San Pablo/Atlantic Boulevard Bridge crosses the Waterway at Statute Mile 744.5. Having seen the currents here for myself, I can tell you that Captain Ising isn’t kidding nor relaying inaccurate data. The water movement can be fierce! In recognition of that fact, we are establishing an SSECN Navigation Alert for these waters!
We just passed through on 16 Sep 2012 at what was likely max ebb and barely made 1.0 kts SOG. Our boat under full power will do about 6.2 kts, so I estimate the current can get as high as 5+ kts. It was scary with boats ahead and astern wondering if we were going to make it. Duane Ising
In all of Jacksonville that bridge has the strongest current first only to the Main Street bridge on the Saint Johns river In downtown Jacksonville. The travel under this bridge must scrutinized according to the tides as it is a truly powerful funneling of water through a narrow gap. Water flow can exceed 6 knots. Dave Bennett
My boat is at Harbortown Marina right there at Atlantic Blvd and the ICW, and yea, I can’t go anywhere when she’s running strong. The current is just as dangerous two miles north where the ICW crosses the St.John’s River, stay well away from the jetty and watch your sideways set action. Keith Blankenship s/v Renasci
We came through this bridge about the 13th of Nov. 2012 and it was horrible !! Outgoing tide and we had all we could do get through ‘“ my guess is that we were doing no more than 1 ‘“ 1.5 knts; plus the turbulence approaching and under the bridge was like a washing machine. This is an extremely dangerous situation and most expecially when you some idiot approching from the opposite direction with the current, can obviously see that you are having a major control problem and continues to enter the bridge. Pat Kenefick
If you go to the http://www.deepzoom.com website you can easily see that the Atlantic Avenue Bridge has the strongest daily currents on the entire US East Coast. Use caution and timing and enjoy the push, but wait out the adverse current if you cannot maintain over 7 kts…:D
An endurance paddle from Bimini to Lake Worth will raise funds for
Cystic Fibrosis.
Crossing for a Cure began after Travis Suit’s daughter Piper was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Piper was just four years old at the time and Suit felt helpless, but like any father, he knew he had to make the best of it for Piper. After some tears and extensive research, Suit learned of the incredible health benefits the ocean has on those living with the disease… and so the first Crossing for the Cure was born.
We think you will appreciate the new comments from Dan, Glenn and Bill on Jim Healy’s article on wake originally posted by Claiborne in 2011.
Jim Healy
The very informative message below is copied from the Trawlers and Trawlering Mail List. This free list is an excellent adjunct to Cruisers’ Net, and we highly recommend it. Thanks to Captain Jim Healy for giving one of the best and most thorough descriptions of restrictive speed zones I have ever seen!
Florida does by far the best job of identifying speed zones as any other US State. By far. (Canada is best of all, but I digress.) Florida Law defines three categories of marine speed limits: 1) “Idle Speed, No Wake,” 2) “Slow Speed, Minimum Wake” and 3) “Normal, Safe Operation.” There are several variations of “Slow Speed, Minimum Wake:” everything from 25MPH nights, 30MPH days, to date restrictions, etc. Many, many “Slow Speed, Minimum Wake” signs have small print that says “channel exempted” or “channel included.” Or, within 300 feet of the west (or) east shore.” Or, “within 300 feet of the bridge.” Or, effective dates. Take a pair of binoculars and make sure you read the small print. That small print can save you travel hours and personal anxiety. In almost all Manatee areas (narrow channels with shallow waters where the animals are likely to be in the deeper channel areas), you will see long stretches of “Slow Speed, Minimum Wake.” One that’s about 6 miles long runs from below New Smyrna Beach to Mosquite Lagoon. The good news is, there are actually relatively few “Idle Speed, No Wake” zones, and Florida in general does not abuse them. Remember, the best way to get compliance is when people generally agree that the rules are “right.” If people comply because it’s the right thing to do, enforcement is not required. So, “Idle Speed, No Wake” zones in Florida are generally short, and virtually always surround narrow bridges and boat ramp launch areas. Florida State Law defines “Slow Speed, Minimum Wake” as “fully settled in the water,” not making a wake that would cause harm to other nearby boaters, and minimum wake. For trawlers that travel at hull speeds of 7.5 kts, “Slow Speed, Minimum Wake” is essentially not much different from your normal speed. All I do is back off 200-250 rpm or so to make sure my wake doesn’t break at the crests. That’s where I’m fully compliant with the law. NOTE: This set of distinctions is NOT well understood, even by other boaters, so from time to time, people will yell at you. I always wave back in friendship. One such area is the bascule bridge tender at the Haulover Canal. Another is the area of Peck Lake, just above Hobe Sound (Jupiter Island). And yet