Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Jun 8, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.6425,-81.63159999
Good Visit to Boathouse Marina, St. Johns River, Palatka, FL

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Boathouse Marina overlooks the shores of the St. Johns River west-southwest of Palatka City Marina and marker #1. As Skipper Herl points out, cruisers docking here are within walking easy distance of the shops and restaurants in downtown Palatka.
Boathouse Marina, Palatka
Was a very pleasant run from Lake George to Boathouse, 3.5 hr @ approx. 9 knot. We arrived in the pm and were docked and tied by just after noon. This was really different for us, we normally don’t get in until 3:00 or 4:00 pm.
The marina facilities are very clean but rustic. We were able to catch up on our laundry. Boathouse is also within walking distance to good eats and to just see the town. Very nice walk.
We do have friends on the area so we were able to commandeer a car. Publics, WinDixie and a Walmart are within a short drive. We were able to just relax, even took the dingy out for evening cruises on the river. We were also able to visit Ravine Gardens, spent several very pleasant hours there.
Phil Herl

One of the Dockmates
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Boathouse Marina
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Jun 7, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.5083,-81.67789999
New Owners at Acosta Creek Marina, St. Johns River, Satsuma, FL

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Acosta Creek Marina lies on the east side of the St. Johns River between markers #41 and 42A, south of Seminole Grove, FL. Congratulations to the Simons and we wish them the very best with all their plans.
Recently, Bob and Jane Simons acquired Acosta Creek Marina (formerly Acosta Creek Harbor) in Satsuma Fl. from previous owners James and Cathy Towles. Eager to bring more business into the marina, Jane & Bob have been working hard planning big improvements and repairing facilities that already exist. For those not familiar with the area, Acosta Creek Marina sits approximately an hour and a half south of Jacksonville, two hours north of Orlando, fifty minutes southeast of St Augustine and an hour east of Gainesville all by car. Those of you traveling by water the Acosta Creek Marina is located within close proximity to channel marker 42.
The new owners of Acosta Creek Marina have very big plans for their new purchase including expanding many of the marina’s services, as well adding to the goods carried by the ship’s store and improving the grounds about Acosta Creek Marina. Their ultimate goal is to make Acosta Creek Marina not just a stop over or place to store your vessel but a destination on this scenic part of the St. Johns River. They currently offer very affordable dockage at only $7.00 a foot per month with electric on a metered basis and have removed the previous length requirement in order to bring in new customers. Transient dockage is $1.00 a foot daily plus $6.50 for electric. Although Acosta Creek Marina is located in a rural setting, the new owners can arrange transportation for you into town to purchase supplies or check out many of the excellent restaurants in the area. One of their personal favorite dining establishments is Hawg Wash BBQ, with authentic excellent smoked barbecue. The marina is equipped with a 25 ton travel lift and a boat yard where you can do-it-yourself or have one of the many skilled contractors work on your vessel for you. The marina features fixed wood piers with finger slips, showers, a laundry facility and a ship’s store that Jane is working hard to improve.
Other amenities on site encompass a full gambit of recreational activities, with cabins, RV spots, picnic tables, and the soon to be installed horseshoe pits and grills. Some of the best bass fishing in the world is located within in a couple minutes of Acosta Creek Marina and the beautiful crystal clear freshwater springs are located only a short beautiful cruise away.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Acosta Creek Marina
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Jun 3, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 29.3802,-81.62819999
Report from Georgetown Marina and Lodge, Lake George, St. Johns River

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Georgetown Marina and Lodge lies north of marker #72, a short hop north of the St. Johns River’s northerly intersection with Lake George.Our thanks to Skipper Herl for this report.
Georgetown Marina, Lake George, Florida
Georgetown Marina, located at the very north end of Lake George. We originally thought about getting fuel there but they were having trouble with their pumps and they were running really slow. George Town is a nice quiet little fish camp type of marina. The people are very friendly and helpful. Since it is at the very north end of the lake, it can be a bit lumpy if the wind is out of the south.
There are not a lot of stores or restaurants within walking distance, so it is probably only for one night stops.
We wanted to stop in Lake George and take the dingy into Silver Glen Springs, but the weather did not cooperate. If your ever in the area Silver Glen Springs is one place you should put on the to do list. On weekends it can get really crowded, especially holidays.
Phil Herl
Click Here To View the St. Johns River Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Georgetown Marina and Lodge
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Dick Lawson - June 6, 2015 - 11:05 am

