USCG: Update on Pollution Mitigation
UPDATE 9: Crews continue to mitigate pollution threats from vessels displaced by Hurricane Irma
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Bahamas Chatter: Crossing Gulfstream
Bahamas Chatter: Crossing Gulfstream
Crossing Gulfstream
Posted: 12 Nov 2017 01:27 PM PST
We are coming up from Puerto Rico on a R&C 46′ cat via Providence Channel and wanted to know where the best place would be to anchor if we need to wow before crossing over to Fort Lauderdale.Be the first to comment!
Suggested Route to Cross Gullivan Bay, east of Cape Romano, Gulf Coast
Our thanks to Brian Munroe for this chart displaying his route across this shallow bay. Brian is responding to Brian McMahon’s request for local knowledge on the area.
This is one of our tracks , our draft is only 4 foot, but the inquiry stated their intent to travel at high tide. We have never tried to travel on the weest side of Coon Key, it is too tight.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gullivan Bay
Comments from Cruisers (2)
- Reply to David
Mr. Munroe,
Can one travel all the way from Gullivan Bay up to Big Marco Pass via Goodland Bay and the Big Marco River? We draw 3.5 feet.
Thanks - Reply to Brian
Thank you very much for responding. I will enter this into my chart plotter.
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Bahamas Chatter: Turks and Caicos Marinas Report
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.
Bahamas Chatter: Turks and Caicos Marinas Report
Turks and Caicos Marinas Report
Posted: 10 Nov 2017 01:29 PM PST
We have finally been able to get in touch with the marinas in the Turks and Caicos (mainly Providenciales). Hurricane Irma did some damage but most are recovering and back in operation. Here’s what we found:Blue Haven: The floating docks were greatly damaged. There is no power or water on the docks currently. They are able to pump fuel and have limited dockage. There is minor shoaling in the channel and they will pilot boats in. The controlling depth is reported to be 10 feet.
Caicos Marina and Shipyard: We weren’t able to speak to anyone there because they are still without electricity and phone service. The report we received was that there was unknown damage to the docks, but it is believed that the channel into the marina is still accessible.
Southside Marina: They fared the best as they were small and better protected. The docks are open. They have electricity and fuel and other normal services. They channel has been re-marked with little change.
Turtle Cove Marina: They had extensive damage to their docks, but they have over half of their docks are back in service now. They will still pilot yachts into the marina. Channel depth has changed little.
The waypoints on the charts still mark the proper approach to the channels. We have been told that the routes in have changed little. The area has been receiving several transient boats recently.
We will continue to update you as we get more information.
Monty Lewis
Explorer Charts
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New Marina Building, Marineland Marina, AICW Statute Mile 796
Good reports keep pouring in for CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Marineland Marina which lies south – southeast of AICW marker #87, along the Waterway’s eastern shore. New Bellingham concrete floating docks and a new support building for a very attractive facility!
November 2017
New Marina Building with Restrooms and Laundry now open to support the new floating docks!
CLICK HERE FOR TEXT AND PHOTOS
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Marineland Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marineland Marina
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Comments from Cruisers (2)
- Reply to Prue
New facilities and docks are outstanding. We really enjoyed exploring Washington Oaks,Gardens State Park, about 2 miles south of the marina.
- Reply to Ted
Eric and his staff are the best!
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Local Knowledge Requested for Gullivan Bay, south of Marco Island
Brian McMahon is requesting local knowledge on passage through Gullivan Bay which lies east of Cape Romano. See Coon Key Pass for a similar request.
Have same question regarding transiting Gullivan Bay into Goodland. I draw 5′ and based on charts i can make it at high tide. However, looks like there are two potential routes through Gullivan Bay. Anyone have a specific route they think is best?
Brian McMahonClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gullivan Bay
Comments from Cruisers (2)
- Reply to Brian
March screen shot. a lot has happened since then.
How to paste a screen shot?
Editor’s note: See http://cruisersnet.net/168278 for Brian’s screen shot of Gullivan Bay
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NOAA’s Redesigned Website
November 9, 2017
Contact:
Kristen Crossett, 301-325-2113NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey to launch redesigned website
NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey will launch the newly redesigned website, nauticalcharts.noaa.gov, on November 14, 2017. The website will feature simplified navigation and a responsive layout for all platforms, making your favorite NOAA charting products easy and convenient to find.We encourage everyone to visit and explore the site on or after November 14. Because of this redesign effort, many of the webpages within nauticalcharts.noaa.gov will have a new address. Please be prepared to update any bookmarks or links you may have.
