Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Apr 5, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report on Shoaling in St. Lucie River, Okeechobee Waterway, Statute Mile 1, Stuart, FL
St. Lucie Shoaling – Click for Chartview
Skipper Harmon is referring to a stretch of shoaling at the eastern end of the Okeechobee Waterway where we have had a Navigation Alert posted since May of 2013, (see /?p=113451). Again, our advice, and that of Skipper Harmon, is to ignore the magenta line and follow the markers.
The problem stretch near markers 17 and 17A claimed another boater. I recently completed the Okeechobee Waterway and found the charts make this area very confusing and, the small can marker 17A is hard to see. The charts depict a dredged channel and the magenta line indicates you can pass west of the green marker 17. If you follow this route (magenta line) you will find very shallow water. When I passed the area all east bound traffic was leaving the green markers 17A and 17 to the starboard, west bound to the port. If you are meeting traffic, slowing down will allow everyone to pass 17 safely.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position in St. Lucie River
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Feb 24, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 11 Comments 27.4504,-80.32249999
Another Recommendation for Burkey Marine Group, West Palm Beach, FL

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These recommendations come from Skipper Jones who had diesel service while berthed at Fort Pierce City Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! and Capt. Terry who also had service from Burkey Marine Group out of West Palm Beach, FL.
The best thing is we had a company come out and service our diesel engines onsite last minute! We do suggest Burkey Marine Group 772-215-7663
Tom Jones
We also had a great job and repair done while preparing to cross over and later getting towed. Burkey Marine Group saved us ! Thank you to Greg Burkey and the BMG team.
Capt. Terry
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
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Comments from Cruisers (11)

Chris -  March 28, 2024 - 4:32 pm

He did the same thing when he lived here… would make up names and post glowing reviews. If you read the positive posts closely, you can tell they are written by the same person- him.
Reply to Chris

Chris -  March 28, 2024 - 4:29 pm

He is a lifelong con man. He ripped me off on a repair scam in Charleston, SC before he got ran out of town.
Reply to Chris

Ben wilson -  September 21, 2020 - 10:27 am

We used this outfit to help us out in a jam They saved out trip. I reccomend them for sure in the Jupiter Stuart Rea
Reply to Ben

Matthew MacDonnell -  November 13, 2018 - 5:18 pm

There is no Group in Greg Burkey Marine Group. Only Greg Burkey. Anyone who knows anything about the Boat industry and specifically Diesels knows how each manufacturers line is extremely specific requiring on going training. For anyone to think one person, Greg Burkey, can be trained in all the varieties of Engines, Gensets, cooling systems has no comprehension of the industry or it's products.
Reply to Matthew

tom -  July 31, 2017 - 5:09 pm

do not believe all the rosey reviews, he ripped me off for $100 and damaged my boat. check out the other complaints as well. to verify my review email or text me at 954 699 5240 or tmkjumpstart@gmail.com. he must be posting these himself.
Reply to tom

Dr Ben Jenso -  May 24, 2016 - 11:06 am

Big Diesel aka Burkey Marine , was waiting on our arrival on Saturday night after working hours to help us on an overheat situation. It was the best $150.00 we have spent yet! We do thank you Greg Burkey for the help!
Dr. Ben Jenson
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Bill Thomas -  May 20, 2016 - 11:09 am

Nice group of people , did a fine job of repairing our Yanmay after hous on the weekend. Greg Burkey and Burkey Marine is on my speed dial!
Capt Bill
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a thomason -  December 28, 2016 - 10:48 am

Arriving in West Palm Beach I had realized the engine was acting up before a crossing so we called Greg Burkey and Burkey Marine Group to assist us. We were told the gasket was not seated properly on the impellor housing. After a quick snug on the screws we were off and free of charge at that, I would say my wife and I were happy and to date all is well. I would call them again given the need!
I’ll list their number
Burkey Marine Group 772-215-7663
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Terry and lisa Wallace -  May 16, 2016 - 4:45 pm

I agree and also had a real problem that got worked out after the Burkey team had come out and fixed our disabled vessel.
We have attached basic information so you can contact them if need. Terry and Lisa Wallace
BMG AKA Big Diesel is a mobile marine diesel engine repair and servicing company conveniently based out of North Palm Beach, Florida. We serve South Florida including Jupiter, Stuart, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and The Bahama Islands. We repair , rebuild and rewire marine diesel engines and marine diesel generators.
Big Diesel Marine aka Burkey marine Group , services most makes and models of motor yachts. Over 20 years of hands-on diesel engine expertise combined with the in-depth knowledge of ancillary systems help ensure a one-call resolution.
We service most major brands including Volvo Penta , Caterpillar , Cummins, Detroit Diesel , John Deere , MTU , Yanmar, Kilo Pak , Northern Lights , Onan , Westerbeke , ZF, Allison, Twin Disk and Lugger.

