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    • Free Dock at Bryant’s Wharf, Welaka, FL, St. Johns River


      Skipper Reeves continues his exploration of the St. Johns River, stopping at spots a bit off the beaten track – good for you Sonny! (See /?p=147232.) Bryant’s Wharf is on the east shore of the river where “Ramp” is charted.

      Locals very friendly. Nothing here. Other than a nice metal concrete floating dock that is well lighted at night. Small 20 x 24 ft slips. Good depths, Most boats on River slow down but wakes are minimal. The town appears closed up there is a convenience store a few blocks East. Restaurant onsite is closed. A grill and cafe is a hike. We did not go there. Restrooms reported at top of hill in a recreation park. Old Florida small town pop 586. Dock is free with no electric, water or trash pick up.
      Sonny Reeves

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      Dock from hill looking West

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      Public boat ramp to South of the free dock.

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      A closed maritime museum

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      Showers at Welaka Park

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bryant’s Wharf

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Gordon -  July 17, 2019 - 11:17 pm

        Spooky looking building with windows out right at the docks with unsavory individuals hanging out inside. Looking at everyone like old buzzards.

        Reply to Gordon
    • Updated: Good Visit to Murphy Island, St. Johns River, Palatka, FL


      Murphy Island is south of Palatka and separated from the mainland by Murphy Creek, making for good exploring by dinghy as Skipper Reeves mentions in this report which makes picturesque Murphy Island sound so nice compared to the commercialism of large marinas.

      The dock is short for our 40 ft boat. Water depth is 6 ft at dock and over 30+ ft in river. But it is a nice floating dock with ramp to picnic and camping. We stayed two nights and saw no one except fishermen going fast on the river that waked us. The island has a marked trail that winds around. Very nice! The bugs did not bother us. We were fogged in both mornings until 10ish. Did not see any sign requesting fee. There is one porta potty and some fire pits for campers. The treat is a dink ride around the island. Lots of wild life, alligators and eagles. Would not want to be here in heat of summer. Exposed to North. Georgia Boys Marina on Dunn creek to East.
      Sonny Reeves

      murphy
      murphy2
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      murphy4
      Click Here for more photos of Murphy Island

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Murphy Island

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    • Good Review of Crystal Cove Marina, St. Johns River, north of Palatka


      Our thanks to Skipper Reeves for this thorough review of Crystal Cove Marina which lies on the western banks of the St. Johns River with a well marked entrance channel.

      Laid back with Southern hospitality. Don the dockmaster could not be more helpful. The crew is very nice Jerry and Billy handled the lines and met us late Sunday. We stayed the week, very quiet. There is a pool we did not try due to the weather. Restrooms showers, etc all here. Old docks but safe. Easy approach with 5-6 ft depths. Very little current or tide. The electrical was good and the wifi worked for us to watch movies. Rental car from enterprise. Gas on site. Diesel by truck. Town is a few miles to shopping center. $5.00 a ft is quoted price for a month. Pets welcome. Lots of liveaboards. The 45 slips were full when we got there. They rent pontoon boats and the boat ramp is used by fishermen. One restaurant at hotel was closed for renovation, A Grill Cafe is open, Hotel onsite with laundry. The grounds are kept up clean. We will be back!
      Sonny Reeves
      crystal2 crystal

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Crystal Cove Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Crystal Cove Marina

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. David Burnham -  March 5, 2015 - 5:48 am

        I agree with skipper Sonny about the 5-6 foot approach depths to the main pier at Crystal Cove…however the 4.5 foot keel on my Cal 29 sailboat grounded about 60 feet before reaching the much shorter fuel dock last year. Now I use the end of the long pier when visiting Crystal Cove.

        Reply to David
    • St. Augustine Cruisers’ Shuttle Service Launched, AICW Statute Mile 778


      Port of Call, St. Augustine What a great service! Thank you Port of Call St. Augustine, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! As you take advantage of this new convenience, send us a review. St. Augustine City Marina overlooks the western shoreline, just south of the Bridge of Lions and Hidden Harbor Marina lies on the western shores of the San Sebastian River, northwest of marker #37.

