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    • Jun 11, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Detailed Report on AICW/Little Mud River Problem Stretch (Statute Mile 655)

      The detailed, in-depth posting below is provided to the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net courtesy of our good friends, Captains Diana and Mark Doyle, authors of the very popular “On the Water Chartguides” (see http://http://www.onthewaterchartguides.com/). Mark and Diana are currently wending their way north along the AICW, and will be sending periodic articles to the SSECN.
      Captains Mark and Diana are true professionals, and have a wealth of experience on how to research and report on coastal waters, particularly the AICW. The series of articles they are providing to the SSECN should prove to be particularly valuable to ANYONE cruising the Waterway well into 2013!
      This posting concerns the Little Mud River section of the Georgia AICW. This “AICW Problem Stretch” is almost universally acknowledged to be the WORST of the worst for the entire run from Norfolk, VA to Miami, FL, or the other way around. This condition makes Diana and Mark’s article even MORE invaluable!!!

      Diana and I transited northbound through Little Mud River, GA this morning on about a third-tide and rising. Wolf Island, South has a Spring Tidal Range (STR) of 7.8 feet. Our plan was to run the range, then enter the river, staying mid-channel, honoring the aids.
      The entry range held good depths as can be seen on the first screenshot (13-16 feet at 2.7 feet above MLLW).
      This screenshot also underscores the fact that you don’t typically “Drive the TV” ‘¦ the Magenta Line or the charted channels ‘¦ exactly. That would be a good way to get into trouble, especially in Georgia. On the entrance range, we were quite a bit off the charted channel center line.
      My course line is dead-on Range B, presumably marking the deepest water.
      The second screenshot shows a known trouble spot just north of G195. You can see some 6- to 7-foot soundings here ‘¦ which translates to less than 4 feet at low water (soundings made at 2.8 feet above MLLW and rising).
      The third screenshot shows another area of concern, around G193. At this daybeacon, and about 200 yards northwest, you’ll see some 8- and 9-foot soundings. These translate to less than 5 feet at low water (3.1 feet above MLLW).
      No recommendation being made here. Just sharing data. The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net, Active Captain, Waterway Guide, and others sources also have data you may want to factor into your departure, transit, or piloting decisions.
      As Captain, you’re in charge of driving the bus … and your mileage will certainly vary.
      Mark & Diana Doyle

      I hope you are alerting the ‘˜authorities’ to your very believeable data. It may help getting some dredging started.
      Bob Kassal

      Not To Be Used For Navigation

      Not To Be Used For Navigation

      Not To Be Used For Navigation

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Little Mud River

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

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    • May 23, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Brunswick Landing Marina (Statute Mile 680)

      Here’s a quick comment on Brunswick Landing Marina, copied from SailNet. This facility lies off the AICW,on the shores of Academy Creek, within walking distance of downtown Brunswick, GA.

      St. Simon’s has a long, deep entrance channel. Few anchorages once inside, but there are a couple of good marinas. Brunswick Landing has good facilities, good rates, is very protected, and is in a better location if you don’t have wheels.
      PorFin

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Brunswick Landing Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of

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    • May 17, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      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.

      Just passed through the Little Mud River area (Mile 655 @ 0825), and found real thin water (when adjusted for tide-HT 0706, +6.8′). At the entrance, G195, dropped from 14′ to 11′ to 10.6 to R194, then it ranged from 12′ to 9′ to G193. We tried to stay on the magenta line, but it looks like deeper water is east of line on the outside of the channel. Favor the green side.
      Michael J. Horowitz aboard ALTAIR

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Little Mud River

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

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    • May 16, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Darien, Georgia Looks to Attract Cruisers (7 nautical miles off the AICW, near St. M. 652)

      Back in February, of 2012, I visited the small, but surprisingly bustling community of Darien, Georgia by land yacht. I was impressed with the number of restaurants, the waterfront wine shop and the very welcoming attitude towards myself and cruisers in general. Now, with FREE 48-HOUR DOCKAGE, the city of Darien is making a real push to lure mariners along the 7 mile cruise from Darien River’s intersection with the AICW, to the town waterfront. And, with a well marked channel, featuring 12+ feet of MLW water, this is now a decidedly enticing proposition.
      We would LOVE to hear from fellow cruisers who have made the trek to Darien’s waterfront. If this accurately describes you, please click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information.

