Our thanks to DOCKWA’S Becky Pineo and Team for sharing their list of restaurants offering Thanksgiving dinner near your dock. While many of these are outside the scope of Cruisers’ Net, you are sure to recognize a number of CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS on the list. If you happen to be docked at one of our SPONSORS, please say hello and a big thank you for providing Cruisers’ Helping Cruisers!
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: South Berry Islands Marine Reserve
South Berry Islands Marine Reserve
Posted: 16 Nov 2017 04:48 AM PST
We have received information of the existence of the South Berry Islands Marine Reserve. The information was forwarded by the Berry Islands Club and more information can be found at https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/southern-berry-islands-marine-reserve and a map of the reserve can be found at http://parkscaribbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/South-Berry-Islands-Marine-Reserve-Management-Plan-2009-2013.pdf
John Dial, General Manager of the Berry Islands Club advises that the Reserve will be patrolled this year by the Bahamas Constable and no fishing is allowed. Boaters should mark their charts to avoid fishing in the area.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is announcing the opportunity to apply for Derelict Vessel Removal Grants. The application period for the Bulk Derelict Vessel Removal Grant Program will begin on January 8, 2018 at 8:00 AM (EST), and end on February 21, 2018 at 5:00 PM (EST).
Applications received after February 21, 2018, will not be eligible for consideration in round one, but may be considered for a potential subsequent round, if funding remains available. All removal applications must demonstrate proof that due process was provided for each vessel’s owner. At a minimum, this would include an opportunity for the vessel owner to challenge the derelict vessel determination, either in criminal court or in an administrative hearing. Vessel cases not demonstrating that these opportunities have been offered to the owners of the vessels will not be considered for state funding assistance. Should funding be available for a second or subsequent rounds of applications, new announcements will be made. The grant guidelines and application form may be downloaded at: http://www.MyFWC.com/DVGrant.
You may also receive the guidelines and application by contacting Phil Horning at (850) 617-9540 or email DVGrant@MyFWC.com.
Applications that meet the requirements for the Rapid Removal Grant Program may be submitted at any time after the opportunity announcement start date, but no later than November 31, 2018 at 5:00pm (EST) (based on available funding). Rapid removal cases must also meet due process requirements. Total funding allocated for derelict vessel removal for fiscal year 2017/18 is $488,550. Applications may be mailed to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Boating and Waterways Section, Derelict Vessel Grant Program Administrator, at 620 S. Meridian Street – Room 235, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600 or emailed to DVGrant@MyFWC.com.
For further information, please contact:
Phil Horning, Derelict Vessel Program Administrator, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement, Boating and Waterways Section, (850) 617-9540 or email Phil.Horning@MyFWC.com
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: west end electric?
west end electric?
Posted: 14 Nov 2017 04:18 AM PST
Anyone know if they have electricity on docks?
duetto
Reminder to Managing Owners:
Change of Address Requirement for Certificate of Documentation (COD) Holders
Updating your address with the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) is EASY, FREE and REQUIIRED to be reported to the NVDC within 10 days!*
Notify NVDC of any change by using one of the following methods:
1. E-mail your request to: NVDCRENEWALS2@USCG.MIL;
2. Fax your request to: (304) 271-2541;
3. Annotate change of address on the CG-1280 Certificate of Documentation renewal notice (at the time of renewal) before returning it via fax or mail;
Include your Official Number, both the old and new address, and contact information (your name and phone number)
*46 CFR 67.113(e): ”Whenever the address of the managing owner changes, the managing owner shall notify the Director, National Vessel Documentation Center within 10 days.”
No third party requests for address changes can be acknowledged or honored.
Questions? Call (800) 799-8362 or (304) 271-2400 or send an e-mail to: nvdc.w.webmaster@uscg.mil
Sincerely,
/C.G. Washburn/
Christina G. Washburn
Director, United States Coast Guard
National Vessel Documentation Center
A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Old Port Cove is located on the western shore of the northern Lake Worth channel, near unlighted daybeacon #7. A great place to spend your winter!
Ahoy Boaters:
Season has returned and we are thrilled to be welcoming so many of you back to the beautiful Palm Beaches! While both Old Port Cove and North Palm Beach Marinas are very full, we may have transient dockage available from time to time. Here’s the tip: Call as close to your ETA date as possible. It is very hard for us to know when a boater who has a lease on a slip will be away, that’s the reason.
With so many events and activities planned for the winter season at Sandpiper’s Cove Restaurant & Bar which is located on site at Old Port Cove Marina, we hope you will join us. In the meantime, Happy Cruising – Happy Holidays! Upcoming Events
All the best in cruising,
Sue Morgan, Marketing Director
Old Port Cove Holdings, Inc.
www.OPCH.com
www.SANDPIPERSCOVE.com
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Old Port Cove Marina
We always have a wonderful time at Sandpiper Cove Restaurant located at Old Port Cove. Our North Palm Beach Yacht Club has fun every month for our dinner meetings. Food is fantastic and the service is lovely. Thank you!
Dr. Tringali – on behalf of the entire staff , THANK YOU, for your kind words. We appreciate that you took the time to write about your experience at Sandpiper’s Cove Restaurant located at Old Port Cove Marina. Have a wonderful Holiday Season!
A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Old Port Cove is located on the western shore of the northern Lake Worth channel, near unlighted daybeacon #7. Looking for that special place to eat where you dock?
Sandpiper Cove Restaurant is another great reason to visit Old Port Marinas!
While You Were Sleeping, Our New Menu Rolled Out!
Sandpiper Cove Restaurant
CLICK HERE FOR SANDPIPER’S COVE’S NEW MENU!
OLD PORT COVE HOLDINGS, INC. MARINAS
Sue Morgan, Marketing and Public Relations Director
www.OPCH.com
www.SANDPIPERSCOVE.com
“Land was created to provide a place for boats to visit.” B. Atkinson <“))))><(
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Old Port Cove Marina
Fort Pierce City Marina, a CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located west of the Waterway, just south of the Fort Pierce high-rise bridge, and well north of unlighted daybeacon #188.
Anne Maurer
Fort Pierce City Marina
772-464-1245
amaurer@city-ftpierce.com
fortpiercecitymarina.com
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fort Pierce City Marina
UPDATE 9: Crews continue to mitigate pollution threats from vessels displaced by Hurricane Irma
CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST UPDATE
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.
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
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
Thank you very much for responding. I will enter this into my chart plotter.
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
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
New facilities and docks are outstanding. We really enjoyed exploring Washington Oaks,Gardens State Park, about 2 miles south of the marina.
Eric and his staff are the best!
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 McMahon
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gullivan Bay
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
November 9, 2017
Contact:
Kristen Crossett, 301-325-2113
NOAA’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
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!
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 #3436
Click 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
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 Boothby
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.
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.
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.
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.com
Harvey 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.
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 #3436
Click 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
Comments from Cruisers (1)
Thanks for sharing this out! 🙂