Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
As of April 15, the SVRS and float plan system has been replaced by a new app called ROAM available for ios and droid.
We used it to clear coming back into Miami a few days ago.
Once you download the app, you need to create an account at login.gov.
The app allows you to enter passenger and vessel data (including photo of each passport).
Upon return to the US, you select the passengers, vessel and answer a few basic questions about the trip. After submitting the data, a customs officer will initiate a video call inside the app. You will need to have person show their face and passport.
Quick and easy. Then you get a clearance confirmation by email.
And the best is that Non LBO US citizens do not have to go to immigration.
Garmin charts and Nobeltec TZ app have conflicting depth info for Staniel Cay YC approach from the West. Do most deep draft vessels enter the marina from the East (Atlantic), or is the bank side ok? I have 5′ draft…
The channel through Jekyll Creek seems to shift with each tide and, as recommended in this report, Cruisers’ Net likewise recommends mid to high tide passage. Jekyll Creek is home to A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Jekyll Harbor Marina. Jerry and Sam’s report on this Problem Stretch is reprinted with their kind permission from AGLCA’s Forum. Thank you, Jerry and Sam!
We went through Jekyll Creek yesterday about an hour before low tide with two days of west winds blowing what water was left out to the Atlantic. I wouldn’t suggest anyone try this section in the conditions we had, I’m just hard headed and have a 2’10” draft. We lost readings on both depth finders, and the Admiral stood in the cockpit and told me which prop was stirring up mud in an attempt to keep us in the deepest water as I idled the entire length from the bridge North to St. Simon sound. We never bumped bottom, but it was not a comfortable section to navigate. There was not enough room in the wet part of the creek for a Jon boat to comfortably pass either side of us. This is one of those sections on the AICW we will consider a mid to high tide only area on future trips. Jerry and Sam Williams
Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
I have sent an email to exumapark@bnt.bs to try to reserve a mooring in a couple of weeks but not response. I’ve also try to call but you leave a message and not call back. Any other suggestion to reserve a mooring or you just drop in and deal with the park when you’re there?
The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center Docks and information are provided at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, an NC DOT Rest Area facility, and are located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC.
Looking north from our dock.
The historic Dismal Swamp Canal is coming back to life after ice, storms and other natural disasters….. “I feel like The Princess Bride” reported one of our lovely guests who had experienced this waterway for the first time just this week. As the dogwoods blush and the Carolina pines tower above, we are optimistic for the future of our beloved waterway. Many boaters recently report this was on their wish list and are thrilled with their first experience. The Norfolk District ACOE has plans to continue work this spring and summer to restore the canal to its normal 6’ controlling depth, but should not hinder navigation. Please visit this link for more information: https://dismalswampwelcomecenter.com/boating/
As a northern gateway to our beautiful state and the Albemarle Region, we take our jobs seriously in making our boaters feel welcome and informed. We encourage them to explore the Albemarle Sound, including the assets featured in the Albemarle Loop and enjoy the southern hospitality, a staple of our region. These marinas, cities, towns and counties count the boating community as valued and appreciated. They are working together to enhance the experiences and stories to come, of adventures through our enchanting waterways. Whispers and cries from the lives before us blend to create diverse stories to be discovered and treasured. The Albemarle Region is celebrating a 350th anniversary in 2018, and we have much to learn from our past. http://www.350th.com/
Donna
Donna Stewart, Director Dismal Swamp Welcome Center 2356 US Hwy 17N South Mills, NC 27976 Phone – 252-771-8333 www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com Bird, Bike, Hike…..take in the sights!
An endurance paddle from Bimini to Lake Worth will raise funds for
Cystic Fibrosis.
Crossing for a Cure began after Travis Suit’s daughter Piper was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Piper was just four years old at the time and Suit felt helpless, but like any father, he knew he had to make the best of it for Piper. After some tears and extensive research, Suit learned of the incredible health benefits the ocean has on those living with the disease… and so the first Crossing for the Cure was born.
Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Posted: 18 Apr 2018 04:08 AM PDT Hello, Anyone know if there is wifi available (for purchase) these days at the Warderwick Wells office or moorings? Thanks!