      Hello Claiborne,
      I don’t know how long ago it was that you were here but we have made a great deal of improvements and added a lot of businesses near the waterfront. We are going all out to provide dockage, information and assistance to the cruisers in Darien and this is a big step. We really appreciate this and I am looking forward to seeing it on the Cruisers Net.
      Thank you,
      Captain Phillip

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For the Darien City Docks

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Darien City Docks

      Click Here To Read a Local News Article About the New 48-hour Free Dockage in Darien

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    • May 2, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      High Praise for Morning Star Marina at Golden Isles, AICW near Statute Mile 676

      Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles - Click for Chartview

      Morning Star Golden Isles Marina is located on the Frederica River, between Lanier and St. Simons Islands, south of the charted 9 foot bridge. Depart north from the Waterway south of ICW marker # 247 and Frederica River marker #1. While the Frederica River has good depths north of the marina, access from the Waterway north is not possible because of the fixed 9ft clearance bridge.

      We stayed at this Marina from February until April, on our passage from Ft. Lauderdale, home to North Carolina. We could not have been more pleased.
      From our initial phone conversations with Chris Ferguson, the general manager, we were impressed.
      All the staff go out of their way to be helpful. There was not a single need that was not met. The office staff called us every time we had a package/mail to be picked up- and we have a lot of packages!! Mary and Penny were great!!
      The facilities are clean and ample sized. The laundry is adequate and reasonably priced.
      Use of the loaner car (free) is a big plus!!
      We initially planned to stay only a few weeks- one month, but liked it so well we decided to stay another month.
      We will definitely stay here again when we head back south for the winter.
      Of note, Melissa is no longer the dockmaster, but Chick, Buck and Alfred took very good care of us throughout our stay.
      Wonderful, Wonderful Marina. Highly recommend it!
      S/V SeaQuell-Robert and Becky Nordstrom

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Morningstar Marina at Golden Isles

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Golden Isles Marina

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    • Apr 20, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment

      A Good Visit to Brunswick Landing Marina, Northwest of AICW Statute Mile 680

      Brunswick Landing Marina lies on the eastern banks of Academy Creek, just off Brunswick River, near the heart of downtown Brunswick, Georgia.

      Stayed here April 14-15, 2012. We stayed the better part of a month in 2009 because we liked the town and the monthly rate.The river on which it is built is considered a hurricane hole and many insurance companies may discount your policy for keeping your boat here durring the season.
      Sherry still runs the marina. Her chihuahua, `Killer’ has a new companion, `Danger’, another chihuahua.
      They have installed a `dock-side’ pump-out station at the gas dock so boaters no longer have to wait for high tide for Sherry to use the `Everlasting Gobslopper’ which is now retired.
      It’s a floating dock marina so drop your fenders to the waterline as you approach.
      The town has a couple small grocery stores and the Grog Shop’ liquor store are within (daytime) walking distance. Downtown (near the marina) restaurants come and go and there are a few decent ones as I write this. Further away, about a mile, West Marine and grocery stores await.
      Taxi fare seems high to me but car rental companies will deliver a car right to the marina and I-95 traffic is close enough to see from the marina.
      Every main pier has a gas grill for all to use so fire up some steaks and shrimp.
      Clean restrooms and more books in the `leave one-take one’ library than you could read in a lifetime.
      Laundry is still free.
      Max Miller

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Brunswick Landing Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Brunswick Landing Marina

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

    • Apr 14, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Shallows Reported in Wallys Leg Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 666

      Wallys Leg Anchorage is on the waters of Wallys Leg, west of flashing daybeacon #231.
      In reviewing my on-site notes taken during our last visit to Wallys Leg, I can confirm that the shallow water that Captain Miller found abutting the northern shore is for real. We have always been able to find sufficient swing room to comfortably anchor vessels as large as 40 feet by favoring the southerly shoreline slightly, and dropping the hook near the stream’s mouth.
      We would be very interested to hear from more cruisers who have, or have attempted, to anchor in Wallys Leg. What did you discover. Please click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information.

