This annotated chart gives the location of the currently being relocated navigation aids in Boca Grande Pass, as noted in this 2/11 Nav Alert.
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Click Here To Download a GPX file containing the new channel route
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Boca Grande Pass
New Pass is the northernmost of Sarasota’s two inlets and connects to the southern tip of Sarasota Bay at Statute Mile 75 of the West Florida Waterway. However, because of perennial shoaling, SSECN has long recommended that mariners not use New Pass!
GULF OF MEXICO – FLORIDA – LEMON BAY TO PASSAGE KEY INLET: Dangerous Shoal
Dangerous shoaling in the vicinity of New Pass Channel in between New Pass Entrance Light LP (LLNR 1345 [27°18.9185N / 082°35.8861W, 27.315309 / -82.598102]/21585) position 27-18-55.113N/082-35-53.168W (27°18.9185N / 082°35.8861W, 27.315309 / -82.598102) and New Pass Channel Daybeacon 17 (LLNR 21725 [27°20.4831N / 082°33.9001W, 27.341385 / -82.565001]) position 27-20-28.987N/082-33-54.003W (27°20.4831N / 082°33.9001W, 27.341385 / -82.565001) . (Ref: LNM 17/15, 02/16)
The Entrance Channel is subject to continual change. Buoys are not charted due to frequent shifting of shoals.
MARINERS ARE ADVISED TO AVOID NEW PASS CHANNEL IF POSSIBLE AND EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION IF TRANSITING THE AREA
Chart 11424 LNM 2/16
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at New Pass
Submarine cable near Matt Lowes Cay
Posted: 09 Nov 2015 11:38 AM PST
A submarine cable has been found to exist near the marked anchorage running from Matt Lowes Cay to John Cash Point. The area of disturbed bottom over the cable, near the north edge of the cove, may still be seen from the surface. Screen Shot 2015-11-09 at 7.33.04 AM
Use caution when anchoring in this area.
If the owners of the property are around, they will come out and strongly encourage you to leave the entire vicinity.
This charted spoil area is on the eastern side of a narrow Waterway channel abreast of Lake Park at the southern end of Lake Worth. As with all narrrow channels in the Waterway, care must be taken to stay in the channel!
FLORIDA ‘“ AICW – PALM SHORES TO WEST PALM BEACH ‘“ LAKE WORTH NORTH: Hazard to Navigation/Shallow Area
The USCG received a report of a shallow area of approximately 4ft in position 26-47.652’N/080-02.701’W located in the Spoil Area east of the Intracoastal Waterway just north of the Florida AIA Bridge in West Palm Beach, Fl. Mariners are advised to use caution while transiting the area. Chart 11472 LNM: 02/15
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Lake Park
I am unfamiliar with this hazard. Lake Park and the hazard marker is located at the north end of Lake Worth Lagoon, north of the Blue Heron Bridge.
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
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.
On the morning of 5/16/14, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net received a telephone call from Francis aboard “Easy Rider.” She reported that they were northbound on the AICW, and had just observed a larger powercraft hard aground, AT HIGH TIDE, on the charted shoal east and southeast of marker #49. She went on to say that this was the very same spot where they had a grounding problem with their own vessel a year ago.
While we cannot yet confirm this hypothesis, it seems likely that the charted shoal east and southeast of #49 has built out farther towards the AICW channel. Prudent skippers will pass #49 well to its western and southwestern side.
If anyone has any additional information about this hazard, PLEASE use the “Comment” function below and share that information with our fellow cruisers! Our thanks to Skipper Michelle for confirming the advice to favor the west side of the channel.
SeaTow mentioned this area as a problem to our group recently. I went up to check it out yesterday and it is very shallow E and NE of green marker 49. Your suggestion is spot on to stay on the west side of the channel.
Michelle
We passed 49 about 150 to the West in about 30 ft of water at just about the beginning of a rising tide without a problem on June 3 at 1140am
Diane Jack Toomey
From Skipper Bakos’ report and with the several shoalings reported on the chart, it would seem prudent to avoid the southern tip of Anclote Key when entering or exiting the ICW between Anclote Key and Three Rooker Bar. If you have navigated this channel recently, let us hear from you.