A few of the services we offer:
•Marine Engine Repair
•Marine Engine Rebuild
•Marine Engine Maintenance
•Diesel Injector Service
•Diesel Fuel Systems
•Diesel Water Pump
•Marine generators installation and repair
•Hydraulic systems and repair
•Electronic systems survey
•Marine batteries, chargers and inverters
•Oil and fuel sample analysis
•Electrical troublesehooting and custom install
•Prepurchase inspection , complete engine mechanical , ac , driveline , and systems survey for all survey needs.
•Trip survey for long distace piece of mind , travel parts , tools materials for unexpected maintaince during travel.
For a professional, personal, shipyard-free motor yacht repair or service experience contact:
We are a full service mobile marine dockside service with a full engine rebuild facility located in Palm Beach County.
Contact Greg Burkey Marine 772-215-7663
Reply to Terry

Tim Jenson -  June 25, 2015 - 2:01 pm

Great day until our diesel engines injested something the boat overheated. A local dealer came out and couldn’t repair the boat for two days then we called a group Called Big Diesel aka Burkey Marine on a Saturday after 7pm these guys came out fixed the blockage in our systems and we were on our way! My wife and I will always keep the number you should too as they travel where ever the boat is! You may have to pay for airfare but Burkey Marine is our number one diesel service center for our boat. Sincerly Captain Tim Jensen
FYI Burkey Marine Group 772-215-7663
Reply to Tim

Richard Holmes -  April 16, 2015 - 3:15 pm

We had a great experience with Burkey and crew a top notch out fit. My wife Gina and I are really happy ! R Holmes
Reply to Richard

travis barker -  January 25, 2016 - 12:32 pm

We called Greg Burkey Burkey marine group for help they were to busy to come out so they talked us through it over the phone as if they were here. It all worked fine at no charge! Just air in the line after a filter replacement. Thanx Mr Big Diesel
Reply to travis

