The “Ponce” is a popular, heavily traveled inlet which intersects the Waterway at Statute Mile 839.5, with a second southerly intersection near St. M. 843. Other than the Nav Alerts currently posted on SSECN, Rick is asking for “local knowledge” for the area around the Inlet. If you are a frequent navigator of the Inlet and the ICW/Inlet intersection, let us hear from you.
Thanks for your quick reply. A few years ago we were traveling around Ponse Inlet or New Smyrna Beach where there was reported shoaling and frequent marker relocations, is this still a problem and can the area be identified? Thanks again Rick Scheinert 43’ Tiara “Rock On”
SSECN’s answer: Hi Rick, There were reports of groundings in the Ponce back in July (/157074) which resulted in our posting a Nav Alert (/158393) immediately after the initial report. Note that these groundings are in the ICW west and south of the Inlet proper. We have not received reports of shoaling in the Ponce Inlet itself.
Captain Richard Holtz- September 30, 2016 - 3:22 pm
Ponce Inlet South to New Smyrna Beach is fine. Once you turn South best water is closer to the eastern shore We are local and this wasn’t as if last weekend
This release of water has to be attributed to rains from Hermine. Increased water releases from Lake Okeechobee earlier this year resulted in massive fish kills downstream of the release.
Corps of Engineers increasing Lake Okeechobee discharges by Scott Sutton The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Thursday plans to increase the amount of water flowing from Lake Okeechobee over the next week….
CLICK HERE for the full report from WPTV, West Palm Beach
A fellow boater asks for your opinion on long term mooring in the St. Augustine harbor. The mooring field has a northern portion and a southern portion. General consensus is that the southern portion, below the Bridge of Lions, is more protected from wind and wake. Let us hear from your experience anchoring there. For more opinions, go to /112455.
I am considering mooring my 43′ pontoon houseboat here long term, but am concerned about wake from winds, boats, and the current. What are your opinions of how this would work out? Laura
Lived on board in St A many years ago. North for the summer and south for the winter is the rule, however, neither offers good protection from north and north east wind. Gets REAL bouncy at times. I would recommend Salt Run. Cheaper too.
Charted depths in this area do not suggest good anchorage. However, if you have found suitable depths, let Jerry and SSECN hear from you. The nearest SSECN recommended anchorage in that area is ten miles south of Haulover Canal at Titusville/Mwx Brewer Bridge.
Good morning, Would anyone know if anchorages are still available in the Haulover Canal, Florida @ Mile 869.5 in the basin just past the bridge southbound? Best regards, Jerry Gerald Gerlitzki 33’ Pearson with a 4’ 2” draft. jerry@gerlitzkidesign.com 410-546-9685
Can’t speak to the depth, but when we came through on 9/8/16, it appeared suitable for using the new dock for an alongside tie. Other sources say that there is 10′ at the eastern end of the new dock. We saw several manatee diving in the basin, but did not see any obvious obstructions.
I think I know the little area you are referring to, Jerry. My most recent pass through here was about 6mo ago. There is a tiny cove near the parking for the boat ramp south of the Allenhurst bascule. You might be risking impacting an underwater obstruction to venture into that area with too much depth. There are old broken-off posts just under the surface and tree stumps and all manner of nasty things. And if you did get in there without incident, areas like these collect anchors faster than most other places on the ICW. Stay at Titusville if you’re looking for a good anchorage: from experience, it is VERY good. That being said, you’ll see a number of boats anchored about 10-15 miles farther north (from the Haulover cut) in the Mosquito Lagoon outside some of the fishing camps. I can’t speak to the holding or the conditions there, but people are doing it, even for long-stays.
Definitely not a good day!! He should have drunk plain old Sweet Tea!
Boater admits to drinking Long Island Ice Teas before stranding 72-foot yacht on Palm Beach WPTV Webteam 8:56 AM, Sep 7, 2016 1 min ago
Man admitted to drinking Long Island Ice Teas
PALM BEACH, Fla. – A boater, who said he had been drinking Long Island Ice Teas before the incident, was arrested Wednesday morning after an 80-foot yacht washed ashore on Palm Beach.
Thomas Henry Baker, 63, Belle Isle, Fla., a suburb of Orlando, told police he “failed to navigate his vessel into the Palm Beach Inlet and ran the vessel into the beach.”