See also /?p=145021 for update on shoaling.
There is also shoaling due south of Anclote Key charted as 8 to 9 feet depth. I ran hard on the shoal last night for 6 hours. It is about halfway between marker #5 on the south side of Anclote Key and the partially submerged wreck shown on the chart. There is less than 5′ at low tide there. Further south, closer to the wreck there was good depth.
Bob Bakos
I have seen several boats aground at the southern tip of Anclote Key over the last couple of years. The odd thing is that I haven’t run aground there yet as I seem to have a natural affinity for sand bars. On a good day, the shoaling is easy to see by the color; watch carefully for signs of breakers. Capt Bakos’ advice is good, always give Anclote a wide berth and watch your depth carefully.
Cambren Davis
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Anclote Key
Captain John, a good and long-time friend of yours truly, and I have been in close touch about this St. Andrew Sound situation, and compared notes. Unfortunately, neither of us has had occasion to research this portion of the Waterway for a good two years, so WE COULD REALLY USE SOME LATE BREAKING INPUT FROM THE CRUISING COMMUNITY CONCERNING THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION! If you have cruised the St. Andrew Sound section of the AICW within the last 4 months, PLEASE e-mail me directly at CruisersNet@triad.twcbc.com, or click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below!
With that being said, it appears to both John and myself, that the charted shoal north and northeast of marker #32, may well have built out almost to the northern edge of this aid to navigation. Thus, if any vessel attempts to pass #32 to its northern or eastern sides, that sad sound of keel meeting sand (or mud), will be the result.
As Captain John notes below, the marker numbering scheme, and the placement of the infamous (and ofter incorrect) magenta line in these waters is truly bizarre. John suggests, with good reason, that #32 might now be an inlet marker, and should be passed to its safe, southern side when cruising east to west through St. Andrew Sound Inlet. I agree with John that this seem plausible, BUT, conversely, the numbering suggests #32 is in fact an AICW marker.
Our collective best advice at this point, is to be SURE to pass #32 to its western and southwestern flanks, without straying too far from this aid to navigation. Under no circumstances should you attempt to pass #32 to its northerly side. Ignore strangely placed marker #31A. From #32, southbound AICW craft should point to eventually come abeam of marker #33 well to its western side. Note that it’s a long gap between #32 and #33!
OK, AGAIN, we need to more input on this situation. PLEASE let us hear from you! The SSECN is declaring a Navigational Alert for these waters!
Update as of 12/2013
We had a wild ride southbound through the Sound on November 30, 2013 in our 26 foot Glacier Bay cat. Conditions were a lot rougher than I anticipated, and visibility got bad due to spray and the occasional breaking wave over the bow. We shaved marker 32 close on the western side, and had 10 foot depths that dropped very quickly to 35-40 feet almost immediately after we passed the marker. There were solid breaking waves on the big shoal to the east of the marker at the time, so I suspect it was close on to low tide.
Jonathan Gorham
M/V Top Cat
Earlier Contributions:
I came through traveling north on 10/13/2013 at mid-tide following the Magenta Line as usual. No problem. Saw 60′ between Stm 690 and R32 dropping to 16′ just past R32.
James H. Newsome
Contributing Writer ‘“ Southwinds Magazine
s/v Roma ‘“ Coastal Cruising With Hugh & Suze
Well, we know that r32 is off station. It is actually north east of the charted position and located on the edge of the shoal that goes bare at mllw; so any vessel with 5’ or more draft can be in trouble. It’s a money maker for Sea Tow.
The troubling issue is why the course line is drawn incorrectly to the west of that buoy but actually provides a guide thru safe water? Did NOAA know it’s off station and just drew the line incorrectly to give us a hint? Interestingly, if you look at a chart that’s about 10 years old ; you will see the course line is drawn on the correct side!. When a person is piloting the sound for the first time; what should they believe; the buoy or the course line? That could be an interesting debate between husband and wife and/or Captain and owner! I didn’t see any notices to mariners about the buoys location.