Ben Johnson -  May 9, 2016 - 3:24 pm

Burkey Marine Group did great work for us we totally reccomend Greg Burkey and the big Diesel Crew! Cazp. Ben
Reply to Ben
Feb 20, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Review of Loggerhead Club Marina, Vero Beach, AICW Statute Mile 948.5
Loggerhead Club Marina – Click for Chartview
Loggerhead Club Marina lies west and a bit south of the AICW’s marker #122 in Vero Beach, FL. Our thanks to Skipper Mo for this thorough report!
Greetings,
I have a report on the Vero Loggerhead. We are in the `Loggerhead Club’ for a month and Vero was a spotless very well run marina. Steve, the Dockmaster/Manager runs a super marina. Publix and a CVS, Walgreens, Brooklyn Water Bagel, Asian House and a nail salon and barber and hair salon are all an easy 3/4 bike ride. The biking is fantastic in the Great Harbor Development (which is where the marina is located). The pool is immaculate and the boaters lounge and bathrooms are spotless. Great washer dryers at $1.25 a load. Those are the BIG pluses. The only drawbacks ‘“ to get to restaurants you really need a vehicle. You can bike to the Riverside which is about 4.5 miles away but it’s not a friendly ride ‘“ some side walked and a lot not, so you are on a highway. The marina is so nice, many folks wondered why they didn’t have a little tiki bar set up (to overcome the restaurant issue) and a spa. There is room for it for sure. The owners should consider this ‘“ it’s not a huge investment and will make it a more fun spot to stay a full season.
Again, spotless, well run marina with a staff that is fantastic! We’ll be back!
Mo s/v Mi Amante
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
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Feb 8, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Ice Cream Shop Recommendations in Stuart, FL, Okeechobee Waterway, Statute Mile 5
Stuart Waterfront – Click for Chartview
Ice cream is often the most sought after commodity whenever going ashore, regardless the time of day. When in Stuart, enjoy the recommendations offered by Skipper Susan Landry, co-owner of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com)
You won’t have to walk far from the Stuart waterfront to find ice cream. It boasts a Kilwin’s, G&G Gelato and Kelly’s Kones all within a three or four block radius! One’s too crowded, keep going to the next one! We just can’t walk past Kilwin’s without stopping.
Although not technically ice cream, it is a frozen treat and also my other fave dessert – the frozen key lime pie on a stick dipped in dark chocolate. Of course, this had to have originated in Key West. The Blond Giraffe and other key lime pie companies sell this sweet feast for the taste buds. You can find this in the Keys at a number if locations. I had the good fortune to find dipped cheesecake on a stick at a boat show on the Chesapeake last summer. I suggested to the guy he might want to branch out into key lime pie’¦
Susan Landry
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Stuart Waterfront
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Dec 22, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
7-Eleven Opens Near Fort Pierce City Marina, AICW Statute Mile 966.5
Ft. Pierce City Marina - 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.
In case you aren’t familiar with them, 7-Eleven is a national chain of convenience stores that attempt to provide most of life’s necessities – like ice cream! – and a wide variety of goods. Having a 7-Eleven within walking distance of the City Marina is a real plus for Ft. Pierce. For more information, go to https://www.7-eleven.com/
7/11 Food Store is now open! One block from the Marina! The 7/11 is open 24 hours, so when you get that craving for an ice cream, or late night sandwich you now have somewhere to go without having to jump in your car or call a taxi.
Anne Maurer
Fort Pierce City Marina
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
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Nov 21, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Sebastian River Marina and Boat Yard, AICW Statute Mile 934
Sebastian River Marina - Click for Chartview
Sebastian River Marina and Boat Yard lies on the western side of the Waterway, north of Sebastian Inlet and Vero Beach. Its entry channel cuts to the west, southwest of unlighted daybeacon #55.
I heard boatyard and thought bad things immediately. Yes it is a boat yard but Doug (owner) was a friendly host. We have a 21 foot beam CAT which made turning in the basin a challenge but several people came out to help us tie up. Happy Hour just north of there (5 minute walk) and it was a great visit. Rest rooms were clean and MUCH better than the boat yard I usual go to.
Bill Charleston
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Sebastian River Marina and Boat Yard
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Nov 21, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Nettles Island Marina, AICW Statute Mile 979.3
Nettles Island Marina - Click for Chartview
Nettles Island Marina, in the Indian River north of Stuart, FL, lies east of the Waterway with a private channel marker #1, beginning a few yards north of Waterway marker #215, .
We stopped here two years ago and got the same friendly, great service again. Other people were friendly and the restaurant was great too. Definitely a place to stop for a few days to take a break.
Bill Charleston
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Nettles Island Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Nettles Island Marina
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Oct 8, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Webcam Pictures of St. Lucie Inlet and Manatee Pocket, near AICW Statute Mile 987
We think all of you computer savvy folks (note that we didn’t say “nerds”) will appreciate this website that has webcam still shots of St. Lucie Inlet and Manatee Pocket. http://www.stlucieinlet.com/
A spokesperson for the webpage relates that they have been having some problems with the website and with the cameras, including an irregular updating of the webcam pictures. They hope to have all issues resolved soon and can post a schedule of picture updating. Note: checked the website today, 10/16/2013, and it seems to be updating the photos properly.
