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Good Times at Sebastian Inlet Marina (Statute Mile 938)
Note that the “Capt Hiram’s Resort” mentioned in Captain Soule’s report below, and Sebastian Inlet Marina, are one in the same!
Cruising News:
We want to share with the cruising community a great place in Sebastian, Florida to use as a stopover and dinghy shore access point. Capt Hiram’s Resort at AICW MM 938 has a marina that is our favorite place in this area to anchor off of and dinghy into. For some time now they have allowed us to pay for transient dockage for our dinghy at the very fair rate of 25$ a week or 100$ a month. This gives us use of the docks for our dinghy, and use of the showers, the pool and the parking lot. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Within
a mile is a Walmart, an Ace Hardware, and a large RV supply store with good prices.
We anchor just south of their entrance sign on the west side of the channel in 6′ of water (we draw 4′).with good holding in marl.
Capt Hiram’s also has on their entrance sign that they will come out and bring you in to the restaurant with their water taxi if you’ll call on Ch 16 after anchoring.
On site also with their excellent restaurant is a sand bar with live music most nights and concerts most weekends. It’s a very fun spot done up like a Bahamian beach bar including a ships lifeboat to add to the seating.
Try it, you’ll like it! Here’s their website:
http://www.hirams.com/things-to-do-at-the-resort/marina.aspx
David SouleClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sebastian Inlet Marina
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Good Words for Sebastian Inlet Marina, AICW Statute Mile 938
Captain Soule is describing Sebastian Inlet Marina which is west of unlighted daybeacon #66 in Sebastian, FL.
Cruising News:
We want to share with the cruising community a great place in Sebastian, Florida to use as a stopover and dinghy shore access point. Capt Hiram’s Resort at AICW MM 938 has a marina that is our favorite place in this area to anchor off of and dinghy into. For some time now they have allowed us to pay for transient dockage for our dinghy at the very fair rate of 25$ a week or 100$ a month. This gives us use of the docks for our dinghy, and use of the showers, the pool and the parking lot. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Within a mile is a Walmart, an Ace Hardware, and a large RV supply store with good prices.
We anchor just south of their entrance sign on the west side of the channel in 6′ of water (we draw 4′).with good holding in marl.
Capt Hiram’s also has on their entrance sign that they will come out and bring you in to the restaurant with their water taxi if you’ll call on Ch 16 after anchoring.
On site also with their excellent restaurant is a sand bar with live music most nights and concerts most weekends. It’s a very fun spot done up like a Bahamian beach bar including a ships lifeboat to add to the seating.
Try it, you’ll like it! Here’s their website , http://www.hirams.com/things-to-do-at-the-resort/marina.aspx
David SouleClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sebastian Inlet Marina
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Great Time at Marineland Marina! AICW Statute Mile 796
Cruising News:
We left Jacksonville eager to get to Marineland Marina after all the great reviews on Cruisersnet. After dealing with a small mechanical issue, I hailed Eric at Marineland to let him know we were running late. His response was, “no problem, safe travels”. This is Friday evening near closing time, no less. Long story short, we made it safely and Eric provided outstanding service all weekend. A 20,000 acre estuary across the ICW, UF Marine Science facilities on site featuring a crystal clear ocean species “pond”, a beautiful, secluded beach across the street, and clean, uncrowded facilities are just a few of the highlights. Back at work now but can’t wait to go back!
MitchWelcome JT’s Lunch Shack to the Town of Marineland’¦’¦located just across the street from the marina!
A fantastic and affordable menu that includes sandwiches, wraps, beer and wine, etc. right next to the beach and the Marineland Dolphin Adventure!
Just a short walk from the Town of Marineland Marina!
Open from 10:00AM to 4:00PM daily.
Chris Kelley, Dockmaster, Marineland MarinaClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marineland Marina
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Even More Praise (!!) for Marineland Marina, AICW Statute Mile 796
We just left our Pearson 424 `MOJO’ at Marineland for a month while I came back to our yacht brokerage to catch up on things. Chris and his staff can’t do enough for you. The facilities are absolutely spotless. Enterprise will bring you a rental car and St. Augustine is just a short drive if you want to do the tourist thing. Great uncrowded beach just across the street. Fantastic dockage rates. This will be a regular stop for us!
Jack Coulter on `MOJO’Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marineland Marina
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Good Stay at Jacksonville Landing on the St. Johns River, Jacksonville, FL
It’s a 13 mile cruise up the St. Johns River from the AICW to the Jacksonville waterfront, where mariners will discover Jacksonville Landing, on the north side of the St. Johns, midway between the Main Street Bridge and the Acosta Bridge. This complex is a downtown shopping mall/food court with a stage area for special events and concerts, featuring its own dock for visiting pleasurecraft, as described below.