The 72-foot yacht named “Time Out” was spotted floating at the shoreline right next to the Palm Beach Inlet.
Banana River Marina flanks the Banana River’s western banks near unlighted daybeacon #24 off the Waterway via Canaveral Barge Canal. Our thanks to Cap’n Parky for this detailed report and advice.
Banana River Marina, Florida. A Five Star Rating. Up and down the ICW and Chesapeake Bay there are nice smaller marinas at much lower costs than average. The Banana River Marina just south of Cape Canaveral is one of them. Only $7.50 per ft per mo plus metered power. No liveaboard fees or any other hidden charges. There are certain things to be aware of however – as always. 1) Any sailboat with a mast higher than 43 ft cannot get under the three Banana River bridges fixed at 43ft clearance. Currently the river is about 14 inches lower than normal but that also means trouble for any boat with a draft exceeding 4ft 6 ins. 2) Shallows are everywhere but markers very difficult to find. One moment you have 5ft of water and the next second you’re suddenly stuck on a 3ft shoal. Doesn’t matter if you come into the river from the south or the north, you face the same hazards. 3) I strongly recommend you come in from the north via the Cape Canaveral Barge Canal. Stop off briefly at the Harbourtown Marina and with a short bike ride go to the nearby WalMart and buy a fishing chart – which at least gives you some idea of both water depths and markers. 4) You can find the location of the Banana River Marina both on the chart and Google Earth. (Type in Banana River Marina). The approach channel to the marina is very narrow and around 5ft depth. But when you arrive at a small bridge, (which has to be opened by the Dockmaster (Tel (321) 453 7888), stay on the starboard side which is around 4ft 6ins at best. 5) Don’t want to give you the impression that this is too much risk. Just take it easy and keep a close eye on your depth finder and you’ll be fine.
Once safely docked, you will find this marina a very friendly laid back place indeed. With around 60 slips of differing widths, you will find at least 10 liveaboards here – many have been here for years. The toilets and showers are clean but not air conditioned. The laundry is good along with a fine exchange library. Soft drink machines are available but no marine store. There is an adjacent haul out crane and DIY yard with mechanics and other experts available for hire. There are picnic tables – but in the late afternoons the ‘no see ums’ will try to eat you alive. Inside the docks are around 6 huge manatees quietly grazing. Because of the enclosed nature of the marina, it is a fine local hurricane hole – bear this in mind should one be approaching as you too are approaching – you might find no room at the inn……
Within an easy bike ride is a Walmart, other stores and restaurants – though liveaboards with cars will often offer a ride. I’m told there is a free shuttle bus to and from Orlando but haven’t as yet tried it. This is a great spot to see any rocket launch from the Space Center – alas not as frequently as in the heady days of Apollo.
This is a nice peaceful old style inexpensive marina with always someone around to have a chat with or help you with some problem. My intent is to stay here at least for the winter but who knows – maybe I’ll stay around for years and feed the manatees. I could do a lot worse.
Low slip rates, friendly environment, hurricane hole – gets a Five Star Rating in my log. Cap’n Parky MV Pisces
As this report by Susannah Bryan Contact Reporter at Sun Sentinel states, the anchoring ban put into effect July 1st is not working in Broward County. Go to /156265 for more on the anchoring ban.
“No Beaching, No Landing, No Launching, No Tying Up,” say the signs that went up in April.
But so far, the signs don’t seem to be working. The dozen or so live-aboard boaters anchored in the cove at North Beach Park are not only coming ashore on their dinghies, they’re using the signs as tie-up posts.
Signs at North Beach Park in Hollywood warn boaters against tying up, but they do it anyway. (City of Hollywood, courtesy)
We have a term for folks such as these people in the bay, “exist-aboards”. They are not legitimate boaters in any sense of the word. They are impacting our rights to use the waters freely. One must remember…..nothing in life is free, there is always a cost and these freeloaders are costing us plenty!
The sub-heading on this article is very misleading and has the potential to confuse many readers.
The linked article discusses an anchorage that is *not* covered by the regulations that went into effect on July 1. The fact that the county has chosen to start enforcing other, unrelated regulations having to do with landing tenders (not with anchoring itself, which remains perfectly legal in this particular location) is perhaps unfortunate, but is and has always been well within their legal rights. I have little sympathy for these vessels — a right to anchor does not imply a right to trespass in order to get ashore. Let’s not confuse the issues.
