Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Dec 25, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.6439,-81.63059999
Palatka City Dock Launch Ramps Reopened, St. Johns River

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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 Docks

Palatka City Dock Pumpout
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Dec 24, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 25.7317,-80.15639999
Good Words for Crandon Park Marina and Key Biscayne, Statute Mile 1094

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Located on the eastern shore of Biscayne Bay, Crandon Park Marina at 4000 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne, FL, is a Miami-Dade County facility associated with Crandon Park Beach. The location looks very inviting and they do take transients on a space-available, no advance reservations, basis.
We live on Key Biscayne. Just a tip. There is good provisioning in Key Biscayne on Crandon Blvd in the village. Take the bus, every 20-30 minutes southbound right at the marina. Every third bus goes down Harbor Drive and is less convenient. There is grocery, restaurants and every sort of shopping just 5 miles away. Best beaches in Crandon Park and Bill Baggs State Park. I believe moorings are only for sailboats. Enjoy.
Gregory Han
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Crandon Park Marina
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Sue ward - December 24, 2014 - 6:22 pm

Definitely no trawlers on the mooring although they were half empty when we tried to get in 2 years ago. They do not monitor VHF and were very unfriendly towards us. Very disappointed after going right up the channel and nowhere is it clear that sail boats only on moorings. Expensive to dock so we went to Dinner Key. Would not bother there again.
Reply to Sue
Dec 17, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.4504,-80.32249999
New Docks Open at Fort Pierce City Marina, AICW Statute Mile 966.5

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The entrance channel leading to Fort Pierce City Marina, a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, runs to the west, just south of the Fort Pierce high-rise bridge, and well north of unlighted daybeacon #188.
Subj: The First Set of New Docks Are Now Open!
12/17/2014 09:43 AM
1600 Linear Feet of new dockage is now available!!!!!

Anne Maurer
Fort Pierce City Marina
772-464-1245
FPCM@city-ftpierce.com
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Fort Pierce City Marina
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Nov 29, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.8963,-81.30989999
Report from St. Augustine Northern Mooring Field, AICW Statute Mile 778

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The two St. Augustine mooring fields are north and south of the Bridge of Lions in the heart of St. Augustine. The northern mooring field is nearest the St. Augustine inlet and is more often subject to wind and wave action. Skipper MacKay is responding to inquiries about maximum vessel length in the mooring field. St. Augustine Marina states that the field is designed for vessels up to 120ft.
Anchored just [south] of the Castle last week (Nov, 2014) at the advice of harbor staff since there were no moorings available. No problems. As for size in mooring field, I’ve seen some 60 plus foot boats in there. Shouldn’t be an issue.
John MacKay
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Southern St. Augustine Mooring Field
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Nov 29, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 28.0772,-80.60019999
Grounding in Melbourne Harbor Marina Entry Channel, AICW Statute Mile 919

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The Melbourne Harbor Marina entrance channel cuts west, abeam of unlighted daybeacon #6, south of the Melbourne twin, high-rise bridges.
We tried to get into the harbour last night and hit bottom in the middle of the channel with our 5 ft draft. We had told them we were 5 ft and was told that there was plenty of water. The marina response to our telling them that we were aground was `Call Sea Tow or Boat Tow’ it was late afternoon and blowing 18-20. Eventually we got off and were told to keep to the red markers.. We said no thank you and asked for the nearest marina south which was 15 miles so we went four miles back to Telemar which was very welcoming.
Paul Robson
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Melbourne Harbor Marina
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Debra Bryan - November 29, 2014 - 8:44 pm

We attempted getting in there last spring, but were reading very low water. We draw 5’6 and also told by the marina “no problem”. Bull!! We ended up bailing after some very tense moments.
Debra Bryan
Reply to Debra
Nov 12, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.5959,-81.65499999
Murphy Island Free Dock, St. Johns River, Palatka, FL