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Comments from Cruisers (2)
Scott McConnell- April 20, 2018 - 2:53 pm
Wardwells had WiFi for purchase a month ago $10 per day
Hello. Husband and I would like to cross from Lake Worth Inlet to West End on or around June 2, 2018. We are looking for a crossing buddy. We are in a 30′ Proline walk-around cutty cabin, with twin 250′ motors. Please contact me at betsyrosander@yahoo.com if u are interested.
We think you will appreciate the new comments from Dan, Glenn and Bill on Jim Healy’s article on wake originally posted by Claiborne in 2011.
Jim Healy
The very informative message below is copied from the Trawlers and Trawlering Mail List. This free list is an excellent adjunct to Cruisers’ Net, and we highly recommend it. Thanks to Captain Jim Healy for giving one of the best and most thorough descriptions of restrictive speed zones I have ever seen!
Florida does by far the best job of identifying speed zones as any other US State. By far. (Canada is best of all, but I digress.) Florida Law defines three categories of marine speed limits: 1) “Idle Speed, No Wake,” 2) “Slow Speed, Minimum Wake” and 3) “Normal, Safe Operation.” There are several variations of “Slow Speed, Minimum Wake:” everything from 25MPH nights, 30MPH days, to date restrictions, etc. Many, many “Slow Speed, Minimum Wake” signs have small print that says “channel exempted” or “channel included.” Or, within 300 feet of the west (or) east shore.” Or, “within 300 feet of the bridge.” Or, effective dates. Take a pair of binoculars and make sure you read the small print. That small print can save you travel hours and personal anxiety. In almost all Manatee areas (narrow channels with shallow waters where the animals are likely to be in the deeper channel areas), you will see long stretches of “Slow Speed, Minimum Wake.” One that’s about 6 miles long runs from below New Smyrna Beach to Mosquite Lagoon. The good news is, there are actually relatively few “Idle Speed, No Wake” zones, and Florida in general does not abuse them. Remember, the best way to get compliance is when people generally agree that the rules are “right.” If people comply because it’s the right thing to do, enforcement is not required. So, “Idle Speed, No Wake” zones in Florida are generally short, and virtually always surround narrow bridges and boat ramp launch areas. Florida State Law defines “Slow Speed, Minimum Wake” as “fully settled in the water,” not making a wake that would cause harm to other nearby boaters, and minimum wake. For trawlers that travel at hull speeds of 7.5 kts, “Slow Speed, Minimum Wake” is essentially not much different from your normal speed. All I do is back off 200-250 rpm or so to make sure my wake doesn’t break at the crests. That’s where I’m fully compliant with the law. NOTE: This set of distinctions is NOT well understood, even by other boaters, so from time to time, people will yell at you. I always wave back in friendship. One such area is the bascule bridge tender at the Haulover Canal. Another is the area of Peck Lake, just above Hobe Sound (Jupiter Island). And yet another is at the Royal Palm bridge in Palm Beach County. They’ll yell at you that you’re in a “No Wake” zone. Not true; the zones are clearly marked “Slow Speed, Minimum Wake.” When you remind them of that (high power, channel 13 or 16, so the whole world hears), they go quiet, or mumble and mutter. But, these areas are heavily patrolled, especially on weekends, and none of the police agencies (FWC, sheriff, metro) will quibble with you. In fact, they often operate (non emergency mode) with wakes larger than your own. We’ve never been stopped, and we always wave and get friendly waves back. Good judgement is important, too, since some min wake areas are more sensitive than others. The pearl is, Florida “Slow Speed” zones are designed to protect Manatees by controlling heavy, powerful sportfish and sea-ray types that are fast, selfish and have exposed wheels; Manatee can easily avoid trawlers and slow cruisers. And of course, sail boats. So except for the immediate area of South Florida between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, you will rarely be inconvenienced by “No Wake” zones. A good guide in South Florida is to watch what the local 12 – 18 foot day boaters are doing. They are a useful indicator in unfamiliar territory. If they’re ripping along, you’re OK. If they’re dawdling along, check the signage. Jim Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary Currently at Franklin Lock, Alva, FL, southbound
