Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Apr 1, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Security Issues at Darien City Docks, Darien River, departing the AICW at Statute Mile 653
Lack of security is not limited to Darien City Docks and Captain Stephens offers good advice to transients at almost all public marinas. Especially in the current economy, break-ins have been increasing in the past two years. Even at gated marinas, thefts are not uncommon these days. The two-nights-free Darien City Docks are in a friendly, lovely small town – a highly recommended side trip off the Waterway.
If you do dock at Darien, make sure you lock your boat and anything else you would like to keep when you go ashore. This is a public area with marginal lighting and absolutely NO security. Several boats have been broken into in the past several years, including mine! The police officer told me people roam around the area at all hours of the night!!
Kent Stephens
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Darien City Docks
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Mar 28, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Frederica River Anchorages (off the AICW on Frederica River Near St. M. 666 – Northern Entrance)
Frederica River flows east and south from the AICW marker #229, and re-intersects the AICW at marker #241. Over the years, we have received MANY conflicting reports here on the Cruisers’ Net about shoaling at both the Frederica’s southern and northern intersections with the AICW. Many have gotten through without a problem, while others reported thin water.
I suspect that the tides have a lot to do with what’s going on here. The tidal range in these waters is greater than 6 feet, so it’s easy to see that if your vessel and enters or leaves the river at mid to high tide, chances are you will not have a problem, as interior depths are generally good, except possibly on the inside shores of some bends in the river.
The reason for spotlighting attention to this river is the real possibility of anchoring within sight of the Fort Frederica National Monument. As of two years ago, there is dinghy access from the anchorage to the National Monument, and, I can tell you from personal experience, this historical attraction is well worth your time. By all accounts, don’t miss the little movie presentation. It’s surprisingly well done.
So, the best advice is to time your entry and egress for mid to high tide. With this plan, you should be able to visit the Frederica River anchorages (follow links below) with a minimum of difficulties.
Has anyone recently anchored in the Frederica River opposite the Fort? Also has anyone traversed the entire length of the river? Comments on Cruisers.net indicate some shoaling on the North end. Other comments indicated this as a good anchorage but are not too recent.
Maureen Mezei
No problem in the Frederica River if you follow the channel. Like any “soft bottom channel”, DO NOT GO DOWN THE CENTER OR FOLLOW THE MAGENTA LINE! Take the outside of the turns as the tide flows “out”.
We went through the Frederica River at near low tide three weeks ago. In the “channel” no less than 12′ of water, in the center many dry sand bars. If you run the ICW through marsh channels of northern Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina in the center or on the Magenta line you will also run aground at low water, read the banks, study the tide chart and determine if the current is coming up “in”, or going down “out”, then you can determine what side of the channel you want to be on, works every time.
Chuck Gorgen
Chuck’s advise is excellent. the last time we were in there the northern entrance was about 3 1/2 feet at low tide. Don’t know about the southern entrance.
Chuck Baier
Stay to the SW side of channel, outside curve, as you leave or enter ICW at north end. You’ll find shallow water in center to inside of curve. Steep drop off on outside curve, so find 6-8′ of water and come back towards center and follow curve. Should be able to follow 6-8′ depth at the radius of curve shown on your chart. There’s probably more water further to the outside of the curve, would expect near 12′ based on depths we found in the rest of the river, but quickly goes to nothing, which you will see at low tide and not at higher tides. 6-8′ of water is plenty for any of us to get through.
Chuck Gorgen
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Frederica River Anchorages
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Mar 15, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good Times at Fort McAllister Marina (on the Ogeechee River, Near AICW Statute Mile 603.5)
Here’s a great recommendation for SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Fort McAllister Marina. Now that new owners Butch and Sherri, have taken over, and done a good job of marking the channel from the AICW to the marina dockage basin, there’s every reason to take a delightful cruise up the Ogeechee River to this excellent marina.
I might also add, echoing Captain Warlick’s remarks below, that the revitalized, on-site restaurant is a real hit with the locals, a sure sign of GOOD food!
If you are cruising up the Georgia coast nearing Savannah, Marian and I recommend Historic Fort McAllister Park http://www.gastateparks.org/net/go/parks.aspx?LocationID=24&s=0.0.1.5. It is 5 miles up the Ogeechee river from the ICW.
