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    • May 20, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      FOCUS ON Makers Air – Destinations Made

      Welcome to the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, your own paradise in the middle of the beautiful Exumas.

      Cruisers Net is honored to be able to work with this five-star, customer-focused, family owned and operated organization. Watermakers Air and Staniel Cay Yacht Club have been synonymous to so many over the past years.  Success is the driving element to its expanded service to the Bahamas and to its re-branding as Makers Air. Take a look at what you may do to add to your Bahamas experience. Can you say…” Wow !!”
      Staniel Cay Yacht Club, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
       

       

      There’s Something New in the Blue Skies Over the Bahamas

      Watermakers Air has Re-Branded to

      Makers Air

      Still Providing an Unparalleled Travel Experience with A New Look

      The story behind this story is filled with the passion of an enterprising gentleman, Joe Hocher, the developer of what we all know as the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, Exumas, Bahamas, and Watermakers, Inc. in Fort Lauderdale, a manufacturing company dedicated to the design, manufacture, and service of reverse osmosis desalination equipment. In the earlier years, Mr. Hocher flew around the islands in his Piper Cherokee Six, installing and servicing his desalination equipment; he affectionately became known as “Watermakers Air”.

      Then, in 2002, Watermakers Air was officially launched in response to demand for reliable air service to the Out Islands of the Bahamas, operating as a Part 135-Charter for the specific purpose of flying passengers and freight.

      For the past seventeen years Watermakers Air has been the preferred air service to the Bahamas from Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Growing from its initial operations servicing mostly Staniel Cay, Exumas, Makers Air is today’s premier air service to many of the Out Islands of the Bahamas.

      Now you can make your island dreams come true…

      Makers Air enhances your experience of travel by bringing back what it means to fly – the excitement of the great escape, togetherness with family or friends, and helping you relax as yesterday’s concerns fade into the inviting, crystal blue waters of the Bahamas.

      The Makers Air “difference” runs deep. What resulted from Joe Hocher’s passion became a family-owned, strategically grown, premiere boutique airline, that believes in the value of the passenger’s experience and safety. Makers Air understands that the destination is not your only adventure – it’s also the exciting journey to get you there.

      See these beautifully scattered cays from a “Makers” point of view

      Sparkling blue waters dotted with small cays … So much to see, do, and enjoy.

      And the flight over and back becomes so much of the total experience… and memory.

      Today, Makers Air, a certificated On-Demand / Commuter Air Carrier, has taken its brand promise to the next level by creating a tailored passenger experience that is focused on customer service and connecting passengers to paradise. The company has grown to a family of 30+ employees with dedicated Scheduled Service, Charter, and Freight Departments, with a fleet of 4 Cessna Grand Caravans.

      Makers Air proudly carries an Argus Gold Rating on its fleet of Cessna Grand Caravans. With various seating configurations, including an Oasis Executive Interior, they will make your travel as memorable as your destination.

       

      Makers Air is based out of a private hangar at Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport, convenient to all South Florida international airports. They offer a spacious, comfortable lobby with TV & WiFi, including the private, upscale Makers Club departure lounge for charter customers. You will enjoy complimentary snacks & beverages while also enjoying the lack of long security and baggage lines!

      Reservations and freight offices are open 7 days a week and Makers Air is also pet-friendly!

      Whether you are looking to take a vacation, fly to or from your boat, fly guests in or out, transport crew or parts or supplies, Makers Air is ready to provide you with exemplary service.

      It is an honor to be able to work with such a customer-focused organization as Makers Air and the all the wonderful people of Staniel Cay Yacht Club.

      Ready to kick back and start finding that one particular harbor…?

      then there’s only one way to go … Makers Air

      Take a look…click, enjoy, and start your journey!

      Click here for Video Link to Makers Air

      https://www.makersair.com/

      email: info@makersair.com

      phone: 954.771.0330

      © WinSueEnterprise

       

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    • May 16, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment

      Increased Commercial Shipping on the Waterway?

      An increase in commercial shipping on the Waterway would have the disadvantage of increased larger vessels vs recreational ones and the advantage of possible better Federal and local maintenance of Waterway depths.