      On 4/7/2012, I tried to motor a circle here to assure swing room and ran aground on the north shore as soon as I left the center of the river. I gave up on this anchorage. I didn’t record the depths as charted.
      Max Miller

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Anchorage Directory Listing For Wallys Leg

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wallys Leg

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    • Apr 13, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Several Reports on Ft. McAllister Marina, Richmond Hill, GA, near AICW Statute Mile 603.5

      Fort McAllister Marina lies on the Ogeechee River’s southern banks, well off the AICW and upstream of Waterway marker #98.
      Actually, this is not a “newer” marina in the strictest sense, as it’s been at its current location for many years. However, Captain Colleen and Stan are right in the sense that this facility underwent a major renovation and upgrade a couple of years ago!

      To all you cruisers not in a hurry, this marina/stop is a must! Ft.McAllister Marina is a beautiful newer marina in Richmond Hill, GA. Ritchie Roberts (912) 727-2632 marina #, (912) 213-1368 cell#, is the manager and so nice and helpful! the cost here is very reasonable, just $1.00 foot, plus $5.00 for electric!!! you can afford to stay a few days and tour the historical Civil War Fort McAllister and the “Ford” museum, that’s Henry Ford. Ritchie will let you take his truck during the day sightseeing or go to the local supermarket for provisions. there is a restaurant on site, “Fish Tales” open Mon. – Thur. 4PM – 10 PM, Fri & Sat. 11 AM – 12 AM , Sunday 11 AM – 8PM. well worth the stop heading north in the spring or south in the winter… Just 8 miles up the Ogeechee River off the ICW on Ossabaw Sound! this just might be the New BEST destination.
      Colleen, Stan, and Maybea2 on the Power Cat, Next Endeavour

      The Ogeechee River is an excellent example of a river that follows the “rules of a mud bottom channel”! Look at the chart up to Ft. McAllister Marina and you will see what we’re talking about. DO NOT GO UP THERE FOLLOWING THE CENTER OF THE RIVER!!!!
      Chuck Gorgen

      The river is well marked by green and red buoys all the way to the marina!we went in at low tide, it is much better if you draft over 4 ft to go in at slack tide or high tide, it is so worth the trip if your boat will take you there!
      Colleen, Stan and Maybea2

      The charts, both paper and Garmin and Navionics are not worth a tinker’s dam [in cruising to Fort McAllister Marina, up the Ogeechee River from the AICW]. Follow the markers until you get to the sign on the right bank that points across the river and says Marina. Then 90 degrees to port at sign and go within 100 yards of left bank where you turn upriver to marina. Now all your charts will tell you that as you cross the river you will run aground in two feet of water but if you continue straight at the sign it is deep water all the way. Nay, it is just the opposite. Alex at the marina saw us and called on the phone to warn me we were going to be in trouble.
      He saved us just barely. Call ahead and stay in touch with them as you go up. Great stop and great food. Very friendly folks. Current runs fast at
      dock.
      Rusty and Jan Carlisle

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Fort McAllister

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fort McAllister Marina

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    • Apr 9, 2012by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Good Advice on Navigating the Georgia Section of the AICW

      It almost goes without saying, but let’s say it anyway, that the Georgia stretch of the Atlantic Intacoastal Waterway is the most difficult section of the entire Waterway passage from Norfolk, VA to Miami, FL. Such AICW Problem Stretches as Little Mud River and Jekyll Creek are enough to make any captain lose their religion.
      Below, Captain Grogen gives us all some good, general advice about keeping to the best depths possible in these waters.