Every other year we venture up the St Johns. We always spend one night tied up at Georgetown Marina. Limited dock space and amenities, but the friendliness of the staff make up for that. Their fuel prices are always some of the lowest on the river.
Reply to Dick
May 7, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 29.9879,-81.629999
Question re Possible New Shands Bridge over the St. Johns River

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The fixed Shands Bridge, lying southeast of Green Cove Springs and marker #20, sets the vertical clearance limit for the upper St. Johns River with its height of 45 feet. Sailcraft that cannot clear this span must forego exploration of what is to our collective minds, the most beautiful section of this lovely stream. Many a sailor has shaken a fist and employed colorful language while coming about at the Shands Bridge! Perhaps even Skipper Bosque? Our thanks to Skipper McDonald for the official response.
Any updates on the construction of a new Shands Bridge? Are they building one with a 65′ clearance?
Raul Bosque
Approved, but not funded. Where have we heard this before?!?
May 11, 2015
Larry
This is a recent reply I received about the FDOT plans to replace the Shands Bridge on the St Johns river in Green Cove Springs. Unfortunately, for those of us with a mast height in excess of 45′ we will remain restricted from traversing the river.
Perry McDonald
The Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) current plan is to replace the existing Shands Bridge with a new bridge that will have 65 feet of vertical clearance. However, the project is not funded in FDOT’s Five Year Work Program and will likely not be replaced for ten or more years. Replacing the bridge is a high priority to FDOT and the replacement could be advanced if funding were to become available.
Thank you for your interest in the First Coast Expressway project. If you have any questions or comments, please call or email.
James M. Knight, P.E.
Urban Planning and Modal Administrator
Florida Department of Transportation District 2
2198 Edison Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32204
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Kevin Koehl - May 8, 2015 - 6:04 pm

The portion of the First Coast Expressway that includes a new 65ft. bridge across the St. Johns River south of Green Cove Springs is currently in the design phase. The bad new is the funding and construction of this outer belt which will connect I-10 to I-95 in a connector well west and south of the current I-295 has been limited to the northwest portion of the project and the bridge is in the southeast part of the project. The good news is this bridge is being built to relieve I-95 congestion as it passes through St. Johns County, the fastest growing county of Florida. This one of several highway projects designed to handle current and future growth. The state has been funding many new highway projects in this area, so hopefully, this will be funded as the design phase is completed. I live in the heart of this growth and about 10 miles from the proposed bridge. The housing growth and highway construction is at a very rapid pace. You can follow the project at http://www.firstcoastexpressway.com.
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Mar 14, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 28.9748,-81.35839999
Reeves’ Reports: Hontoon Island Marina at the State Park and Blue Spring Park, St. Johns River

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Skipper Reeves continues his exploration of the St. Johns River with a visit to Hontoon Island State Park Marina/Dock, south of Lake George and north of Lake Monroe near Deland, FL. located east-southeast of flashing daybeacon #53 and the northeasterly mouth of Hontoon Dead River.
Very quiet and laid back. Lots to explore here with many creeks to visit in the dink.We are planning on moving our residence to Florida next week and we can visit here for half price $10 a day all inclusive. I wanted to stay here for ever. There is a marina across the river that does not have good reviews and is very high on fuel prices. Right around the corner is Holly Bluff Marina that has better prices and service. Rick in the shop found me a hose to fix a problem and was very helpful. Rick carries a lot of parts and can get anything you need. Several boaters in little trailer tugs came by and said they stop here all the time. This is not nowhere but you can see nowhere from here.
Anchored at Lungren Island with the dink at the island for a dog walk.
Hontoon Island State Park has a lot of slips but only the T dock has enough water for our trawler and we plowed a little soft mud at 5 ft on the T dock to the West. We picked up WiFi from across the way and the dock has 50 amp service, water and is almost new. Very nice park with hot showers and clean restrooms. The rangers are super nice. No groceries or laundry. All this for $20. a night. Only $10 if you are a Florida resident. https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Hontoon-Island
Docked at Hontoon Island only 5 boats were there the week we were there.