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Murphy Island is on the south shore of the St. Johns River, south of Palatka. In addition to the free dock described by Skipper Gorham, there are two recommended anchorages in Murphy Creek (see links below). For more on Murphy Island, go to: http://www.sjrwmd.com/recreationguide/murphycreek/
Free dock stopover on the St. John’s River at Murphy Island
We came upon a nice little stopover on our recent river cruise. On the river between Dunns Creek and the railroad bridge at Buffalo Bluff, the St John’s River Water Management District has built a nice little floating dock that allows access to Murphy Island and its picnic area and several miles of nature trails. The dock is right next to marker 22 at 29 degrees 35.756′ N by 081 Degrees 39.292’W. There is very deep water on the approach and about 6 feet along the 40 foot long floating face dock. We found it a nice quiet spot to overnight, and it is also a very quick and easy stop for both human and canine crew to stretch their legs for a bit on the trails.
Jonathan Gorham
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Murphy Creek Eastern Anchorage
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No Comments 29.5893,-81.63059999
A Boating Adventure off the St. Johns River, near Palatka, FL

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Maybe it is all the “gunk-holing” we used to do in the Chesapeake or the river-running we did in coastal Georgia, but this is the kind of boating adventure my family loves. And as Skipper Gorham attests, unmarked waterways like Dunns Creek are often very beautiful and just require slow travel and a sharp lookout. Good for you Skipper Gorham! Dunns Creek exits the St. Johns southward between Murphy and Rat Islands, south of Palatka.
A St. Johns side trip down Dunns Creek to Crescent Lake
Crescent Lake is the third largest Lake in Florida, and is connected to the St. Johns River by Dunns Creek. It doesn’t get many visits from cruising size craft, probably because Dunns Creek is a bit intimidating, but we recently took an overnight trip to the charming town of Crescent City, and it was worth the trip.
Dunns Creek joins the St. Johns near marker 16 upstream of Palatka and winds for about 5 miles through beautiful hardwood swamp to the north end of Crescent Lake. Most of the creek is quite deep at 20 to 40 feet, but there are no navaids, and in places the depth rises very sharply to shallow sandbars that you cannot see due to the tannin stained water, which can cause a little anxiety. By favoring the outside of the creek bends and paying attention to the very accurate bathymetry on our Navionics chart chip, we never saw less than 6 feet. There is a broad shallow area at the north end of the lake, but we also never saw less than 6 feet crossing that.
Once in Crescent Lake, there is a uniform depth of 10-12 feet all the way to Crescent City. At 29 degrees 25.822’N by 081 degrees 30.338′ W, there is a public ramp and landing with about 6 feet of water and a 50 foot face dock. Also here is the restaurant 3 Bananas, which has docking for dinghies and small craft. We had a fine dinner there and were allowed to overnight on their dock. Just offshore within dinghy distance to the docks is Bear Island, which has 7-10 feet of water 360 degrees around the island and good holding in sandy mud for an overnight anchorage.
The town of Crescent City is very pleasant to walk around, with huge live oaks and a lot of antique stores. Also don’t miss the 600 year old white cypress right behind 3 Bananas – it is one of the largest and oldest trees of its kind in Florida.
Jonathan Gorham

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Dunns Creek Anchorage
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Nov 6, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.9084,-81.29339999
New Lighted Red Marker in St. Augustine Inlet, near AICW Statute Mile 776