another is at the Royal Palm bridge in Palm Beach County. They’ll yell at you that you’re in a “No Wake” zone. Not true; the zones are clearly marked “Slow Speed, Minimum Wake.” When you remind them of that (high power, channel 13 or 16, so the whole world hears), they go quiet, or mumble and mutter. But, these areas are heavily patrolled, especially on weekends, and none of the police agencies (FWC, sheriff, metro) will quibble with you. In fact, they often operate (non emergency mode) with wakes larger than your own. We’ve never been stopped, and we always wave and get friendly waves back. Good judgement is important, too, since some min wake areas are more sensitive than others. The pearl is, Florida “Slow Speed” zones are designed to protect Manatees by controlling heavy, powerful sportfish and sea-ray types that are fast, selfish and have exposed wheels; Manatee can easily avoid trawlers and slow cruisers. And of course, sail boats. So except for the immediate area of South Florida between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, you will rarely be inconvenienced by “No Wake” zones. A good guide in South Florida is to watch what the local 12 – 18 foot day boaters are doing. They are a useful indicator in unfamiliar territory. If they’re ripping along, you’re OK. If they’re dawdling along, check the signage. Jim Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary Currently at Franklin Lock, Alva, FL, southbound
What you write makes sense, but unfortunately law enforcement does not always use common sense. I have been stopped in my sailboat in a `Slow Speed, Minimum Wake’ zone while creating at most a 6-inch wave which I produce at my usual cruising speed. The most infuriating thing was that moments before I was pulled over I was seriously waked by a whole string of powerboats going full tilt through the same area. Luckily, when I angrily confronted the police officer with this information he let me go. His take was that even on a sailboat throwing almost no wake we must slow down significantly in these zones. John Kettlewell
I have to disagree with Jim. Here on the West Coast you better be going slower than 7.5 kts in a min wake zone. I have personally asked three FWC law enforcement officers how they define min wake and none gave me an answer other than go very slow. They did not have any definition and most just shrugged their shoulders. Even the definition you quote just says `minimum wake’ at the end. I usually slow down to 1300 RPM or around 4 knots. Even at that speed I have had sheriffs boats pull along side of me and told to go slower. At anything over 5knts on the West Coast, you’ll get a ticket. Dick Goldfarb
Jim’s analysis is ,as always, excellent. The Florida DNR and local law enforcement may understand the difference in “slow speed minimum wake” vs. “idle speed no wake”. The Coast Guard, however, does not. I was stopped by the Coast Guard going into Fort Pierce. I was running 1000 rpm, and a speed of about 5.5 knots in a “slow speed minimum wake” zone. My Monk 36 was fully settled in the water, with minimum wake. I showed the USCG boarding party the Florida DNR definitions. This was to no avail, as he said there was “no difference”. Except for the fact we determined somehow that we had gone to high schools that played each other in sports, I would have been cited with a Federal violation. There was no discussion of any difference in his opinion. He finally let me off with a warning. I wish there was some way to resolve this issue, but now, If the speed zone is relatively short, regardless of what it is marked, I run at idle speed. The zone south of New Smyrna Beach, marked” Slow speed minimum wake” is one I would probably run 5 knots, because it is so long. Norman Mason Peggy Sue, Monk 36, currently cruising St. John’s River, FL California, MD April 20, 2018
“the area of Peck Lake, just above Hobe Sound (Jupiter Island).” … “But, these areas are heavily patrolled, especially on weekends, and none of the police agencies (FWC, sheriff, metro) will quibble with you.”
Unfortunately, that has not been my experience. I’ve been stopped while slightly above idle speed by FWC, and on another occasion had a siren and blue lights with a “back down” wave. Each time I explained that I was traveling at 800 rpm, with idle at 600. No ticket, but was followed to the “resume safe normal operation” sign. Moral: it all depends . . . Bill Marett
Slow also means very small wake. Here is quote from the FWS boaters handbook
Areas where vessels must be fully off plane and completely settled in the water. Any wake created by a vessel in one of these zones must be minimal (very small). If your vessel is traveling with the bow even slightly elevated while in one of these zones, it is not proceeding at “Slow Speed” as required by law.
That is the problem with the FL law. Although it is defined, it really is subjective. If a cop is having a bad day, his judgment could be much more restrictive. In other states, I think they pretty much say slow speed or no wake is defined as 5 MPH. In that case, its pretty much non-subjective.
” In other states, I think they pretty much say slow speed or no wake is defined as 5 MPH. In that case, its pretty much non-subjective.”