What you write makes sense, but unfortunately law enforcement does not always use common sense. I have been stopped in my sailboat in a `Slow Speed, Minimum Wake’ zone while creating at most a 6-inch wave which I produce at my usual cruising speed. The most infuriating thing was that moments before I was pulled over I was seriously waked by a whole string of powerboats going full tilt through the same area. Luckily, when I angrily confronted the police officer with this information he let me go. His take was that even on a sailboat throwing almost no wake we must slow down significantly in these zones. John Kettlewell
I have to disagree with Jim. Here on the West Coast you better be going slower than 7.5 kts in a min wake zone. I have personally asked three FWC law enforcement officers how they define min wake and none gave me an answer other than go very slow. They did not have any definition and most just shrugged their shoulders. Even the definition you quote just says `minimum wake’ at the end. I usually slow down to 1300 RPM or around 4 knots. Even at that speed I have had sheriffs boats pull along side of me and told to go slower. At anything over 5knts on the West Coast, you’ll get a ticket. Dick Goldfarb
Jim’s analysis is ,as always, excellent. The Florida DNR and local law enforcement may understand the difference in “slow speed minimum wake” vs. “idle speed no wake”. The Coast Guard, however, does not. I was stopped by the Coast Guard going into Fort Pierce. I was running 1000 rpm, and a speed of about 5.5 knots in a “slow speed minimum wake” zone. My Monk 36 was fully settled in the water, with minimum wake. I showed the USCG boarding party the Florida DNR definitions. This was to no avail, as he said there was “no difference”. Except for the fact we determined somehow that we had gone to high schools that played each other in sports, I would have been cited with a Federal violation. There was no discussion of any difference in his opinion. He finally let me off with a warning. I wish there was some way to resolve this issue, but now, If the speed zone is relatively short, regardless of what it is marked, I run at idle speed. The zone south of New Smyrna Beach, marked” Slow speed minimum wake” is one I would probably run 5 knots, because it is so long. Norman Mason Peggy Sue, Monk 36, currently cruising St. John’s River, FL California, MD April 20, 2018
“the area of Peck Lake, just above Hobe Sound (Jupiter Island).” … “But, these areas are heavily patrolled, especially on weekends, and none of the police agencies (FWC, sheriff, metro) will quibble with you.”
Unfortunately, that has not been my experience. I’ve been stopped while slightly above idle speed by FWC, and on another occasion had a siren and blue lights with a “back down” wave. Each time I explained that I was traveling at 800 rpm, with idle at 600. No ticket, but was followed to the “resume safe normal operation” sign. Moral: it all depends . . . Bill Marett
Slow also means very small wake. Here is quote from the FWS boaters handbook
Areas where vessels must be fully off plane and completely settled in the water. Any wake created by a vessel in one of these zones must be minimal (very small). If your vessel is traveling with the bow even slightly elevated while in one of these zones, it is not proceeding at “Slow Speed” as required by law.
That is the problem with the FL law. Although it is defined, it really is subjective. If a cop is having a bad day, his judgment could be much more restrictive. In other states, I think they pretty much say slow speed or no wake is defined as 5 MPH. In that case, its pretty much non-subjective.
” In other states, I think they pretty much say slow speed or no wake is defined as 5 MPH. In that case, its pretty much non-subjective.”
The problem with a specific speed limit is that larger boats can’t go that slow. I do 6kts [7 mph] at idle, sport fishers do even more – even with trolling valves. So the best that we can get is the off plane, fully settled in the water, minimal wake standard; despite its subjectivity.
After you finish the Great Loop you may be looking for a new adventure. One option to consider is following in the wake of my good friends Randy and Rebecca Tisch. The Tisch’s crossed the Pacific in 2014 on Argo, a beautiful Nordhavn 68.
Randy recently finished and published a comprehensive book about their voyage. The book starts with their early planning and considerations, then departure from Florida and trip through the Panama Canal then finishes with crossing the Wild Pacific itself.
Some would say I was fortunate to join them on the crossing from Tonga to New Zealand. However, others would say there is nothing fortunate about experiencing just shy of a typhoon up close and personal. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience I never wish to repeat on any size vessel! See the chapter titled ‘At Sea To New Zealand’ for the details or check out the YouTube video which actually doesn’t do justice to the experience of 60+ knot winds and 25 to 30 foot seas.