      OP/ED: Is Short Sea shipping on the horizon along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway?
      MarineLink

      1 Facebook Likes, 1 Facebook Reactions

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Passe Partout -  May 17, 2019 - 5:29 pm

        I hope water transport is used more .. particularly on the ICW.

        Then maybe folks in charge will see the savings in cost of goods moved and spend some more on dredging and surveys so that that everyone might enjoy some better maintenance on the waterways.

        Reply to Passe
    • May 15, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      SCDNR: Boating Safety Tips and Reminders

      As part of National Safe Boating Week, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources offers these safety tips.

       

      Boating safety tips and reminders

      Do you know what you should do before you leave your home for a day on the water? Many of these steps are missed and can mean the difference between getting back home safely or not. 

      Before getting in the water

      SCDNR officers talking with people in a boat from a dock.

      Before leaving, make sure you fill out a float plan and let people know where you’re going, what route your taking, as well as what time you expect to be back. You can download the United State Coast Guard app to fill out your float plan and share it electronically.

      You’ll also want to get all your Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) together, make sure they are in serviceable condition AND are the correct size for all passengers, especially children. All PFDs should be stamped with “U.S. Coast Guard Approved” and include the type of PFD it is.

      There are five PFD types:

      • Type I: Offshore Life Jackets:
        • Best for all waters where rescue may be delayed and will turn unconscious wearers to face-up position
      • Type II: Near-shore Vests:
        • Best for calm, inland water where a quick rescue is likely.
      • Type III: Floatation Aids:
        • For general boating or the specialized activity, such as water skiing, hunting, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and others. Good for calm, inland waters, or where there is a good chance for fast rescue.
      • Type IV: Throwable Device:
        • Can be a square style, or a ring buoy or horseshoe buoy mounted on deck. 
        • NOTE– You must have one at arm’s length to throw over the side in an emergency. 
      • Type V: Special-use Devices:
        • Manual units are activated by yanking a pull-tab. Both types, Hybrid inflation and Automatic inflation, of inflatables feature blow-tubes to provide a back-up method of inflation.
      Different types of Personal flotation devices

      You should also check your fuel level and battery charge before heading out. If possible, have an extra battery for your boat. Make sure your lights are in good working condition on the boat AND trailer, as well.

      In addition to PFDs, you’ll also need to have a fire extinguisher readily accessible and in good serviceable condition.

      Also, remember to put the plug in.

      On the water

      Now that all that is checked-off, what should you know when you’re on one of South Carolina’s beautiful waterways?

      The first thing you should do is get familiar with the aids to navigation and buoy system in the area you’ll be in. Refresh your memory on what each symbol and color means.

      Lateral markers will mark the edges of safe water areas, directing traffic within a channel. Think of them as the yellow lines you see on the road. A red marker indicates the right side of the channel, and green will be the left side as a boater heads upstream or enters from open sea. Remember, all boats approaching from the right have the right of way and should keep the course.

      Non-lateral markers are navigational aids that give information other than the edges of safe water areas. The most common are regulatory markers which are white and use orange markings and black lettering. Non-lateral markers are found on lakes and rivers.

      • Information: Squares indicate where to find food, supplies, repairs, etc., and give directions and other information.
      • Controlled: Circles indicate a controlled area such as speed limit, no fishing or anchoring, ski only or no skiing, or “slow, no wake.”
        • The “no wake” zones will be marked by an official SCDNR logo
      • Exclusion: Crossed diamonds indicate areas off-limits to all vessels such as swimming areas, dams, and spillways.
      • Danger: Diamonds warn of dangers such as rocks, shoals, construction, dams, or stumps. Always proceed with caution.

      Non-lateral markers

      While you can be prepared as much as possible, it won’t always stop something bad from happening. However, being prepared could keep the situation from being worse.

      If someone does fall overboard, immediately turn the boat off and throw something that will float, like a PFD, raft or cooler to the person. You should have it easily accessible and not tied down. If your boat capsizes, stay with the boat! You will have a better chance of being seen by rescue crews.

      South Carolina has the perfect conditions for pop-up thunderstorms during the summer. If you get caught in one, head into the wind and have everyone, including yourself, put on PFDs. Also, keep passengers low in the boat.