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Because of its shifting channel and the required frequent dredging, Green Only markers in the St. Augustine Inlet have sometimes been a source of confusion. This new lighted red marker will be a big improvement. Our thanks to Commissioner Jay Bliss for his Port Meeting report and to Chuck Baier and Susan Landry for the article below by Stuart Korfhage in the St. Augustine Record.
Selected proceedings at yesterday’s Oct 14 2014 Port meeting: USCG Chief Bosun Mike Tomasi reported our USCG has finally been able to allocate a Large LIGHTED RED channel marker #6 for the StAugustine Inlet channel. Until last Thursday, mariners entering our inlet at night had no red lighted markers, only green ones. Thus a few unintentional landings on Porpoise point over the years’¦.
Jay Bliss
New illuminated marker should make for safer boating in St. Augustine Inlet
Posted: November 5, 2014 – 10:54pm
By STUART KORFHAGE
stuart.korfhage@staugustine.com
Master mariners might still use the stars to chart their course, but boaters slipping through the St. Augustine Inlet at night now have an even better aid.
Last month, at the urging of the St. Augustine Port, Waterway and Beach District, the U.S. Coast Guard added a lighted red buoy (No. 6) to keep boaters from accidentally running aground at Porpoise Point.
There are already reflective red markers and lighted green markers that show boaters the safest way to enter the Inlet. But without the illuminated red marker, night trips by those unfamiliar with the area have led to costly failures to navigate the Inlet.
`The Inlet is not a good inlet to go in and out of without local knowledge, and it’s more challenging at night,’ said Sam Adukiewicz, harbormaster at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina. `The new marker will definitely make it better.’
Commissioner Jay Bliss of the St. Augustine Port, Waterway and Beach District said one of the dangers of the old setup was that captains would sometimes line up between the green markers of the Inlet and illuminated marker No. 60.
The problem with red No. 60 is that it’s actually in the Intracoastal Waterway, not the Inlet. And lining up with the Inlet greens and the ICW No. 60 will put a boat right into the sand.
`You see green on the left, and on the right side you don’t see squat at night,’ Bliss said of entering the Inlet before the new marker. `A lot of people have wound up landing at Porpoise Point, and it’s been a pretty tricky maneuver.’
For more of the article, see: http://staugustine.com/news/local-news/2014-11-05/new-illuminated-marker-should-make-safer-boating-st-augustine-inlet#.VFvT_vnF9Ko
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Nov 4, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 30.67,-81.4689999
Sweet News from Fernandina, FL, AICW Statute Mile 716

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My family has been vacationing in Fernandina for more than 50 years and it gets better every year, as Skipper Dammeyer confirms with his discovery of a great bakery. And a berth at Fernandina Harbor Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, puts you right in the heart of the wonderful things to do and see in this special port.
Larry,
Just made a great find. The favorite bakery of passing cruisers up Center Street closed a couple of years ago, but a new one just opened 4th of July in Fernandina. Nana Teresa’s Bake Shop had lots of treats and sweets. Open from 10-7, and located at the corner of 5th and Ash, one block South of Center street, around the corner from the court house. The crew at Timoti’s Fish Shop sent us over there for desert. Cruisers with a sweet tooth stopping at Fernandina will find it worth the walk from the marina.
Best,
Rick Dammeyer
Promise
Catalina 445
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Fernandina Harbor Marina
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Winston Fowler - November 5, 2014 - 11:03 pm

This is a great town served by a great marina and staff. We always stay at Fernandina Beach Marina when traveling the AICW. It is the Annapolis of Florida and the Beaufort SC of Florida too. LOVE IT and glad to have another reason to stop in and visit the new bakery.
Reply to Winston

Dennis JAY - November 4, 2014 - 5:43 pm

Fernandina Beach is one of our favorites places to stop on the way south. Stayed one year for five months. Will look for the bakery shop. My favorite place in Fernandina — O’Kanes Irish Pub — closed down last year. Best Irish bar anywhere.
Reply to Dennis
Nov 2, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 26.8317,-80.0559999
Price Increase at Old Port Cove Marina, North Palm Beach, AICW Statute Mile 1014

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Skipper Bessent’s information is correct as confirmed today by phone. The slip rate is $2.00 per foot per night for all vessel lengths, plus electric. Their former 25% BoatUS discount is reduced to 15%.
We are planning to stay at Old Port Cove tonight and possibly for the next few days. FYI, they have had a price increase and are now charging $2.00/foot and offering a 15% BoatUS discount.
Robin Bessent
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Old Port Cove Marina
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Peter Kurki - November 2, 2014 - 11:12 am

As the economy gets stimulated areas of increased expense are more and more prevalent . Now more than ever communication is key and king.
Knowing before hand of a rate change, enables captains ability to budget and make way. Anticipated expense is just that.
Bennett Brothers Yachts at Cape Fear Marina understands pricing sensitivity.
No rate change here. Transient $1.75 / $8.00 pf monthly -electro metered.
Change is enviable , change for the better takes effort.
Cruise safe, have fun with challenge .
PK
Reply to Peter
Oct 17, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.9084,-81.29339999
News from St. Augustine, AICW Statute Mile 776