      Port of Call St Augustine has launched their new Cruisers’ Shuttle servicing Mariners at the City Municipal and Hidden Harbor Marinas. The current schedule will transport visitors to all the necessary provisioning spots and watering holes.
      shuttle
      Clean and efficient transportation at a great price has finally arrived. Five dollars will buy you an all- day pass and Albert, the extraordinary bus driver, makes every effort to be sure your provisioning is complete. Our Shuttle is designed to meet every requirement of the transient mariner. For example, the West Route can accommodate your propane tanks with the best price in town on refills. As far as purchasing supplies, there is no such thing as buying too much. The back of the Shuttle is designed to stack and carry all the groceries and supplies you can stand to buy. Our eight passenger Scuttle bus will tie up any loose ends with the 10 am Scuttle Run which handles everything from clearing Customs to supply deliveries from the local chandleries. Special handling can be arranged through our office if you call ahead. Tune into the local Cruisers Net Radio at
      9am VHF CH 72 for daily information or go to our website portofcallsa.com for the latest information on the Shuttle schedule.
      PORT OF CALL SAINT AUGUSTINE: YOUR SOURCE ON THE WATER
      Portofcallsa.com
      904-429-5045

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For St. Augustine City Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Augustine City Marina

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Hidden Harbor Marina

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

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. David Burnham -  March 5, 2015 - 6:03 am

        3 cheers for Albert and 3 more for Sandy for setting up and providing this service for cruisers. I just cruised over to their website for the first time (with thanks to SSCN for piloting) and bookmarked that page on my android phone. With Saint Augustine Race Week coming next month I’m sure they will be seeing a lot of activity…:D

        Reply to David
    • Good Report on St Augustine Inlet Buoys, near AICW Statute Mile 776


      Our thanks to Skipper Newsome for the link below showing the placement of markers in June of 2013. Since that date an additional red marker has been added, see /?p=145360. With other possible changes in mind, the report Buoy Assessment is a handsome report and still well worth the time to read.

      The link below to a power point presentation title STA Inlet Buoy Assessment 01-Jun-2013 seems to correlate to the April 16, 2013 meeting notes and provides a good visual and reference to the buoy positions and inlet in general.

      http://www.staugustineport.com/projects/04JUN2013_InletAssessment.pdf

      James Newsome

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Augustine Inlet

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    • SSCA’s Position on FWC Anchoring Summary Released

      The Seven Seas Cruising Association has long been a strong advocate for boaters’ rights, especially the right to anchor without undue restrictions. SSECN applauds SSCA’s publication of their position on FWC’s recent summary of anchoring rights, see /?p=146797, and urges Florida boaters to contact their respective legislators asking for support for anchoring rights.

      PRESS RELEASE
      For More Information Contact: For Immediate Release
      Barbara Theisen, Editor 2/12/2015
      Seven Seas Cruising Association, Inc.
      2501 East Commercial Blvd., Suite 203
      Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
      954-771-5662 ‘“ Home Base
      editor@ssca.org
      SEVEN SEAS CRUISING ASSOCIATION RELEASES
      FLORIDA ANCHORING RIGHTS POSITION
      The Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) has published its position on the new Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Anchoring Survey results. The FWC will propose legislative changes to anchoring rights. Some are positive, but some will prevent Florida boaters from anchoring, only to preserve the waterfront view of a very few landowners. Every Florida Boater needs to contact their elected representatives to preserve their Florida anchoring rights.
      SSCA approves the following FWC proposal: (Numbering preserved from the FWC Executive Summary. )

      3. The storing of vessels on the water in deteriorating condition would be prohibited. (However, SSCA’s position is that Florida legislators must approve funding for the regulation and removal of these `derelict’ boats).

      However, SSCA does not approve of the following FWC anchoring rights proposals as reasonable concepts:

      2. A setback distance where anchoring of vessels overnight in close proximity to waterfront residential property would be prohibited.

      5. If authority was granted to local governments to regulate anchoring in their jurisdiction, an allowance could be created for other anchoring regulations where need is demonstrated.

