marine, awarded our CruiseGuide and AnchorGuide series “Best Choice” in two categories: mile-by-mile piloting guides and anchoring guides.
      But we’re even more excited about our newly re-designed second edition of the AnchorGuides and their completely updated content:
      We’ve resurveyed over 30% of the anchorages and revised about 20% of our depth-annotated tracks.
      The screenshots are all new and brighter, sharper, and more legible with NOAA’s recent 400 DPI chart enhancement.
      We’ve made the tracks, depth annotations, and anchorage bullseyes bolder, so you can more easily see the safe way in and out of each anchorage, with the depths marked every 60 or 120 feet.
      We’ve added a color visual index to give you the big picture, as well as color footers for quick state-by-state reference.
      And NOAA chart numbers are now included alongside each anchorage screenshot.
      We really appreciate everyone’s input. Please keep those suggestions coming!
      The digital editions (iPad or Mac) have just been approved by Apple and are available now at the iBooks Storeâ„  for $3.99.
      The print editions are at the printer and will be available soon, still at the non-profit price of $9.95. Printed AnchorGuides will ship in about 2-3 weeks, in the order received. You can pre-order through our website at:

      www.onthewaterchartguides.org/icw-anchorguides/

      Mark and I are transiting the ICW northbound right now, heading the wrong way for the season … but the right way to the Chesapeake Bay for the boat shows and gatherings.
      We hope to see many of you at the fall events!
      Diana

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    • Aug 27, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.2016,-81.01129999

      Aqua Marina has a New Owner and a New Name, AICW Statute Mile 831


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      Aqua Marina is now Daytona Marina and Boatworks. The entrance channel runs west-southwest from the Waterway south of marker #39A and the southerly entrance cut for Halifax Harbor Marina. The Office Manager is Linda Grant and their new website is http://www.thedaytonamarina.com/
      SSECN wishes the new management the very best!

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Daytona Marina and Boatworks

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Daytona Marina and Boatworks

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    • Aug 22, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 36.0842,-76.40639999

      A Good Visit to Albemarle Plantation Marina, Northern Shore of Albemarle Sound


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      Albemarle Plantation Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! is located off the AICW, on the northern shores of Albemarle Sound, on Yeopim River/Creek. Skipper Parker’s description of this facility makes a Waterway side trip up the Albemarle Sound very inviting!

      We spent Saturday night, 08-16-14, at Albemarle Plantation Marina and enjoyed a very pleasant experience. Everyone we met was friendly and helpful and the facility itself was well maintained, although showing a few signs of age. The showers and bathrooms were as nice and clean as any we have ever used. The pool was large, clean and very refreshing on a hot day. We decided to rent a golf cart and put it to good use in exploring the massive property. We did not get a chance to try the restaurant as it was being used for a private golfing event. This marina is off the beaten path but worth the effort in getting there.
      Dick Parker

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Albemarle Plantation Marina

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

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    • Aug 22, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Anchoring Restrictions Coming to the North East Cruising Grounds

      In light of our recent discussions concerning anchoring regulations in Florida, see /?p=143945, the cruising community will be interested in this message from a North East cruiser facing similar restrictions and issues. Thank you Mike ODonnell.

      Hi, I cruise the east coast with my wife and two young children. The Cruisers Net has been one of my best sources for Information while travelling the southeast. We like a lot of cruisers head to the North East in summer and don’t have a good source like the Cruisers Net up here. I think the net should expand its area to the whole east coast. We are beginning to have problems with local anchoring laws. It reminds me of what FL went through. When we arrived in Newport RI we were told by the harbormaster that they passed a local ordinance this year and we had to leave the city waters after 14 days for 4 days or take a mooring ball and then return to the anchorage. They also state that any boat left unattended can be taken by the harbormaster and charged storage. They are writing tickets and have towed at least one boat away that was not abandoned or causing an obstruction. Another popular summer stop for cruisers is Vineyard Haven in Marthas Vineyard which has passed a 3 day anchoring limit. These two I know first hand but have heard others have passed similar laws. I think Block Island has also passed a local ordinance. Plymouth Mass says if you anchor you can not leave the boat, Lucky the Pilgrims did not face that problem when they arrived. So besides the anchoring issues us north east cruisers need the Cruisers Net for general cruising info up here also. I am sure many cruisers would support you in expanding to the whole East Coast.
      Thanks
      Mike ODonnell
      SV Bay Tripper