At Blue Spring you can beach and tie up to the South of the swim area. Do not dock on the dock. Self serve on park fee of $1.00 per person. We want to come back when they allow swimming in the spring . The water is 72 F year round.
Looks green to me but they call it Blue Spring. The board walk goes all the way down to the “Boil” of over a 100,000 gals per hour.
Additional Information from Skipper Reeves on 6/15/2015
A most excellent place to be on the river. The rangers are hard working and very helpful. The deep water (we saw 5 ft) is at the T dock as you approach from the North it is first one on your starboard. Do not get too close to the shore when you come in. The nice floating docks are self serve. Rangers are not allowed to help you dock. The T dock has 50 amp power and water. $10 a nite if Fl resident, $20 if not. The inside docks are for small craft only. We stopped for a few days going to Sanford and a few more on our return trip. From here you can visit Blue Springs and take a trip in your dink or kayak all the way around on Snake Creek. The Rangers rent canoes. Just like the Amazon with all the wildlife. We visited in winter. Watch your pet around the shore. Alligators everywhere. The park trails, the fishing, all is Good! We had some wifi from across the river on our booster. The park has limited supplies, more across the river. It is a no wake zone but idiots will blast through sometimes. Very quiet and laid back at night and week days. You can anchor in the creek to the North if you wish. The showers are hot and clean. Day use is allowed for a small fee. See more and pictures http://ontheofficewautoteacher.blogspot.com/2015/03/hontoon-island-state-park-has-lot-of.html
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Hontoon Island State Park
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Dave Fuller - March 19, 2015 - 3:07 pm

While not a secret, this is one of the least known areas on the St. John’s. Take your dink and explore the “Hontoon Dead River” that runs behind the island. It is too shallow in places for anything deeper draft than your dink, but you will be rewarded with the most spectacular display of wildlife anywhere on the St. Johns. You will see alligators, turtles, beavers, wild turkeys, raccoons, birds of all kinds, and the list of wildlife goes on and on including a very large population of manatees. Start your trip by going in a counter-clockwise manner around the island. There are three canals that connect the St Johns with the “Dead River” but only a couple are navigable. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! Then finish with a stop at Blue Springs before returning to your boat at Hontoon Landing. Plan on at least an entire day for a round trip you will not forget.
Reply to Dave

Mike Alyea - March 19, 2015 - 11:15 am

Many fond memories of Lungren Island. Back in the ’60s, Dad and I’d camp on Lungren Isalnd over the weekend and fish for Specks on Lake Dexter. As a kid, I’d explore the marshy north 2/3 of the island with a Daisey BB gun in hand…felt like I was exploring the Amazon River basin – to a 10 year old.
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Mar 5, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 29.4791,-81.67539999
Free Dock at Bryant’s Wharf, Welaka, FL, St. Johns River

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Skipper Reeves continues his exploration of the St. Johns River, stopping at spots a bit off the beaten track – good for you Sonny! (See /?p=147232.) Bryant’s Wharf is on the east shore of the river where “Ramp” is charted.
Locals very friendly. Nothing here. Other than a nice metal concrete floating dock that is well lighted at night. Small 20 x 24 ft slips. Good depths, Most boats on River slow down but wakes are minimal. The town appears closed up there is a convenience store a few blocks East. Restaurant onsite is closed. A grill and cafe is a hike. We did not go there. Restrooms reported at top of hill in a recreation park. Old Florida small town pop 586. Dock is free with no electric, water or trash pick up.
Sonny Reeves
Dock from hill looking West
Public boat ramp to South of the free dock.
A closed maritime museum
Showers at Welaka Park
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Gordon - July 17, 2019 - 11:17 pm

Spooky looking building with windows out right at the docks with unsavory individuals hanging out inside. Looking at everyone like old buzzards.
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Mar 4, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.5947,-81.65429999
Updated: Good Visit to Murphy Island, St. Johns River, Palatka, FL