NOAA Office of Coast Survey is the nation’s nautical chartmaker. Originally formed by President Thomas Jefferson in 1807, Coast Survey updates charts, surveys the coastal seafloor, responds to maritime emergencies, and searches for underwater obstructions that pose a danger to navigation.
NOAA Office of Coast Survey, 1315 East-West Highway, SSMC3 #6216, Silver Spring, MD 20906
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Fear Knot! The Knots You Need to Know
Here is an interesting and informative article and video from Southern Boating:
https://southernboating.com/life/southern-boating-cinema/knots-to-know/
Thank you Southern Boating!
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Healy Report: Okeechobee Waterway and Caloosahatchee River, East to West
Experienced cruisers, Jim and Peg Healy, continue to generously share their observations and advice as they make their way south for the winter. Thank you Jim and Peg! See http://cruisersnet.net/168195 for their Okeechobee report east of Clewiston.
Sanctuary and crew transited from Clewiston, FL to St. James City, FL, today, 11/9/2017. Fog early, then bright sunshine, light and variable winds and calm seas.
The Clewiston Lock is a wonder to behold. Very small; less than 100 ft. Primary customer set are bass fishermen. Run by a private contractor, not the USACE. Hours of operation are posted as 05h30 to 22h00. Local knowledge indicates 06h00 is more reliable.
At about MM 72, there is a hazard marker in Active Captain that describes a submerged obstruction. That obstruction must be there, because there are TWO Red, floating markers there, R”6″ and R”8.” They are positioned together laterally across the channel; a very strange pattern, but they are there. Appear new. They force traffic way to the south side of the channel, and water depths are 4 ft less than in the visual center of that channel.
The control depth on the south rim is 8.5 ft, two miles east of Moore Haven.
Water levels in the Ortona Pool are very high. The USACE is dumping water, and there are strong westerly running currents. Stand off the locks while waiting for them to open, as the current will carry the boat toward the lock and dam. Care is appropriate at the locks, where boats get swept sideways. Especially so at the railroad pass at Moore Haven, which is very narrow and has obviously been dinged several times already. There was a significant whirlpool inside the Ortona Lock chamber which created some excitement for another boat there. Currents were very swift emerging downstream of Ortona Lock, too.
There are no depth issues on the South Rim, Caloosahatchee Canal or Caloosahatchee River at this time.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Rock Creek, Pasadena, MD
http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com
Monk 36 Hull #132
MMSI #367042570
AGLCA #3767
MTOA #3436Click Here To View the Okeechobee Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Ortona Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ortona Lock
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Question Regarding Composting Toilets in Florida
If you are familiar with Florida law related to composting toilets, let us hear from you.
Hi, I am wondering how the pump out log requirements for some marinas in Florida (e.g. Dinner Key Marina) would apply to a composting toilet? Presently I use a Nature’s Head composting toilet, and there is only one toilet on the boat.
Thanks for your help, Kevin BoothbyComments from Cruisers (3)
- Reply to Connie
We were in Dinner Key and told them we had an Air Head and there was never any question. We have been boarded by all the acronyms imaginable (USCG, FWC, Homeland Security, etc.) and they never question when we say we have an Air Head. I agree with Mike, our kids were on a boat with an Air Head in Boot Key Harbor and they had to do the once a month verification for urine, but that was it. Otherwise, FL marinas and mooring fields and officials seems to be pretty used to composting toilets.
- Reply to Mike
Not quite relevant to the question but… we were stopped and boarded by the FWC for a ‘potty check’ a few years ago. They saw the Air-Head composting head and left without any issues. In Marathon where pump out is included in the fee they take our word that we have a composting head. Similar experiences elsewhere.
- Reply to Mike
Follow-up… in Marathon you must get and keep a receipt showing urine has been dumped ashore in their porta-potty receptacle a minimum of once per month.
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BoatUS: More than 63,000 Recreational Boats Destroyed
Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) estimates that Hurricane Irma’s damage to recreational boats will reach $500 million, with over 50,000 boats damaged or lost.