You can dock at Fort McAllister Marina (and walk less than a mile to the Park. http://www.fortmcallistermarinaga.com/ The owners are Butch & Sherri Broome. They also own the best seafood restaurant on the Georgia coast, Fish Tales, at the marina. Ask Butch if you can use their golf cart to ride to the Park. Our boat is docked at Fort McAllister so if you decide to stop tell Butch or Sherri that Marian & Mike Warlick sent you their way.
Michael Warlick
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fort McAllister Marina
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Feb 25, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Brunswick Landing Marina (near St. M. 680)
Brunswick Landing Marina lies off the direct path of the AICW, on Academy Creek, just a stone’s throw from downtown Brunswick, Georgia.
I have stored EOS at BLM [Brunswick Landing Marina] for the past two years from mid May until November and have never had a problem except she gets a bit dirty occasionally from pollution from the nearby paper plant. Sherrie and Cindy, co dockmasters, are very helpful, and show a lot of concern for their “charges”. There is a large livaboard community, who will look out for all the boats on their dock, and the marina in general.
Donovan Vezin
Click Here To View the Georiga Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Brunswick Landing Marina
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Feb 16, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Missing Marker in Darien River Replaced, off the AICW departing at Statute Mile 653
There are several rivers flowing into the AICW stretch, just north of infamous Little Mud River. Darien River departs westward at marker #183, and runs upstream to an interesting city marina/dock at the charming community of Darien, Georgia. Here you will find free 48-hour dockage and a host of interesting restaurants and other businesses.
Darien, Georgia - Click for Chartview
Marker R26 between ICW and Darien GA has been replaced by CG with a lighted red floating marker. Also .. pay attention to R12 which may seem too close to marsh but IS NOT! Go slow and pay attention. 48 hrs free dockage for cruisers. Ya’ll come! 48 HOURS FREE DOCKAGE/WATER/ELEC FOR 48 HOURS’¦NON-COMMERCIAL ONLY.
David Butler, Darien Dockmaster
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Darien City Docks
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Jan 17, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report and Advice from Little Mud River Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 655
Little Mud River is almost universally acknowledged to be the worst section of the entire AICW run from Norfolk, VA to Miami, FL. This “AICW Problem Stretch” lies some 21 statute miles north of Brunswick, Georgia. Despite recent reports of improving depths, we still recommend navigating this stretch at mid to high tide only.
Subject: Little Mud River mile 654
Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2013 17:52:57 -0500
Skinny water. One hour before low tide, only 6 feet of water.
Between R192 and G193 green side best.
Between G193 and R194 red side best.
Ray Schmidt
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Little Mud River
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Dec 23, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report and Opinion from Little Mud River Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 655
Little Mud River is almost universally acknowledged to be the worst section of the entire AICW run from Norfolk, VA to Miami, FL. This “AICW Problem Stretch” lies some 21 statute miles north of Brunswick, Georgia. Despite recent reports of improving depths, we still recommend navigating this stretch at mid to high tide only.
I traveled through Little Mud River on Sunday December 2 at 12:33PM to 12:48PM ‘“ about 1 hour before mid-tide ebbing. A high tide of 7.56′ occurred at 10:18AM. Lowest reading observed was 11.2’. Adjusted MWL would be 8.48′ between R194 and G195.
Other boaters have reported that this area has a very soft bottom so it’s possible I was reading through the soft mud to the harder bottom and that the depth is slightly less than my findings.
However, there are also reports of recent commercial traffic with tugs and barges in this area. One first hand account saw a tug with 8′ marking on the bow plow through Little Mud River at dead low tide. I think it’s safe to conclude that caution needs to be observed simply because of the area’s reputation, but it is certainly safe to navigate Little Mud River at mid-tide or less.
Hugh 17
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Little Mud River
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Dec 21, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Possible Shortcut From St. Catherine Sound to Walburg Creek Anchorage (St. M. 619)
It might help to understand the posting below, if you were first to take a look at the portion of chart which depicts the northern entrance to the excellent Walburg Creek anchorage, from St. Catherine Sound. As you will see, there is a long shoal charted as “Middle Ground” which thrusts into the western flank of the creek’s entrance.
The classic way to avoid these shallows has been to continue cruising east, as if you were going to follow the St. Catherine Sound Inlet to the open sea, and then curl back around to the south and west from a position east of marker #7.
What Captain Long is attempting to do, as described below, is find a way to short-cut the long cruise east to get past #7. Looks like he may have found a way for the moment, BUT, as he notes, depths in this region are subject to rapid and uncharted changes. Cutting the corner may be a risky proposition, and the responsibility to take such a chance rests entirely with each individual captain!