      Florida anchoring rights are important to all boaters. Florida is a bellwether state for water rights, and if
      Florida restricts federal rights of boats to travel and anchor on public waters, just to preserve the view of a
      few landowners (residential setback), other states may follow. Also, proposal 5 (approval of local regulation) would create an impossible patchwork of differing regulations across the state, subject to the whims and enforcement of local cities and counties. This is what the current mooring field regulations were enacted to eliminate. But SSCA agrees with FWC’s proposal to define and remove derelict boats, if funding is also approved for this regulation and removal.
      Seven Seas Cruising Association, Inc. is the oldest and largest non-profit organization of voyaging cruisers
      in the world. SSCA has nearly 8,000 members sharing the dream of sailing the seas as a lifestyle. The goals of the original founders are still the goals of SSCA today: sharing cruising information, camaraderie, and leaving a clean wake. For more information, go to www.ssca.org

      See: Executive Summary of FWC Anchoring Survey Results at:
      http://myfwc.com/media/2981012/Anchoring-Survey-Executive-Summary.pdf

      sscassca2

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. John Kettlewell -  February 16, 2015 - 1:01 pm

        The arguments around so-called “derelict” vessels are disingenuous. The FWC already has a detailed and effective plan in place for identifying and dealing with truly derelict vessels. There is even funding available for this, but it is often used up with several really expensive problem vessels each year–sometimes commercial vessels that are abandoned. It is not a problem of lack of laws and regulations, but a lack of will and enforcement. Unfortunately, the smoke screen of derelict vessels has been used to negatively impact cruising boaters who locals don’t like the look of for one reason or another. By the way, Seven Seas was a strong supporter of the trial anchoring and mooring program which has been used to essentially outlaw anchoring in communities that install mooring fields. This was exactly the result that some of us predicted when the anchoring and mooring plan was hatched. It had nothing to do with improving access to waterways, and everything to do with outlawing anchoring.

        Reply to John
    • Daytona Marina and Boatworks, AICW Statute Mile 831


      This excellent report by Skippers Valentine comes to us via the AGLCA Forum. The entrance channel to Daytona Marina runs west-southwest from the Waterway south of marker #39A and the southerly entrance cut for Halifax Harbor Marina.

      I would like to report excellent service that we received at Daytona Marina and Boatworks (http://www.thedaytonamarina.com). After an unplanned meeting with the bottom we limped into their yard with damaged running gear. Both Kevin Mooney, the manager at Daytona Boatworks and Mark, the owner of Tomoka Propeller were very responsive and efficient. They were also considerate of our status as transients, and went out of their way to keep us floating while work progressed, including a couple of short hauls. We can’t say enough about how pleased we were with this facility and with the entire staff. If you are a cruiser needing some maintenance do yourself a favor and consider having it done here. They did what they said, when they said, and, even with a couple of surprises, stayed pretty darn close to the estimate. The transient docks are in great condition- fixed wooden lay alongs, the laundry and showers are clean and the dockmasters are efficient and helpful. If you need repairs or maintenance consider this your stop. If you just want a nice stop, with a restaurant on the premises and a short walk from the downtown area, give them a try.
      Larry & Theresa Valentine m/v Lauren Grace

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

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

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    • Unhappy Stay at Fort Lauderdale Municipal Docks at Las Olas Bridge, AICW Statute Mile 1064


      One of three municipal docks in Fort Lauderdale, the Las Olas docks lie off the Waterway’s eastern shoreline immediately north and south (mostly on the north side) of the Las Olas bascule bridge. Skipper Finley’s report is in contrast to other reviews posted on SSECN. However, with municipal budget cuts, it is possible that conditions at the marina have deteriorated in the last year or so.

      This facility is not being maintained in accordance to the prices being charged. The restrooms are NASTY and not being cleaned regularly. Feces on the toilet seats for 3 days now. toilet paper out. Security I have seen 2 times in 10 days.. People come in at night by walking in with paying customers. Boats come in after dark and leave before dawn. I had a guy urinating off the bridge behind my boat and called security, he was at the fisheries and I never saw him that night. Boaters communicate through the web. I like to be persistent to foster change for a better future for the mariners. I cannot agree I paid $1500 to park a 34ft. boat for this kind of treatment. We need to do better people!
      Scott Finley

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Las Olas Municipal Docks

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

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Raymond Copeland -  January 19, 2016 - 2:33 pm

        Scott’s comments are over board. I have been into Las Olas many times over the years and know that the facilities are excellent. The Dockmaster is excellent, attentive and if, and I say if, those conditions were true, a simple comment to him would have had an immediate response. Scott is simply bashing here. Not nice!