NEWS From BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria VA 22304
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.comHarvey and Irma Damage or Destroy More Than 63,000 Recreational Boats
“It could have been much worse”
ALEXANDRIA, Va., November 7, 2017 – Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the nation’s largest advocacy, services and safety group for recreational boaters, estimates that more than 63,000 recreational boats were damaged or destroyed as a result of both Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, with a combined dollar damage estimate of $655 million (boats only). These numbers are strikingly close to 2012’s Hurricane Sandy, which remains the single-largest industry loss with more than 65,000 boats damaged and more than $650 million in estimated losses.
Breaking down the 2017 season storms, Hurricane Irma damaged or destroyed 50,000 vessels with approximately $500 million in recreational boat damage. About 13,500 boats were damaged or lost costing $155 million in boat damage as the result of Hurricane Harvey.
“These two storms were as different as night and day,” said BoatUS Marine Insurance Program Vice President of Claims Rick Wilson. “The boats that were hit the hardest by Harvey were located on a relatively small slice of Texas coast, while we saw damage to recreational vessels from Irma in every corner of Florida.” The BoatUS Catastrophe Team recently completed two months of field operations arranging for repairs, salvage or wreck removals for BoatUS Marine Insurance program members and GEICO Marine Insurance customers.
“While Hurricane Irma’s losses are significant, it could have been much worse,” added Wilson. “Irma ultimately traveled up Florida’s West Coast and not the East, which was initially forecast. And while locations in the right front quadrant of the storm such as Big Pine Key and Marathon were hit hard with a Category 4 storm, Irma lost strength as it approached the mainland and swept up Florida. As the storm passed east of Tampa Bay, waters receded and came back gradually, also lessening surge damage.”
To view damage to recreational boats caused by Hurricane Irma, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IIL-hCobEs.
About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):
Celebrating more than 50 years, BoatUS is the nation’s largest organization of recreational boaters with more than a half-million members. We are the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill and fight for their rights. We are The Boat Owners Auto Club and help ensure a roadside trailer breakdown doesn’t end a boating or fishing trip before it begins. When boats break down on the water, TowBoatUS brings them safely back to the launch ramp or dock, 24/7. The BoatUS Marine Insurance Program gives boat owners affordable, specialized coverage and superior service they need. We help keep boaters safe and our waters clean with assistance from the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. Visit BoatUS.com.
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Healy Report: Okeechobee Waterway, East to West
Experienced cruisers, Jim and Peg Healy, have been generously sharing their observations and advice as they make their way south for the winter. Thank you Jim and Peg!
Sanctuary and crew transited from Stuart, FL, to Clewiston, FL, today, 11/7/2017. The weather was ideal; clear, light winds, flat seas on Lake O.
The condition of the water is deplorable. In the anchorage at Stuart, the water is “Lake O chocolate milk.” The water throughout the system is an ugly, dark brown. Water levels are high, and there are no water level issues on the St. Lucie Canal or at Clewiston. The control depth on the Canal is at least 11.0 feet. The control depth at Clewiston is at least 9.0 feet. There is no evidence of storm damage on the canal.
The USACE is dumping water from the lake. In the St. Lucie Canal, we faced a 2 knot ahead current.
The downstream gate at the St. Lucie is misbehaving. It took several tries and at least 1/2 hour to get it closed. Delays at that lock are possible until that gets corrected. The lockmaster is not happy. “A work crew spent all day last Saturday working on the lock, and before they did their work, the gate was operating just fine,” was his line.
We are a slow trawler. We can normally make it from St. Lucie Lock at 07h00 to Moore Haven Lock by 16h00, but not today. We bailed at Roland Martin Marina for burgers at the Tiki Hut!