When coming across Saint Catherines Sound in a stiff breeze as I did yesterday, it’s tempting to cut across the long shoal that forms an extension of the north bank of Walberg Creek if you plan to seek shelter there. It’s also tempting at the end of a long run to this beautiful spot.
BobT’s friends in Second Wind ran the magenta line which goes far out into the entrance of the sound to the ocean. This left them with a hard slog under power back up to the creek. It also could have left them in a dicey situation if their engine hadn’t started, being carried out to sea by two knots of current. It would have been tough in those conditions to set sail and beat to windward in the nasty chop.
There have been a lot of changes in this area and the chart is pretty much fictional now. Since it was calm this morning and I planned a very short day, I decided to do a quick survey. My soundings are in red, corrected to MLW with the tide data in my Garmin chartplotter.
The highlighted track shows my attempt to feel my way along the 8 foot sounding line. There are some 10 foot spots along that track but I was shy about pushing right in with a lot of current behind me. When I found the 5 foot spot earlier on, the depth change was quite fast.
Roger Long
And, here is some additional info from Captain Long:
You should probably mention that I took the shortcut over the 9 foot, now 32 foot soundings and went very near the 5 foot sounding early this year and didn’t notice the depths being significantly different than the chart. I may not have been paying as much attention but this appears to be an area subject to fast changes.
Roger
Click Here To View the Georgia Anchorage Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Walburg Creek Anchorage
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Dec 18, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Things Have CHANGED On Troup Creek, Georgia (Statute Mile 670.5, just north of Brunswick, Georgia)
Just this past week, I was reminded of one reason why, several years ago, I made the transition from authoring paper cruising guides, to publishing all the data I gather on the world wide web. This tale begins when I received a very polite e-mail from the owner of Hidden Harbor Marina, a very nice facility on the shores of Troup Creek, just off the AICW, a short hop north of Brunswick, Georgia.
A visiting cruiser had informed the owner that in my “Cruising Guide to Coastal South Carolina and Georgia,” I had less than nice things to say about visiting this body of water. Turns out the CGSC-GA edition in question was at least six years old, and, at that time, there was a seriously scuzzy, combination bar and marina perched on the shores of Troup Creek. Hence my less than glowing recommendation.
Happily, those days are LONG GONE, and there is every good reason for cruisers to visit the facility which now occupies these shores, Hidden Harbor Marina. And, to bring this discussion full circle, that is one of the real problems with paper cruising guide. They often hang around far past their “sell-by” date.
So, if you have old editions of my cruising guides or anyone elses, use them for a bon fire, and get the latest edition of all your guide books, or better yet, get your data on marina, anchorages and bridges right here, on the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net!
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Hidden Harbor Marina
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Nov 27, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from Frederica River Anchorage, off the AICW near Statute Mile 666
Frededrica River Anchorage - Click for Chartview
Frederica River flows east and south from the AICW’s marker #229. Previous postings on the Cruisers’ Net have established that a dinghy dock has opened here, where formerly landings at the National Monument were not permitted from the adjacent anchorage. Happily, it’s now easy to come ashore and tour this most worthwhile attraction. Just take note of the tidal “dry” time at the dinghy dock two hours before and after low tide.
We entered from the south side of Frederica River. We noted no problems with shoaling. We went up about 1/2 mile from the junction with the Mackay River. We had good 3g with Verizon.
John Pholeric
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Anchorage Directory Listing For Frederica River
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Nov 13, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Improving Depths in Little Mud River Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 655
Little Mud River is almost universally acknowledged to be the worst section of the entire AICW run from Norfolk, VA to Miami, FL. This “AICW Problem Stretch” lies some 21 statute miles north of Brunswick, Georgia. Despite recent reports of improving depths, we still recommend navigating this stretch at mid to high tide only.
Today, 11-12-12, we transited the Little Mud River at 3/4 tide and saw nothing less than 12′, which would have been 7′ at low tide. We followed previous comments and favored the outer range just off center.
Depth rose quickly after G195.