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This very welcome information on the navigation aids in the St. Augustine Inlet and on area events is sent to us by our good friend and supporter, Port Commissioner Jay Bliss. During his tenure, Capt. Bliss has provided valuable and timely information on the St. Augustine area. Thank you Jay!
Greetings Port Observers,
Selected proceedings at yesterday’s Oct 14 2014 Port meeting: USCG Chief Bosun Mike Tomasi reported our USCG has finally been able to allocate a Large LIGHTED RED channel marker #6 for the St Augustine Inlet channel. Until last Thursday, mariners entering our inlet at night had no red lighted markers, only green ones. Thus a few unintentional landings on Porpoise point over the years’¦.
Your Port board approved $6500 for the annual Regatta of Lights, which the St Augustine Yacht Club organizes and hosts. This year it will be Saturday December 13th. This evening event provides a spectator draw that closes down the Bridge of Lions and packs the bay front with residents and visitors enjoying the boating parade of lighted craft celebrating Christmas holidays.
Always you’ll find on the Port website a full set of the minutes of any past meeting!
My commission with the Port expires 13 November 2014. It’s been a pleasure to serve. Two very able individuals, Tom Rivers (who has been on the board before) and Conch House Dockmaster Mark Helman will fill board seats 1 and 5.
YOU get to decide the one contested seat 3 on your ballot. I’d urge you to vote for Herb Rippe. He brings balanced judgement and an even disposition as Chairman, an objective viewpoint, and is dedicated to the task.
Our community is favored with a distinguished group of contenders for City Commission seats. We can salute them all, challengers and incumbents alike, for their contributions. That said, this voter prizes the organizational and leadership skills, the integrity, and the data-based objectivity that Nancy Shaver has already brought to our community. She offers her service as candidate for City Commissioner and Mayor. She has our vote.
Respectfully,
Jay Bliss
St. Augustine Port Commisioner
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Sep 8, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Seventh District False Flare Cases are Costly Events
As detailed in this article by Adam Linhardt in KeysNews.com, this is a real No-Brainer, and surely no SSECN reader would ever be guilty of abusing the use of emergency flares. However, it is a good topic of conversation to have in public places where some of the less-informed might overhear!
False flare cases plague Coast Guard
BY ADAM LINHARDT Citizen Staff
alinhardt@keysnews.com
Misuse of emergency marine flares is giving the Coast Guard headaches and costing taxpayers a ton of money, the agency said last week.
Since June, the Coast Guard Seventh District headquartered in Miami, of which Sector Key West is included, reported more than 60 flare sightings. Watchstanders then launched air and boat crews in every instance at a total cost of more than $5 million, according to the Coast Guard.
Each search typically costs between $60,000 and $90,000 when fuel and manpower needs are totaled, according to data released by the Coast Guard.
“Shooting a flare in a nondistress situation is no different than dialing 911 and hanging up,” said Capt. Todd Coggeshall, chief of response management for the Coast Guard Seventh District.
To read more, go to:
http://keysnews.com/node/57961
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Sep 3, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Vessel Insurance in Florida
One of our readers is looking for recommendations for an insurer for a 40ft trimaran while in Florida. While SSECN is happy to pass along this request for advice, we cannot serve as a broker or even a kiosk for various insurers. Please offer Skipper Laletin your suggestions via a personal phone call to the number listed below or by email at chrislaletin@mac.com. Thanks!
I recently relocated my 40 foot trimaran from the Chesapeake to Florida for this winter. Enough freezing snow last year and I don’t want my baby freezing again. Progressive Insurance will not renew my policy in Florida since i’m over 35 feet. Boat US wants 10% of my policy value as a premium. Any suggestions on an insurance company that will insure a 40 foot trimaran. I have never made a claim and never used my Boat US towing. JAZ is presently stored on the hard in Saint Augustine. I can be contacted directly by text or voice call at 808 seven seven two 2133.
Chris Laletin
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Sep 2, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 11 Comments
Sailor Requests Advice on Off-Shore Leg off Florida East Coast
If you have experience sailing south against the Gulf Stream from Lake Worth Inlet to Boot Key Harbor in Marathon and can answer Skipper Yeager’s concerns about this c.175 mile trip, please let us hear from you!
Hello All,
I’m going to move my 38 ft sailboat from Lake Park, FL to Marathon, FL for the winter, I’m concerned that the Gulf Stream is going to make a very long passage from Lake Worth Inlet to Marathon. Should I cut the trip into several stops, and if so what are the better ports, marinas to use? Or should I just go for it and do it in one long stretch? When I moved my boat from Sarasota I stopped in Marathon and then the passage from Marathon to Lake Worth Inlet in one stretch. But I was going with the Gulf Stream. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated!
Thanking you in advance for your time and help.
Vaughan Yeager
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Comments from Cruisers (11)