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Murphy Island is south of Palatka and separated from the mainland by Murphy Creek, making for good exploring by dinghy as Skipper Reeves mentions in this report which makes picturesque Murphy Island sound so nice compared to the commercialism of large marinas.
The dock is short for our 40 ft boat. Water depth is 6 ft at dock and over 30+ ft in river. But it is a nice floating dock with ramp to picnic and camping. We stayed two nights and saw no one except fishermen going fast on the river that waked us. The island has a marked trail that winds around. Very nice! The bugs did not bother us. We were fogged in both mornings until 10ish. Did not see any sign requesting fee. There is one porta potty and some fire pits for campers. The treat is a dink ride around the island. Lots of wild life, alligators and eagles. Would not want to be here in heat of summer. Exposed to North. Georgia Boys Marina on Dunn creek to East.
Sonny Reeves

Click Here for more photos of Murphy Island
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Mar 2, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 29.6782,-81.6519999
Good Review of Crystal Cove Marina, St. Johns River, north of Palatka

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Our thanks to Skipper Reeves for this thorough review of Crystal Cove Marina which lies on the western banks of the St. Johns River with a well marked entrance channel.
Laid back with Southern hospitality. Don the dockmaster could not be more helpful. The crew is very nice Jerry and Billy handled the lines and met us late Sunday. We stayed the week, very quiet. There is a pool we did not try due to the weather. Restrooms showers, etc all here. Old docks but safe. Easy approach with 5-6 ft depths. Very little current or tide. The electrical was good and the wifi worked for us to watch movies. Rental car from enterprise. Gas on site. Diesel by truck. Town is a few miles to shopping center. $5.00 a ft is quoted price for a month. Pets welcome. Lots of liveaboards. The 45 slips were full when we got there. They rent pontoon boats and the boat ramp is used by fishermen. One restaurant at hotel was closed for renovation, A Grill Cafe is open, Hotel onsite with laundry. The grounds are kept up clean. We will be back!
Sonny Reeves
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Crystal Cove Marina
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David Burnham - March 5, 2015 - 5:48 am

I agree with skipper Sonny about the 5-6 foot approach depths to the main pier at Crystal Cove…however the 4.5 foot keel on my Cal 29 sailboat grounded about 60 feet before reaching the much shorter fuel dock last year. Now I use the end of the long pier when visiting Crystal Cove.
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Jan 23, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.6425,-81.63159999
Report from Boathouse Marina, St. Johns River, Palatka, FL

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Skipper Sonny Reeves is exploring the St. Johns River and, while we normally excerpt his marina reports as posted on his blog, this one is just too complete to edit, so open the link below and enjoy. Boathouse Marina overlooks the shores of the St. Johns River west-southwest of Palatka City Marina and marker #1. Cruisers docking here are within walking easy distance of the shops and restaurants in downtown Palatka.
From January 23, 2015:
http://ontheofficewautoteacher.blogspot.com/
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Boathouse Marina
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Jan 22, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 3 Comments 30.2731,-81.71759999
Still More Praise for Huckins Boat Yard, Ortega River, Jacksonville FL

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Huckins Boat Yard is located on the northern shores of the Ortega River off the St. Johns River, just upstream of the Roosevelt Boulevard Bridge with a 45ft vertical clearance. Skipper Reeves joins other skippers in praising Huckins Boat Yard. See /?p=128570
FYI,
I can’t say enough about how nice the experience at Huckins was for us.
Sonny Reeves
The old bottom paint
New paint, on time and estimate
LIGHTEN UP is one of the well kept Huckins boats
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Huckins Yacht -  November 11, 2015 - 10:50 am

Thank you for the kind words!
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Bill Alderman -  October 18, 2015 - 6:48 am

Huckins is the best. We had a fuel tank replaced by them and some more work done to the Leprechaun 440 EB Sea Ray and I can’t say enough about them they are the top of the line service and very reasonabe on there price Richard and Justin were the best and PJ was on top of everthing and Trishia in the office could not have been better. If you need repairs get it there you will not be sorry.
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Alan Bliss -  January 26, 2015 - 11:22 am