The book is available on Amazon in Kindle, hardcover, and paperback formats. The Amazon snippet description is:
Crossing the Wild Pacific is a stunning tale of Robert and Rebecca Tisch’s adventurous voyage around the South Pacific. The story is masterfully crafted around the yacht Argo’s captain’s log and goes through the finer points of preparation, weather, and nautical know-how. This realistic tale includes true accounts of distant cultures, interesting people, exotic locales, and, at its center, a couple who fell in love with the sea.From Florida to New Zealand, with plenty of stops in-between, follow the trip of a lifetime!
Shoaling and groundings are always possible in the constantly shifting sands of the New River Inlet/AICW Intersection area and our thanks to Tom Hale for this Problem Stretch advice. For a recent grounding report from this AICW intersection, see https://cruisersnet.net/168114.
One part firefighter, one part carpenter, one part plumber, one part welder and a whole lot of knowledge to keep crews safe when the trouble hits the fan. The Damage Controlman, or the DC rating, is comprised of Coast […]
Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Can you please confirm that the current Garmin cartography and the Garmin Active Captain cartography is displaying the Explorer Chartbook course lines? Can you also let us know which other cartography choices have these lines embedded?
Having cruised the Bahamas for the past ten years aboard a 42′ catamaran, I have only deployed a stern anchor once, in a narrow cut near Double Breasted Cay. We have a Rocna anchor for our primary (bow) anchor on 250′ of chain and a Fortress FX-85 anchor on 25′ of chain with a 150′ rope rode that I used as a stern anchor. My learning experience was to have enough rode (chain or line) to reach the opposite anchor when the current switches direction. When pulling off from the anchorage, you need to retrieve the down current anchor first so you have to let our enough rode to end up over the top of the downcurrent anchor. As it relates to scope, I would suggest using the maximum because of one anchor slides, you’re going to end up with a huge mess. My opinion is a single anchor is preferred over a double anchor and a strong mooring ball is preferred over a single anchor in some situations. I prefer to find an anchorage where a double anchor is not required. Good luck. Safe cruising! Blades R.
I’ve have heard anecdotally that with the transition from Garmin Blue Charts to Garmin Active Captain that they would be moving away from Explorer datum. I have no confirmation of this and will follow this thread.
News Release U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Heartland Contact: 8th District Public Affairs Office: (504) 671-2020 After Hours: (618) 225-9008 Eighth District online newsroom
Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
We are planning a trip to the Bahamas but may need to leave the boat for one or two months. We would prefer to simply leave the boat there instead of sailing back and then returning to the Bahamas. Does anyone have any suggestions in the Andros, Berry Islands, Nassau, and or Eleuthera area which would be safe?
Also, if one does leave their boat in the Bahamas, what security measures should one take? Thanks s/v John Galt
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Comments from Cruisers (2)
Norman Quinn- April 8, 2018 - 6:56 am
As for security, if you leave the boat in Highbourne or Green Turtle, no worries, just lock it up as usual and don’t leave anything valuable on deck. Stay far away from Nassau…nothing is safe in Nassau. Last time in Nassau (2014) I was assaulted mid-day on a busy sidewalk by three thugs and anchored boats were broken into and ransacked when owners went ashore…crime is out of control. Weapons, cash, jewelry and electronics are the most likely targets, especially in Nassau. Most cruiser’s avoid Nassau and Freeport, otherwise most of the other areas in the Bahamas are relatively safe. Other relatively safe places to leave your boat would be Bimini and Treasure Cay (Abacos). Call ahead and make arrangements if poss.
Cannot recommend any of the above except maybe in or around Spanish Wells in Eleuthera. Your best bet would be Highbourne Cay in the Exumas or Green Turtle Cay in the Abacos.
With a fixed vertical clearance of 65ft, the John F. Limehouse Bridge crosses the Waterway/Stono River at mile 480. If you have local knowledge of the current in that area, please let John and Cruisers’ Net hear from you.