      Don’t operate any watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you see any potential boating, fishing or hunting violations, call Operation Game Thief’s 24-hour hotline at 1-800-922-5431 to report it.

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    • May 14, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      AGLCA Lobbying Reports from Florida Legislature

      Our thanks to Kim Russo, Director of America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association, for this report of Florida legislative action on anchoring rights currently under discussion. See Donations Sought to Fight Anti-Anchoring Legislation in Florida and Anchorage Harassment.

      Once again, thank you to those who contributed to our Advocacy Fund, which allowed us to be represented in Tallahassee during the Florida legislative session. Our efforts were highly successful. Following is a recap submitted by our lobbyist:

      “During the 2019 Legislative Session there were multiple bills filed that could affect cruisers’ interests including the freedom to responsibly anchor in Florida waters. There were multiple communities that attempted to further restrict anchoring. The City of Melbourne, for example, sought legislative language that would bypass the provisions that our Associations got passed 2 years ago which pre-empted all anchoring restrictions to the State level (i.e. no local governments can pass ordinances relating to anchoring, except for the narrowly-defined live-aboard vessels). Melbourne’s approach was to re-define the term live-aboard vessel so that it would apply to most vessels at anchor and therefore allow them to ban anchoring. This attempt was defeated despite strong lobbying efforts by the City and influential legislators. The City of Hollywood and others sought to ban anchoring in specific anchorages. This was also defeated, again, despite strong lobbying efforts by the City and influential legislators.

      “Ultimately, the Legislature passed only one relevant bill, SB 1666 which awaits signature or veto by the Governor. This bill attempts to address the problem of long-term ‘stored vessels’ that are essentially abandoned in anchorages. Our Associations supported and helped draft these provisions. The bill defines the term ‘long-term stored vessel’ to mean a vessel which has remained anchored or moored without supervision or control for at least 30 days out of a 60-day period. It requires the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission (FWC) to conduct a study on the impacts of long-term stored vessels on local communities and the state, and to present the report to the Governor and Legislature.

      “The bill also provides a certain portion of vessel registration fees designated for use by the counties to be deposited into the Marine Resources Conservation Trust Fund to fund grants for derelict vessel removal. Funds not granted to local governments by a certain date in the fiscal year may be used by the FWC to remove derelict vessels.

      “The bill also prohibits a person who leaves or abandons a derelict vessel from residing or dwelling on the vessel until it is permanently removed from state waters or returned to waters in a nonderelict condition.

      “The bill also authorizes counties designated as rural areas of opportunity to create in freshwater water-bodies within their jurisdiction a ‘no-discharge zone’ where treated and untreated sewage discharges are prohibited for specified vessels. It requires vessel operators within a no-discharge zone to keep sewage discharges onboard for discharge at sea or onshore at a pump-out facility and imposes a civil penalty and declares the vessel or floating structure a nuisance and hazard to public safety and health if an unlawful discharge is made in a no-discharge zone.

      “AGLCA, along with MTOA, SSCA and the DeFever Owners Association, was effective and influential throughout the Legislative Session, ensuring that proposed legislation did not impair the freedom of cruisers to responsibly access and utilize Florida’s waters, especially its anchorages. We also maintained a focus on policies that can help remove vessels that are derelict or at risk of becoming derelict.”

      Our next task is to work during the off season to see if a compromise can be reached with parties that want to limit anchoring. Our hope is that we won’t have to continue to fight this year-after-year.

      Kim Russo
      Director
      America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association

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    • May 13, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      LOTS of Questions!

      Terry Logan is a new to the AICW cruiser with a new boat and lots of questions. Many of you are thoroughly capable of answering his inquiries with advice, observations and solutions. So, sit down with a cold one and type away. Terry and his wife will be most grateful.

      Not sure if this is the appropriate forum for my question,so apologies in advance if it isn’t. My wife and I just bought a 38′ outboard express fishing boat and are picking her up next week from Long Island Sound just north of NY City. We’ll be bringing her down the ICW and offshore to Southport, NC. We’ve got about 3 weeks budgeted to allow for weather, and sightseeing/exploring. As we’ve never been through this part of the ICW/coast, any suggestions and advice from more experienced folks will be welcome and appreciated. Tips on “don’t miss” spots as well as “spots to avoid” are especially welcome! Thanks in advance!

