Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Jul 18, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Palatka, FL Dining, St. Johns River
Boathouse Marina - Click for Chartview
Palatka is the first major port of call on the beautiful St. Johns River, south of Jacksonville, Florida. You can anchor off the city waterfront, and dinghy into the city dock, or pick up a wet slip at Boathouse Marina.
Boathouse overlooks the St. Johns River’s shoreline, west-southwest of Palatka City Dock and marker #1. Cruisers berthing here will find themselves within easy walking distance of the shops and restaurants in downtown Palatka
The City Cafe has closed, but Angel’s Diner and the Subway sandwich shop are within an easy walk of the Marina. Beef’O’Brady’s has opened in the Quality Inn just north of the bridge on the west side of the river. Exercise extreme care crossing Highway 17 or use the long boardwalk beneath the bridge. Arrive on the 3rd Friday or 4th Saturday of the month for maximum activities provided by the City of Palatka. http://www.palatkadowntown.com/event-calender.html
David Burnham
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
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 16, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Derelict/Sunken Vessels A Real Problem on the Palatka Waterfront, St. Johns River, Palatka, Florida
Capt. Burnham’s comments below are a postscript to his earlier warning of a sunken vessel in these waters, a warning that resulted in an SSECN Navigation Alert (see /?p=108736).
Derelicts (abandoned vessels) and “live aboard hulks” (so-called “vessels” on which people “live” that will never move again, unless it’s straight down to the bottom) are indeed a very real problem, not only in Florida, but throughout the Southeastern coastal regions. We agree wholeheartedly with Captain Burnham’s thoughts that many of these situations could be solved simply by enforcing MSD regulations and marine salvage laws ALREADY ON THE BOOKS!
Sunken Buccaneer Sailcraft, Palatka Waterfront - Photo Courtesy of Captain David Burnham
The Palatka riverfront is becoming a graveyard for boats whose irresponsible owners neglect their anchored vessels. A third vessel is now a navigational hazard between the Palatka city dock and the Highway 17 Memorial Bridge. This unlit hazard has only its bowpulpit showing above the water surface. This 27′ Bucanneer sailboat does not have a mast so it can be hard to spot. Unlike Kevin’s sloop that was allowed to sink south of the Boathouse Marina with only its mast above water and west of the sunken Houseboat that only has the top two feet of the roof exposed at high tide.
If you plan to anchor at Palatka it is currently hazardous to do so except with a full moon or in daylight.
The mastless 27′ Bucaneer [see attached photos – editor] was a hazardous sinking vessel on the 5th of July. It sank on the 13th and there was plenty of time to prevent it from sinking…The Houseboat has been underwater for months…Kevin’s sloop sank two weeks ago and it was obvious that it was in hazard of sinking yet no action was taken. Is the owner the only person responsible when authorities refuse to act to correct an obviously hazardous situation?
David Burnham
I am a property owner, a sailor and have at one time had my 32′ sloop in the Palatka Marina for 3 years. I beg to differ with the good captain! The vessels and the places he describes are accurate; however, NONE are in the channel, they are in places where when the winter winds occur, they are in relatively SAFE positions. If the good captain wants to wander around exploring the area, excellent. Do so at your own risk, . Anytime its not daylight, anywhere you do so at your own peril. A real seaman would not chance a night anchorage in a strange place.
Gene Koblick
Sunken Houseboat (in the middle of the photo, beyond the two sailcraft), Palatka Waterfront - Photo Courtesy of Captain David Burnham

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Palatka Waterfront
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 5, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
News from Loggerhead Club Marina, Vero Beach, AICW Statute Mile 948.5
Loggerhead Club Marina lies west and a bit south of the AICW’s marker #122 in Vero Beach, FL
Subject: New Groceries at Loggerhead Vero
Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 17:25:35 +0000
A new Publix has opened 3/4 of mile from our docks. We have loaner bikes for boaters. Restaurants are also being built.
Transient boaters welcome!