Let’s also remember that semi-permanently anchored vessels, with crews willing to trespass and flout other laws in order to maintain a low-cost, tax-free dwelling in an otherwise expensive area, are a big part of the state’s incentive to increase anchoring restrictions. These sorts of vessels do more to jeopardize anchoring opportunities for legitimate cruisers than almost any other factor, including even derelicts. And the presence of such vessels often means there will be no room for cruisers passing through.
MARINA BUCK$ are coupons that spend just like cash money. Earn them at Old Port Cove Marinas. A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Old Port Cove is located on the western shore of the northern Lake Worth channel, near unlighted daybeacon #7. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
This report from Care2.com focuses on the large number of manatees killed in Florida by boats this year leading to what could be the worst year on record. Slow down in Manatee Zones and keep a sharp watch ahead.
Boats Are Killing Manatees in Record Numbers Manatee advocates are raising concerns about the number of these gentle giants who have been killed in Florida this year. They hope that increased vigilance and other measures will help keep this from being the worst year on record.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has already counted 71 manatees killed by boats as of July 22. The numbers are already higher than they were for the same period in 2009, which was the deadliest year on record with a total of 97 deaths.
The growing death toll has caused manatee advocates to worry that the unfortunate record will be broken this year, but there are differing opinions as to why.
SSECN hopes this law will never apply to you, but if your boat is frequently left unattended for any length of time, you should be aware of the new authority granted to FWC law enforcement.
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission sent this bulletin at 07/29/2016 11:00 AM EDT For immediate release: July 29, 2016 Photos available on the FWC’s Flickr site: https://flic.kr/s/aHsjEz2hj2
New at-risk vessel law helps FWC officials manage Florida waterways
A new Florida law, approved by the Legislature and Governor during the 2016 Session, will enable county and local authorities along with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to more effectively manage the state’s waterways. The new law (F.S. 327.4107) allows law enforcement officers to issue non-criminal citations to owners who allow their boats to become “at risk” of becoming derelict.
“This law allows officers to take action before a vessel crosses that line between at-risk and derelict, and hopefully prompts the owner to rectify any issues with the vessel before it reaches a state of disrepair,” said Phil Horning, FWC’s derelict vessel program administrator. “Prior to this law being enacted, officers had to wait until a vessel met the legal criteria for a derelict vessel before beginning any sort of official interaction with the owner.”
Under the new law, a vessel is deemed to be “at-risk” if any of the following conditions is observed: The vessel is taking on or has taken on water without an effective means to dewater. Spaces on the vessel that are designed to be enclosed are incapable of being sealed off or remain open to the elements for extended periods of time. The vessel has broken loose or is in danger of breaking loose from its anchor. The vessel is left or stored aground unattended in such a state that would prevent the vessel from getting underway, is listing due to water intrusion, or is sunk or partially sunk. If an officer observes a vessel with one or more of these criteria, a non-criminal citation may be issued that requires the owner to correct the problem or face stronger penalties after 30 days have passed. If problems are not fixed, non-compliant vessel owners can face additional fines issued every 30 days until they are.
Officials expect that this new law will decrease the number of vessels becoming derelict, a problem which continues to burden the state’s public waterways.
“Our goal is to keep Florida’s waterways safe and protect their environmental stability,” said Horning. “We are committed to protecting this valuable resource for the people of Florida and its visitors.”
Vessel owners are also reminded to sell their vessels properly.
“Many owners don’t realize that not only is the buyer required to get the vessel retitled in their name, but the seller is also required to notify the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles within 30 days that they have sold their vessel,” said Horning.
Failure to do so is a violation and may cause the prior owner of record legal troubles should the vessel become derelict at a later date. The FWC will be assisting state and local governments with derelict vessel removal grants that will be available soon. The grant funding was also approved by the Legislature and Governor during the 2016 Session. Interested applicants may contact the FWC Derelict Vessel Program office at 850-617-9540 or email DVGrant@MyFWC.com for more information.
One of the four areas tested, Leighton Park, is in the South Fork of the St. Lucie River at Mile 9.5 of the Okeechobee Waterway just south of the Palm City Bridge. Central Marine is on the north side of the the Okeechobee/St.Lucie River, east of the New Roosevelt Bridge and Loggerhead Club and Marina. This report comes from WPTV.com of West Palm Beach, FL.
