You can help, especially if you do any anchoring or shore exploring between Canaveral and Miami.
MELBOURNE, Fla. – A zoo in Brevard County needs your help tracking the East Coast Diamondback terrapins, a unique subspecies that lives along Florida’s Atlantic coast.
The Brevard Zoo wants everyone from the Space Coast to Miami to report sightings to them.
The terrapins are usually found in brackish coastal waters like the Indian River Lagoon.
Our thanks to Mike Ahart, Editor of Waterway Guide for this news:
Waterway News Updates Florida East Coast
Has anyone seen this stolen yacht? Date Reported: Jul 15, 2015 Reported by: Kevin Crago Changes-Of-Latitude.jpgHas anyone seen me? My name is Change of Latitude. I am a 2002 Ocean Alexander 60′ Pilothouse Motor Yacht. I was stolen Sunday at 1:30AM from Harbour Towne Marina in Dania Beach FL. I am most likely in the Bahamas.
Please notify Kevin Crago, the Bahamas Defence Force, US Coast Guard, US Customs, US Marshals, or Broward County Sheriff if you see me.
Ed. note: WG has verified that this yacht has indeed been stolen. Information has been posted elsewhere on the internet suggesting that the boat is missing due to a repossession. The boat had been repossessed a few months ago.
View location on the Waterway Explorer Source: Cruising Boater
CLICK HERE for the full story from Waterway Guide Latest News
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
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!
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
If you plan on spending the winter in Fort Lauderdale, be sure to check out the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Ave, (954) 462-0222, https://www.browardcenter.org/, located an easy walk from the New River/Downtown Municipal Docks and Cooley’s Landing Municipal Docks.
Coming for the 2014-15 season will be national touring company, Broadway Tour Fort Lauderdale, with six all-time favorite musicals, including Annie and Phantom of the Opera. See http://broadwaytour.net/broadway-fort-lauderdale for dates and ticket information.
Parker Yachts is located at 225 SW 32nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, (954) 463-1515, www.parkeryacht.com
For the second time on our cruise this year, we’ve had tremendous help from a marine business. This time, we were stranded in George Town, Exumas with two non-working engines. Our catamaran has two T9.9 Yamahas. We’d been down one engine for a couple of weeks, and lost the second engine on our arrival in George Town. After trouble-shooting the issues, we determined we needed a replacement CDI, Pulser Coil, and Charge Coil. These parts were not available in the Bahamas so we called several parts dealers in the States. All estimated at least a two-week delivery just to get the parts to their own shops. Susan at Parker Yachts understood our plight and was sympathetic. She managed to get us all that we needed in a matter of days, and personally delivered them to Reggie Express Air for flight directly to George Town. We can’t say enough about how terrific Susan was to work with. Her communication, sense of humor, professionalism, and ability to get what you need FAST is exemplary. Our thanks to Susan and Parker Yachts for helping us to get our engines up and running and our cruise under way again. George and Karen Schietinger s/v Tara
Lake Sylvia lies to the south, southeast of marker #13, itself just south of huge Bahia Mar Marina.
Anchored here tonite. Lots of boats. Have not found anywhere to land dingy. Enter close to East shore for good water. 16ft where we dropped the hook. There is no shore access in the basin. Some say you can go up the canals to stores and a park? Good protection all around. Sonny Reeves
Las Olas (1 sm N) has a dinghy landing and allows the use of their fine facilities for a small fee. Laundry especially spacious. Grocery, drugs, ATM and restaurants within easy walking distance. Canals heading west off Lake Sylvia lead to ICW and more restaurants on its west side. Watch your dinghy speed when entering ICW from canals ‘” this is a serious, enforced, and ticketed speed and no wake zone. Chris and Janet
We are anchored in Lake Sylvia and checked Las Olas [Fort Lauderdale] City Marina about landing our dinghy there. They said it costs $20 per day and you do not have use of any of the facilities! They also said a city mooring ball was $45 a day and then you could use the facilities. $45 for a mooring ball is $1500 a month which is absurd!! You can go west down the canal just north of the 17 street causeway bridge and land the dinghy at Southport bar and grille for $10 which is applied to any purchase at the restaurant. Also Coconut’s restaurant next to the Hall of Fame marina has a dinghy dock that you can use if you eat there. Rick Steinberg
Cooley’s Landing is one of three City of Fort Lauderdale owned and managed dockage facilities. Cooley’s Landing is the most upstream (on New River) of these three facilities. A host of restaurants and shopping are within easy walking distance as Captain Fran attests!