Stephen Haigis
Harbor Master
Loggerhead Marina – Vero Beach
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Loggerhead Club Marina-Vero Beach
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Loggerhead Club Marina-Vero Beach
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 3, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Fascinating “Antique Shop” Within Walking Distance of Titusville Harbor, AICW Statute Mile 879
For a small to medium sized Florida municipality, Titusville has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to excellent marina facilities, particularly including SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Westland Marina.
Once the lines are coiled, take a stroll to the “antique shop,” described by Captain Sonny below. It sounds absolutely fascinating!
I have docked at the marina many times on trips to the Keys or Bahamas and it is always first class. There is a special place you may not know about. Up the main street there is an antique shop that is run by a retired Air Force gentleman. It is his Dad’s garage with all the old tools and equipment from before WW2. He is an interesting character and worth the visit. The shop is full of antiques that were his Dad’s and not for sale. My problem was I knew what each tool does and how to use them:)
On up the street (south) is a sandwich shop that makes a good Ruben. Nice place with a park next to the marina.
Sonny Reeves
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Titusville Municipal Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Titusville Municipal Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jun 28, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Question About Titusville Mooring Field Limits, AICW Statute Mile 879
Titusville Mooring Field - Click for Chartview
The Titusville mooring field lies south of the Titusville harbor entrance channel.
I anchored there, nowhere near any moorings then noticed all the yellow markers out to the channel and to the bridge. There seems to be no moorings in most of the marked area. Can they tell us we cant anchor in a marked mooring area if there are no moorings near you. I called the marina to ask and was told I could not anchor there because its a mooring field. When I mentioned that there were no moorings they said there was seagrass. Is this there latest trick.
Mike
Thank you for posting my comment here. If they can make a mooring field with no moorings and tell you not to anchor here, they might do it elsewhere. I understand that Titusville may be installing more moorings in the future but until then they should not be able to restrict anchoring if you are not near there existing moorings. I anchored right in the middle of the marked field and was no where near a moored boat.
Mike SV Bay Tripper
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Titusville City Marina
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For The Titusville Mooring Field
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Titusville, Florida
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jun 27, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
St. Augustine City Marina (Statute Mile 778)
The marina review below is excerpted from Captains Mike and Mary Dicken’s, owners of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Paradise Yachts, web blog. These various accounts are recorded when this well-oiled nautical team helps new boat owners deliver their recently purchased craft to home port, or undertake yacht deliveries themselves for the same purpose. Wow, talk about service AFTER the sale – it doesn’t get any better than this. You will be seeing LOTS of excerpts from Captains Mike and Mary’s web blogs here on the SSECN. This is superb info, and we are glad to have it available to our readers.
The particular collection of blog entries from which the article below is excerpted is an account of a cruise from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Fernandina Beach, FL, assisting the buyers of a 42′ Novatec used trawler. You can read this entire set of blog entries at http://www.paradiseyachtsales.blogspot.com/2013/03/assisting-customers-service-after-sale_26.html.
St. Augustine City Marina has the advantage, and the disadvantage, of being located in the heart of downtown St. Augustine. There are MANY dining and historical sites within easy walking distance, but, as Captain Mary notes below, there are also hordes of landlubber tourists.
If you seek something a bit quieter, we would suggest you also consider SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor, found off the AICW, just north of the Waterway’s intersection with St. Augustine Inlet, and a hop, skip and jump north of the Vilano Beach Bridge.
We docked at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina. The current here is swift, 3-5 knots, and one must be very aware of this in order to get your boat into the slip. The facility is very nice with 8-10 foot water depths along side floating docks. Many dining facilities are very close. I give this marina a solid A.
We arrived in St. Augustine around 2 p.m. and Captain Alan did a great job getting Panacea into her slip. We all had a celebratory beer (tradition) and then we went exploring. St. Augustine is full of history but unfortunately it’s all gotten a little too commercial. There were people everywhere.
We went to dinner at A1A Ale House, a favorite of Mike’s and mine. We all enjoyed a delicious dinner and a few drinks. Back to the boat for a night cap and off to bed we west.