Report shows extreme toxicity in four bodies of water in Martin County WPTV Webteam 12:00 PM, Jul 15, 2016
Water samples taken in Martin County show extreme toxicity in four bodies of water. The analysis, done by chemists at the SUNY-College of Environmental Science and Forestry in New York, found that water samples from Leighton Park, Sandsprit Park, Deck and Central contained levels of microcystins that were “extremely high, well above the levels allowed for recreational contact.”
Microcystins are toxins produced by cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. Those results are not surprising to Mary Radabaugh who manages Central Marine. That’s one of the locations where tests showed extreme toxicity.
The state of emergency was put into action June 29th and has now been extended. See /158039. This report comes from WPTV, West Palm Beach.
Martin County extends local state of emergency a 3rd week due to toxic algae WPTV Webteam 3:31 PM, Jul 12, 2016 7:35 PM, Jul 12, 2016 Martin County said it is extending a local state of emergency for a third week due to toxic algae. The decision allows the government to streamline efforts to finance projects that could remedy the algae situation.
The decision came on the same day that Gov. Rick Scott sent a letter to Florida’s congressional delegation.
Longtime cruiser and SSECN Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy, shares his knowledge and experience in these observations on this portion of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Thank you Jim!
The entire region from Charleston to St. Augustine has high tidal ranges, ranging from 5′ at St. Augustine to as much as 9′ in Savannah/Beaufort/Charleston. Those high tidal ranges create swift tidal currents, and especially for first-times, docking is easiest in the 1/2 hour before and after slack.
There are many areas of shallow water in the region. The very best resource for current data on low water and caution areas is available via www.activecaptain.com. Two other websites that all ICW travelers should know about are www.waterwayguide.com and www.cruisersnet.net. I’m sure you are familiar with the Waterway Guide book series. The “Salty Southeast Cruiser’s Net” (SSECN) is really a boating group. It was founded by Claiborne Young. After Claiborne’s untimely loss, the group continued in operation. The Cruiser’s Net website specializes on the US Southeast. There is some duplication of material between the WWG site and the SSECN site, but there is unique value to both. Both are excellent resources for fuel prices, marinas and anchorages. These websites would make a good sidebar for any ICW article. Two of these websites require registration – SSECN does not – and all three are free, and all are very useful to ICW boaters. Both WWG and SSECN also have smart phone apps that duplicate and augment website information and are very useful on small-format devices.
There are some generalizations that apply to the region, including the stretch from Georgetown, SC all the way south to below Fernandina Beach. In some of those areas, boats drawing more than 4′ will want to consider not traveling at low tide; especially celestial low tides. The Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) is responsible for dredging the ICW. USACE is funded by state congressional delegations. In recent years, the money congress allocates to dredging has been diverted to “more pressing needs,” and so many areas of the ICW are shoaling, and in fact, the ICW resource is slowly being lost; well, allowed to die, really, by congress. There is a not-for-profit called the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association. The Executive Director is Brad Pickel; bpickel@seahavenconsulting.com. That would make another sidebar for any article on the ICW. There are some local knowledge bypasses around some shoal areas. All of the cruising sites above can provide additional detail.
Renting a car in any of these venues greatly expands what a boating visitor can see and do. Some, but not all, marinas have courtesy cars. Generally they can’t be used for long periods, but they are useful for re-provisioning when needed.
Hope this helps.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Ft. Myers, FL
Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy, shares his perspective on St. Augustine, FL, home to three SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS and on Titusville, FL. Our thanks to Jim Healy for sharing his observations!
St. Augustine, FL: The St. Augustine light house is open to the public; the Catholic Cathedral Basilica would be of architectural interest to all; the Fort itself (Castillo de San Marcos) is wonderful, and the docents that do the historical interpretation are excellent. There are many restaurants within walking distance of the St. Augustine City Marina. We like the a1a Ale House.
Titusville, FL: Not really remarkable as a destination in itself, but the Titusville City Marina is an excellent place for boaters to stay in order to visit NASA at Cape Canaveral; the public areas and displays at Canaveral are excellent. It’s also a great place to watch a launch, if one is scheduled.
Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy, shares his perspective on Fernandina, FL, home to two SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS. Thank you Jim!
Fernandina Beach, FL: City is easy walking distance right at the foot of the docks at the Fernandina Harbor Marina. Take the tour to Fort Clinch. Visit the house where the Pippi Longstocking movie was filmed. Visit Billy Burbank’s trawl net factory; they make shrimp nets; they’re open to the public for tours, and it’s a very interesting afternoon.