      Terry Logan

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    • May 10, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Security News for Boaters

      Personal security and property security are becoming larger areas of concern these days and these linked articles seem particularly appropriate to boaters, especially transient cruisers.

      How the Collier County Sheriff’s Office is keeping you safe on the water
      Wink News

      “Carfax for boats’ law will alert buyers to vessels’ shady pasts
      Sun Sentinel

      Tip of organized theft ring targeting boats, motors leads to arrest of 3 men in Melbourne
      Florida Today

       

       

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    • May 9, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Shared Photo: Sunrise at Spanish Wells by Greg Allard

      Our thanks to Greg Allard for sharing his gift of photography.

      Sunrise at Spanish Wells, in the Bahamas, where commercial fishing boats greatly outnumber cruising boats.

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    • May 9, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.7687,-81.43829999

      TowBoatUS Now in LaBelle, FL, Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 103


       View In Chartview

      Always hoping you never need their services, it is good to know they are there.

      NEWS From BoatUS

      Boat Owners Association of The United States
      5323 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22151
      Read this press release online at: https://bit.ly/2JmcikB



      Photo Caption: Capt. Mike Ammons aboard his 24-hour boat towing and response vessel

      For Boaters Crossing Florida, TowBoatUS Has You Covered

      LaBelle is fourth location for TowBoatUS on the Okeechobee Waterway

      LABELLE., Fla., May 8, 2019 – Most boats crossing the state of Florida on the Okeechobee Waterway are transient, only trying to get from one coast to the other as quickly as possible. That means their captains may not have local knowledge, and if they need assistance for an unexpected grounding or engine problem, the newly opened 24-hour on-water towing and assistance service for recreational boaters, TowBoatUS LaBelle, is ready to help.

      It’s the fourth TowBoatUS port servicing the 134.3-nautical-mile waterway, which includes bookend locations in Stuart and Fort Myers, and in Okeechobee. TowBoatUS is the only national, 24-hour on-water service delivering professional assistance on the waterway from end-to-end, providing boaters with routine help with dead batteries, soft ungroundings, running out of fuel, or a tow back to the launch ramp or marina.

      TowBoatUS LaBelle is the second location for Capt. Mike Ammons, who opened TowBoatUS Lake Okeechobee in 2018. Prior to that, Ammons owned three TowBoatUS ports in the early 2000s. Today, TowBoatUS has over 300 locations and 600 towing response vessels across the country.

      Much like an auto club, BoatUS offers on-water Unlimited Towing Memberships for boaters and anglers for just $159 per year. Boaters without BoatUS towing services face costs that average $750 per towing incident, with some paying thousands out of pocket.

      TowBoatUS LaBelle and TowBoatUS Okeechobee offer extended service areas, including Lake Okeechobee in its entirety and the Caloosahatchee River. St. Lucie Canal service is provided by TowBoatUS Stuart.

      TowBoatUS LaBelle operates a 22-foot power cat response vessel with twin outboards, easily recognizable by its red hull and TowBoatUS logos emblazoned in bright white letters on its sides, rigged and ready for towing, jump starts, fuel delivery and soft ungroundings.

      Boaters can reach TowBoatUS LaBelle by hailing on VHF channel 16, by calling the company directly at (239) 600-0140, by phoning the BoatUS toll-free 24/7 Dispatch Center at (800) 391-4869, or via smartphone using the BoatUS App. More information can be found at BoatUS.com/Towing, or call (800) 888-4869.

      ###

      About TowBoatUS:

      Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is the nation’s leading advocate, services and safety group for recreational boaters. We are the Boat Owners Auto Club and provide our more than half-million members with a wide array of helpful services, including 24-hour on-water towing that gets you safely home when your boat won’t, jump starts, fuel delivery, and soft ungroundings. The TowBoatUS towing fleet is North America’s largest network of towing ports with more than 300 locations and over 600 red towing assistance vessels, responding to more than 70,000 requests for assistance each year. The BoatUS App makes it easy to summon water and road assistance 24/7 and can speed response times (BoatUS.com/App). For more information go to BoatUS.com/Membership.