Pete
Here is what I am guessing, but do not know without some further research. The R32 may now be positioned as a red-on-right marker for those returning from the ocean via the inlet, therefore they want you to leave it to starboard when inbound from the ocean, but in reality you need to leave it to port when headed south on the ICW. This would mean in addition to its red color it should have a fluorescent yellow square on it indicating that it is considered a port-side beacon for the ICW (when southbound). Though according to the most current Light List, those markings are not the case so I may be wrong in this guess. Or, you could be right in that the buoy is simply off station. I will try to find out more and get back to you.
John Kettlewell
Claiborne:
Take a look at the following messages with regard to R32 in St. Andrew’s Sound. For some reason the magenta line on the chart is on the wrong side of the buoy and has been for years, but this fellow says that now the R32 is on the edge of the shoal to the NE and if for some reason you do leave it to starboard when southbound it will put you aground. Do you have any information on the area you can share?
John Kettlewell
And, as usual, the cruising community is responding by sharing useful information! There just aren’t any better folk than cruisers!
Between 2009 and 2011, my wife and I made 4 transits of the sound on our sailboat, which draws 5 ft.. Our last was north bound to NJ in late March 2011. We were traveling with another boat and followed him through. We both treated Red “32” as an AICW bouy and passed close to port, because of the narrow channel. I always monitor closelly my nav instruments and and don’t rememmber the exact depth, but I am sure it was double digits. Everything seemed routine and no different than previous transits. Red ” 32 ” appeared to be in its usual position. As far as the magenta line is concerned, it is not unusual to see it out of place.
I would add that the sound and behind Jeckel Island are some of the more challenging parts of the waterway and have my respect and full concentration. I remember the crossing well, because the wind was from the SE and blowing around 18 to 20kn kicking up quite a sea. I felt like I was in a washing machine.
John and Honey Funston
Hielan’ Lass II
All Sailors
We passed thru this area July 23 2012 bound for our home port of St Augustine. Our observations were :
First , R32 was east and somewhat north of our chartplotter position
Second , It was half flood tide and depth sounder showed 6 feet on that side ( we left it to starboard per ICW southbound )
Third , G31A was nowhere in sight
We have had several nasty storms along this coast in June ( Berrell ) and in July ( Debbie ) and others without names.
Notices have been posted to be watchful for missing marks, etc.
Our sailboat,Santana, draws 3 feet 8 inches which is becoming desireable around here Safe sailing to all.
Captains Matt and Margaret
PS On the same trip, we encountered 2 , yes 2, funnel clouds in the St Simons/ Brunswick inlet on July 19 and turned around and went back out to sea. They were not forecast!
We passed St.Andrew Sound red 32 northbound in April this year and kept it close to port as we made the turn. We draw 5 feet and depths were not a problem. The breakers to the northeast were very obvious, very visible. The mark may have shifted since then as there have been two TS’s that have blown through this area in late spring/early summer.
Steve and Sheila Kamp
S/V Carolina
We transited this area last spring and twice last year. We always pass on the southwest side of R32 approximately where the magenta line shows on your chart. We have been skeptical of the channel between G31 and R32 for a years.
Walter and Ellen Solomons
M/V Rachel
In January of this year (2012) we were headed south and kept R32 on the Starboard side, on our return trip in April we kept it to port. We draw 5 feet and had no problem. We did stay close to the mark both times. We do not have a chart plotter, and had a 10 + year old chartbook so gave no thought of passing R32 on the `wrong side.’ If I remember correctly, it does have an ICW yellow triangle on it.
John and Georgie Jackson
Passed through here the 6th of May and did pass to the West side of `32’³ as I always do having a draft of 3′. I do this as it allows for a more gradual turn and I never see less than 10′ and this is not overly close to the mark. Has anyone reached out to the local towing services or the USCG for their input???
Donovan (EOS, TC-44)
Jim Reed's tracks
We passed this area on 4/16 going north and got very confused and concerned about the water depth. About 6 ft. I believe we took R32 port side on the way back whereas we might have cut it going south. I have my fairly detailed track files for the trips if they are desirable but they do not show the depths recorded.