St. Lucie Inlet - Click for Chartview
Manatee Pocket - Click for Chartview
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Lucie Inlet
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Manatee Pocket
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Oct 1, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good News and Many Improvements at Fort Pierce City Marina (Statute Mile 966.5)
Latest NOAA Chart 11472 Showing New Marina Entrance Channel
Fort Pierce City Marina (a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) has been undergoing a massive improvement project for many months now. In an interview conducted by the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net with our good friend, and Fort Pierce City Harbormaster, Captain Dean Kubitschek, on 10/1/13, we learned this undertaking is almost finished. While there are still a few “punch list” tasks to perform, the many construction barges and cranes have largely departed the scene, and all will be gone, and the artificial island building project fully complete, within a week.
Among many other improvements, a series of artificial barrier islands have been constructed east of the marina dockage complex (see photo below). These isles will act as a wave break during foul weather, and will be a huge improvement over the old, open to wind and wave, arrangement.
Next, the Fort Pierce entrance channel has now been dredged to a minimum MLW depth of 7.5 feet, with typical MLW soundings of 8.75 feet. That’s really GOOD news for skippers who pilot vessels drawing 6 to 6 1/2 feet. And, the channel is now newly marked and FINALLY correctly charted, providing much easier access to this first-class facility!
Throughout this entire renovation project, transient wet slip space has been available, and THAT IS STILL VERY MUCH THE CASE! Fort Pierce City Marina is looking to welcome a host of visiting cruisers as the fall, 2013 transient season progresses!
New Fort Pierce City Marina Barrier Islands
Two other improvements well worth noting are upgraded Wi-Fi internet access throughout the harbor, and seriously upgraded men’s bathrooms, complete with NEW, climate controlled showers. The women’s facilities, which were in much better shape originally, will be improved within the next several months!
Next up, construction of new floating docks will begin in February, 2014, with construction being complete in approximately 14 months.This will allow Fort Pierce City Marina to accommodate any size vessel.
About the only less than positive news is that the marina’s fuel tanks are in the process of being replaced, and neither gasoline nor diesel fuel is currently available. This situation will be resolved within the next six weeks, and skippers can once again fill their hungry tanks at the Fort Pierce City Marina fuel dock.
The renovations and improvements at Fort Pierce City Marina are a clear case of the best just getting better. Going back to the days when I wrote my paper, “Cruising Guide to Eastern Florida,” we have noted time and time again that never will you find a better managed municipal marina that the Fort Pierce operation.
May we be so bold as to strongly suggest that all cruisers heading south for this fall and winter cruising season give their highest priority to a Fort Pierce City Marina visit! You won’t be sorry!
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net 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
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Aug 28, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Dredging Project Slated For Fort Pierce Inlet and Harbor (Statute Mile 966.5)
The article below is reprinted from DredgingToday.com (http://www.dredgingtoday.com), a new resource we are consistently making use of here at the SSECN. While there is a lot of commercial and international dredging news that is not applicable to our waters, you will also find some important data for the Southeastern USA.
With the news in this particular article, looks like depths for the Fort Pierce Inlet and Harbor are going to be improved even further. That’s particularly good when it comes time to visit SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Fort Pierce City Marina, one of the finest municipal facilities we have ever seen!
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, has announced a plan for the Fort Pierce Harbor dredging program.
This deepening contract consists of maintenance dredging in the Fort Pierce Harbor turning basin and isolated shoals in the entrance channel.
A portion of the entrance channel will be excavated to a depth of 30 feet plus 2 feet of allowable over-depth.
The estimated value of this project is between $1 mln and $5 mln, and the proposals will be due on 5 September 2013.
From DredgingToday.com
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fort Pierce City Marina
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Aug 5, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Successful Passage through St. Lucie Inlet, near AICW Statute Mile 987
AICW/Okeechobee Intersection - Click for Chartview
St. Lucie Inlet intersects the Waterway and the eastern genesis of the Okeechobee Waterway near Stuart, FL at AICW Statute Mile 987.
This seaward cut is subject to rapid shoaling, and, for that reason, it is dredged often. Looks like from Captain Voit’s report below, that depths are at least reasonable as of early August, 2013. We eagerly look forward to his detailed report!
We had a Successful passage through the inlet. We have a Garmin position track and observed depths. We also had a Go-Pro camera on the sailboat and recorded conditions as we went through. We will put together an article with links etc
for the cruisers net when I get a chance next week. We appreciate your help.
Regan Voit
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Lucie Inlet
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Mar 28, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good Words for Harbortown Marina (Fort Pierce, FL, near Statute Mile 965)
The Fort Pierce iteration of Harbortown Marina sits at the entrance to Taylor Creek, north of the Fort Pierce City Marina.