        Reply to Raymond
    • US Power and Sail Squadrons Honored by BoatUS

      Boat U.S.USPower and Sail Squadrons provide valuable local community services with their public boating safety inspections and boat handling courses, as recognized here by BoatUS, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      NEWS From BoatUS
      Boat Owners Association of The United States
      880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304

      power sqd

      (L to R) C/C Robert Baldridge; Cdr. Sterling Wyland, Ocean City; Lt/C. Bonnie Kanoy, North Strand; Cdr. JB Bagby, Ft. Macon; Cdr. Dick Todd, Lake Norman; Cdr. Jim Strothers, Sanibel-Captiva; D/C Mary Dodd, USPS District 8: Ted Sensenbrenner, BoatUS.

      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
      Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com

       

      MD, NC, SC and FL United States Power Squadrons Bestowed With Honors

      JACKSONVILLE, Fla., February 5, 2015 — At the US Power Squadrons (USPS) Annual Meeting held recently in Jacksonville, Florida, five Squadrons from across the country and one District were honored with Distinguished Civic Service Awards. Sponsored by Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the awards are given annually to the USPS District and Squadrons in recognition of exceptional service and public boating safety education and service to the boating community.

      `While America’s recreational boaters are enjoying the water with friends and family, Power Squadron members work hard giving up their own time to help make boating safer. They offer boat owners free vessel safety checks, provide boating safety instruction, and more. We greatly appreciate their commitment to ensuring everyone has a safe day on the water,’ said BoatUS Foundation for Assistant Director of Boating Safety Ted Sensenbrenner.

      Top Squadron honors went to Sanibel-Captiva Sail and Power Squadron, Florida. Some of their activities included: participating in an on-water wreath laying ceremony honoring lost members of the armed forces, helping a local food pantry, and working to increase safety for paddlers. `They showed how difficult it can be to see kayakers at dusk and in times of limited visibility, and how simply adding white reflective tape to paddle blades can be a real lifesaver,’ said Sensenbrenner.

      Second Place for Top Squadron went to Lake Norman Sail and Power Squadron, North Carolina, for their work with youth and bringing a new Sea Scout Ship to the area, as well as support of the `The Dolphin Project,’ a local non-profit that performs surveys to monitor the health of dolphin populations.

      Third place went to North Strand Sail and Power Squadron, South Carolina, which hosted shoreline clean up events, collected donations for their local Helping Hands charity and Sea Haven, a residence for homeless teens offering crisis services.

      Runners up for Top Squadron included Ocean City Power Squadron, Maryland, for their community participation in parades, clean up events and their work with a respite care home to take families fishing and sightseeing. Another runner up was Fort Macon Sail and Power Squadron, North Carolina, for their work with the local visitors center to spread safety message as well as publishing boating safety stories and reaching out to boating families.

      Top USPS District Award, which recognizes the collective efforts of all of the squadrons within a region, went to USPS District 8, which includes South Florida and the Keys. The award is based on the amount of classroom hours logged, community outreach hours and number of vessel safety checks performed. These voluntary and free safety reviews are designed to educate boaters about recommended and required safety equipment aboard recreational vessels and to assess the condition of the safety equipment they have aboard.

      US Power Squadrons began with the efforts of Charles Chapman, who in 1914 realized that owners of recreational powerboats needed instruction on how to operate safely and with confidence. Today, the USPS has over 400 regional Squadrons for owners of both sail and powerboats.

      About United States Power Squadrons:

      Organized in 1914, United States Power Squadrons (USPS) is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. Our members are boating families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. We enjoy participating with our fellow members on the water and in the classroom. USPS has nearly 40,000 members organized into over 400 squadrons across the country and in some US territories. USPS is America’s largest non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three US presidents for its civic contributions. Each squadron’s activities involve the three primary objectives of USPS: community service, continuing education, and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of our fellow members. For more, go to USPS.org.