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    • Aug 21, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 32.0877,-80.93219999

      Depth Survey of Northern Fields Cut, AICW Problem, Statute Mile 574


       View In Chartview

      Many thanks to our good friends, Mark and Diana Doyle, for sharing this depth survey of northern Fields Cut, which was listed as a hazard to navigation (see /?p=143997) in this week’s Local Notices. Please let this survey and our Nav Alert serve to guide you through this major Problem Stretch.

      Hi Larry,
      Just saw your recent SSECN report on Fields Cut. You’re right, it’s getting uglier and uglier there.
      Diana and I went through yesterday so I thought I’d send you a depth-annotated track and survey report for your readers.
      That end of the cut was always interesting but now it’s got a three-foot MLLW speed bump right in the middle of the ICW channel!
      Best,
      Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
      m/v Semi-Local
      www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com

      fields cut

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Northern Fields Cut

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

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Captain George Hospodar -  October 26, 2016 - 3:25 pm

        My wife Pat and I traveled through Fields Cut on 10/26/16 one hour after low water favoring the outside of each curve and found no less than 12 feet of water from the Wright River to the Savannah River.

        Reply to Captain
    • Aug 20, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 32.0864,-80.93379999

      Shoaling Confirmed in Northern Fields Cut, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 574, 8/20/2014


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      The intersection of Northern Fields Cut and the Wright River lies north of the intersection of the Waterway and the Savannah River. Shoaling at this Problem Stretch has always been an issue and, even with last year’s dredging, shallow depths might be expected. This new Local Notice confirms earlier reports of severe shoaling as reported on May 21st, see /?p=141095.

      SOUTH CAROLINA-AICW-BEAUFORT RIVER TO ST SIMONS SOUND-FIELDS CUT: SHOALING
      There is shoaling directly in the middle of the AICW in Fields Cut. A depth of 2FT was reported in approximate position 32-05.185N/080-56.022W (32°5.1850N / 080°56.0220W, 32.086417 / -80.933700) during low-tide and poses a hazard to navigation. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. Chart 11507 LNM: 33/14

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Northern Fields Cut

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Northern Fields Cut

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Ray Schmidt -  August 22, 2014 - 8:34 pm

        Subject, Northern Fields Cut shoal

        FYI, 3 years ago, coming north in the spring, a barge/push boat were coming up behind me so I idled on the side and told the tug captain that I would wait until he passed since I was not familiar with this area. He said I would have no problems as he passed and then he went aground. By the time he managed to push the barge through the shoal, there was a line of boats behind him and me. I called him and thanked him for moving the shoal for us.

        Reply to Ray
    • Aug 19, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.5422,-77.05829999

      A New Light over the Pamlico River, off the AICW in Washington, NC


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      Washington, NC, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is one of the most delightful ports of call on the North Carolina coastline. The town is located off the direct path of the AICW, but it’s a pleasant 30 mile cruise upstream on Pamlico River from the Waterway’s passage across this body of water to the Washington City Docks.

      A NEW LIGHT OVER THE PAMLICO
      New boating facility evokes Pamlico Point Light