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Clewiston, FL
http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com
Monk 36 Hull #132
MMSI #367042570
AGLCA #3767
MTOA #3436Click Here To View the Okeechobee Waterway Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For St. Lucie Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Lucie Lock
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USCG Update on Pollution Mitigation Efforts
USCG Crews continue to mitigate pollution threats from vessels displaced by Hurricane Irma
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Kidde Fire Extinguisher Recall
NEWS From BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
The CPSC website shows boaters how to easily identify recalled Kidde fire extinguishers. (Photo credit CPSC)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.comMore Than 40 Million Kidde Fire Extinguishers Recalled
Includes those used for PWCs
ANNAPOLIS, Md., November 6, 2017 – More than 40 million Kidde fire extinguishers equipped with plastic handles, some on the market for more than 40 years, have been recalled.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), “The fire extinguishers can become clogged or require excessive force to discharge and can fail to activate during a fire emergency. In addition, the nozzle can detach with enough force to pose an impact hazard.” The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean water is urging recreational boat owners to check their boats for the recalled extinguishers and get a free metal-handled replacement by going to the CPSC recall website.The recall affects both plastic-handle and push-button Pindicator Kidde fire extinguishers, including 134, ABC- or BC-rated models manufactured between January 1, 1973, and August 15, 2017. The extinguishers are red, white or silver and were sold in the US and Canada through a wide range of retailers from Montgomery Ward to Amazon. The CPSC recall website shows how to easily identify the affected extinguishers.
In the recall, Kidde also acknowledged the free replacement push-button extinguisher being sent to personal watercraft owners is similar in size to the recalled model but may not fit in the same location as the old fire extinguisher. “This may require a slightly different mounting orientation or location,” said BoatUS Foundation Assistant Director of Boating Safety Ted Sensenbrenner.”
CPSC says there have been approximately 391 reports of failed or limited activation or nozzle detachment, including one fatality; approximately 16 injuries, including smoke inhalation and minor burns; and approximately 91 reports of property damage.
Kidde may also be contacted toll-free at 855-271-0773 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday. The company offers additional recall information online at kidde.com by selecting “Product Safety Recall.”
About the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water:
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the more than half-million members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the nonprofit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways and keeping boating safe for all. A range of boating safety courses – including 36 free state courses – can be found at BoatUS.org/courses.
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Bob423
There is a form on their website that makes replacing your Kidde extinguishers easy.
https://inmarmarketaction.com/kidde/Kidde284US/
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Report from Dismal Swamp Canal, AICW Alternate Route
Our thanks to Joyce and Matthew Gauthier for sharing their time spent in the Dismal Swamp Canal which has recently re-opened to navigation. The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, a part of the NC State Park System, is also open and their programs are ongoing.
We traveled through the Dismal swamp 10/31-11/2. It was great.
Another great day in the Swamp. Sunrise yoga on the dock. Had parfaits with the lock master before we left this morning. Traveled with our new friends about 15 miles to the dismal swamp visitors center. Had to stop to stop two times in 15 miles to clean the duckweed out of our strainer for the engine. Crossed state lines into North Carolina. Walked the swamp trails. Looking forward to a mellow night sipping tea and enjoying the company.
Joyce and Matthew Gauthier
1 Facebook Likes, 1 Facebook Reactions
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Donna
Joyce,
Thanks for sharing. We have had mixed reviews on the trip. Many exclaim, the duckweed is no problem, others stated they wish they had turned around. We appreciate your sharing your experience and we are attempting to post photos regularly to allow people to discern for themselves what they should decide. On a selfish note, after being here for over 9 years, and having a year with no boats at our dock, we are so happy to see you all. I can tell you, Robert is giddy on the north end. Hope our conditions continue to improve.
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High Praise for Albemarle Plantation Marina, Albemarle Sound, NC
Our thanks to Joyce and Matthew Gauthier for these good words for Albemarle Plantation Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, located off the AICW on the northern shores of Albemarle Sound on Yeopim River/Creek.
We traveled through the Dismal swamp 10/31-11/2. It was great. Now we are spending two FREE nights at an amazing marina on the Albemarle Sound. This is worth the detour!
Albemarle Plantation Marina is ridiculous! It is on a golf course, free water, free pump outs, diesel, free laundry, restaurants, they will drive you to a grocery store, a hot tub and salt water pool, a library, beautiful huge slips… I could go on and on…
The dock master and employees could not be more accommodating and nice. They even took us for a tour of the place on golf carts when we arrived.
Joyce and Matthew Gauthier
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Albemarle Plantation Marina
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Alternate Dockage to Alligator River Route, east of Albemarle Sound, NC
With the upcoming closures of the Alligator River Bridge, alternate routes to avoid the bridge are being suggested. Longtime friend of Cruisers’ Net and other cruisers, George Barr, offers this information on Manteo area dockage, including Manteo Waterfront Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, located on the western shores of Doughs Creek, northwest of marker #10.