Spent a week at Cooley’s Landing part of the Fort Lauderdale City Dock system and found that the friendly service and careful advice provided by Matt just added to our overall enjoyment. Our slip was near the 7th Ave bridge, which provides a steady passage of beautiful yachts for those days when you just want to watch the water. The laundry is newer and works well and the showers are clean and neat. Can’t ask for more and we expected much less at their value added price. A short walk on the very pleasant SW Riverwalk brings you to the shopping district on Las Olas. Fran
Cooley’s Landing is one of three City of Fort Lauderdale owned and managed dockage facilities. Cooley’s Landing is the most upstream (on New River) of these three facilities. A host of restaurants are within easy walking distance!
Check out “The City of Ft. Lauderdale at Cooley’s Landing” It is inexpensive – $1.25/ ft. $0.12/kw electric after a one time charge of $10 or $15) It is convenient to a lot of restaurants. There is current, but if you are going to be there for a while check with the dockmaster and they will tell you when the current will be slack for the easiest docking. There is a pleasant waterfront walk to lots of activity and you are far enough from the activity for it to be quiet at night. You also get a great tour of the New River on the trip up the river and you can take the dinghy another couple of miles upriver for more interesting sights. We have stayed there several times and will stay there again. Mitch & Carole Brodkin
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. The report below is from the AGLCA Forum.
We stayed at Las Olas [Municipal Docks] when we passed through Ft. Lauderdale. We really like the facilities, and the beach was a walk or easy bike ride away from the marina. I needed diesel oil and had a ride of about 15 miles round trip to find it. We rented a car for a couple days and enjoyed Ft Lauderdale. We tried to leave for the Bahamas from there on a good day, but came back to tie up because our radar stopped working as we left the harbour. Dave Sea Ya – Tolly 44 M/Y
Cooleys Landing is one of three City of Fort Lauderdale owned and managed dockage facilities. Cooleys Landing is the most upstream (on New River) of these three facilities. A host of restaurants (including the memorable “Shirttail Charleys”) are within easy walking distance!
Las Olas Municipal Docks - Click for Chartview
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. The report below is from the AGLCA Forum.
There are two centers for marinas in Fort Lauderdale. You have to decide if you prefer to stay near the beach or downtown which is two miles up New River. Cooley’s Landing is the municipal marina downtown on the New River. I believe Cooley’s Landing has a 50 foot limit and may be tight for your 49 foot boat. Las Olas is the municipal marina on the ICW near the beach. Las Olas can accommodate larger boats on the ends of their Tee-docks. Las Olas has gated security on each dock. The Water Taxi stops close to both marinas. We have stopped at both of these marinas. Of course, there are dozens of other marinas! Alan Lloyd Author, Great Loop Navigation Notes http://www.NavigationNotes.com
Captains Mike and Maura Mulcahy have had a wonderful, quiet southern migration until the last two stops, see /?p=127292 and the report below. Our tall masted readers are sure to enjoy this latest episode of the Mo and Mike saga. Lake Sylvia lies to the south, southeast of marker #13, itself just south of huge Bahia Mar Marina.
Update – we BASHED out of the Palm Beach Inlet in heavy swells two days ago – headed south into what we read were to be 2/4 ‘ waves and 12-15 kt winds… WRONGO! We had 6-8 EASY and 17-22 kt winds. The winds were great but the occasional 9′ swell/wave on our port after quarter were nasty! Some friends said the gulf stream is real close / narrow here and we may have encountered it. It was a bumpy arse ride for 9 hours. Not pleasant. Our water pump crapped out just as we approached Port of Everglades inlet. We were sailing just fine – closer to sure and the waves subsided. However, we did call TowBoat US (Mike’s a TowBoat US Captain) and they were kind enough to tow us to Lake Sylvia – Sylvia Lake. You have to hug the seawall to the north to get in but once you are in here it’s wonderful. 7-10’ depths. Nice protection (especially for this week as we are holing up here til Sat/Sun). We are one of 6 sailboats here. Quiet so far aside from a party in one of the mansions ashore last night which ended early. Nice thing about this anchorage – we can dingy to the Southport Raw Bar in 15 minutes. Anchor our dingy and hit up a Winn Dixie, Walgreens and there is also a couple nail/hair salons and a dry cleaner. Not sure if it’s a laundromat also. Southport Raw Bar DOES NOT ALLOW DOGS ANYMORE. Girl there said a wait staffer had been bitten… stinks! :-(( For $20 we can head North to the City Marina and do laundry, showers, wifi etc. or we can check out the Cabana Club nearby where Mike just walked the dogs today. Ok, that’s the report so far. Finally recovering from the 9 hour beating. Guess I’m a wimpy sailor – we were safe, just stressful and physically demanding. Peace, Mo
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
This posting was prompted by a recent recommendation for a fuel delivery service in the Fort Myers area: /?p=113209. Manatee County is the Bradenton area south of Tampa. Cruisers’ Net would like to hear the opinions of our readers on the issue of truck-to-boat fuel delivery. Please use the “Comment” function below, or follow the “Click Here to Submit Cruising News” link found on the upper right of this, and all (except Chart View) SSECN pages.