      About BoatUS and BoatUS Foundation:

      Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its over half-million members with government representation, services such as 24-hour dispatch, on water boat towing as well as roadside assistance for boat trailers and tow vehicles, feature-packed boat insurance programs, money-saving benefits and vital information that improves the boating, fishing and sailing lifestyle. Its 501(c)(3) nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating, and provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways and keeping boating safe. For more, go to BoatUS.com or BoatUS.org.

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    • Report from USCG Hearings on Proposed RR Bridge Closings


      Our thanks to Captain Wright for this first hand report from USCG public hearings concerning the proposed All Aboard Florida railway service from Miami to Orlando, as described earlier this month in /?p=146374.

      I attended and spoke at the USCG hearings in Stuart re: St. Lucie River RR Bridge [/?p=5739] closings issue.
      While the USCG did state that they have no jurisdiction over the railroad, and therefore cannot take a position on the viability (or not) of All Aboard Florida’s (AAF) attempt to add 32 highs speed trains per day to the tracks between Miami and Orlando, USCG did say they are responsible and have jurisdiction over the waterways in so far as safe navigation is concerned. They can (and did in CT at the CT River Amtrak bridge in the 80’s) limit the closing of RR bridges if they interfere with the safe passage of vessels.
      The proposed AAG 32 high speed trains between Miami and Orlando would increase the `bridge close time’ to a total of 75 minutes every hour (greater than one hour for those not mathematically inclined) which represents not only a navigation safety issue, but is in actuality a `BLOCKADE’.
      To be successful with the USCG in this matter, we must focus on what the USCG can affect, which is the impact of the bridge closings on safe navigation of the waterways.
      Capt. Ken Wright, North Palm Beach, Florida

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Britt Point RR Bridge

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of RR Bridge

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    • More Abuse by Florida Wildlife Commission Enforcement Officers

      Skipper Starling’s report comes in response to an earlier posting on the heavy-handed practices of some FWC patrol officers, /?p=133874. Despite numerous complaints filed by experienced and law abiding boaters, Florida seems unable to control the over-zealous enforcement present in the FWC enforcement division, practices definitely not limited to the Keys.

      Predatory practices by FWCC toward boaters in Key West
      Being shadowed by a boat with no lights while underway to the dock at sunset is unnerving , but when it turns out to be FWCC , it is worse.
      Now pulled over by FWCC, they mention running lights so I mention the sunglasses they still have on. No matter that it is literally moments after sunset. Their intention is to write a citation and generate income for FWCC and at the moment I have become that revenue resource.
      Minor infractions that should warrant a verbal warning are tickets.
      Worse yet , a few weeks later I receive a certified letter from FWCC .
      Inside, a citation for a non operational anchor light , which was issued in my absence from the vessel. It was issued at 6:32 , just after sunset when the ambient light was bright enough to keep the photo cell on my Davis auto anchor light from activating. This anchor light is an industry standard and turns on and off automatically . My vessel was not anchored in State waters but Navy bay bottom and not in navigable waters.
      I have lost any respect for the newly inducted Officers, as they lack the skills necessary to gain the confidence of the Citizens and form relationships that would benefit the FWCC and boating community. Older Veteran Officers do not operate in this manner and know that it creates animosity and results in the boating community not helping FWCC in investigations of serious violations due to bad experiences and distrust.
      FWCC wonders why the boating community doesn’t trust them , and refuses to cooperate . This is one example of their perception of boaters as a income revenue resource.
      Lee Starling

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Rick Emerson -  January 30, 2015 - 7:29 pm

        Sorry, but never ever not ever tell any officer something like “you’re wearing sunglasses after sunset”. Your ticket for the anchor light was, no doubt, payback for the comment.

        Reply to Rick
    • Report from Boathouse Marina, St. Johns River, Palatka, FL


      Skipper Sonny Reeves is exploring the St. Johns River and, while we normally excerpt his marina reports as posted on his blog, this one is just too complete to edit, so open the link below and enjoy. Boathouse Marina overlooks the shores of the St. Johns River west-southwest of Palatka City Marina and marker #1. Cruisers docking here are within walking easy distance of the shops and restaurants in downtown Palatka.