John -  June 8, 2019 - 6:17 pm

Any suggestions on routing from Marathon Key to Dinner Key? I'm helping a friend bring his sailboat up aroung the 18th of June. We are thinking about getting in to the Gulf Stream.
Reply to John

Bill Charleston -  October 25, 2014 - 3:31 pm

i do that trip every fall. The weather broadcasts lists the mile location of the west side of the gulf stream. There is plenty of room between the shore and the west wall of the gulf stream to make way going south.
Just watch your GPS speed over ground, if you stray too far off the coast, you’ll see it in short order. Two years ago when I was asleep, the first mate got too far off Islamorada and as I said, the GPS speed clearly showed what was happening.
At night, I like to stay in rather deep water (>couple hundred feet) to minimize the problems with crab trap line fouling.
Reply to Bill

John Kettlewell -  October 15, 2014 - 10:43 am

All the other advice looks good, but I would add use cold fronts to your advantage. When the front is coming the wind will clock from its usual SE direction to S then SW then W then NW. Leave when the wind gets into the west and stick close to shore for a fast reach/run down the coast in plenty of wind, but low seas because you have to stick close to shore to stay out of the Gulf Stream. At night I set my course to angle a bit further offshore until I notice our speed over ground declining and then I change course back towards shore a bit. That speed reduction means you’ve begun to hit the edge of the stream. During the day, hug the coast and enjoy lots of wind with calm seas.
Reply to John

Jeff Graham -  October 6, 2014 - 10:13 am

We have made this trip several times in the last few years and have done it a couple different ways.
First, I agree with all the other comments on staying in 50′-100′ of water just offshore. Keep in mind there are a lot of small fishing boats along this stretch, especially north of Miami. There number drops once you are well past Key Biscayne.
If you plan on making all daylight transits, then logical stops after departing Lake Worth are Fort LaDeeDa (Lauderdale) where you can anchor, moor or pay a marina. Depending on the day of the week, a late afternoon arrival may coincide with departure of 1-5 cruise ships. Always an interesting experience entering the harbor with these behemoths exiting.
Next stop can be Miami or Key Biscayne. We enjoy anchoring just to the west of Key Biscayne provided winds are not strong out of the west. Or you can head to Dinner Key and take a mooring.
Next head down the Hawk Channel with a stop at Rodriguez Key or push all the way down to the Channel 5 (65′) bridge and anchor in Matacumbe Bight or Jewfish Hole. Holding isn’t great, but these anchorages are large and frequently empty except for the late afternoon jet skiers that frequent the calm waters of these areas.
At this point you are an easy daysail from Marathon/Boot Key Harbor.
Another alternative, if you have crew, radar and a good, up to date chart plotter with the most recent e-charts AND you get a good weather window, is to simply exit Lake Worth and head none stop over night. We have done this a few times and the Hawk channel is well marked and wide. Just need to watch for the occasional fishing boats popping out of Key Biscayne and Key Largo at night.
Safe sailing.
Cheers,
Jeff Graham
Reply to Jeff

Vaughn Yeager -  September 17, 2014 - 10:33 am

Thanks so much for everyone’s advice. I look forward to posting a “Made it to Marathon” post soon.
Smooth Sailing!
Reply to Vaughn