Martha
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Little Mud River
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Oct 29, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Restaurant Recommendation at Fort McAllister Marina (off the AICW, on Ogeechee River, at St. M. 603.5)
Captain Gaffney telephoned the SSECN offices a few weeks ago, and asked for marina advice in the Savannah, Georgia region. We suggested he check out Isle of Hope, Fort McAllister and Thunderbolt Marinas. While he seems to have found a new home at Isle of Hope, it’s good to see Captain Gaffney was also impressed with Fish Tales restaurant at SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Fort McAllister Marina.
As for Tim’s comments about the strong currents at Fort McAllister, welcome to the Georgia coastline. These swiftly moving waters are SOP for the entire stretch from southern SC to northern Florida.
Good afternoon.
Hope you and your better half are well!
I got your latest news briefing and it reminded me that I had not reported back from last weeks investigative trip to Savannah. Well we were all over!
We were treated so well by everybody from John Henson or Hanson, the manager at West Marine, who echoed your thoughts on Marinas. To Chris and Rick at Isle of Hope. To the folks at Fish Tales, the restaurant at Ft. McAllister.
We were amazed at the flow of current at Ft.McAllister and even stronger at Savannah yacht club. Looked to be 3 or 4 knots! We are use to zero on the Tennessee. 🙂
We did not talk to the owner at Ft.McAllister as it was just not what we wanted for a long term home. But for a short term look good. We thought the restaurant was good. It really does seem to cater to the fishing crowd.
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts. Now, we just have to make the arrangements to truck the boat there early next year.
Tim
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fort McAllister Marina
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Oct 25, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
A Good Visit to Darien, GA via the Darien River, departing the AICW at Statute Mile 653
There are several rivers flowing into the AICW stretch, just north of infamous Little Mud River. Darien River departs westward at marker #183, and runs upstream to an interesting city marina/dock at the charming community of Darien, Georgia. Here you will find free 48-hour dockage and a host of interesting restaurants and other businesses.
PLEASE NOTE: Marker # 184 denotes the AICW passage, not the Darien River channel!
Darien, Georgia
AICW Marker #184
On October 25, 2012, we are currently docked at the free Darien docks. This a wonderful place, well worth the trip of about seven miles up the Darien River. We came here on 10/24 at dead low tide. We saw two places with some shallow depths, one at R10 with 5.5 feet and one at R12 with six feet. At both locations depth went back up to 12+ feet very quickly. At low tide, the shoals are very visible, and the channel markers, and chartplotter were accurate. It took us about 1.25 hours to get here after leaving the ICW at R184. It was a pleasant run. We are a trawler, cruising with a sailboat. The town is lovely, with a Piggly Wiggly about a mile from the docks, and a hardware store about two blocks. The Wine Bar, near the hardware store is beautiful. This a wonderful side trip. Do not miss it. There are about 30 large shrimpboats docked just downstream of us. The only reason for four stars rather than five is the lack of restrooms, but it is free, including 30 amp power and water. What more can you ask for two nights free.
Thanks Claiborne for the suggestion on this one.
Norman Mason
Monk 36, Peggy Sue
Norfolk, VA
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Darien City Docks
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Oct 16, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good News and New Ownership at Fort McAllister Marina (on the Ogeechee River, off the AICW at St. M. 603.5)
We are very pleased to report that we have just heard from Captain Butch Broome, new owner at Georgia’s Fort McAllister Marina. Captain Broome has taken over what has already been lauded here on the Cruiser’ Net by our fellow mariners as a very good marina, and is quickly making it even better.
Fort McAllister Marina has always offered very sheltered dockage, and a few years ago the docks were completely rebuilt and brought up to modern standards. There is also a good restaurant on-site.
Before now, the “rub” was getting up the Ogeechee River safely from the AICW. Some FORMER owners were not overly careful to keep the river channel well marked. THAT HAS ALL CHANGED NOW!
Study the Google Map/Satellite Photo below, just dispatched to the Cruisers’ Net by Captain Broome. As you will see, the Ogeechee River now sports a very adequate series of aids to navigation.
And, if that does not quite put you at navigational ease, the marina will gladly dispatch a guide boat that you can follow from the channel to the marina docks. Just give the dockmasters an advance call at (912) 727-2632.
Oh yes, and I should also add that, as of 10/16/12, Fort McAllister Marina is our newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Attached is our chart. At Green 8 there is a Marina sign with an arrow pointing to the south bank of the Ogeechee, DO NOT pass the sign just turn 226 degrees, you will see Green 9 and Reds 3 & 4. There is also a day Marker in the Marsh on the south side. Pretty easy once you’ve done it.