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of LaBelle on the Okeechobee Waterway

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    • May 7, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.6811,-79.04179999

      Praise for Osprey Marina, AICW Statute Mile 373


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      Osprey Marina

      A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, popular Osprey Marina is at mile marker 373 on the Intracoastal Waterway south of Myrtle Beach, SC. Thankfully, Osprey Marina has almost completely recovered from the damages of hurricane Florence. Our thanks to Loopers Steve Quinn and Brenda Sanderson for these good words as posted on AGLCA’s Forum.

      I needed about three weeks of harborage myself in the same area so I chose Osprey Marina. Great folks, clean family run marina and very well protected. I called pretty much last minute to make reservations and they did work me in. Highly recommended. I will be returning to my boat approximately May 10.
      Steve Quinn

      2nd Steve Quinn’s recommendation. if you can go North a little more, you won’t find much of a friendlier and well protected marina. Last trip through southbound, they paid two dock hands OT to receive us an hour after closing to make sure we made it in. Cheap diesel too. We love Osprey. On our way north recently we stopped to fuel and pump out at Wacca Wache. Over 25 cents more per gallon on diesel than Osprey and a whopping $25 for a pumpout.
      Brenda Sanderson

      Click Here To View the Cruisers Net South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Osprey Marina

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

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    • May 7, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.9835,-81.62029999

      Shands Bridge, St. Johns River, Green Cove Springs, FL


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      For our tall-masted friends thinking of exploring the upper St. Johns River, Bruce Phaup kindly reminds us that the Shands Bridge with a fixed vertical clearance of 45ft connects Red Bay and Smith Points just south of Green Cove Springs. Funds have been approved for the replacement of Shands Bridge by the Florida Legislature, see links below. The bridge portion of the project is scheduled for completion in 2030.

      The Shands Bridge, just south of Green Cove Springs, has a clearance of 45 feet. The Shands Bridge is the controlling height for the entire navigable extent of the St. John’s River, extending south to Sanford, Florida.
      Bruce Phaup

      Current Shands Bridge

      Click here for Renderings of the new Shands Bridge

      Click here for State funds $763M to replace Shands Bridge, extend beltway

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    • May 2, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy 3 Comments 31.0648,-81.4289999

      Caution Still Needed in Jekyll Creek Problem Stretch, GA AICW Statute Mile 683


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      This long overdue dredging is very welcome, but as Richard Ross confirms, the dredging has not been completed so GO SLOW and KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE DEPTH FINDER! Because the channel through this Problem Stretch seems to shift with each tide and until the dredging proves otherwise, Cruisers Net still recommends mid to high tide passage.

      By now everyone cruising the ICW should know that Jekyll Creek is being dredged.
      We came thru there today (May 2/19) near high tide and saw 2 ft MLW near the infamous marker 19. The dredge is at the north end and will be working its way south. Completion is scheduled for June 15. So don’t strike this off your list of Georgia problem stretches yet.
      Richard Ross

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

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

      AREA SPONSORING MARINA

      Click Here To View the Cruisers Net Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina

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

      Comments from Cruisers (3)

      1. Richard Ross -  May 15, 2019 - 10:48 am

        In reply to Dave and Bob. Sorry it took so long, we have been out cruising.

        MLW depths mean the water depth at low tide. Of course the water was much deeper at close to high tide when we went thru (We draw 5 ft), but I subtracted the tide when calculating water depth. The bottom line is that until the dredging is finished, most boats will not be able to pass this section at low tide.

        Reply to Richard
      3. Bob Keller -  May 2, 2019 - 10:01 pm

        With all due respect, it is hard to believe that there was 2 ft mlw in Jekyll Creek today near high tide. These kinds of reports are useless to cruisers and actually are detrimental because they do not potray a complete picture. Exactly where near green 19 were you when you saw 2 ft? I suspect you were quite far off G 19 and which direction were u heading, north or south? I travel through here several times a year and have never heard of 2 ft at mlw except if you are out of the channel, off course or have not paid attention to the many tracks and routes posted online to easily traverse this area.