      From January 23, 2015:

      http://ontheofficewautoteacher.blogspot.com/

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Boathouse Marina

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

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    • Still More Praise for Huckins Boat Yard, Ortega River, Jacksonville FL


      Huckins Boat Yard is located on the northern shores of the Ortega River off the St. Johns River, just upstream of the Roosevelt Boulevard Bridge with a 45ft vertical clearance. Skipper Reeves joins other skippers in praising Huckins Boat Yard. See /?p=128570

      FYI,
      I can’t say enough about how nice the experience at Huckins was for us.
      Sonny Reeves

      0113151039

      The old bottom paint

      0116151508e

      New paint, on time and estimate

      0110150945

      LIGHTEN UP is one of the well kept Huckins boats

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Huckins Boat Yard

      Comments from Cruisers (3)

      1. Bill Alderman -  October 18, 2015 - 6:48 am

        Huckins is the best. We had a fuel tank replaced by them and some more work done to the Leprechaun 440 EB Sea Ray and I can’t say enough about them they are the top of the line service and very reasonabe on there price Richard and Justin were the best and PJ was on top of everthing and Trishia in the office could not have been better. If you need repairs get it there you will not be sorry.

        Reply to Bill
      2. Alan Bliss -  January 26, 2015 - 11:22 am

        Ditto this positive review of the Huckins Yard. They are a longtime custom boat builder with extensive facilities and equipment. They have weathered the down market in custom new-builds by cultivating their service operation. The workers are high-skill and conscientious, and management is on-site and responsive. Huckins has a reputation for being pricey, but their hourly rates are in-line with many yards, they go the extra mile to serve a customer, and their quality is such that you get full value for every dollar. They have worked on my boat several times, and I always leave satisfied.
        Alan Bliss

        Reply to Alan
    • Shallow Water Reported East of Lake Park, FL, AICW Statute Mile 1017, 1/14/2015


      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

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Marc Krawatsky -  July 29, 2020 - 12:03 pm

        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.

        Reply to Marc
    • Seeking a Captained Charter in North Florida

      If you are a charter boat or know someone who does captained charters, let us hear from you. We have to assume that Ms Olsen is referring to the St. Johns River as “north central Florida.”

      We are looking for a 3 or 4 nite trip in the waterways of north central Florida.
      There would be 2 coupels who would like to entertain the idea of a captain with sleeping quarters for us and stops and picturesque towns for food and exploration.
      Can you give us some ideas of how to arrange such a trip?
      Thank you
      Pam Olsen

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Thomas Bonnett -  January 16, 2015 - 2:26 pm

        I am a charter captain and own a 60′ Hatteras convertible that we do use for charters such as your request. Moviing boat to st Augustine February 1, will be in Jacksonville Beach till then. We customize the trip to your wishes.
        My ph # is 612-251-4436. My business is Seahorse Charters&Cruises LLC.
        Regards,
        Capt Tom Bonnett

        Reply to Thomas
    • Dania Beach Marina Recommended, AICW Statute Mile 1069


      Access to Dania Beach Marina from the ICW is restricted by a fixed bridge with 18ft vertical clearance, but the marina is well protected and located on the beach. The entrance channel is on the east side of the Waterway just north of the Dania Beach Boulevard Bascule Bridge. Skipper Mahler’s comments are from the AGLCA Forum.

      Try dania beach municipal marina. It Is 2 miles south of port everglades inlet. Brand new marina, concrete floating docks. $750 per month annual I think $900 monthly. The price is by the slip not by the foot, slips can
      handle up to 50×17.
      Edward Mahler

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Dania Beach Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dania Beach Marina

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Skipper Mahler -  January 12, 2015 - 5:44 pm

        High tide is 17’7″ Low tide is 21′

        Reply to Skipper
    • Good Words for Lake Park Harbor Marina, AICW Statute Mile 1017


      Lake Park Harbor Marina is on the west side of the Waterway, one mile north of Lake Worth Inlet. These comments from Skipper Pattison are from the AGLCA Forum.