Ditto this positive review of the Huckins Yard. They are a longtime custom boat builder with extensive facilities and equipment. They have weathered the down market in custom new-builds by cultivating their service operation. The workers are high-skill and conscientious, and management is on-site and responsive. Huckins has a reputation for being pricey, but their hourly rates are in-line with many yards, they go the extra mile to serve a customer, and their quality is such that you get full value for every dollar. They have worked on my boat several times, and I always leave satisfied.
Alan Bliss
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Jan 14, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Seeking a Captained Charter in North Florida
If you are a charter boat or know someone who does captained charters, let us hear from you. We have to assume that Ms Olsen is referring to the St. Johns River as “north central Florida.”
We are looking for a 3 or 4 nite trip in the waterways of north central Florida.
There would be 2 coupels who would like to entertain the idea of a captain with sleeping quarters for us and stops and picturesque towns for food and exploration.
Can you give us some ideas of how to arrange such a trip?
Thank you
Pam Olsen
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Thomas Bonnett - January 16, 2015 - 2:26 pm

I am a charter captain and own a 60′ Hatteras convertible that we do use for charters such as your request. Moviing boat to st Augustine February 1, will be in Jacksonville Beach till then. We customize the trip to your wishes.
My ph # is 612-251-4436. My business is Seahorse Charters&Cruises LLC.
Regards,
Capt Tom Bonnett
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Dec 25, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.6439,-81.63059999
Palatka City Dock Launch Ramps Reopened, St. Johns River

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Our thanks to our good friend, David Burnham, for sending in this item from the Palatka Daily News. This reopening is certainly good news for all our trailering compadres. The new launch ramps are part of a waterfront development project begun earlier this year.See link below. The ramps are a feature of Riverfront Park just southwest of the Hwy 17 Bridge.
Palatka, FL has reopened the City Dock Launch Ramps in time for the Christmas Holidays. Although the new restroom facilities have yet to be built, the four new launch ramps with floating docks next to the Palatka City Dock are now available for use. The new landscaping and picnic areas look attractive and are similar to the overall waterfront improvement proposal.
Palatka ready to break ground on waterfront improvement …
The new signs say that mooring for more than 48 hours at the dock requires prior approval by the City if you call (386)329-0100. The older signs still say that the Dock facilities close at 9PM and reopen at 5AM which implies that overnight docking is not permitted. So it is a good idea to call ahead as usage policies may be flexible as construction and improvements continue.
David Burnham
Palatka City Dock picnic area
Palatka City Docks
Palatka City Dock Pumpout
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Nov 12, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.5959,-81.65499999
Murphy Island Free Dock, St. Johns River, Palatka, FL

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

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Maybe it is all the “gunk-holing” we used to do in the Chesapeake or the river-running we did in coastal Georgia, but this is the kind of boating adventure my family loves. And as Skipper Gorham attests, unmarked waterways like Dunns Creek are often very beautiful and just require slow travel and a sharp lookout. Good for you Skipper Gorham! Dunns Creek exits the St. Johns southward between Murphy and Rat Islands, south of Palatka.
A St. Johns side trip down Dunns Creek to Crescent Lake
Crescent Lake is the third largest Lake in Florida, and is connected to the St. Johns River by Dunns Creek. It doesn’t get many visits from cruising size craft, probably because Dunns Creek is a bit intimidating, but we recently took an overnight trip to the charming town of Crescent City, and it was worth the trip.
Dunns Creek joins the St. Johns near marker 16 upstream of Palatka and winds for about 5 miles through beautiful hardwood swamp to the north end of Crescent Lake. Most of the creek is quite deep at 20 to 40 feet, but there are no navaids, and in places the depth rises very sharply to shallow sandbars that you cannot see due to the tannin stained water, which can cause a little anxiety. By favoring the outside of the creek bends and paying attention to the very accurate bathymetry on our Navionics chart chip, we never saw less than 6 feet. There is a broad shallow area at the north end of the lake, but we also never saw less than 6 feet crossing that.
Once in Crescent Lake, there is a uniform depth of 10-12 feet all the way to Crescent City. At 29 degrees 25.822’N by 081 degrees 30.338′ W, there is a public ramp and landing with about 6 feet of water and a 50 foot face dock. Also here is the restaurant 3 Bananas, which has docking for dinghies and small craft. We had a fine dinner there and were allowed to overnight on their dock. Just offshore within dinghy distance to the docks is Bear Island, which has 7-10 feet of water 360 degrees around the island and good holding in sandy mud for an overnight anchorage.
The town of Crescent City is very pleasant to walk around, with huge live oaks and a lot of antique stores. Also don’t miss the 600 year old white cypress right behind 3 Bananas – it is one of the largest and oldest trees of its kind in Florida.
Jonathan Gorham
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Dunns Creek Anchorage
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Aug 26, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 30.2774,-81.71299999
Good Words for Ortega Landing Marina, Ortega River, Jacksonville, FL