        Reply to Bob
    • May 2, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 36.5054,-76.35519999

      Incident in Dismal Swamp Canal, AICW Alternate Route


       View In Chartview

      Things that go bump… Normally, the ride through Dismal Swamp is best described as idyllic and unforgettable, but because of its heavily wooded banks, dredging in the Canal can sometimes stir up more than the usual amount of debris. It is unfortunate that vessels occasionally make contact in the Canal, even when no dredging is underway. Our thanks to Loopers Jeffrey and Cathy, Richard and Terrie for sharing their recent experiences with us. Dismal Swamp Canal is home to Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR.

      We came through the Dismal Swamp today and to tell the truth, I can’t recommend the route at all. We went through with three boats. One boat which draws 5ft struck submerged logs numerous times and bent the prop. Our Mainship 40, which draws four feet, struck something twice and ran over a dredge hose in the canal. There is a dredge working the canal but he has a plastic pipe across the canal and I asked him to submerge it. He came back on the radio and said he did sink it. I went over it and hit it both with the bow and my prop. If you take this route please use caution. If I had to do it over again, I would go the Virginia cut. Good luck.
      Jeffrey and Cathy Guttenberger
      R Time
      2005 Mainship 400

      We came past the dredge a few minutes ago and had no problems … we draw 4.5 feet. The dredge operator was very helpful and contacted us after we passed to ask if we had hit anything. I think he was feeling bad about yesterday’s incidents. My depth finder alarm was set at 6’ and never went off. The lowest depth I remember seeing was 7.2’. We did bump something a couple times but for us it wasn’t a big deal.
      Richard & Terrie Dukes
      Avalon

      Director of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, Donna Stewart, offered this response:

      A boater mentioned this second hand to us yesterday, but I had not had any complaints…..at all. We have been consistently asking people, and also have checked in with Robert [Lock master]. Of course, most of our boats are heading north right now, with a few southbound. I’m sorry to hear this report…… After the wind on Friday, we had a report of a tree down at mm19 on Saturday morning, but all boats got through and I’m aware the contractor came and cut the tree to clear passage. I’ve had so many positive comments this season, and it has been so good. This is disappointing.
      All the comments we have received from boaters have been very positive, which has been encouraging and we have asked. We are advising boaters the company is monitoring Channel 72 and please contact them for any information in moving through. I’m sorry to hear someone had issues.
      Donna Stewart

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers Net’s Marina Directory Listing For the Camden TDA/Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

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      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Tom Lahey -  May 4, 2019 - 5:46 am

        Our boat "Kissed Some Frogs" 42' with 3.5' draft, and 2 others in our group, another 42' with 3.5" draft, and a 53' with 5' draft, all transited the lock and past the dredge with no issues. We saw a few floating logs/sticks, and there was a bump or two with the 5' draft, but no worse than other wooded edge waterways like the Waccamaw River. We also saw three other sailboats (which we assume all had deeper drafts) two south bound and one north bound behind us, that transited without issue.

        We called the Dredge Barge on channel 72, they asked us to hold for a few minutes while they got the pipe out of the way, and we proceeded past very slowly. While passing over the pipe, we went into neutral and glided across just to be safe, but none of us had any issues. The Dredge operators were very friendly and helpful.

        We stayed overnight at the welcome center with 2 other boats, a cruiser and a sailboat, and it was great. The paths in the State Park are beautiful! All of the staff (Lock masters, Welcome Center, State Park employees), were friendly helpful and were showing real concern for the reported issues. They were not aware, and asked that anyone who did experience issues, contact them as the Dredge Operator carries insurance.

        Don't miss the opportunity to experience this amazing part of our boating history. Just take it slow, (we kept to about 5 knots), keep your eyes open, and stay in the center of the channel. You'll be glad you did!

        Reply to Tom
    • Apr 30, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Marina Shore Power GFCI Protection by Jim Healy

      Our thanks to experienced cruiser, Jim Healy, for sharing his expertise on this subject as originally posted on AGLCA’s Forum.