Jim Reed
We transit this route several times a year. Last transit was June of this year heading north to Brunswick. We have a full keel 6ft draft sailing vessel and usually time our passage close to high tide due to transiting Jekyll Creek. We always pass R32 on the east side of the buoy as the CG stated (the Magenta Line is incorrect in the turn). It is a tight turn and particular attention should be paid to the alignment of G 31A and G 31 as you round R 32 keeping it to port (heading north). It is a little unnerving due to the quick depth change (deep to shallow) but there was at least 15 ft of water at high tide in June. Pretty much the same for the past 3 years. Hope this helps.
Capt. Jesse Price s/v Wind Dust
December 18, 2013. Note the Local Advice!
Passed 32 today. Steered a course from 31 to 32 heading south and passed about 100 ft on the wrong side of 32. Minimum depth at 32 was 15.8 ft. With tide at 6.1 ft over mlw. Locals at marina also advised passing on the wrong side.
Terry, Orient Moon
The Motts Channel cuts into the southeastern/eastern flank of the AICW, a short hop south and southwest of the Wrightsville Beach Bascule Bridge, just past the host of marina facilities which congregate south of this span. The Motts passage serves at least two important purposes for cruisers.
First, it provides access from the AICW to cruiser friendly Seapath Yacht Club (Marina), and secondly, it is the most direct route to the very popular anchorages on Banks Channel. Over the years, the west end of the Motts Channel, near markers #25 and #23, has shoaled and periodic dredging has been required. Judging from Capt. Mike’s report, dredging is once again needed.
Cruising News:
January 12 came down Motts channel [traveling west] from Banks channel to icw and hit pretty hard mid channel 2 hours before low tide approx 100 feet from actual intersection. My intent was to catch Wrightsville Beach Bridge, and continue north to my slip. I have traveled at all tides for 6 years with 4 foot draft through same spot and never came close to grounding. Fyi stay close to green marker when approaching this spot.
Capt Mike
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Seapath Yacht Club
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Motts Channel
SR 74 Bridge - Click for Chartview
With a closed vertical clearance of 20ft, and a very restrictive opening schedule, the Wrightsville Beach Bascule Bridge crosses the AICW at Statute Mile 283, southwest of marker #125. This is one of the most irksome spans on the entire North Carolina section of the AICW, and now we cruisers are going to have to contend with adjoining shallows north of the span!
Note that the shoal described below, on the “green side” lies on the Waterway’s eastern flank, north of the Wrightsville Bridge. As Captain Hardy advises, ALL captains should be SURE to wait for a bridge opening in mid-channel, and make every effort to avoid a drift to the east. Otherwise, you WILL be giving the local Sea Tow captain some business!
12/04/2012
We ran aground at the bridge just north of the one mentioned here. We were racing the clock to be there on time, and being the only boat, the bridge tender did not open it for us, even though in the three minutes it took him to open the beige, we would have been in perfect position if he had started the opening at three. In backing out from the bridge, we ran aground on the east side. Worse than that, we ran aground again after going through the next bridge and hugging the shoreline to port coming around the corner to head for our night’s anchorage. didn’t bother looking at the chart; it seemed so simple, just stay close to the boats and head for green marker 23. Wrong! We ran up on the plainly marked shoal. this destroyed many years of boasting about almost never running aground, twice in one day!
Beverly Feiges
Cruising News:
At least 4 boats we know went aground while waiting for the Wrightsville Beach bridge to open in the past few days. The shallow spot is on the green side when approaching the bridge from the north. There aren’t any markers at the shoal but boaters should stay in the center of the channel when waiting for the bridge.
Harriet Hardy
Giving other boaters a tip when traveling south at the wrightsville beach bridge’¦. stop in center of channel before you get along side the false palm tree north and East of the Bridge and before coming along side of Green marker to port also for those anchoring in Banks channel and you are heading south following the shore south to just passed the Coast Guard Station on your port turn starboard at red and green marker keeping it to starboard following the green markers to ICW and turning south at floating green marker you are now in ICW.
Vance Neal
Comments from Cruisers (1)
Came through the Pass in the dark both (in/out) times. 1 and 2 are on station and flashing accordingly. 3 is on station and flashing accordingly. #4 Red could not be found. 5 and 6 were on station and flashing accordingly. We did not have a depth finder and we did not touch bottom. No shoaling was apparent (waves). There is a dredge and/or barges on the North side of the harbor once you get in about a mile.