Cruising News: Our Homeowners Association in Manatee County has banned the delivery of fuel to vessels in our community. I am trying to find out if this ban is legal. I am aware of three locations where such bans were overturned or rescinded. Dania, North Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale. The delivery service we were using is fully insured and has been in business for many years. Les Martin
As many of you already know, this is a fascinating place to visit – a great way to spend a rainy afternoon!
If you want a great [marine] Flea Market, look at Sailorman. You can spend a whole day ogling their good stuff. Google the word Sailorman and you will get their website. Their address is: 350 SE 24th St. (aka State Road 84) Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 Sailorman’s waypoints: 26.05.55 N, 80.08.36 W Cheers, Ken Bloomfield m/v Tellico Lady
Right next to the biggest West Marine store in the corporation (I think). Jim Ward
I am looking for a nice set of navigation lights for a 50′ boat. In the past I have purchased things from your consignment deals and hope you have something that would work for me. I will be in Florida for the next two weeks so let me know if you have something that I should look at.I am from Toronto Canada and have dealt with Chuck in the past. Thanks Rolf
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is very pleased to publish the latest in the superb series of articles authored by our good friends, and strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, founders and owners of “On The Water Chartguides.” This story centers on a body of water, Middle River, which provides excellent anchorage. This stream lies off the AICW’s western shores a few miles north of Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Bridge. I know this area well, as my parents used to rent a winter home which fronted onto Middle River. As a boy of ten our so, you could find me almost daily piloting either my sailfish or our 16-foot Boston Whaler around these waters. Those were truly golden, broad days. But, now, back to the present. Let’s hear what Diana and Mark have to tell us!
Hi Claiborne, South Florida’s AICW is a bit like a “Tour of Homes” as you motor by impressive and varied waterfront lots.
We love gawking at the mega-mansions with million-dollar poolside landscaping and the pink bungalows with flocks of plastic flamingos.
But the downside of wall-to-wall canal-front real estate is that shoreside access is much harder to come by. Shore is all private property, often within private developments that prohibit any dinghy dockage. That’s why Middle River anchorage, with shore access at Fort Lauderdale’s George English Park, is so special.
Middle River, at STM 1063.4, is a deep and relatively quiet (by South Florida standards!) anchorage, convenient to the AICW, in a no-wake-zone river lined with homes and park land.
Exit the ICW southeast of G3 and proceed northwesterly up charted Middle River, north of the large east-west canal home island. Anchor in the river’s wide spot, with the fixed bridge (vertical clearance 5 feet) to the north. Middle River is substantially deeper than charted: we surveyed depths of 15-26 feet (at 2.3′ above MLLW).
Shore access is at the George English Park boat ramp to the north, upriver just past the low-clearance fixed bridge. The park is 20 acres, with a recreation center, tennis courts, and a walking/jogging trail. Many restaurants and Galleria Fort Lauderdale are nearby, including a supermarket across the bridge to the west.
I’ve included a photo of the anchorage as well as a sample page from our new AnchorGuide series showing the anchorage location, the actual versus charted depths in the Middle River, and the location of the park boat ramp.
Unfortunately, for all the park’s excellent amenities and access, the park does not allow dogs.
Rolly Marine Service, Inc. lists itself as “The Biggest Little Shipyard in South Florida” and is located on the New River, 2551 St. Rd. 84 (Marina Mile), Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312 and RPM Diesel is next door at 2555 St. Rd 84. See Websites below.