We are enchanted with our short 3-day stay at the Landing. We would have liked a place to take a shower, and we felt a little bit like celebrities on display as many passersby asked us questions about the cruising life, but they were kind and harmless. The docks are over 1000 feet long, floating, and have the capacity for more than 50 boats. The sign says boats must be willing to be rafted 5 deep along the docks!! Oh my!! The current is strong here (tidal) but the docks are in sections and the balustrades stick out far enough that the docked boats are somewhat in the lee’¦.still need stout bow, stern, and spring lines and large fenders as boats are side-tied. Exposure to the wind from the ESE and SW; the fetch to the ESE is about a mile downstream in the river, so a ESE wind will start a chop at the docks sometimes. In the springtime there is an afternoon easterly sea breeze. The library is 5 blocks away, the Winn Dixie supermarket is 7 blocks away. The MegaBUS stop is within easy walking distance for out of town guests arriving or departing. The Jax Airport is a long cab/van/bus ride away north of town. The MegaBUS stop is also the central terminal for the city buses, which are reliable and generally run on time, although the frequency of buses on many routes is not very often.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jacksonville Landing
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Good Words for Pelican Harbor Marina, Miami, FL, AICW Statute Mile 1084.5
Pelican Harbor Marina is located on the north side SR934 bridge on the west side of the Waterway in Biscayne Bay. This facility is not yet listed in our “Eastern Florida Marina Directory,” but we will correct that oversight SOON!
Cruising News:
Check out this great marina:
Pelican Harbor Marina
1275 NE 79th St
Miami, FL 33138-4223
United States (US)
305-754-9330 (Fax: 305-756-4105)
George GraferClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Pelican Harbor Marina
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High Praise for Fernandina Harbor Marina, Fernandina, FL, AICW Statute Mile 716
Fernandina Harbor Marina is a very special place being in the very heart of one of the nicest communities on the east coast – obviously, it’s one of our favorite harbors! If you haven’t visited Fernandina, you are missing a real treat. My family has been vacationing in Fernandina for more than 50 years and it gets better every year.
This morning we departed FHM following a 10 day stay. The marina hosted a wonderful MTOA rendezvous and went out of their way to be accommodating to each of us. They are very competent, professional, and exude Southern Hospitality. Can’t speak highly enough of the marina, staff, and city, who also rolled out the red carpet.
Laura Lane BenderClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fernandina Harbor Marina
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More Good Words For Sunset Bay Moorings (and Marina), Stuart, Florida (on the Okeechobee Waterway/St. Lucie River, South Fork)
The praise for this Stuart, Florida facility just keeps piling up here at the Cruisers’ Net. Clearly, this is a GREAT stop on the Okeechobee Waterway, though AICW cruisers should know it’s a trek of several miles up the St. Lucie River from the Waterway to access Sunset Bay. Now, if we could only convince these good folks to become a Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net sponsor!
Just spent 4 nights here [Sunset Bay Moorings and Marina] on a mooring in pretty rough weather. This is one of the best marinas for transient boaters we have found anywhere. 5 stars!
Dave LantingClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sunset Bay Marina
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More Good Words for Harbortown Marina, AICW Statute Mile 965, Ft. Pierce, FL
Harbourtown Marina sits on the northern banks of Taylor Creek, which cuts into the Waterway’s western flank, south of unlighted daybeacon #184, just north of the Ft. Pierce Inlet.
We stayed here April 1st 2012 and had a pleasant stay. We were assigned a fixed pier across from the gas dock. It was long enough to go bow-in an still step off our 32 footer from just forward of the cockpit.
There is a West Marine, a liquor store, and grocery within (uphill) walking distance. The restaurant/bar is frequented by locals and live-aboards but closes early (after my bedtime).
They have wifi that we could access from our boat but you have to create an identity and password to get started with it.
We have been here before and were surprised to discover that a tidal current moves through the marina. To avoid embarrassment (nuff said), check for current when casting off lines.
Max MillerStayed here April 7 -8, 2012. We have friends here and tied up near the end of the pier, close to the trees on the cigar-shaped island that separates the marina from the canal. If you react to no-see-ums as my wife does, use muchas bug spray.
This marina has fixed docks but there is no tide here thanks to NASA who built a lock system to keep the sea off their property.
Manatee frequent the marina and gators and sharks have been spotted.