The problem with a specific speed limit is that larger boats can’t go that slow. I do 6kts [7 mph] at idle, sport fishers do even more – even with trolling valves. So the best that we can get is the off plane, fully settled in the water, minimal wake standard; despite its subjectivity.
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
Will this project be of use for navigation? We’ll have to wait and see.
MarineMax and Boat Owners Warehouse are providing the boats that will transport the Google cameras through South Florida’s waterways. In addition to the Intracoastal Waterway and Biscayne Bay, the map will cover some adjoining rivers, inlets and commercial canals.
Old Port Cove Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located on the western shore of the northern Lake Worth channel, near unlighted daybeacon #7. North Palm Beach Marina is found on the southwestern banks of the Waterway south of the North Palm Beach/Parker Bridge.
Fort Pierce is home to Fort Pierce City Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, located west of the Waterway, just south of the Fort Pierce high-rise bridge, and well north of unlighted daybeacon #188.
Reports of shoaling south of Fernandina Beach have been coming in for several years prompting numerous comments. This shoaling and shifting channel lies c. two miles south of Fernandina Beach harbor just north of the Waterway’s turn into Kingsley Creek. Our thanks to Geologist Bill Aley for sending this buoy update. Note that these temporary buoys are not charted in our charts.
Here is the latest update from the local U.S. Coast Guard district: Three temporary navigation aids were placed last Friday, however, the old Navigation Aids will not be removed until sometime next month based on availability of their construction platform. Info for the newly placed navigation aids is as follows:
1. TEMPORARILY ESTABLISHED AMELIA RIVER BUOY 18A A. SET 5NFR IN POSITION 30-39-52.591N / 081-29-07.904W (30°39.8765N / 081°29.1317W, 30.664609 / -81.485529) IN 14 FEET OF WATER USING 45 FEET OF 1/2 INCH CHAIN AND 135LB DORMOR.
2. TEMPORARILY ESTABLISHED FERNANDINA BEACH BUOY 1A A. SET 5CFR IN POSITION 30-39-46.402N / 081-29-05.211W (30°39.7733N / 081°29.0869W, 30.662889 / -81.484781) IN 15 FEET OF WATER USING 45 FEET OF 1/2 INCH CHAIN AND 135LB DORMOR.
3. TEMPORARILY ESTABLISHED FERNANDINA BEACH BUOY 1B A. SET 5CFR IN POSITION 30-39-36.579N / 081-29-09.632W (30°39.6097N / 081°29.1605W, 30.660161 / -81.486009) IN 15 FEET OF WATER USING 45 FEET OF 1/2 INCH CHAIN AND 135LB DORMOR.
Bill Aley, P.G. Professional Geologist 10151 Deerwood Park Blvd. Bldg. 300, Suite 300 Jacksonville, FL 32256 Phone (904) 731-7040 Direct (904) 256 -1313 www.taylorengineering.com
And the Local Notice:
FLORIDA – AICW – ST SIMONS SOUND – TOLOMATO RIVER – AMELIA RIVER & FERNANDINA BEACH: Temporary Aids Established The following aids had have been temporarily established after completion of dredging operations resulting in a channel shift to the west. -Amelia River Buoy 18A in position 30-39-52.591N / 081-29-07.904W (30°39.8765N / 081°29.1317W, 30.664609 / -81.485529) -Fernandina Beach Buoy 1A in position 30-39-46.402N / 081-29-05.211W (30°39.7733N / 081°29.0869W, 30.662889 / -81.484781) -Fernandina Beach Buoy 1B in position 30-39-36.579N / 081-29-09.632W (30°39.6097N / 081°29.1605W, 30.660161 / -81.486009) Chart 11489 LNM 06/18
Besides somewhat chilly temperatures in south Florida right now, here’s another reason to think twice before you dive!
Great white shark ‘George’ spotted off Gulf coast of Florida According to OCEARCH, ‘George’ was spotted Sunday near the edge of Everglades National Park Author: Associated Press Published: 11:40 AM EST February 6, 2018
Be on the lookout for manatees! 2017 was the third highest mortality rate for manatees and tied with the all-time record for watercraft deaths.
More Than 6000 Manatees Counted In Florida The survey serves as a loose population count. It’s conducted during Florida’s coldest days as manatees gather for warmth near deep canals, natural springs and power plants.
Causeway Cove Marina is east of the Indian River channel immediately south of the 65ft fixed bridge connecting Causeway Island with downtown Fort Pierce.
Old Port Cove Marinas, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located on the western shore of the northern Lake Worth channel, near unlighted daybeacon #7.
January 2018 – 32 Years Later
WE ARE CELEBRATING!