      A rare occurrence has taken place on North Carolina’s Inner Banks as a new lighthouse now shines its beam across the harbor of Washington, NC. The lighthouse is not intended as a navigational aid, but will welcome mariners and landside visitors to this historic riverfront town.
      lth3
      Construction of the new boating facility was completed in June. The lighthouse was designed to evoke the architecture of the Pamlico Point Light, which once marked the entrance of the Pamlico River. The structure includes shower and laundry facilities for boaters, as well as public restrooms and, on the second floor, new quarters for the Dockmaster and Dock Attendants.
      lth
      The Washington waterfront harbor, formed by the broadening of the Pamlico/Tar River, has been Eastern North Carolina’s hub for waterborne commerce since colonial days. As the closest deep water harbor to the metro areas of Greenville, Rocky Mount, and Raleigh/Durham, it now supports a large recreational boating population.
      lth2
      In addition to space for long-term and transient dockage, the Washington waterfront now provides a wide variety of public amenities including a waterfront promenade, nature boardwalk, playground, concert stage, and public seating along the water. The Lighthouse Boating Facility is the latest milestone in a decades-long effort to make the Washington waterfront one of the area’s premier recreational destinations for tourists and residents alike.

      For more information, visit www.facebook.com/washingtonwaterfrontdocks or call 252.944.6661.
      Best regards,
      Beth Byrd, Director
      Washington Harbor District Alliance

      Facebook: www.facebook.com/WashingtonHarborDistrictAlliance

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Washington City Docks

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Washington City Docks

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    • Aug 19, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.7162,-76.66539999

      Good Visit to Beaufort Municipal Docks, AICW Statute Mile 201


       View In Chartview

      Location, location is the name of the game at Beaufort Municipal Docks and it is certainly good to hear positive comments about this popular stopping point for Waterway cruisers. The town of Beaufort, NC is known as a real success story along the Waterway and this wonderful port of call remains one of our favorites, anytime, anywhere!

      We took a weekend trip to Beaufort Town Docks this weekend and couldn’t have had a better time. Many thanks to Dock Master Neil for his assistance. If you want great views and nightlife, this is the place to be.
      John Flowe

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Beaufort Municipal Docks

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Beaufort Municipal Docks

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    • Aug 18, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.6063,-77.23579999

      Grounding at Problem Stretch: Browns Inlet/AICW Intersection, Statute Mile 237


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      Skipper Halls relates his jarring experience with a shoal and the rudeness of a passing vessel. The intersection of the Waterway and Browns Inlet, a Problem Stretch south of Swansboro, has been the site of shoaling for some time, as well as a mysterious underwater hazard as reported in /?p=141557.

      8/12/2014, ran aground at this spot. Letting crew steer for just a few minutes, I was down below when the gut wrenching bloop of grounding was felt. Very difficult to see the plan (markers) until almost on top when headed southbound. We had a following current and crew didn’t reduce power till I came rushing up. Had to call TowboatUS. I MIGHT have avoided if I was steering, but maybe not, quite confusing, VERY narrow channel remains. And a special thanks to the Aussie couple in a 50ish DeFever who went by as we were trying to be towed off, for waking us so hard the keel ( 4.8 draft ) slammed the shoal 3 times VERY hard !!
      Randy Hall

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Browns Inlet Intersection

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

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    • Aug 16, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.8533,-78.57179999

      Confirmation of Good Depths at Little River Inlet, near AICW Statute Mile 342


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      Little River Inlet lies south and east of the Waterway, right at the NC-SC state line, intersecting the Waterway at Mile 342. Skipper Spouse’s opening comment refers to a June 6, 2013 posting on this inlet: /?p=116922 Note that marker references are inlet markers, not Waterway markers.

      Last year’s good reports about the Little River Inlet are still valid as at 16 August 2014. This morning we came out through the Little River Inlet from Calabash Creek at half-flood ‘“ just followed the buoys and remained mid channel out to the seabuoy. Tons of water and the minimum observed depth was 15ft over the bar about half-mile inshore of the seabuoy.
      William Spouse
      Hallberg Rassy 42

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Intersection of the AICW and Little River Inlet

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    • Aug 14, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy 2 Comments

      Construction of Mooring Rigs, Maine Style

      Our thanks to Captain John Kettlewell for sending us this video from Hamilton Marine on how mooring rigs are made and, especially, how they should be constructed. This video certainly adds fuel to the argument about whether you would rather trust your own ground tackle or that installed by economically strapped and budget restricted communities.