Dave Kuchenbecker -  September 5, 2014 - 10:58 am

The big problem in the gulf stream. If you stay close in shore then you won’t get much effect. When I say inside, I mean 1 mile. Watch the SOG and move closer to shore. If you check the NOAA website they will give you the distance of the west wall of the stream off the coast. It changes day to day so keep an eye on it. When you get to Key Biscayne you can go in Govt Channel or keep heading south to cape florida and enter there. I have always gone around Cape florida. It can be a little confusing but it is marked well. If you are tired you can drop the hook in no name harbor, but not on the weekend. The weekend Warriors take over the place with the stereos maxed out. No services there except the restaurant . GO across to Coconut grove and take a ball at Diner Key. The staff is great and the local community is a spectacular place to hang out. we always seem to get stuck there for a month.
Dave Kuchenbecker
Reply to Dave

denny -  September 4, 2014 - 5:19 am

We do day stops, we go from Lake Worth to Ft. Lauderdale, and anchor in Lake Sylvia, takes a good day to do that. Then a short hop to Miami and anchor either north of Port of Miami, or south at Marine stadium.
Outside if weather permits you can stop at Rodriguez Key, then it’s Boot Key.
Reply to denny

Jack Brennan -  September 2, 2014 - 7:59 pm

I’ve sailed extensively along the Southeast Florida coast down through the Keys. You don’t want to go out into the Gulfstream; The best route is to stick to relatively shallow water — maybe 50 or 100 feet, depending on conditions — along the shore. Not only will you avoid the northbound current, but you can sometimes pick up a southbound current there. If you are a little lucky, you will get E-SE winds and be able to sail the whole way. Even with a south wind, motorsailing is much faster and easier than flipping bridges on the Intracoastal. On an OK day, Hillsboro Inlet is a logical stop for overnight anchoring. There is a nice cove inside with decent anchoring. Keep going if the weather is bad, though. Hillsboro is extremely rough when the weather turns bad. After that, Port of Miami/Key Biscayne is a good place to stop.
Reply to Jack

Tim Carrere -  September 2, 2014 - 5:01 pm

The Gulf Stream actually puts off (south directional) eddies on its outer borders that can assist you in the southbound voyage, much like your northbound trip was with the full current of the stream. You will Just need to figure out by temp or other means (NOAA images) where those edges may be on any given day.
Reply to Tim

Chuck Baier -  September 2, 2014 - 4:51 pm

Vaughan, We’ve done this trip many times and our first comment is to watch the weather forecasts. That will be more of a determining factor than the Gulf Stream. Each day the Coast guard announces the west wall of the Stream and this should help you in your transit. Near Miami, the Stream can be as close a 1/2 mile or as far off as a couple of mile. But the current is only really strong in the axis or middle of the Stream. Stay close in to shore and you will not have a problem with currents. Just have a good set of charts and don’t get in too close. Once you reach Key Biscayne, go down Hawks Channel to Marathon. Once again, weather will play the most important role. Strong easterly winds will keep you in port. You can duck in at Port of Everglades or Miami if it gets uncomfortable. Chuck Baier
Reply to Chuck

Hominid -  April 11, 2016 - 1:28 am

Chuck, You’ve perpetuated a common myth that the velocity of the GS current is really strong only in the axis. Off of south FL, the velocity is fairly consistent over the entire width (about 30 NM) of the GS. Shortly after entering it from the west – only a mile or two in – you’ll experience a full 2.5 to 3 kt current and it will rarely be more than about 3.5 kts near its axis.
Reply to Hominid
Aug 27, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.2016,-81.01129999
Aqua Marina has a New Owner and a New Name, AICW Statute Mile 831

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Aqua Marina is now Daytona Marina and Boatworks. The entrance channel runs west-southwest from the Waterway south of marker #39A and the southerly entrance cut for Halifax Harbor Marina. The Office Manager is Linda Grant and their new website is http://www.thedaytonamarina.com/
SSECN wishes the new management the very best!
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Aug 26, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 30.2774,-81.71299999
Good Words for Ortega Landing Marina, Ortega River, Jacksonville, FL

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Only a mile or so upstream from downtown Jacksonville, Ortega Landing is the first facility on your starboard as you enter the Ortega River from the St. Johns. These words of praise come from our friends on the AGLCA Forum.
Our boat is currently in Jacksonville at the Marina at Ortega Landing while we take care of personal business back home in Atlanta. In my humble opinion, it is impossible to beat Ortega Landing as a great place to stay in
Jacksonville. The marina itself is superb and superior to many Yacht Clubs in both amenities and their social calendar. The Wi-Fi on the docks is fed by fiber optic and is just about as fast as my home Wi-Fi. It is hands down
the fastest Wi-Fi I have ever experienced in a marina. Our insurance (Boat US) recognizes this marina as a hurricane hole which saves us a bunch of money on insurance.
Dave Fuller
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Ortega Landing Marina
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Rick Chamberlain - August 26, 2014 - 4:46 pm

