Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Mar 21, 2017by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
BoatUS Comments on Proposed Budget Cuts
NEWS From BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria VA 22304
Boat Owners Association of The United States Says Budget Proposal Raises Concerns for American Boaters
US Coast Guard faces 14% budget cut
WASHINGTON, DC, March 21, 2017 – After its first look at the Trump administration’s new budget blueprint released March 16, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) says that boat owners should be aware of potential budget impacts that could affect boating safety, access and the health of our waterways.
“The administration’s budget proposal clearly reflects a different set of priorities over previous years,” said BoatUS Manager of Government Affairs David Kennedy. “Proposed cuts to agencies such as the Departments of Commerce and Interior, Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency could lead to changes for many programs that matter to boating.”
Added Kennedy, “Considering boating’s $121.5 billion impact, we believe this would be short sighted and negatively affect the boating experience for our nation’s 12 million boat owners.”
Kennedy notes that under budget proposal’s shifting priorities, US Coast Guard funding could be slashed 14 percent to just $7.8 billion, while the service’s “parent,” the Department of Homeland Security, is increased. “As the budget process continues, boaters may need to communicate with their members of Congress regarding programs that fund clean-water efforts, clean marina programs, navigation improvements, regional waterway restoration such as the Chesapeake Bay, Great Lakes and Puget Sound, and boating safety programs. We are keeping a close watch.”
BoatUS will continue to monitor the budget process, ensure that the recreational boater’s voice is heard and advise its more than half-million members of boating-related budget items.
Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (1)

Stephen W Miller - March 24, 2017 - 1:58 pm

Yeah, let’s built another aircraft carrier; and cut anything related to citizens’ health and safety
Reply to Stephen
Mar 21, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.2747,-82.55789999
New Trolley Service for Siesta Key, Sarasota, FL GIWW Statute Mile 70

View In Chartview

This new trolley service is good news for cruisers utilizing any of the several anchorages in Roberts and Little Sarasota Bays off the eastern shore of Siesta Key. Siesta Key lies south of Sarasota Bay and Big Sarasota Pass.
CLICK HERE FOR THE REPORT from YourObserver.com
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Siesta Key
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Mar 19, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 25.7864,-80.15179999
Report and Excellent Advice from Monumental Island Anchorage, near AICW Statute Mile 987

View In Chartview

Hibiscus Island and Monumental Island anchorage are on the north side of the MacArthur Causeway in northern Biscayne Bay. The anchorage is northeast of Monument Island, accessible from the north and from the Waterway west of the area. Our thanks to Janice Callum, who is replying to Crackdown on Dinghy Landings Access, for this report and for her excellent advice on being good citizens while visiting “foreign waters” lest we be labeled as the “ugly boater.”
We are anchored off Hibiscus Island in Miami Beach. No visits from police or problems with anything! Boats are anchored off Star Island and the Collins Canal, no hassle. Many more derelict looking boats are anchored on the north side of the East Venetian bridge, but they also seem to be left alone. We saw one trawler named Lady J get pulled over by the water police…the officials are especially protective of the sea grass seedlings in this area and the No Wake zone in Maloy Channel, so crawl along those shores! Sunset Lake remains boat free; as well as free of the dinghies that were anchored around to obstruct cruiser’s anchoring. How ’bout if we all just leave that spot alone until the “unwelcome” (caused by the fellow who considers himself a Cuba expert who sails a near derelict red boat) wears off (and do let him know if you see him that none of us Snowbirds have appreciated the mess he’s caused for us down here). The good news, that we have not seen posted anywhere on the www, is that there is a wonderful dinghy dock up the Collins Canal across the street from the boater-friendly Publix….not just a chain, a real dock! But, fellow cruisers, please, PLEASE stop jamming your trash into the waste receptacle on the street by the dock! It’s beyond comprehension that anyone thinks this is an appropriate spot for trash bags; and, you are risking this spot to tie up for all of us! The police docks and park wall under the bridge (on the other side of the canal) are all posted Tow Away Zone or 20 Minute Loading Zone No Mooring. Let’s all be welcome visitors and do something helpful while we are here! Pick up your dog’s waste, keep your stereos down, anchor well off folk’s backyards and go somewhere else if you can’t handle the wakes.
Best regards, Janice Callum, “Calamus”
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Monument Island
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Monument Island
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Mar 19, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
FWC Advises Taking Boater Education Classes
Another reminder of this important advice, see 2017 NC Public Boating Safety Classes.