Captains Mary and Mike Dickens
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
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jun 27, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Halifax Harbor Marina (Statute Mile 831)
The marina review below is excerpted from Captains Mike and Mary Dicken’s, owners of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Paradise Yachts, web blog. These various accounts are recorded when this well-oiled nautical team helps new boat owners deliver their recently purchased craft to home port, or undertake yacht deliveries themselves for the same purpose. Wow, talk about service AFTER the sale – it doesn’t get any better than this. You will be seeing LOTS of excerpts from Captains Mike and Mary’s web blogs here on the SSECN. This is superb info, and we are glad to have it available to our readers.
The particular collection of blog entries from which the article below is excerpted is an account of a cruise from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Fernandina Beach, FL, assisting the buyers of a 42′ Novatec used trawler. You can read this entire set of blog entries at http://www.paradiseyachtsales.blogspot.com/2013/03/assisting-customers-service-after-sale_26.html.
Halifax Harbor Marina lies along the AICW’s western flank, in the heart of downtown Daytona Beach. Not only is this a mammoth marina, but any number of dining and entertainment opportunities are found within easy walking distance. Just be sure to call ahead, particularly doing spring or fall transient season, as the available transient slips tend to fill quickly.
We are staying at Halifax Harbor Marina which is a beautiful facility. Halifax Harbor Marina in Daytona Beach is a first class facility with several clean bath houses, 7-8 foot depths along side floating docks, locked bath houses and docks and a West Marine on site. Many restaurants are within a block away.
Captains Mary and Mike Dickens
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Halifax Harbor Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Halifax Harbor Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jun 27, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Titusville Municipal Marina (Statute Mile 879)
The marina review below is excerpted from Captains Mike and Mary Dicken’s, owners of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Paradise Yachts, web blog. These various accounts are recorded when this well-oiled nautical team helps new boat owners deliver their recently purchased craft to home port, or undertake yacht deliveries themselves for the same purpose. Wow, talk about service AFTER the sale – it doesn’t get any better than this. You will be seeing LOTS of excerpts from Captains Mike and Mary’s web blog here on the SSECN. This is superb info, and we are glad to have it available to our readers.
The particular collection of blog entries from which the article below is excerpted is an account of a cruise from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Fernandina Beach, FL, assisting the buyers of a 42′ Novatec used trawler. You can read this entire set of blog entries at http://www.paradiseyachtsales.blogspot.com/2013/03/assisting-customers-service-after-sale_26.html.
For a small to medium sized Florida municipality, Titusville has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to excellent marina facilities. On the southern side of the city’s well sheltered harbor, cruisers will discover SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Westland Marina (http://www.westlandmarina.com). This superb operation has one of the best cruisers’ lounges I have ever reviewed, plus everyone associated with this enterprise rates our “super friendly” check mark.
Captains Mary and Mike, and their new owners, chose to berth at Titusville Municipal Marina. This is one of the best, medium-sized city owned and managed marinas in the Southeast. Both marinas are within easy walking distance of each other.
The third day we docked at Titusville Municipal Marina, mile marker 878.3 . Water depths were 6 feet plus along side fixed docks. Dozier’s Cruising Guide reports floating docks but that is incorrect. There is a nice ships store on premises. The baths were clean.
The four of us walked to a grocery store to re-provision and from there Mike and I took a taxi to ABC Liquors to re-provision. Dozier’s also reports shopping and a liquor store within walking distances; that to is incorrect. But a 10 minute cab ride will get you there.
Got back to the boat and took the rest of the day off. It was fun visiting with our customers/friends and learning more about them. We had grilled chicken, quinoa and a salad for dinner. Life is good!