Nice place and the best yard for work is next door at Sadler Point Marina. I kept my boat there with nothing but good experiences.
Rick Chamberlain
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Aug 6, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 28.3575,-80.72539999
Good Words for Cocoa Village Marina, Cocoa, FL, AICW Statute Mile 897

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Cocoa Village Marina occupies the mainland side of the Waterway, just north of the Cocoa bridge and only a few quick steps from the downtown Cocoa business district!
Great place to dock and enjoy the Historic Cocoa Village area, there plenty to do including shopping, dinning and relaxing in the park!
Alex Jackson
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Cocoa Village Marina
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Jul 26, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Possible Threat to Manatees by Protected Status Change
This article/opinion by Katie Tripp of KeysInfoNet.com highlights how this ruling to reduce their protected status might affect manatees on the East Coast and the Florida Keys.
Odds already stacked against manatees in federal study for possible downlisting
By KATIE TRIPP
In response to a lawsuit by the Pacific Legal Foundation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided downlisting manatees from endangered to threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act may be warranted, and the agency is embarking on a five-year status review as part of the process.
Let me be very clear about the seriousness of the situation.
From 2010 to 2013, 2,441 manatees died in Florida waters, which is 48 percent of the highest minimum population ever recorded (5,077 in 2010), but we’d have to wait until after 2015 to be able to include this data. However, ignoring this information would also constitute a substantial and unacceptable bias.
For the complete story, go to:
http://www.keysnet.com/2014/07/23/497910/odds-already-stacked-against-manatees.html?sp=/99/116/
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Jul 16, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.9173,-81.29919999
More Good Words for Inlet Marina, AICW Statute Mile 775.5, St. Augustine, FL

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Inlet Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! borders the eastern banks of the AICW, immediately south of the Vilano Beach high-rise bridge. We continue to hear good things about Inlet Marina and their personal service.
Hey Jay’¦.Once again it was nice to see you again . (May 2014) If you boaters north and southbound don’t stop at the Inlet Marina and see Jay, you are missing a great Guy and a nice boating experence. Jay, see you in 2015!!!
Ray & Bernie Smith ‘“ `Fire Dog’
Inlet Marina – Photo by Sonny Reeves
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Inlet Marina
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Jul 15, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 25.7214,-80.23019999
Night-Time Speed Restrictions Sought for Biscayne Bay, South Florida

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Following the deadly crash off Dinner Key, see /?p=143395, several groups are seeking regulations to curb speeding after dark in these popular and congested waters. Our thanks to Chuck Baier for bringing this article to SSECN.
Safe boating efforts build after tragic crash on July 4th
There’s momentum building to how recreational boating can be made safer after the tragic Fourth of July crash on Biscayne Bay.
BY SUE COCKING
SCOCKING@MIAMIHERALD.COM
Since the Fourth of July boating crash on Biscayne Bay ‘” the worst in Miami-Dade County in recent memory ‘” members of the recreational boating community have launched an informal but passionate campaign to try to prevent similar tragedies.
Four people died and several others were seriously hurt when a 32-foot Contender broadsided a 36-foot Carrera, then struck a Boston Whaler following holiday fireworks. The skipper of the Contender, 23-year-old Andrew Garcia and two of his passengers, Kelsie Karpiak, 24, and Victoria Dempsey, 20, were killed, along with Carrera passenger Jason Soleimani, 23.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which is in charge of the investigation, said evidence of alcohol was found aboard the Contender. No charges have been filed.
The accident happened about 10:30 p.m. off Coconut Grove’s Dinner Key, despite a heavy on-water law enforcement presence. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, as hundreds of boats zig-zagged across the bay in a race to reach local boat ramps and marinas after the fireworks.
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/07/12/4232679/safe-boating-efforts-build-after.html#storylink=cpy
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