The Manteo Town docks are free for 1 night…no services. No reservations. There are 3 spots suitable for drafts of 5’+… lots of other slips for those with 4.5′ or less at white lighthouse. Call Manteo Town MARINA if you need directions to the free areas. You are also free to anchor in the triangle formed by the white lighthouse, the brown topped gazebo and channel marker #10. Dinghys tie up at base of lighthouse dock.
Manteo Town Marina has slips available @ $1.65/ft with all amenities (wifi/elec./cableTV/showers etc) but suggest reservations as the bridge closing may fill things up quickly. Call Carl Jordan/Dockmaster 252-473-3320.Shallowbag Bay Marina also has transient slips and fuel @ (252) 305-8726
Pirates Cove Marina just before the Baum Bridge to starboard has slips and high speed fuel. 252-473-3906
Email info@fishpiratescove.comRemember that daylight savings ends Saturday nite [11/4]… so plan your daylight travel accordingly!
George BarrClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Manteo Waterfront Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Shallowbag Bay Marina
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Pirate’s Cove
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Pirate’s Cove
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Grounding Reported, New River Inlet/AICW Intersection, Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 247
Shoaling and groundings are always possible in the constantly shifting sands of the New River Inlet/AICW Intersection area and our thanks to Joe Heinrich for this Problem Stretch report. For a recent survey of this AICW intersection, see /167813.
Big trawler grounded in center 10/30/17 at 2 hours after low tide. Trawler Sanctuary [Editor: not Jim Healy’s Sanctuary] in front of us tried to go to the 3 floating reds after dayboard red 72 but had to reverse away from shallow and warned us. We went toward green side (no buoys) and stayed away from all the reds until after dayboard 74. Actually, it followed Fleetwing’s waypoints he set on view he submitted. It was shallow but we didn’t bump needing 4 ft
Joe HeinrichClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New River Inlet
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17th Annual Cruisers Thanksgiving Potluck, St. Marys, GA, off AICW Statue Mile 712
The St. Marys River, which is the GA/FL state line and a popular side trip for cruisers, departs the Waterway westward just north of Fernandina, FL. See St. Marys River Cruising Info by Claiborne Young.
17th Annual Cruisers Thanksgiving Potluck in St Marys, GA
This is an event hosted by a group of St. Marys’ residents and the Riverview Hotel to provide a Thanksgiving stopping place for all of those boaters who are transiting south for the winter. We welcome all cruisers and boaters to St. Marys for our annual Thanksgiving week gathering and meal. We look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones.
ALTHOUGH THE WATERFRONT SUFFERED DAMAGE FROM IRMA, THE DINNER WILL BE HELD. DOCK BERTHS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE, SO PLAN TO ANCHOR AND USE THE CITY DINGHY TIE-UP FOR SHORE TRIPS. CHECK THE FACEBOOK PAGE AT “ST MARYS CRUISERS THANKSGIVING” FOR UPDATES TO THE SCHEDULE.Off ICW mm 712 up the St Marys River Info, Navigation & Map
All are welcome. Events, Courtesy Rides, Fun Schedule of EventsCLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SCHEDULE
Thank you,
KathiClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Marys
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Healy Report: St. Augustine Marker R60, AICW Statute Mile 776
The Marker R60 to which Jim refers is just west of the St. Augustine Inlet proper. Our continued thanks to Peg and Jim Healy for sharing their observations and advice. The Healys are dating themselves and showing their sense of humor with the reference to Will Robinson.
ALERT, Will Robinson! ALERT!
At St. Augustine – Experienced cruisers know that southbound approaching St. Augustine, the ICW hugs the barrier island to the east, and takes a hard STBD at floating R”60.” Well folks, EITHER R’60” has been relocated and I missed the announcement OR R”60″ is way off station. In any case, R”60″ is not where it’s always been. I don’t know if the shoal that it formerly guarded is there or not. People laugh at me for the detail of my routes. But today, I was very glad my boat knew where it was supposed to turn. R”60″ is MISSING IN ACTION.Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Rock Creek, Pasadena, MD
http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com
Monk 36 Hull #132
MMSI #367042570
AGLCA #3767
MTOA #3436Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Augustine Inlet
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Mike
Passed here 11-3-17. Agree with report. Was giving instructions to a first time cruiser on how to pass through here and when we got there it was not how we described it. Red face. Sigh.
Improbability
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