Captains Mary and Mike Dickens
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Titusville Municipal Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Titusville Municipal Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jun 27, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Sebastian Inlet Marina (Statute Mile 938)
The marina review below is excerpted from Captains Mike and Mary Dicken’s, owners of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Paradise Yachts, web blog. These various accounts are recorded when this well-oiled nautical team helps new boat owners deliver their recently purchased craft to home port, or undertake yacht deliveries themselves for the same purpose. Wow, talk about service AFTER the sale – it doesn’t get any better than this. You will be seeing LOTS of excerpts from Captains Mike and Mary’s web blogs here on the SSECN. This is superb info, and we are glad to have it available to our readers.
The particular collection of blog entries from which the article below is excerpted is an account of a cruise from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Fernandina Beach, FL, assisting the buyers of a 42′ Novatec used trawler. You can read this entire set of blog entries at http://www.paradiseyachtsales.blogspot.com/2013/03/assisting-customers-service-after-sale_26.html.
Sebastian Inlet Marina guards the western banks of the AICW’s run through Indian River, west of marker #66. This facility has always struck me as a bit “small craft oriented,” and that opinion would seem to be endorsed by Captain Mary and Mike’s review below.
We stayed at the Sebastian Inlet Marina at mile marker 934.3. The channel is very narrow and the marina offers no protection from an easterly wind. The channel in the marina is narrow requiring one to back out to depart. Depths along side the floating docks was about 6 feet.
We decided to fill up with fuel before going to our assigned slip. The wind was out of the north which was not a good thing given the location of their fuel dock. It made docking tricky but we got it. We also stayed at the fuel dock for the night so we wouldn’t have to deal with the high winds. Today we will leave at first light again; hopefully dealing with light winds.
The baths were excellent.[but] I would NEVER take a 40 foot plus sized boat into this marina ever again.
Captains Mary and Mike Dickens
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Sebastian Inlet Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sebastian Inlet Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jun 27, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
JIB Yacht Club Marina, AICW Statute Mile 1004
The marina review below is excerpted from Captains Mike and Mary Dicken’s, owners of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Paradise Yachts, web blog. These various accounts are recorded when this well-oiled nautical team helps new boat owners deliver their recently purchased craft to home port, or undertake yacht deliveries themselves for the same purpose. Wow, talk about service AFTER the sale – it doesn’t get any better than this. You will be seeing LOTS of excerpts from Captains Mike and Mary’s web blog here on the SSECN. This is superb info, and we are glad to have it available to our readers.
The particular collection of blog entries from which the article below is excerpted is an account of a cruise from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Fernandina Beach, FL, assisting the buyers of a 42′ Novatec used trawler. You can read this entire set of blog entries at http://www.paradiseyachtsales.blogspot.com/2013/03/assisting-customers-service-after-sale_26.html.
This particular excerpt concerns JIB Yacht Club. This facility is really more of a marina than a club, and flanks the eastern shores of the AICW, immediately north of Jupiter Inlet.
We stayed at JIB Yacht Club Marina in Jupiter right off the ICW, mile marker 1004.2. Water depths were about 6 feet along side the fixed docks. The deck hands were good and the baths very clean. There is no restaurant within walking distances however. Turning around to depart within the marina is tight; turning around a boat much larger than 46 would be VERY tight.
Captains Mike and Mary Dickens
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For JIB Yacht Club Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of JIB Yacht Club Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jun 20, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Dinghy Dock at Ft. Pierce City Marina, AICW Statute Mile 966.5
Click for Chartview
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.
Captain Larson asked the question below and I called Anne Maurer, Managing Director of the Ft. Pierce City Marina. These were her directions:
The dinghy dock at Ft. Pierce City Marina is located on the seawall directly at the western end of the entrance channel. The dinghy dock is free and the marina suggests you give them a call for dockhand assistance as you come in.
Go to their webpage for a good photo of the marina layout. www.fortpiercecitymarina.com
You can also land at Fisherman’s Wharf public boat ramp on the north side of City Marina. The boat ramp is also shown in the marina’s webpage.
It would be great if there was a map and clear directions to the public dingy dock, so boaters can get in for shopping. etc. Thanks and happy sailing.