      Time to comment on the `rules of the mud bottom channels’. The deepest part of the channel is probably NOT going to be in the middle. Water current on a falling (ebb) tide runs faster than water on a rising (flood) tide, and the faster water cuts a deeper channel. So, the deepest place in a tidal channel is the outside bend in a falling tide current. The next deepest place is the outside bend on a rising tide current. On some curves where the curve is outside for both the ebb and flood, to will find very deep water and the possibility that the curve is even outside the charts. The situation at MM 704 is a good example of that. On some S curves you will find shallow water in the center of the channel. At low tide look at the banks, along a steep bank you will find deep water close to the bank,
      along a gradual bank, shallow water. In some of the cuts that have been dredged, it isn’t always obvious which way the water flows, so you just have to observe which way the water is flowing at a given tide state. So, read the channel by looking at it, and don’t follow the magenta line on your chart plotter. Frequently, your chart plotter will show you in the marsh, and there have even been some places where the deepest water is outside of the buoyed channel! When your depth finder is showing less than the chart, wonder slowly back and forth looking for the deep water, sometimes the deep channel isn’t very wide. You actually learn a lot about a channel at low tide when you can really see it.
      Chuck Gorgen

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georga AICW Problem Stretch Directory

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    • Apr 3, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Report on Depths in Little Mud River, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 655

      Little Mud River is almost universally acknowledged to be the worst section of the AICW. This “AICW Problem Stretch” lies some 21 statute miles north of Brunswick, Georgia. The readings below come from our good friend, Chuck Baier, an experienced and skillful cruiser, and confirm our recommendation to navigate this area at mid to high tide only.

      We transited most of the problem areas on the [Georgia] ICW at or near low tide so we are sure we had an accurate depth readings. We transited the Little Mud at 2 hours before low tide and on a falling tide. Based on this the following,
      depths would be at low tide. At Red `192’³ depth of 5 feet. At Crooked Creek, depth of 4 1/2 feet. Approaching Green `193’³ 4 feet, then 3 feet very near `193’³. Just past Green `193’³ 3 1/2 feet. At Red `194’³ 3 1/2 feet and just past Red `194’³ 3 feet. From Red `194’³ to the turn onto the Altamaha is all about 4 feet. Fortunately there were no other fools except us transiting at this low of a tide. We hope this will help others STAY AWAY at anything less than 2 to 3 extra feet of tides.
      Chuck Baier

      And some advice from another experienced cruiser, Chuck Gorgen:

      Time to comment on the `rules of the mud bottom channels’. The deepest part of the channel is probably NOT going to be in the middle. Water current on a falling (ebb) tide runs faster than water on a rising (flood) tide, and the faster water cuts a deeper channel. So, the deepest place in a tidal channel is the outside bend in a falling tide current. The next deepest place is the outside bend on a rising tide current. On some curves where the curve is outside for both the ebb and flood, to will find very deep water and the possibility that the curve is even outside the charts. The situation at MM 704 is a good example of that. On some S curves you will find shallow water in the center of the channel. At low tide look at the banks, along a steep bank you will find deep water close to the bank,
      along a gradual bank, shallow water. In some of the cuts that have been dredged, it isn’t always obvious which way the water flows, so you just have to observe which way the water is flowing at a given tide state. So, read the channel by looking at it, and don’t follow the magenta line on your chart plotter. Frequently, your chart plotter will show you in the marsh, and there have even been some places where the deepest water is outside of the buoyed channel! When your depth finder is showing less than the chart, wonder slowly back and forth looking for the deep water, sometimes the deep channel isn’t very wide. You actually learn a lot about a channel at low tide when you can really see it.
      Chuck Gorgen

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Little Mud River

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

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    • Feb 10, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Report from Two Way Fish Camp, off the AICW from Statute Mile 660, on the South Altamaha River

      Two Way Fish Camp is on the South Altamaha River’s southerly shores (west of the Waterway’s unlighted daybeacon #216A), a short hop east of the 35-foot fixed bridge and is the home of some of the largest alligators you will find outside the Okefenokee.