We have been at Harbortown since early December and have loved it. The staff is always friendly, helpful and accomodating. The facilities are nice, clean and are being constantly maintained. The new bathrooms and laundry facilities are very nice. The work area at the pavillion has been very helpful.
The monthly potlucks encourage socializing and gatherings on the dock are common. Harbortown is a great community.
Jeff and Brenda
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Harbortown Marina
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Mar 13, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Dining Recommendations from Mariner’s Cay Marina/Manatee Pocket, Near Stuart, Florida and AICW Statute Mile 988
Mariner's Cay Marina - Click for Chartview
Mariner’s Cay Marina is located on the western shores of Manatee Pocket, near its northerly entrance. The recently dredged entrance to the pocket itself lies just west of the AICW/Okeechobee Waterway/St. Lucie River/St. Lucie Inlet intersection, known locally as “the crossroads.”
In addition to Mariner’s Cay (see below), there are a host of of other marinas and repair facilities along the shores of Manatee Pocket. Captain DeFoor gives some GOOD ideas below about shoreside dining attractions, within walking distance of all the pocket marinas.
Unfortunately, Finz Restaurant has closed. We miss their great pear salad with the home made vanilla bean dressing. There is a new restaurant there now (can’t remember the name). Also about a block away is the [King] Neptune (772-287-9630) which has great food but small (a local hangout for sure). Try their grouper Rubin. Across the street from there on the Pocket inlet is Manatee Island [Bar and Grill (772-872-7176). Have had good food there also. Down the street (A1A) to the left is the Whistle Stop (772-220-1020). Very good food. I personally suggest the Philly CheeseSteak.
Fred DeFoor
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Mariner’s Cay Marina
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Feb 18, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from Manatee Pocket Anchorage, off the AICW Statute Mile 988
Manatee Pocket - Click for Chartview
In January of this year, we received a map showing two small areas in Manatee Pocket that have been designated as official anchorages as part of the controversial Stuart/Martin County anchorage regulations which allows anchoring only in those two areas. See map and link below. Manatee Pocket is off the St. Lucie River between the AICW intersection and downtown Stuart, FL.
Cruising News:
There is no longer signage indicating a 72 hour anchoring limit in Manatee Pocket in St Lucie Florida (Stuart). There are numerous vessels at anchor in the two anchorages in the pocket that give evidence of having been here for many months. Just thought this might be of interest to cruisers coming through. Also, the two dinghy docks have a 2 and 3 hour limit not 1 as I have seen published.
Peter TenHaagen
Click Here To Read an Earlier Posting on Manatee Pocket Anchoring
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Manatee Pocket
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Jan 28, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Docking Issues at Sunset Bay Marina, Okeechobee Waterway, Statute Mile 7.5
Sunset Bay Marina - Click for Chartview
Almost all other comments we have received about this facility have been positive, and we regret the difficulties experienced by Capt. Neff. Sunset Bay Marina lies directly on the path of the Okeechobee Waterway, and only a few miles off the AICW, via the St. Lucie River.
We will never stay at this marina, EVER! I booked a month in advance because we have a 50 ft. cat with 27 ft. beam and we need advance reservations due to our size. I was told that we would be in slip D-2 and it had a slip with no power in front of it which they don’t rent so there would be PLENTY of room. I called the night before to make sure our reservations were in order, which they were NOT. The dockmaster said he did not know why but they had us in a slip much too small. He said he would remedy this and we could still have our spot. After dealing with all the wakes in the River and the small opening for the bridge by the marina we called and said we were heading in and they said they would meet us. After going down between the docks with only a few feet on each side we saw there was a boat in our spot and they tried to get us to go even further down where there was very little room and we could barely turn around it was so tight. After they said we were right that there was no way we would fit in there. We moved on and got a spacious spot at Loggerhead marina with competent caring staff. So, if you are going to stay there don’t bother making reservations since they don’t honor them. They acted like they did not even care that they caused us so much trouble. Also there is a busy bridge with loud car noise right next to the marina so you might not get any sleep. Such a disappointment!
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Sunset Bay Marina
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Jan 27, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.4565,-80.30469999
Report from Faber Cove Anchorages, AICW near Statute Mile 966.5, Fort Pierce, FL

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Faber Cove - Click for Chartview
Faber Cove Anchorage is accessed off a marked channel, making off from the eastern flanks of the Waterway, just a short hop south of the Fort Pierce high-rise bridge. It’s a bit of a trek to get to the cove, but once there, the shelter is quite good.
We anchored just south of marker 9 in the entrance to Faber Cove. It was so peaceful and not too crowded. There were about 5 other boats. We were in 15 ft. of water with good holding. We were a bit concerned about the wastewater treatment plant to the northwest of us but the wind was out of the east so no smells.
Pam Neff
We anchor here on return from the Bahamas. There can be a strong side-set leaving and returning to the ICW. Depths are less than charted in the NE corner of the intersection. Use a low level anchor light as condo lighting really obscures a masthead light.
Chris
Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For Faber Cove Anchorages
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