Jamie Larson
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Fort Pierce City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fort Pierce City Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jun 19, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Brief Comment on Beach Marine, Jacksonville Beach, Florida (Statute Mile 748)
Beach Marina flanks the eastern side of the AICW, immediately north of the high-rise McCormick Bridge, in the heart of Jacksonville Beach.
A great stop on our way North. Bryan was very helpful with navigation. Great live music at the restaurants.
Olivia and Bob
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Beach Marine
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Beach Marine
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jun 19, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Halifax Harbor Marina, Daytona Beach, FL (Statute Mile 831)
Here’s a brief and very laudatory review of the largest marina between St. Augustine and Fort Pierce, Florida. We have always found Halifax Harbor, lying in the heart of downtown Daytona Beach, to be a totally first class operation.
Halifax Harbor in Daytona Beach, Fl is a great live aboard marina: well maintained, choice of floating or fixed, 24 hr. security, clean and well protected weather wise.
Don R,
m/v Andante
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Halifax Harbor Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Halifax Harbor Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jun 5, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More Good Words for Beach Marine, AICW Statute Mile 748, Jacksonville Beach, FL
Beach Marine - Click for Chartview
Beach Marine guards the Waterway’s eastern banks, immediately north of the new B. B. McCormick high-rise bridge, in the heart of Jacksonville Beach, FL.
Beach Marine is a great stop. There is plenty of depth in an area with lots of skinny water. The restaurants are certainly likeable. Transients are usually put on a easy lay along. Stay safe,
Tom
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Beach Marine
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Beach Marine
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jun 4, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Cocoa Village Marina, Cocoa, FL, AICW Statute Mile 897
Cocoa Village Marina - Click for Chartview
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!
Stayed at Cocoa on our way south in April 2013 and were most impressed, the club house and facilities are great, and the marina is well kept and well run. The staff were kind and considerate. Access to town is easy, and we had a good dinner there.
Entry is a little strange, but they guide you in well, so listen and make sure you understand. We had no issues and loved out time there.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Cocoa Village Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cocoa Village Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jun 4, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Praise for St. Augustine City Marina, AICW Statute Mile 778
St. Augustine City Marina - Click for Chartview
St. Augustine City Marina overlooks the western shoreline of the Waterway, just south of the Bridge of Lions.
We just love City Marina and St. Augustine. We berthed opposite the new dock area in mid May ‘“ and the new break water and wide access made in and out easy.
We live on Hilton Head, so strong tides are just a fact of life with us. Sorry if they worry some, but they are what they are, so go with the flow.
The marina has a great location, close to the Fort and Historic Downtown. It is a shuttle stop for the trolley tour and public transportation, and has access to a myriad of restaurants. Cabs are cheap and a trip to Super Walmart (about 6 miles est.) was about $10 each way.
The marina is clean, the rest rooms are updated, the internet worked, as do the washers and dryers, and the staff was hard working, kind and pleasant.
We stayed three nights. This is our sixth visit to City Marina, including one when we left the boat for two weeks. We have never had an issue and just love the place. The new Bridge of Lions is complete, so there is no bridge construction any more, and the view is wonderful without the cranes and barges. It is well run and is a truly down-town marina. I am sure they will see us again the next time we head south.
William Lawrenson
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida 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
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jun 4, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Hutchinson Island Marriott Marina, AICW Statute Mile 985
Hutchinson Island Marriott Marina - Click for Chartview
Hutchinson Island Marriott Marina lies south-southeast of the Ernest Lyons/Highway AlA and north of marker #228, and a few miles north of the AICW’s intersection with the Okeechobee Waterway/St. Lucie River/St. Lucie Inlet.
We stayed at this marina on both the way down to Miami and again on the way back in May this year. One day on the way down became three, as we hit a really good weather window and just enjoyed the pool and facilities. Some folks say the fixed docks are a little high, but that is the only negative I heard. We were just fine. Great rest rooms and showers, clean marina, not expensive, Marriott luxury resort is attached and you get full rights ‘“ restaurants, pools with pool towels, golf and beach access and transportation around the complex. Publix (groceries) is within walking distance. We even watched a mom manatee and her baby 20ft. from the dock.