      Stopped here in February 2012. It is 4.2 miles off the AICW and the currents are strong ‘“ 1.5 to 2 kts was my experience. Some shallow spots but the river is marked. No one to help with dock lines in the strong current. Showers not heated, wifi would not work. Did not notice until dark but the electric pedestal I hooked my electric to was mis-wired. It had a polarity reversal. Not a real problem but it did mess up my Link 10 monitor system.
      Earl Beard

      Click Here To View This Facility’s Full Listing of Services on the Georgia Marina Directory

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Two Way Fish Camp

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    • Jan 12, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      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 AICW. This “AICW Problem Stretch” lies some 21 statute miles north of Brunswick, Georgia. Capt. Mike confirms our recommendation of using mid to high tide through this section.

      1-11-12 Left anchorage at MM 653 @ 8:20am, with a high tide of 9:33am, into the Little Mud river and saw depths no less than 12′ in the river and on the range out to the sound.
      Capt. Mike

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Little Mud River

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

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    • Jan 4, 2012by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      A Great Evening in Walburg Creek Anchorage, off the AICW at Statute Mile 619N or 623.5S

      Walburg Creek shapes the east side of Walburg Island and the Waterway lies on the west side. Good depths and great beach combing. While the creek has both a northern and southern entrance from the AICW, we prefer the northern passage, though there is still an unmarked shoal in St. Catherine’s Sound which must be bypassed.

      Dear Claiborne,
      We departed Shelter Cove Marina, Broad Creek (MM 560)Hilton Head SC around 9am 12/28/11. The wind was really blowing so we decided to stay inside. It was sunny and pleasant making the days cruise very enjoyable. Around 4:30pm We crossed St Catherines Sound (MM 620) southbound into Walburg Creek. We dropped the hook about a mile down in 20 feet of water. In minutes I was sitting on the foredeck of our Silverton 37 with a strong cold drink, smoking a cigar absorbing the last minutes of a huge golden sunset.
      After a quiet night we were underway and heading out St Catherines Sound inlet into the Atlantic southbound for St Simons Inlet. Conditions were perfect as the wind was light with waves 1 ft.
      This anchorage is perfectly located in both distance from Hilton Head and St Simons Island and access to the Atlantic.
      Walburg Creek is a magic place!
      Best,
      Kurt Kuykendall
      M/V Jus Relaxin
      Silverton 37 Conv

      Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Walburg Creek

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Walburg Creek

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    • Dec 7, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      News of Fort Frederica National Monument/Frederica River Anchorage, AICW near Statute Mile 666

      Frederica River flows east and south from the ICW’s unlighted daybeacon #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 two hour “dry” time at the dinghy dock reported correctly below by Captain Jim!

      Subject: Ft Frederica on St Simon Island GA is open to the public
      Cruising News:
      Ft. Frederica National Monument is open to the public in spite of chart and cruising guide nay sayers. You can anchor off the fort (5 stars by my estimation) and dinghy to the dock a few hundred yards south of fort. This is Oglethorpe’s 42nd regiment fort that staged the battle of Bloody Marsh the turned the Spanish attempted conquest of Georgia and forced them back to Florida!
      Be careful of tide–the dinghy dock is dry two hours before and after the low tide.
      Had to pole off to get back to boat –oops
      Capt. Jim aboard S/V Lady Lady

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Anchorage Directory Listing For Frederica River

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Frederica River Anchorage

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    • Nov 3, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Good Anchorage in Cattle Pen Creek, AICW Statute Mile 625.5