      Blair has summarized the problem well.  His summary should provide awareness for the AGLCA fleet.  This problem is becoming more and more common as the years roll by and marina upgrades are done.  I have written extensively about this problem over many years, and all my articles are all on my website.  All of my articles are free to all.  

      What Blair has not done is to explain how individual boat owners can test their own boats and then, what to look for as potential causes of sensor tripping (continuous and/or nuisance).  I wrote an article for individual boaters to use to test their own boats.  Here is a link to that article: https://gilwellbear.wordpress.com/category/boat-technical-topics/electrical-topics/boat-ac-topics/ac-safety-tests-for-boats/.  Owners do not need to come into contact with live electric circuits to perform these tests, but will need basic electrical test tools (less than $100).

      There are many, many causes for ground faults/leakage faults on boats.  Here is a link to an article that may help individual boat owners to isolate symptoms: https://gilwellbear.wordpress.com/category/boat-technical-topics/electrical-topics/boat-ac-topics/ground-faults-and-ground-fault-sensors/

      In addition to the above, I have articles on ELCI devices as recommended by ABYC, Electric Shock Drowning, reasons it may be quite difficult to hire professional help with these issues, why 240V boats will sometimes find 208V at docks, and much more.

      All boat owners should know the basic “somethings” about their boat’s AC Systems.  For that, I have two introductory articles.  AC Fundamentals Part 1 describes shore power as found in a single family residence (building/condo/apartment).  Understand that is extremely helpful to understand boats.  AC Fundamentals Part 2 describes how the pieces fit together on boats.  These are introductory articles and WILL NOT turn readers into electricians, but they will enable readers to discuss issues, problems and proposed corrections with a professional, and understand what the professional is telling them.

      Discussion on this and other forum lists come and go, but the website is always available.

      Questions are welcome.

      Jim

      http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com
      Monk 36 Hull #132
      MMSI #367042570
      AGLCA #3767
      MTOA #3436

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    • Apr 29, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy 2 Comments

      Shared Photo: Money Cay, Bahamas by Greg Allard

      Greg Allard is so kind to share his beautiful Bahamas photos with us.

      One reason to go to the Bahamas. This photo was taken on Money Cay in the Berry Islands.

      1 Facebook Likes, 1 Facebook Reactions

      Comments from Cruisers (2)

      1. Winston Fowler -  April 29, 2019 - 10:42 pm

        Now that is what I call "Island tranquility".
        "Mental Floss"…. "Heaven On Earth"…

        Reply to Winston
      2. Larry Dorminy -  April 29, 2019 - 3:46 pm

        Enter Allard in our Homepage Search window for more of Greg’s photo essays.
        Larry

        Reply to Larry
    • Apr 29, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association Report

      Cruisers Net is proud to be a member of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association whose lobbying work is crucial to keeping the Waterway navigable. Your membership dollars directly impact their vital work. Please join and encourage your boating neighbors to do likewise, regardless of their homeport.

      Jekyll Creek, GA Thin-layer Placement Project Underway!
      Earlier this month, Cottrell Contracting Corporation began work on the $6 million Jekyll Creek Thin-layer Placement Project in coastal Georgia. The beneficial use project includes the removal of approximately 220,000 cubic yards of material from Jekyll Creek and is part of an overall $12.7 million contract that will include maintenance dredging of an additional 680,000 cubic yards in Buttermilk Sound, Hell’s Gate and Fields Cut.

      Brad Pickel, AIWA Executive Director, was invited to participate in a recent pre-construction meeting with representatives from the South Atlantic Division and Savannah District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. We were welcomed by Devon Carlock of Cottrell Contracting to visit the thin-layer placement area for the project and learn more about the dredge Rockbridge. The project partners have established an on-site video to view the construction occurring within the thin-layer placement area including a video loop of all previous activity. 

      Click here for camera streaming. We also invite you to view this link  to a recent story by News4Jax in Jacksonville, FL of a 01:45 video clip of the project. We will share information and photos as this pilot project is implemented along the AIWW!

      ABOVE L to R: Dylan Davis, South Atlantic Division of USACE; Jonathan Brodie, Savannah District of USACE; Devon Carlock, Cottrell Contacting & AIWA Board Member; Mike Montone, Savannah District of USACE. Rockbridge dredge on Jekyll Creek.
       