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Only a mile or so upstream from downtown Jacksonville, Ortega Landing is the first facility on your starboard as you enter the Ortega River from the St. Johns. These words of praise come from our friends on the AGLCA Forum.
Our boat is currently in Jacksonville at the Marina at Ortega Landing while we take care of personal business back home in Atlanta. In my humble opinion, it is impossible to beat Ortega Landing as a great place to stay in
Jacksonville. The marina itself is superb and superior to many Yacht Clubs in both amenities and their social calendar. The Wi-Fi on the docks is fed by fiber optic and is just about as fast as my home Wi-Fi. It is hands down
the fastest Wi-Fi I have ever experienced in a marina. Our insurance (Boat US) recognizes this marina as a hurricane hole which saves us a bunch of money on insurance.
Dave Fuller
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Ortega Landing Marina
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Rick Chamberlain - August 26, 2014 - 4:46 pm

Nice place and the best yard for work is next door at Sadler Point Marina. I kept my boat there with nothing but good experiences.
Rick Chamberlain
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Jun 25, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 30.394,-81.45999999
Jim King Park and Boat Ramp, north of Sisters Creek Bridge, AICW Statute 740

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Jim King Park is the newest of Jacksonville’s dock/boat ramps and is still undergoing construction of some phases. The ramp is used as headquarters for the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament, and is closed to the public during the tournament. The facility is located just north of the intersection of the St. Johns River and the Waterway. All of the facilities are new and the docks are listed as unlimited as to size of vessel. Skipper Reeves sends two good photos of the new floating docks. Sisters Creek bascule bridge has a 24ft closed vertical clearance.
Jim King Park Dock – Sonny Reeves
Jim King Park – Sonny Reeves
For a listing of the facilities, go to:
http://www.coj.net/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation-and-community-programming/waterways-and-boating/boat-ramps/17—jim-king-park-and-boat-ramp-at-sisters-creek-.aspx
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Sisters Creek Bridge
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Jun 10, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 30.3241,-81.66239999
Notes on Jacksonville Landing and Main St Bridge, St. Johns River, Jacksonville, FL

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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 pleasure craft.
Skipper Burnhams’ experience with the Main St Bridge illustrates the navigation headaches that Jacksonville boaters have suffered the past year. For a recent posting on the Main Street Bridge, go to /?p=140564
Additional info: At the Jacksonville Landing the `No Wake Zone’ is often ignored and smaller cruisers can be rocking the night away. If overnighting at Jacksonville consider the more comfortable floating berth at the Metropolitan Park Marina. Also there is a free `light rail’ Central station just north of the Jacksonville Landing that will give to a ride every 30 minutes over to the south shore where you can visit the MOSI museum and fall asleep for a short nap in the comfort of the planetarium’¦:D
A note about the Main Street Bridge: It was recently under repair with 2-4 hour reservations required for openings. I called 904-891-2191 at 0345 on Sunday morning and was given an 8am reservation at the bridge’¦maybe she thought it was a hoax because when I called the bridge tender on Channel 9 at 7am to let them know I was tied up at the Jacksonville Landing, HE told me that as no one was working on the bridge on Sunday that he was opening the Main Street Bridge on demand, of course!
David Burnham
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Bridge Directory Listing For Main Street Bridge
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Jun 6, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 30.3834,-81.53829999
A Good Visit to Mill Cove Anchorage, St. Johns River, east of Jacksonville, FL