      Cattle Pen Creek cuts into the eastern banks of the Waterway’s Johnson Creek stretch between unlighted daybeacons #127 and #128.
      Cruising News:
      2/Nov/11 Arriving at high tide in our 42ft sailboat, draft 5’6″, and taking note of previous information on shoaling, we turned into the Creek taking a centre line between the banks and proceeded down the centre of the creek approx 3/4 of a mile until waters started to shallow quickly to 7ft but up to that time we did not see less than 13ft on the depth sounder.
      We retraced our track and set anchor about a 1/2 mile above the entrance where we recorded 7ft at low water that night.
      3/Nov/11 Departing this morning at 1 hour before low tide we followed the south bank out – we registered good depths between 11-20ft. The creek is narrow and is best in a NE but where we anchored was adequate swinging room for us even at 42ft long. Excellent holding in good, thick mud.
      William Spouse

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Anchorage Directory Listing For Cattle Pen Creek

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cattle Pen Creek

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    • Oct 27, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Log of the Palmetto Moon: AICW, Kilkenny to Brunswick

      Palmetto Moon with Jim, Su and Lazy Cat Alex have just traveled from Georgetown, SC To Brunswick, Ga. Palmetto Moon cruises at 8.5 MPH and draws 4.5 ft. Here are the issues and observations of their travels:

      5-Kilkenny (MM-613) to Brunswick (MM-680) Left at high tide
      Little Mud River (MM-653 to 656.3) 1 hour before low tide
      Favored G-183, then stayed center of markers, to R-192 lowest we saw was 5 feet.
      From G-193 to R-194, center of channel, We saw 4 feet
      From R-194 to G- 195, center of channel We saw 2.4 feet
      From G-195 and front range marker At the south end, we saw 3.1 feet.
      This info is what we experienced in our travels. As always you are the captain of your vessel and should use this as info only. Safe travels.
      Palmetto Moon

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    • Oct 27, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Log of the Palmetto Moon: AICW, Port Royal to Kilkenny

      Palmetto Moon with Jim, Su and Lazy Cat Alex have just traveled from Georgetown, SC To Brunswick, Ga. Palmetto Moon cruises at 8.5 MPH and draws 4.5 ft. Here are the issues and observations of their travels:

      4-Port Royal (MM-539.5) to Kilkenny (MM-613)
      Fields Cut (MM-573.5 to 575.5) 1.5 hours before low tide
      North entrance slightly favored Green Side We saw 7 – 9 feet under us
      South entrance entering the Savannah river
      Using center of channel We saw 3.5 feet starting just before R-50 and lasted until in the Savannah River
      Hell Gate MM-601.8 to 602.2 2 hours after low tide We saw 6 feet using center of channel
      This info is what we experienced in our travels. As always you are the captain of your vessel and should use this as info only. Safe travels.
      Palmetto Moon

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Hell Gate

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

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    • Oct 24, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Two Way Fish Camp, off the AICW from Statute Mile 660, on the South Altamaha River

      Two Way Fish Camp is on the South Altamaha River’s southerly shores (west of the Waterway’s unlighted daybeacon #216A), a short hop east of the 35-foot fixed bridge and is the home of some of the largest alligators you will find outside the Okefenokee.

      Claiborne,
      On a several week trip south from Charleston and stopped at Two Way Fish Camp Marian on your advice. What a unique friendly marina and restaurant. Great food and a fun bar. The currents are fast but no real problem for the experienced ICW traveler.
      Cheers,
      Toby Clark

      Click Here To View This Facility’s Full Listing of Services on the Georgia Marina Directory

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Two Way Fish Camp

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    • Oct 7, 2011by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      GREAT NEWS – Live Aboard Cruisers Now Welcome in Georgia Waters

      The message below comes to us from Charlie Waller, owner of Isle of Hope Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, and past president of the Georgia Marine Business Owners Association. Charlie and his organization have been working tirelessly to get the archaic, often ignored, but still a threat, regulation limiting boat owners to a 30 day stay aboard, changed. Congratulations to “GAMBA,” and everyone else who worked for this change.
      As Charlie explains below, now, by filling out a simple form, cruisers can stay aboard for up to a year in Georgia waters! Finally, a real victory for the cruising community!!!