      Unless you can find a private home with available dock space, rates for most places in SE Florida are pretty silly. The farther north you go, the better the rates. We’ve used Lake Park City Marina for several years and find it to be a good place to keep a boat. Their amenities are not great but the rates are better than most and they have great floating docks. Here is the link to their website: http://www.lakeparkmarina.com/
      Dockmaster Ken is knowledgeable and a great help for anything you might need. Tell him we said hi if you go there.
      Jim Pattison
      m/v Samba & Island Bound

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Lake Park Harbor Marina

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

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    • Three RR Bridges in Florida Draw 3000 Comments

      As described in Jim Flannery’s article below in Soundings Trade Only Today, the USCG got more than they bargained for when they requested comments on three railway bridges, see /?p=145271

      Florida boaters flood Coast Guard with comments on bridge openings
      Posted on January 7th, 2015
      Written by Jim Flannery

      The Coast Guard gathered around 3,000 comments in hearings in November about the navigation needs of mariners at three railroad drawbridges that run over the New River in Fort Lauderdale, the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter and the St. Lucie River in Stuart, according to Barry Dragon, chief of bridge administration for the Seventh Coast Guard District.

      Half to two-thirds of those comments registered concern with the All Aboard Florida high-speed passenger service proposed for the 128.5-mile Florida East Coast Railroad corridor from Miami to Cocoa and a new 40-mile east-west rail corridor on state-owned right-of-way from Cocoa to Orlando. But Dragon said that wasn’t the hearings’ purpose. The purpose was to gather information on how mariners use those waterways and what their `reasonable navigation needs’ at the bridges are ‘” today.

      `The hardest part was getting mariners to tell me what their needs are, not what they think about All Aboard Florida,’ Dragon said.

      Click here for the full article.

       

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Capt. Ken Wright -  January 30, 2015 - 10:18 pm

        I attended and spoke at the USCG hearings in Stuart re: St. Lucie River RR Bridge closings issue.
        While the USCG did state that they have no jurisdiction over the railroad, and therefore cannot take a position on the viability (or not) of All Aboard Florida’s (AAF) attempt to add 32 highs speed trains per day to the tracks between Miami and Orlando, USCG did say they are responsible and have jurisdiction over the waterways in so far as safe navigation is concerned. They can (and did in CT at the CT River Amtrak bridge in the 80’s) limit the closing of RR bridges if they interfere with the safe passage of vessels.
        The proposed AAG 32 high speed trains between Miami and Orlando would increase the “bridge close time” to a total of 75 minutes every hour (greater than one hour for those not mathematically inclined) which represents not only a navigation safety issue, but is in actuality a “BLOCKADE”.
        To be successful with the USCG in this matter, we must focus on what the USCG can affect, which is the impact of the bridge closings on safe navigation of the waterways.
        Capt. Ken Wright, North Palm Beach, Florida

        Reply to Capt.
    • Forests of Rare Coral Discovered off South Florida

      This article and video by David Flesher from the Sun Sentinel will be of great interest to the divers in our cruising community, particularly those of you located between Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale.

      The off-shore locations of the coral are listed in the article.

      coral

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    • Palatka City Dock Launch Ramps Reopened, St. Johns River


      Our thanks to our good friend, David Burnham, for sending in this item from the Palatka Daily News. This reopening is certainly good news for all our trailering compadres. The new launch ramps are part of a waterfront development project begun earlier this year.See link below. The ramps are a feature of Riverfront Park just southwest of the Hwy 17 Bridge.

      Palatka, FL has reopened the City Dock Launch Ramps in time for the Christmas Holidays. Although the new restroom facilities have yet to be built, the four new launch ramps with floating docks next to the Palatka City Dock are now available for use. The new landscaping and picnic areas look attractive and are similar to the overall waterfront improvement proposal.

      Palatka ready to break ground on waterfront improvement …

      The new signs say that mooring for more than 48 hours at the dock requires prior approval by the City if you call (386)329-0100. The older signs still say that the Dock facilities close at 9PM and reopen at 5AM which implies that overnight docking is not permitted. So it is a good idea to call ahead as usage policies may be flexible as construction and improvements continue.
      David Burnham

      Palatka City Dock picnic area

      Palatka City Dock picnic area

      Palatka City Docks

      Palatka City Docks

      Palatka City Dock Pumpout

      Palatka City Dock Pumpout

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Palatka City Dock

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