Watch your speed as you approach the Christa McAuliffe Bridge, (the tenders offensively call it the `Rt 3 bridge’ saving 3 whole syllables). The tender might scold you and tell you that you are too late for the opening for which you were on time. She also doesn’t seem to monitor 9 until you are approaching and scold you for not calling sooner.
There is a friendly group of live-aboards here and dock parties happen frequently.
Currently, they are running a $0.75 per night (two nights only) special.
Max MillerClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Harbourtown Marina
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Good Words for Ortega Landing Marina (on Ortega River, Jacksonville, FL)
Ortega Landing, the first facility you will encounter upon entering the Ortega River from the St. Johns, is indeed a fine facility, as is nearby Lambs Marine Center.
I could not resist throwing in a strong recommendation for Ortega Landing Marina just inside the Ortega River south of JAX. Great rates, free laundry, pool and jacuzzi. One block from Publix and all sorts of stores.
Rusty CarlisleClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ortega Landing Marina
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Praise for Crystal Cove Resort Marina, St. Johns River, Palatka, FL
Crystal Cove Resort Marina lies along the western shores of the St. Johns River, north of Palatka. The marked entry channel cuts west from the main river passage between markers #42A and #43.
Crystal Cove Resort on St. John’s River has New Owners. The place is great. Check out Blog Site @ http://crystalcoveresort.blogspot.com
Stephen Jeffrey CullClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Crystal Cove Marina
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Good Words for Green Cove Springs Marina, St. Johns River, Green Cove Springs, FL
Green Cove Springs Marina lies on the St. Johns River’s southwestern shores, in the heart of the old Navy Base, upstream of the Green Cove Springs City Dock, between Jacksonville and Palatka. This place has always had a “down on its luck” atmosphere every time we have visited here over the years. However, as evidenced by Captain Good’s comments below, do-it-yourselfers love this place, and it sounds like some improvement may be coming in the future. On the other hand, we’ve heard that story before, and then nothing has seemed to happen.
We looked high and low for a boat yard which would allow do-it-yourself work and also had reasonably priced long term storage. We finally chose Green Cove Springs Marina. It is a good old fashioned boatyard with friendly helpful staff. So far we have been delighted. Rumor has it they will be adding soon to the bathroom and shower facilities which is a modest weak point at present. Also I hear more vehicle parking is coming. And, at a time when other marinas are raising prices to uncomfortable amounts, GSM is not only reasonably priced, but they have room for lots of bo462Yats!
Reggie GoodWe found our boat in the long term storage lot at Green Cove Springs Marina. We moved it in to the work lot which was reasonbly priced and found the staff to be very accomodating and helpful. The store in the office had everything we needed at better prices than anywhere else we looked. The other folks working on their boats in the work yard were equally as helpful and friendly and most were hard at work.
While the bathrooms and showers are certainly on the dingy side and my husband was pretty grossed out by the men’s shower, we found the facility to be just fine for our needs. We weren’t there to live in luxury, we were there to work.
We’ve since moved in to the moorings. The staff was incredibly wonderful when we launched. They were fun, patient with us (we’re new to big boats) and so helpful.
I wouldn’t swim in the river anywhere near the boatyard and I would never eat anything that came out of there as it was an old Navy yard and the amount of lead and copper and other heavy metals in that water must be very high.
We’ll be moving out soon but while we are using Green Cove Springs Marina’s mooring balls and facilities, we are very happy with them. We’ll look forward to seeing the staff and using their work lot any time we have repairs to make on the dry or require long term storage.
DeVaichClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Green Cove Springs Marina
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Report from Southern Mooring Field, St. Augustine, FL, AICW Statute Mile 778
The two St. Augustine mooring fields lie just north and south of the Bridge of Lions and Capt. Miller relays local advice for entering the southern mooring field.
We picked up a mooring in the southern field on April 2nd, 2012.
Approaching from the south, we turned into the mooring field just north of R `10’³. The chart and plotter both showed good water but we hit bottom and turned back into the channel (we draw 4.5′). The dockmaster (channel 71) told me to stay in the channel until abeam the northern end of the field before turning in.
Be aware that the water taxi only runs every two hours on the even hours and the last chance to return to your boat is 6:00 pm. If your crew is threatening mutiny, there is a liquor store across from the fort.
The mooring fee is $21.20 per night.
Max MillerClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Augustine Mooring Fields
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Report From Loggerhead Club & Marina, Daytona Beach, AICW Statute Mile 830
Loggerhead Club and Marina of Daytona Beach lies off the western banks of the ICW/Halifax River, south of unlighted daybeacon #32.