      Claiborne,
      Good News!
      The State of Georgia has just modified the Live-Aboard rule so that it will be legal and practical to say on board your boat in Georgia for more than 30 days. A rule change will allow boaters to fill out a simple form to receive permission to be onboard for up to one year in Georgia so long as the boat is docked at a marina that meets the state’s minimum requirements for pump-out facilities. Isle of Hope Marina and just a couple of other marinas currently meet those standards, but I expect that other marinas will upgrade their facilities to take advantage of this rule change. I am heading a committee that will be working with the DNR to finalize the application form in the next few weeks. The rule change will be effective January 1, 2012.
      Charlie Waller
      Isle of Hope Marina

      Below, we present a wide cross section of responses from the cruising community to this change in Georgia’s live-aboard regulations, As you will see, some cruisers are very appreciative, others question why any regulation is needed and/or justified, and at least one fellow captain points out the process of applying to live aboard in Georgia waters for more than 30 days is not necessarily “simple.”

      We had a similar problem in Washington State years ago. The head of our DNR just flatly wanted no live aboards at all. We formed the Washington Live Aboards and fought and won. The big issues now is raw sewage being dumped and soap when washing your boat.
      The best advise I can give is get together with the marina owners and managers, develop rules dealing with sewage and pump outs. Be proactive and get in front of the issue. Getting teamed up with marinas gives you more credability and greater influnce.
      Final thought, don’t bad mouth the state and govermental officals its difficult to further your point of view if they’re pissed at you.
      We work closely with Seattle, Tacoma and Everett and they are all pro live aboards and help keep DNR in check.
      Detlev Willoughby
      President Tacoma Live Aboards, VP of the Washington Live Aboards

      The Seattle situation is still evolving, but it is shaping up to be about greywater. The City of Seattle has proposed limiting liveaboards (where marinas will accept them) to 25% of available slips. Current LABs will be allowed to stay, but once they leave the marina can’t rent to another LAB until they come below the 25% cap. The City has also proposed imposing a fee on marinas that accept LABs and additional administrative burdens. We all know that this will discourage private marina owners from renting to LABs and that the costs will flow downstream. My question re the Georgia situation is: what happens at the end of one year? That’s a good development for cruisers wanting to stay more than a month, but what’s the impact on full time residents of the state?
      Gail L.

      I think the title of this piece should be changed to `Liveaboards now tolerated at a few marinas in Georgia.’ The word `welcome’ does not come to mind. Like other long-term cruisers I prefer to anchor out, which means I won’t be living aboard in Georgia waters any time in the near future. By the way, I still highly recommend the beautiful ICW waters of Georgia for those who like to anchor and get away from it all’“just don’t stay in one place for more than 30 days.
      John Kettlewell

      THANKS FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL CRUISERS
      Bill

      Thanks Charlie!!!
      Betsy Basch

      Oh Goddie! The awful is now only bad.
      Why should I need a States permission to live on my boat? And why should I be forced to pay for dockage to do so?
      I use a composting head and had have no need for pump-out facilities. My water and electric needs are also self met. I much prefer to live on the hook.
      Bad precedent to set or accept. My opinion is that Georgia is still a place to pass through until this law is totally abandoned.
      Philip

      Charlie has done a great job along with many other people to help the liveaboard community.
      We & MANY others each year just go off shore to avoid Georgia since they still JUST DON’T get it. They need to make their portion of the ICW navigatible at ALL tide levels. Our money their loss!
      We feel sorry for all the businesses that are struggling, but until Georgia catches up with the rest of the world we & many others will just go off shore & NOT put up with the hassel!
      Mike M/V Elan