Please note that we have no connection with RPM Diesel or Rolly Marine Services other than being totally satisfied customers. We gladly take this opportunity to share our story on this forum as it may help other members of MTOA who find themselves in a similar situation as ourselves. Heading north this year, after a late start from Marathon, our normally reliable starboard engine, Detroit 4 53, started to overheat and the engine oil showed signs of contamination with diesel fuel. After research we were directed to RPM Diesel [ Contact: Mike Desderio. [305] 947 2607],who recommended Rollys Marine Services [ Contact: Greg. {954} 583 5300} a shipyard on the New River as it is adjacent to RPMs office and work shop. A brief word about Rollys, this is a full service shipyard for mega yachts, our 44 FT Thompson, LILY MARIA, became known affectionately as the “little boat” but the care and attention extended to us made us feel like we had the “largest boat” in the yard. Prices for dockage most reasonable considering the area, Marina Row. RPM Technicians diagnoised our problem, recommended solutions, had new parts ready and installed within 24 hours, price was very competitive with other mechanics who perhaps do not have the experience,training and facilities offered by RPM. Parts for 4 53 Detroits, no longer in production, are hard to find but RPM had the resources to supply replacement parts where needed. Work and parts are subject to guarantee. Prices competitive with industry standards. Subsequently we had a second, but unrelated problem, experienced in the Lake Worth area, on contacting RPM they had “our” Technician dockside at Old Port Cove Marina. within 2 hours of our initial contact. He arrived in a fully equipped mobile workshop,. No shade tree mechanics here. With our Detroits humming like tops we are looking forward to some good cruising this summer. Captain Colin Day, Jean Henderson
Within ten minutes of receiving the important message below from Captain Hyde, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net was on the telephone with Wise Gas, Inc. to determine their area of service. That’s one of the advantages of being a “non-wicki,” professionally moderated web site. Anyway, what we discovered is a potential boon for cruisers in southeastern Florida. More on that in just a second. So, why is a ready source of CNG such big news for the cruising community? Quite simply, CNG is a superior fuel for all on-board cooking and heating purposes, as compared to propane/LPG. As many of you already know, LPG/Propane is heavier than air and, should there be a leak, can accumulate in bilges or a low place in a boat, leading to a potentially explosive situation. Conversely, CNG is lighter than air, and tends to naturally disperse. The problem is, as we so clearly learned while formulating the SSECN’s LPG Availability Directories, that CNG is hard to obtain. Quite simply, there are very few dealers to which cruisers have easy access where their CNG tanks can be refilled. Back to Wise Gas, Inc. Our telephone call revealed that this company will pick up, refill and deliver back to your vessel, CNG tanks from the “tri-county area” of southeastern Florida, which is comprised of Palm Beach, Broward and Dade counties. Additionally, WITH ADVANCE ARRANGEMENTS, sometimes the same procedure can be undertaken along the west coast of Florida, particularly in the Tampa Bay region. So, while it’s still not a perfect solution, nor one so broad ranging as we would like, at least now from North Palm Beach to Miami, cruisers can be sure of having a source to refill CNG tanks. It’s a start!
Claiborne — On your recent visit to Punta Gorda, Florida I mentioned to you that if I was ever able to locate a source of CNG for those using the gas onboard their boats, I would let you know. I have finally found a source. Wise Gas, Inc., 1058 Bluewood Terrace, Weston, FL 33327 is source of CNG for vessels and vehicles in south Florida. Its website advises the following:
`At present time, Wise Gas, Inc. is offering CNG tank refills to marine boaters in the South Florida area only. We do anticipate expanding this service in terms of geography and service options in the future. Call Wise Gas, Inc. in advance at (954)-636-4291 to coordinate a CNG refill. A member of our team will meet you, pick up your current, approved cylinder in good condition and refill it for you and deliver it back to you.’ The cost of this service varies based on cylinder size and location. Call in advance to schedule your refilling needs. E-mail: info@wisegasinc.com Phone: (954)-636-4291
I recently met with a Wise Gas representative who was in Punta Gorda making deliveries on the west coast and exchanged my empty tank for a full one. It was a smooth and convenient process. The cost was $40. I would advise your readers to visit the Wise Gas website at http://www.wisegasinc.com for all the information. I hope this helps and thanks for a great presentation to the boaters of Punta Gorda. Noel Hyde s/v Kismet
Unfortunately, it seems this is a dead end. I have called the number above and getting no answer and a voicemail box that is full. I feel like I’m the only one that has CNG on my boat. No one seems to know where or how to get these refilled. If anyone has any updated information about this, please let me know.. Thanks Jeff Sawyer
Bahia Mar Yachting Center is located along the Waterway’s eastern banks, south of Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Boulevard bridge.
Heads-up on security here. Arrived a few days early to attend Trawlerfest Feb. 2-4 2012. Tied up on H dock north marina. Very gusty winds that day/night, 25-30kts N-NE. Middle of the night woke up to boat moving about excessively. Went out to check lines and found both spring lines lying in the water. I’ve been tying lines for 30yrs and my knots do not come loose. Fortunately dock lines held and no damage. Next day had a brand new Trek bicycle stolen from parking lot in broad daylight. Had been cable locked to bike posts about 100yds from the security office. Security is present but focus seems to be down at the south marina where all the big mega’s are tied up. Incident(s) reported to security and local FLD police. Police attentive, security folks not overly impressed. Unfortunate black eye for what appears to be a well run and well maintained maintained facility. Frank Arndorfer
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.
Las Olas offers a Boat US discount of 25%. We agree with the other reviewers, the facilities are first rate and a real waterway bargain. Pump out only at fixed dock, C. Great pump out, no fee. Don’t look for dockhands to catch your lines or assist with the pump out, we couldn’t get anyone on VHF or phone. When we went into office, one employee was at his computer the other was playing with his phone, too busy to assist on the dock. Very disappointing. Also, dock numbers are written vertically on faces of posts so that one must enter the fairway to see them. The Quarterdeck as mentioned is great; good food, reasonable prices, and good service. Also, it’s only a two block walk to the beautiful beach.
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