Get an inside or north side slip as the slips on the south side have no breakwater and looked lumpy when the SW wind got up. All slips have adequate finger dock with poles outside, so be ready to snag the poles on the way in.
It is thinly staffed (only the dock master) who leaves at 4:30PM, so you do not always get immediate attention. On the other side of that issue, he works hard to please his guests and is accommodating. It is a laid back friendly marina with many semi-permanent snowbirds hanging out there.
If you want a clean comfortable secure combo marina/luxury resort for a couple of days R&R (or longer), give this one a try.
William Lawrenson
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Hutchinson Island Marriott Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Hutchinson Island Marriott Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jun 4, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Bahia Mar Yachting Center, AICW Statute Mile 1064.5, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Bahia Mar Yachting Center - Click for Chartview
Bahia Mar Yachting Center is located along the Waterway’s eastern banks, south of Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Boulevard bridge.
Stayed at Bahia Mar mid May for four nights and loved it. We spent many happy hours at the pool and liked the catwalk over the road directly to the beach. The fitness center looked newly refurbished. The hotel facilities wee used were just fine. Staff were helpful and prompt. If you are looking for a combo marina/resort, this is a good one.
The prior cruiser mentioned security, so I feel obliged to comment on what we saw and heard. We went down to Key West overnight and left the boat with no issues. On our return our neighbors reported that a sailboat on the far end of our dock had been broken into. Security cameras supposedly showed no unauthorized access to the dock. Our neighbors had been questioned by the police as they appeared on the security video. They reported that the police thought it must have been thieves on a boat who came in from the ICW and hit the first yacht they came to ‘“ hard to defend against.
William Lawrenson
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Bahia Mar Yachting Center
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bahia Mar Yachting Center
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jun 4, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from Miami Beach Marina, east of the AICW, north side of Government Cut
Miami Beach Marina - Click for Chartview
Miami Beach Marina is found on the southwesternmost shores of Miami Beach, just west of the Government Cut Inlet.
Stayed a night ‘“ planned on two, but decided not to stay. The marina facilities are OK, but needed a good clean when we were there. The help was fine. Access to South Beach is great, and that is a fun place. Access to the ocean is also great, and the ride from the ICW past the cruise ships is very interesting. Police security is active around the cruise ships, so keep your distance from both the patrol boat and the ships.
We were located on the south end of the marina, and had constant surge from (I believe) the ocean and tides, as well as wakes from boats. It was awful. You are right next to a ship’s channel at the entrance to the Port of Miami. The two boats next to us were long term live-aboard residents, who had all types of mooring lines from their boats (8 on one and 9 on the other I recall ‘“ I ended up with 6) all to no apparent avail. They said they loved the location, and you get used the constant surge, wakes and currents. We felt that at the prices they charged, there had to be a better place to stay.
William Lawrenson
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Miami Beach Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Miami Beach Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jun 4, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Praise for Boca Raton Resort & Club Marina, AICW Statute Mile 1048
Boca Raton Resort and Club Marina - Click for Chartview
Boca Raton Resort & Club Marina flanks the western banks of the combined Lake Boca Raton and ICW passage, north of marker #66.
Stayed a couple of nights and loved it. The Waldorf Boca Raton is beautiful and the facilities are just fabulous. The staff was helpful and we were given a great location close to the facilities. We are only 36ft, so were small by comparison to others in the slips, but were treated with great respect, as would any guest at the Waldorf.
The funniest thing is the Dock Masters Office. You enter these massive double wooden doors in this luxurious hallway to find a few cheap desks with the dock staff sitting around ‘“ as you would in a small start-up company.
The cloisters offered many an evenings solitude and the pool and towels were great.
You could call this marina expensive ‘“ it certainly was not cheap, but we were at the Waldorf Astoria and loved it. We would do it again in a flash.
William Lawrenson
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Boca Raton Resort & Club Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Boca Raton Resort & Club Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!