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Mill Cove is east of Jacksonville, 4 nautical miles upstream (west) of the point where the Waterway crosses the St. Johns and lies on the south side of the main shipping channel. This anchorage should not be confused with Mill Cove in Doctor Lake south of Jacksonville.
Anchored here last month and again last night in our 54′ motor yacht with 4.5′ draft. We found a spot about 200 yards back from the entrance near the charted 14′ area on the west side. Holding was good in 10-15K winds and one 180 degree tidal swing. Not much small boat traffic or waking from the main river channel, but still pretty exposed. Fun watching the container ships loading/unloading across the river. Could easily accommodate vessels to 60 feet. Anchor came up clean as a whistle in the morning.
Bill
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Mill Cove Anchorage
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May 21, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report on Green Cove Springs Marina, St. Johns River near Jacksonville, FL
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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.
Someone else mentioned Green Cove Springs. My recommendation there is only if you want to store the boat ashore as their in water slips are not nice at all. They have a ton of boats out of the water there and it is more of a
working yard than a true marina. The facilities there are terrible and transportation from there will be much more difficult. There is very little within walking distance there. This is more of a storage facility or working on the boat out of the water facility. Plus, it is another 20 or 25 miles downriver and there is not much to see in this part of the river.
Dave & Nan Ellen Fuller
The river may not be much, but gorgeous black creek is just north of Green Cove Springs. South of the Shands bridge are Trout Creek and 6 Mile Creek. Not only is there good food at Outback Crab Shack, but if your boat will clear the bridge, you can go a ways up the narrow creek. Dinghy rides up both are recommended from this local resident.
Carolyn Frazier
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida/St. Johns River Marina Directory Listing For Green Cove Springs Marina
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May 21, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Excellent Review of Ortega Landing Marina, Ortega River, off the St. Johns River, Jacksonville, FL
Ortega Landing Marina – Click for Chartview
Ortega Landing, the first facility you will encounter upon entering the Ortega River from the St. Johns, only a mile or so upstream from downtown Jacksonville, is indeed a fine facility.
I can VERY highly recommend Ortega Landing Marina off the St. John’s River in the Ortega River just past downtown Jacksonville. This recommendation is based on several factors. First, you are about 20 or so miles inland and that provides a nice
buffer for storms coming off the ocean. Second, our boat insurance (Boat/US)
considers this inland waters as long as we remain upstream of the I-95 bridge in downtown Jacksonville about three miles away. Our insurance is SUBSTANTIALLY less expensive here and was a nice surprise. Third is the marina itself. It is one of the nicest marinas we have stayed in and will rival or beat many Yacht Clubs. They have regular monthly social events – some free- some low cost, but always fun. They have free washers and dryers, deluxe showers, free ice, a nice pool and hot tub, and a terrific clubhouse for gatherings. Security is pretty good as well. The best part is a brand
new Wi-Fi system on the docks. The signals are strong, blazingly fast and good enough for streaming. I have conducted video conferences on this system and watch movies in the slip. The tide here is about a foot and a half and the water brackish, but on the floating concrete docks, tide is not an issue at all. You do get some slime on the bottom of the boat, but little to no hard growth.
Publix and West Marine are about two blocks away and there are several nice restaurants also within walking distance. There are a large number of nice restaurants in every category just a short drive away in Avondale, West End, and Riverside if you have a car.
We chose this marina because of the facilities, the people, and the area. It is about 6 hour drive from our home in Atlanta. If you need to fly somewhere, the Jacksonville airport is about 20 minutes away. The marina can arrange for an Enterprise rental car for you as they have an agreement with Enterprise, but they have no marina car to loan you. You can almost certainly find another boater with a car to take you for errands if you ask around. A very friendly and accommodating group of people here. They do not have fuel or services other than a pumpout, but there are multitudes of mechanics and craftsmen in Jacksonville. If you need a haul out or fuel close by, you can take the boat to the other side of the bridge to Lambs for a haul out.
By the way, we had no ice in the marina last winter in spite of one of the coldest winters on record there. We have an automatic bilge heater to keep things from freezing and leave the cabin heat turned on at 60 degrees. If you take the boat out
of the water, you will need to winterize it, but if you leave it in the water, just drain any water lines above the decks in areas that could freeze (hoses and sinks, etc.) and you will be fine. Be sure to close up the air vents to the bilge and the surrounding water will keep things from freezing.
Dave & Nan Ellen Fuller
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Ortega Landing Marina
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