For first timers we’ll be more than happy to dispatch a guide a boat to lead you to our facility, just give us a call when you get to Marker 98 at 912-727-2632, my cell is 912-313-5042. We also monitor channel 16 and our working channel is 68.
Thanks
Butch
Click Here To View the Georiga Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fort McAllister Marina
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Oct 16, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More Praise for Sunbury Crab Company Restaurant and Marina, Medway River off AICW Statute Mile 620
The Sunbury Crab Company Marina lies off the AICW along the western shores of the Medway River, on the charted Sunbury Channel, north of Dickinson Creek. And they are A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Warm Hospitality With A Tropical Ambiance.
Sunbury Crab Company Restaurant and Marina just 6 miles off the AICW at MM 620 on the Medway River provides a safe haven and memorable dinning experience. A convenient overnight stop for the waterway traveller or a pleasant place to tarry awhile. The deep water approach on the Medway River is straight forward as long as the chart is studied before hand.
Family owned and operated the restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday. The layout and colored lights are reminiscent of the islands. A varied menu, but dependent on season, the locally freshly caught shrimp, oysters, fish and crab are outstanding. All dishes are cooked to order and the menu moderately priced. Live music on occasion.
Floating docks, running in line with the current flow, are wide, stable and supported by tall pilings. Water and electric pedestals allow for dockage for up to 12 boats in the 40 foot range. Diesel fuel and ethnol free gasoline is available dockside. No pump out facility at this time. Head and shower facilities are available ashore.
This is much more than just another marina stop as the Maley family, Elaine, Barney and sons Joe and Clay offer a most friendly, helpful welcome to fellow sailors.
The shrimp boat, SEA TRAWLER, Captain Dennis Murphy, regularly docks here to unload his daily catch. These delicious freshly caught shrimp are available for sale.
Colin Day, Jean Henderson . Trawler: LILY MARIA.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Sunbury Crab Company
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Oct 9, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Passage Report from Little Mud River, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 655
Little Mud River is almost universally acknowledged to be the worst section of the entire AICW run from Norfolk, VA to Miami, FL. This “AICW Problem Stretch” lies some 21 statute miles north of Brunswick, Georgia. Earlier depth soundings from other cruisers have confirmed our recommendation to navigate this stretch at mid to high tide only.
Traveling on 10/1-7/12
From Georgetown, SC to Brunswick, Ga.
We traveled this past week with high tides between 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM. Most times leaving at 7:30 AM an hour or so after Low Tide. There were no problems with depths, shoaling, or missing markers.
The ONLY issue we found was in Little Mud River (MM-653 – 655) at 2.5 hours before high tide. At the very Southern end, after leaving R-194 the current wanted to push toward G-195, which looked ok, but NOT. Very shallow as you near G-195. You want to FAVOR the front range marker not center of channel. This will keep the depth around 8′ under the boat. This is what we experienced, as always you are the Captain and responsible for your vessel’s safety.
Jim Cobb
Palmetto Moon
Yesterday, October 11, 2012, we went by the Darien and Rockedundy Rivers and through the Little Mud River at almost exactly mid-tide (by the clock ‘“ about 20 minutes either side of noon). I zig-zagged all over and mostly found 7-8′ or more, but it can be really narrow. (I verified my depth sounder readings with a lead line today). I did not find a hump between R `192’³ and G `193’³ at the little creek as I have seen in the past. The shallowest portion I found was south of G `193’³ and it was down to 6’ in a couple places. Staying on the range, I found plenty of water past `195’³. Your experience may vary ‘“ this is good practice for the Bahamas!
Dana Breda
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Little Mud River
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Sep 26, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Two Thumbs Up for Brunswick Landing Marina (Statute Mile 680)
Brunswick Landing Marina, a very popular facility with long term resident cruisers, actually sits well off the direct path of the AICW, flanking the eastern banks of Academy Creek, just off Brunswick River, near the heart of downtown Brunswick, Georgia.
I personally visited here in April of 2012, and, as usual, found a bunch of contented cruisers, some of whom who had happily spent the preceding winter at this facility.
The Brunswick Landing Marina in Brunswick,GA would be worth considering. We kept our boat there for 6 summers and falls. Prices are very reasonable and the very able dockmaster, Sherrie, has been there for at least 6 years. It is also one of the most protected marinas on the east coast which might be important as there usually some storms in the fall and early winter. The marina is often full in the summer and fall but spaces open up in Nov. as many insurance policies allow boats waiting to head to FL to leave after 11/1 or 11/15.