      Larry:
      Since lousy moorings are a hot topic in Florida, and one of the city moorings failed in Salt Run in St. Augustine, I thought your readers might be interested in the commercial video below. That mooring failure in St. Augustine would make a good article. From what I have seen and read, other mooring fields in Florida utilize similar construction methods.
      John J. Kettlewell

      http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QQkmtujgQg2hdHpCyDRKwfGuL4gGEyCSM_U5rRkg9muUFUwg5Vxhup5jb0TeQp41cMsBJz3u0EUTeS2PlFbwTKPsPdGA3s-K3Vya2LIsWeaxWeEDxQ6AMUNDTcccGLeWF8nsQYT4VHj-c_glGmWKwRHTu0_J9D6y1644fWZ9Ifw=&c=cuMletBn-G96J6zkLrwvLnj0wGLzEI8jC5ZeyUKqqfhQsO8BD5PHCg==&ch=Oxk0ArmjbOH_zpg_yG76rhJXed8tXf1oovBElKcoHhSJXypxOKeGAg==

      Comments from Cruisers (2)

      1. John Kettlewell -  September 16, 2014 - 11:18 am

        Jim, you can certainly ask about rental moorings, but I would not expect to get a straight, accurate answer. The chances are very high that the person taking your money will have no idea, and even if they do I suspect you will get a generic response. The simple fact is that you have no idea what you are tieing up to in most cases. I have observed very large vessels in bad weather tied to moorings that were not designed for the load. How will you know that? Or how about the mooring that got wrapped up in someone’s prop the night before? I have helped boats untangle themselves from commercial rental moorings. It could have been inspected two days ago and you will not know the condition of the mooring pennant below the surface. Even in New England I have helped rescue boats from and observed many more failed moorings. The most common problem is a chafed pennant, but I have also seen failed shackles and chain, failed staple on the mooring block, shackles with the wrong pin in them, and even seen many moorings dragged ashore in bad weather. The typical mooring does not have the holding power of my anchors, which have been storm tested up to hurrican force. And, I get to visually inspect everything as I use it.

        Reply to John
      2. Jim Davis -  September 11, 2014 - 10:03 am

        I am familiar with the video John posted. As a rule the New England commercial moorings are serviced and inspected every year and reasonably trustworthy. As you get further south it sometimes becomes questionable and worth asking the harbormaster when they were last inspected.
        The St. Augustine incident shows the need to ask and as always treat trust with a grain of salt. Of course we also need to remember our own anchor never drags (said tongue in cheek). Also I have less respect for modern sailors/power boaters ability to properly set a hook even if it is big enough.
        Jim Davis

        Reply to Jim
    • Aug 11, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.2163,-80.78099999

      Family Rescued near Hilton Head Island, SC off AICW Statute Mile 560


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      Bravo DNR! The May River, where this rescue took place, departs the Waterway westward from statute mile 560. Windmill Harbor, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is on Hilton Head Island east of the Waterway at Mile 588.

      Family rescued by DNR officers after boat sinks in storm
      By Staff reports
      newsroom@islandpacket.com August 10, 2014
      Two S.C. Department of Natural Resources officers patrolling the May River rescued a family Saturday after their boat sank during a storm, a DNR spokesman said.
      Lance Cpl. Adam Henderson and conservation officer Josh Reid came across the family of four about 5 p.m. near Alljoy Boat Landing, 1st Sgt. Robbie Smith said.
      The family — which included two young boys — was heading back toward Windmill Harbour when large waves from Saturday afternoon’s storm overtook their 18-foot boat and caused it to sink quickly. The family tried to contact the U.S. Coast Guard before the boat sank, but the mayday message was never transmitted, Smith said.
      The family clung to a 15-inch section of the boat that was sticking out of the water for more than an hour until Henderson and Reid found them, Smith said.
      The two officers pulled the family onto their boat and took them to the landing, where they were treated for small cuts and abrasions by EMS and released.
      Sea Tow removed the submerged boat from the water Sunday afternoon, Smith said.

      Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Windmill Harbor Marina

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

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