      Actually it is a little more complicated than just `filling out a simple form’. The 30 day law has not changed, now you must file for an extension of the 30day rule. You have to file for the extension to the Commissioner of the Georgia DNR. The commissioner, in his or her sole discretion, may grant or deny any request for an extension of time to occupy a live-aboard.
      Again it is not just a simple form you must meet the following Eligibility requirements:
      1. No live-aboard may be occupied in Georgia coastal waters subject to the jurisdiction of the CMPA for more than 30 days during any calendar year unless the live-aboard owner has been granted an extension of time in writing by the Commissioner.
      2. The applicant shall submit a written request for an extension to the Commissioner.
      3. The Commissioner shall promptly consider any written request that meet the following requirements.
      a. The applicant submits the request on the application form provided by the Department to the Commissioner, c/o the Coastal Resources Division, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, Georgia 31520.
      b. The Coastal Resources Division receives the request at least 15 calendar days prior to the requested extension start date.
      c. The applicant certifies that the live-aboard has a secured mechanism to prevent discharge of treated and untreated sewage.
      Examples of secured mechanisms considered to be effective at preventing discharge include, but are not limited to, closing the seacock and padlocking, using a non-releasable wire tie, or removing the seacock handle (with the seacock closed).
      d. The applicant certifies that they will not discharge any sewage, treated or untreated, into Georgia coastal waters subject to the jurisdiction of the CMPA.
      e. The applicant certifies that the live-aboard is capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water and is capable of safe, mechanically-propelled, navigation under average Georgia coastal wind and current conditions.
      f. The applicant identifies the eligible marina at which the live-aboard operator will moor the live-aboard.
      g. The applicant provides written documentation of a slip rental agreement with an eligible marina.
      h. The applicant states the reasons for requesting the extension and the period of time for which the extension is requested.
      Doesn’t seem that simple to me! Is working with the government ever simple? When you give them all that information you have given them all they need to through you out of the state and band you from ever entering the state on your way to Florida.
      What about the fines when you break one of their laws?
      There is no fee or tax this first year!
      What other state do you have to go before a Commissioner to live in that state?
      Kevin R. Quinn

      I don’t see this as a victory for cruisers at all. It is a victory for the marinas. Many of us anchor whenever possible and stay away from marina life and all its distractions and expense. Trust me, I will continue to go outside and bypass Georgia altogether. My dollars are much better spent elsewhere.
      Jerry Simpson

      At long last. Thanks to all who brought this about. It makes sense.
      Diana Prentice

      I have to agree with the other posters’“the title of this blog entry is complete propaganda. Shame on you for trying to spin this as some great win/win situation for boaters. As if we are too stupid to figure out for ourselves what the real facts are! Pathetic.
      That form is the opposite of simple, INO. And way too intrusive, asking too many questions that have zero to do with the idea of living for a while in Georgia waters.
      The sad thing is, that with this guy ‘˜fighting’ for us boaters, we can expect that the status quo for Georgia to boaters will continue for the foreseeable future. The Georgia ‘˜solution’ isn’t a solution at all, as obviously made note of ad nauseum above by most boaters responding. So I agree, we will continue to avoid lingering in Georgia waters. I can’t imagine how much money the marinas lose in Georgia because of the attitude of the State.
      Alan Avante

      Go to the bahamas instead. I was going to cruise North for a change, but with Georgias new regs and St. Augustines new 10 day anchoring limits upcoming why should I spend my money and time where I am not wanted. Please do not spend money in any places that are not cruiser friendly.
      Dave C.

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    • Sep 27, 2011by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      A Visit to Brunswick Landing Marina, Northwest of AICW Statute Mile 680

      Brunswick Landing Marina lies on the eastern banks of Academy Creek, just off Brunswick River, near the heart of downtown Brunswick, Georgia.

      Cargo [Cargo Portside Grill] was great ‘” was, it’s out of business.
      We ate at the 4th of May (Brunswick not St Simon) the night they opened for business and waddled back to the boat. Not only were servings copious, they were excellent.
      The first row slips are very uncomfortable to unsafe when a strong southerly is blowing. Our boat was almost unboardable in winds of only 18 knots. The second row and on back is fine.

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia 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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