How fast do the tidal currents run on the Stono River at say the Limehouse Bridge? Thanks. John of Jacksonville
Really depends on when you go through. In my experience, the tide ranges there from roughly 8 feet to 4 feet, depending on lunar phase / time of month. Times closer to the moment after the tide has reached full flood, or epp, will experience the least current. The mid tide changes will and thereafter will experience faster currents. Winston
Tagging onto this subject… For those transiting the ICW/Stono River in this region, PLEASE slow down approaching the floating docks at Ross Marine, just north of the Limehouse bridge. Many people fly by there with no regard for the vessels docked there and or the workers aboard them. Thank you!
It is officially spring and Coast Survey is busy providing commercial mariners and recreational boaters with top notch navigation products and services. Here are just a few things we have been up to.
The latest news
It is officially spring and Coast Survey is busy providing commercial mariners and recreational boaters with top notch navigation products and services. Here are just a few things we have been up to.
NOAA releases 2018 hydrographic survey season plans
NOAA hydrographic survey ships and contractors are preparing for the 2018 hydrographic survey season. Operations are scheduled for maritime priority areas around the country. Take a look at Coast Survey’s living story map to find out if our ships will be in your region.
Story map of planned NOAA hydrographic survey projects in 2018.
Visit nauticalcharts.noaa.govand explore the new simplified and mobile-friendly design, making your favorite NOAA charting products easy to find and convenient to use on all platforms.
Sample display of the GoMOFS’s nowcast output of the surface current field and water levels.
Introducing new Gulf of Maine Operational Forecast System
NOAA unveiled the new Gulf of Maine Operational Forecast System (GoMOFS). This system provides users with real-time and forecast data of surface water levels, 3-D fields of water currents, water temperature, and salinity out to 72 hours. GoMOFS predictions support safe and efficient marine navigation, allowing mariners to plan their routes and avoid accidents. The system can also aid in emergency response, ecological applications, coastal management, and harmful algal bloom forecasts.
NOAA RNC Tile Service displays first ENC-only product
NOAA released its 1:12,000 electronic navigational chart (NOAA ENC®) of the Merrimack River, Massachusetts, in the RNC Tile Service. This is the first time a navigational chart-created solely as ENC product-is included in the tile service. The tile service renders a traditional depiction of the nautical chart for use with GPS-enabled electronic chart systems or other “chart plotter” display systems to provide real-time vessel positioning for recreational mariners. This chart is included in the single chart tile sets and the quilted tile sets both in the online and offline versions. This update to the RNC tile service also includes the ArcGIS Tile Metadata Service, adding support for source chart metadata from within ArcMap and other GIS applications.
The 1:12,000 Merrimack River ENC as viewed in the NOAA RNC Chart Tile Service.
The single chart tile set for this area is named 13274K0000_1.
Large bulk carrier using the recently extended slip at Port Everglades before the ENC update (top). The ENC update extended the slip length as reflected in ENC cells US5FL32 and US4FL31 (bottom).
NOAA quickly updates nautical chart, allowing large ships to dock with confidence in Port Everglades
NOAA quickly updated an electronic navigational chart (NOAA ENC®) to accurately reflect the 225-foot expansion of a slip in Port Everglades, Florida. Now at a total length of 1,125 feet, the elongated slip, as depicted in the ENC, allows larger ships to dock with confidence. Port Everglades is one of the top three cruise ports in the world, and is among the most active cargo ports in the United States. Coast Survey used a new data process that allowed the most critical and valuable information to be applied quickly and made available to the end user.
NOAA navigation response teams wrap up a busy winter on the water
NOAA navigation response teams (NRT) conduct hydrographic surveys to update NOAA’s suite of nautical charts. The teams are strategically located around the country and remain on-call to respond to emergencies speeding the resumption of shipping after storms, and protecting life and property from underwater dangers to navigation. Learn about some of the response efforts our NRTs were involved with this past winter:
One part firefighter, one part carpenter, one part plumber, one part welder and a whole lot of knowledge to keep crews safe when the trouble hits the fan. The Damage Controlman, or the DC rating, is comprised of Coast […]
Comments from Cruisers (1)
I think the word “replaced” is an overstatement. I think it is more like ROAM has been added to the list of acceptable check in methods. See https://www.cbp.gov/travel/pleasure-boats-private-flyers/pleasure-boat-overview . Note the “Last Published” date at the bottom.