      AIWA Advocacy Leads to Multi-State Congressional Support for Waterway Funding
      One of the most significant goals of our advocacy work is building a coalition of support for waterway funding in Congress. Coalitions are more robust than individual efforts when requesting funding and we are grateful to partner annually with the Florida Inland Navigation District to target U.S. Representatives along the AIWW. This year we engaged with our new partner and AIWA member, the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey, to pursue support in New Jersey connecting the value of Marine Highway 95 extension along the northeastern U.S. We are pleased to announce our combined efforts were a success!

      Specifically, we asked Congressional Representatives to join together and request $60 million for three Additional Dredging Needs funding pots for the Corps of Engineers Operations and Maintenance budget that can be used to perform waterway maintenance by signing a bi-partisan delegation letter. We received sixteen signatories representing all five states along the AIWW and New Jersey! [A snapshot of the delegation letter is below, for a full version simply click on the image.] If you have the opportunity to personally thank any one of the Representatives, PLEASE do so. They are true champions for the waterway and the Nation’s maritime transportation system.

       

      Maritime Administration Awards $6.7 Million 
      for Marine Highway Projects 

      On April 23rd, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced $6,790,000 in grants to three Marine Highway projects. The funding will go towards enhancing existing services in Louisiana and Virginia as well as supporting the development of a new project in New York. “These grants will expand the use of our country’s waterways, which are essential to our economic growth and vitality,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao.  

      MARAD’s Marine Highway Program supports the increased use of the nation’s navigable waterways in order to relieve landside congestion, provide new and efficient transportation options, and increase the productivity of the surface transportation system. The program works with public and private stakeholders to achieve these goals. “America’s Marine Highway Program is dedicated to expanding freight movement on the water and this round of grant funding will go a long way towards ensuring that our nation’s waterways continue to be utilized as effectively as possible,” said Maritime Administrator Mark H. Buzby.

      Two of the grant awards are for increased container-on-barge service from our deep water ports to inland areas. The AIWA has advocated for container-on-barge service to leverage the value of our waterborne transportation system and the AIWW (M-95) for a number of years. We are eager to see these services expanding! Learn more about the projects on the MARAD website.   ©️Map courtesy of MARAD

       
       
      SAVE THE DATE 
      AIWA’s 20th Anniversary!
      2019 Annual Meeting 
      November 21—22
      @The Desoto Hotel, Savannah, GA
      Support AIWA ~ New Members Sign Up Here!

      Copyright © 2019. Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association. All rights reserved.

      The AIWA is a national non-profit organization with the mission of securing funding and support for the maintenance of the AIWW [Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway]. We are the only organization dedicated to ensuring the future of the AIWW and proudly represent all stakeholders of the waterway.

      Contact:
      5A Market * Beaufort, South Carolina 29906 * (843) 379-1151

      AIWA The Unified Voice of the Waterway ~ Celebrating 20 Years in 2019

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    • Apr 27, 2019by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment

      USCG Rescue by Off-Duty Guardsman

      The United States Coast Guard doing what they do best – even when off-duty! Well done Chief Matthew Hare!

      Off-duty Coast Guardsman rescues boater from capsized vessel near Cumberland Island

      JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — An off-duty Coast Guardsman rescued a boater from a capsized vessel Friday near Cumberland Island, Georgia.

      The Coast Guardsman, Chief Matthew Hare of the cutter Hammer, notified Coast Guard Sector JacksonvilleCommand Center watchstanders he noticed one boater sitting on his capsized 16-foot boat at 7:30 p.m while on his personal boat. Hare retrieved the man from the water and transported him to Fernandina Harbor Marina.

      “Even when we’re out of uniform, we as Coast Guardsman are always on duty,” said Hare. ” The maritime community is always there for each other.” 

      The boater was reported to be in good condition.

      The owner of the vessel is coordinating salvage. 

      For more breaking news follow us on Twitter.

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      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Ted R. Bost, Jr. -  April 29, 2019 - 9:02 am

        Bravo Zulu, Chief Hare! Always prepared.

        Reply to Ted

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