This story comes from reporter Anne Gettis in the Sun Sentinel.
A family of four and their dog had to bail out after their boat burst into flames on the Intracoastal Waterway Saturday evening. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue and police were called to the scene at Datura Court and the Intracoastal just after 7 p.m. Fire investigators were working late Saturday to determine what had caused the blaze.
Construction of Canaveral Lock began in June of 2015, see /149146. Local boaters will especially pleased that the work is now completed, see /156537 and /156009. Canaveral Barge Canal, with a single 600X90ft lock, crosses Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island and intersects the Waterway at statute mile 894. Our thanks to Officer Skolte for this update.
Canaveral Lock returns to normal operating hours 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. daily
Canaveral Lock guidewall construction is complete; Canaveral lock is back to normal operating hours, 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. daily. Thanks for your patience during the construction period. Please share this information on social media on the Jacksonville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleDistrict/ and retweet @JaxStrong.
Thanks as always for helping us to get the word out to the public! Erica Erica Skolte Public Affairs Specialist Corporate Communications Office U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District South Florida Restoration Office, West Palm Beach
Thanks to Bill Schreiber for this bridge removal information. Stay tuned for details of necessary closures related to the demolition of the old bridge and construction of the new.
Not sure if you know. The Daytona Memorial Bridge (SM 830.6), the southern most bridge in Daytona, has just started a total replacement. Work started on June 6th and will take approximately three years. The bridge will be totally removed and a new high rise (65 ft vertical) bridge will replace same. The bascule lifts are currently in the fully up position and will remain so until removal of same; hence there is no current restriction, other than slow speed, on navigation in the immediate area. Work barges are on scene and will remain until near total replacement is finished. Eventually, some vessel traffic restrictions will be in place for bascule removal and for demolition of the old span but time frame is unknown at current time. I will, if you wish, send further info as it becomes available. USCG station Ponce Inlet would be a good source for information. Respectfully, Capt. Bill Schreiber USCG Merchant Marine Masters License
This report comes to us from good friend and avid cruiser, David Burnham, whose home port is Gulfport on Boca Ciega Bay, Gulf Coast. Renegades on the Water is on the eastern shore just south of Fruitland Cove between Little Lake George and Lake George of the St. Johns River.
We cruised our 28′ Catalina sailboat (3’9″ wing keel) down to Renegades Marina and RV park this past weekend. Because Renegades has 4 transient slips next to their GAS and DIESEL dock it should probably be added to the list of St Johns River Marinas. These slips appear to have 4-5′ of water depth although we did not get to sound all of them, only the one we used next to the fuel pier. WE DID run aground on the shallows west of Renegades while approaching the fuel dock but backed off and came in again just a little to the south between the two charted shallow areas you encounter when coming in to Renegades from the north. Our chart plotter showed 6′ (or less) where we touched the bottom so we added a 3’9″ sounding to our Navionics Android GPS chart… We ran aground AGAIN as we left Renegades the next afternoon, while following our inbound track on the chart plotter (no, NOT the SAME spot). The best approach to Renegades if you draw more than 3′ is to go south to the green navigational mark just past Renegades, then turn East and approach from the southwest to stay south of the shallow areas that are to the West of Renegades… Great Tiki Bar and really good food and drinks… http://renegadesontheriver.com/db/
JIB Yacht Club is really more of a marina than a club and it flanks the eastern shores of the Waterway, immediately north of Jupiter Inlet.
JIB Yacht Club is a convenient marina to the Jupiter Inlet. Very tight inside the marina. Marina has very helpful staff. However, there is no laundry, no cable TV, no Wi-Fi and the showers/restrooms are in need of upgrades and cleaning. Diesel and gas fuel is available. Pool is very busy on weekends from locals. Joanne Kindlund
Local and onsite , near by Big Diesel Marine 772 215 7663
BURKEY MARINE GROUP MOBILE MARINE DIESEL WEST PALM BEACH 11/26/2014 5 Comments
Burkey Marine Group 772-215-7663 West Palm Beach
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Comments from Cruisers (2)
10/18 See http://cruisersnet.net/160532
Ponce Inlet South to New Smyrna Beach is fine. Once you turn South best water is closer to the eastern shore We are local and this wasn’t as if last weekend