Each of our marinas; Old Port Cove Marina, North Palm Beach Marina and New Port Cove Marine Center are celebrating mile stone anniversaries as members of the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, Inc. We are pleased to announce that both Old Port Cove and North Palm Beach Marinas are 32 year members, New Port Cove is a 19 year member.
“We’ve Come a Long Way Baby” hardly sums up all that has happened within the industry during those 32 years! The Marine Industries Association, along with its Board, which still includes one our own staff, the membership and volunteers has grown in every aspect. From community involvement, industry advocacy, marine business leadership, the remarkable success of the Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade and Toy Drive, the Palm Beach International Boat Show, which was once held at the old Jai Alai Fronton in West Palm Beach and is now considered one of the top five boat shows in the country, to the recent addition of Paddlefest. The entire Old Port Cove Holdings, Inc. Team is proud to be a participant in our growing marine industry and look forward to what’s on the horizon.
If you are a marine related business located in Palm Beach County, come join in and become a member. If you are an individual with marine interests and want to keep abreast of industry related events and activities, look into their affordable Captain membership category.
With 40,000 registered boats and 20,000 marine workers in Palm Beach County, you’ll definitely be in great company!
As designated Clean Marinas, we have made the commitment to actively pursue practices that protect Florida’s waters from harmful chemicals, excess nutrients and marine debris. In a recent Waterway Guide newsletter, I stumbled upon an alarming statistic. It is being reported that there are five trillion pieces of plastic floating in the world’s seas. So when you are aboard or ashore, please save your plastics along with any you pick up in your travels and when you dock at one of our facilities, we will gladly recycle them! Thank you for helping protect the oceans and waterways.
Sandpiper’s Cove Restaurant and Bar is a premier restaurant at Old Port Cove Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, located on the western shore of the northern Lake Worth channel, near unlighted daybeacon #7.
Recently Engaged Over the Holidays?
Plan Your Waterfront Wedding with Us!
Let Our Professional Staff Help You Plan Your Destination Waterfront Wedding & Reception at Sandpiper’s Cove!
Overlooking our beautiful marinas,
Sandpiper’s Cove is the perfect venue location for hosting all your wedding needs! Enjoy sweeping floor to ceiling marina views while dining and dancing in our private Lakeshore Room as guests mingle and sip on cocktails in the adjoining Sand Bar!
We are the Perfect South Florida Venue for Bridal Showers & Luncheons, Engagement Parties, Bachelorette and
Bachelor Parties!
Do you enjoy the outdoors? Additional options include the use of our Flag Deck which sets up beautifully for a ceremony, waterside cocktails and hors d’Oeuvres.
Or simply celebrate with friends and family by enjoying an intimate dining Al Fresco experience just for you.
Please contact John North, Banquet Coordinator and
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: “Exhibit of Bahamian Art” plus 2 more Exhibit of Bahamian Art Posted: 19 Dec 2017 02:48 PM PST If you are in the Stuart, FL area from now until February 25, 2018, you won’t want to miss a fabulous exhibit of the work of several Bahamian artists. The exhibit is at the Elliott Antique Automobile Museum at Stuart Beach. A variety of artists, some of whom were born in the 1800s, will bring joy to your eyes and heart. While you are there, you can also see numerous vintage vehicles as well as wooden speedboats, motorcycles, and lots of other antique artifacts. Enjoy!
Development on Great and Little Stirrup Cay Posted: 19 Dec 2017 02:39 PM PST At the top of the Berry Island chain construction continues to turn Great and Little Stirrup Cays into a tourist fantasy land. A tower is under construction near the cruise ship beach on Great Stirrup Cay and the report of a pier to be built is on Little Stirrup Cay along with a large water park. Little Stirrup Cay (Co Co Cay) is owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd and Great Stirrup Cay is owned by Norwegian Cruise Lines. Vessels in the area should use caution and expect cruise ships approaching and departing this area.
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Dec 19, 2017by: Larry DorminyNo Comments29.892,-81.3089999
The City Marina has re-opened after being severely damaged by Hurricane Irma and is accepting transients. The marina has no fuel at this point, but the marina is staffed 24/7, has ice and the dinghy dock is open. Call ahead, 904-825-1026 to request services or make a reservation.
St. Augustine Municipal Marina losing half of its revenue
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at San Pablo/Atlantic Boulevard Bridge
Comments from Cruisers (2)
If you go to the http://www.deepzoom.com website you can easily see that the Atlantic Avenue Bridge has the strongest daily currents on the entire US East Coast. Use caution and timing and enjoy the push, but wait out the adverse current if you cannot maintain over 7 kts…:D
I sent an email to Deep Zoom to ask if they no longer support the AICW…hmmm