Ralph Small
M/V AmmyBoo, 44′ Endeavour TrawlerCat
We have stopped at Brunswick Landing in Georgia. It’s a large, well kept marina.
Regards,
Randy Pickelmann
Morning Star
We always stay here coming and going. One thing to keep in mind. Transients may be slipped farther up creek than the office dock. On the spring tides, a fair amount of current flows under the floating docks without leaving much visible evidence at the surface. It is a good idea when departing to walk out to the end of the finger pier and get a read on what is going on with the current.
Chris
Backing out of the slip to find ones self in the grip of a hefty current at keel level can be a nasty surprise given the confined space.
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Brunswick Landing Marina
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Sep 13, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Successful Low-Tide Passage of Little Mud River, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 655
Little Mud River is almost universally acknowledged to be the worst section of the entire AICW run from Norfolk, VA to Miami, FL. This “AICW Problem Stretch” lies some 21 statute miles north of Brunswick, Georgia. Earlier depth soundings from other cruisers have confirmed our recommendation to navigate this stretch at mid to high tide only.
Please note that we specifically do NOT recommend that anyone try the near low water passage described by Captain Ising below! We think he was very lucky!
I do not wish to encourage anyone to follow my lead, but today (13 Sep 2012) I found us arriving at Little Mud River (from the north) earlier than planned due to strong NE winds pushing our sailboat along, and decided to attempt the transit at 0.5 feet (predicted) above datum.
Following the magenta line on my C-MAP e-chart and noting the visible shoaling near the bends, I saw no less than 7.0 feet (near SM 655). It was not the most prudent decision, but I have nothing but a big lead keel that will touch bottom, and it never did.
Just FYI. It is not impossible at low tide, but certainly not advisable.
Duane Ising
Cap’n Duane
We ran the Little Mud at low low tide a couple of years ago; most likely a good foot below datum, and pushed our 6 foot keel’s bulb through 6-12’³ of mud nearly the whole three miles, proving that even if you are on the bottom, which we definitely were, you can plow through the soft mud with just a little effort. At times we were only making between 2-3 knots with our 44hp Yanmar, but we kept on truckin until the water got deeper. Saw about 5.5ft on the sounder most of the way. Glad you made it safely.
Cap’n Norman
Good to know Duane ‘“ a lot of reports of 4 foot water there, and I have to wonder if those reporting are even on the magenta line. Your experience parallels mine, although I did my last two passages close to mid tide rising and subtracted the height of the tide. Still, as Claiborne says, not advisable.
Wally Moran
We went through there in August at low tide and had similar experience with our 4’ draft.
John Winter
A word of caution on transiting Little Mud at low water. I would check my raw water strainers, (main & genset), after passing thru. For whatever that’s worth’¦.
Bob Spiro
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Little Mud River
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Sep 3, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
High Praise for Sunbury Crab Company Restaurant and Marina, Medway River off AICW Statute Mile 620
The Sunbury Crab Company Marina lies off the AICW along the western shores of the Medway River, on the charted Sunbury Channel, north of Dickinson Creek. And they are A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

I came in on a 40′ sloop Braveheart’¦Spent two-three days under repair en route to Southport NC Home Port.
These People were Great To Me..Helped get me to rebuild shop and I found the Son’s who run the place to be Solid People..I was solo and had broke my finger a week before landing there..I want to Thank Them..Thank You
I was the Gunsmith if you have forgotton me..
Thanks Again,
Mark Shibles
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Sunbury Crab Company
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sunbury Crab Company
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Aug 19, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Brunswick Landing Marina (off the AICW on Academy Creek, near DT Brunswick, GA)
Brunswick Landing Marina is a solid reputation, and is particularly popular with mariners who choose to winter in southern Georgia. Downtown Brunswick is within walking distance, where several good restaurants are to be found.
BLM [Brunswick Landing Marina] is a hurricane hole, well protected. The facility is very nice as well, run by competent staff, and there’s night time security and a large liveaboard community to watch things as well.
Dave and Pam Gibson
I believe BLM refers to Brunswick Landing Marina in Brunswick, GA. We kept our boat there for 9 months, and I would agree, it is a well run marina and well protected.
Marc and Shelley Colby
M/V Rock Chalk
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Brunswick Landing Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Brunswick Landing Marina
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