We recently stayed at Loggerhead. The finger piers are long enough for us to take our 32 footer bow-in and still be able to step off the boat from the cockpit area. The 30 amp was available but ours was in use by our neighbor who plugged into his and ours too. They had no 50-30 adapters but we managed to stretch our cord to a vacant slip nearby.
The restaurant is lively and the burger was good. The pool and hot tub are supposed to close at dusk but the dockmaster admitted that the evening guard might turn a blind eye (or be sleeping in his truck).
We walked to a Sunoco station where we could buy some sundry items. I couldn’t find another convenience store and the locals didn’t know of any other nearby either.
There are no other restaurants or shopping areas nearby. On our last visit to Daytona, we stayed at Halifax where we had more stores to visit.
Max MillerBe the first to comment!
Good Report from Alligator Creek Anchorage, South of Fernandina Beach, near AICW Statute Mile 726
The name of this anchorage is something of a misnomer, as the best (safest) anchor-down spots are found on the waters behind the charted marsh island, just outside the mouth of Alligator Creek. Be SURE to follow the link below to these water’s listing in the Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory for clarification.
We anchored here recently and found the water deep and holding good. Our spade dug in instantly.Our 2009 copy of Skipper Bob’s Guide to Anchorages warns not to enter or leave through the northern end of the anchorage but we found good water in the center when we left northbound.
Max MillerClick Here To View the Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For Alligator Creek Anchorages
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Alligator Creek
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Information on Fueling at River’s Edge Marina, off the AICW on San Sebastian River near Statute Mile 780
Claiborne just visited River’s Edge Marina a few weeks ago and reports it to be a quiet, competent facility with a very popular restaurant on-site. This facility lies on the northwestern shores of San Sebastian River, north of marker #29.
Just filled up today (4/6/12). Price was $3.95. Note that there is a 50-gallon minimum. Also, fuel hose can reach all boats on A dock, but not outer reaches of the T. There is transient dockage between A and B docks to fill up but water is thin during low tide. Pumpout also is located there.
Dennis JayClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of River’s Edge Marina
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Bargain Dockage at Seven Seas Marina and Boatyard, AICW Statute Mile 835
Seven Seas Marina & Boatyard lies east-northeast of unlighted daybeacon #56, and just north of the Port Orange high-rise bridge. And 90 cents per foot is almost unheard of these days!
A nice friendly marina which is inexpensive in an expensive area. The bathrooms are nothing to write home about, the laundry works, and above average ship store, but 90 cents a foot. A good compromise.
John PholericWe stayed at Seven Seas Marina several times. We got stuck there a couple of years ago in bad weather and had a great time. Very nice people. We made some good friends. The beach is within easy walking distance. Publix is a bit of a haul to walk to, but if you don’t mind to walk you can do it.
Claudia YoungClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Seven Seas Marina
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Praise for Fort Pierce City Marina, AICW Statute Mile 966.5
Nice marina, some good places to eat in town, and the only marina in 4 months where the driers dry a load with one cycle.
John PholericClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fort Pierce City Marina
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Report On AICW/Matanzas Inlet Intersection Problem Stretch and A Mention of “Fort Matanzas Anchorage,” AICW Statute Mile 792.5
Regular visitors to the Salty Southeast Cruiser’ Net will remember that dredging occurred along this AICW Problem Stretch, as of September, 2011, alleviating what had become one of the two shallowest sections of the Waterway in Eastern Florida. It sounds like from Captain Miller’s description below of the three new markers, as if shoaling is just beginning to reappear here as of April, 2012. Be SURE to observe these three new aids to navigation, and, as always on perennial AICW Problem Stretches, be READY for new shoaling and even newer markers as you pass through this section.
The anchorage Capt. Miller describes below is not listed as a recommended anchorage in our Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory, as depths are just too inconsistent on these waters. but for further information, follow the first link below.The ICW channel at the Matanzas River has been bouyed with three green floating markers, 81B, 81C, 81D providing good water for passage. We entered the Matanzas River anchorage by hugging the daymark 81A and keeping to the north upon entering. Lots of wind and current.
Max MillerClick Here To View the An Earlier Cruisers’ Net Posting about Anchoring Near Fort Matanzas Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem StretchComments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Justin
I ran aground hard going north through this passage with current behind me. I kept to the east of the new green buoys because it seemed they were way to close to the western bit of land. I thought they shifted to be a “port” marker (red right returning) because of the meet up with the two channels..My navigation chart was a complete fail to show depth. This place is tricky. I believe i should have kept the green buoys to my starboard, going north. A red marker would’ve helped too.
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