FWC encourages boaters to ‘Spring Aboard’ by taking a boater education class
March 17, 2017
World-class fishing, crystal blue waters, endless sunshine – there’s so much about Florida’s waterways to enjoy. During the week of March 19-25, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourage all boaters to take part in the national “Spring Aboard” campaign by taking a boating safety course.
“We know that an educated boater is safer on the water. If a boat operator has taken a boating safety education course, the likelihood of their time spent on the water being a safe and enjoyable experience is much greater for them as well as their passengers,” said Stephanie Weatherington, president of NASBLA. “March is the perfect time to take a course before the summer boating season begins.”
Many course providers will offer incentives or course discounts for students who enroll in or complete a course during the “Spring Aboard” campaign. For a summary of Florida’s regulations and available courses, go to MyFWC.com/Boating.
“In Florida, boaters who were born on or after Jan. 1, 1980, are required to complete and pass a boater safety education course. But everyone interested in boating should take a course – it’s the smart thing to do,” said Maj. Robert Rowe, FWC’s Boating and Waterways section leader. “Boaters have many ways to get educated, from classroom courses offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons to online offerings available anytime day or night. There’s no reason to head out on the water without this knowledge.”
Florida boating accident statistics from 2015 indicate that, when the level of operator education was known, 72 percent of boating deaths occurred on boats where the boat operator had never received boating education instruction.
About NASBLA
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators is a national nonprofit organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories. The association offers a variety of resources, including training, model acts, education standards and publications. Through a national network of thousands of professional educators, law enforcement officers and volunteers, NASBLA affects the lives of over 73.5 million American boaters.
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Mar 18, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 28.6218,-80.80359999
Report from Titusville Mooring Field, AICW Statute 879

View In Chartview

The Titusville Anchorage/Mooring Field lies south of the Titusville harbor entrance channel. Our thanks to Roger for this report. Titusville is home to SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Westland Marina.
Looks like most of the mooring are stored behind the dumpsters [onshore].
There are about 15 in the field, a long way from the tiny dinghy dock. Went in one day and a 14 ft sailing trihull was straddling the dinghy dock. Since I was going to be on land a few days, I asked about leaving my dinghy someplace out of the way. The guy said leave it where it was.
Watch your depth near the dinghy dock ramp.
Roger
Click Here To View the West Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Titusville Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Titusville Anchorage
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Westland Marine
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Westland Marine
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Mar 18, 2017by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Bahamas Chatter: Planning first trip to Exumas!
Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST 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: Planning first trip to Exumas!
Planning first trip to Exumas!
Posted: 16 Mar 2017 03:11 PM PDT
I have done so much reading… and then more reading…
320 EC World Cat – Two Adults – Two Children (6 & 8)… Past experience is running from Deerfield Beach FL to Fort Myers (Lake O, Ditch, etc.) as well as Deerfield Beach to Ft. Jefferson (Tortugas). Generator, AC, Ability to ice. Updated charts (Garmin G2 Vision and Raymarine Navionics +) and a Delorme Sat. Tracker… Also have iPad with Active Captain, etc.
Caves, Pigs, Iguanas, Deans Hole (Maybe), Snorkeling, Lazy Beach Days…
I’ve read so many different threads and blogs… sorting through things… I just changed wireless carries from MetroPCS to T-Mobile, and it appears that they are pretty good in many of the islands that we are looking at.
So far we are leaving from Hillsboro Inlet (Pompano Beach, FL) and heading to Paradise Island (Atlantis Marina) for 2 nights. (Kids are begging to try the water park, and it looks like a logical place to do Customs, fuel, etc. (although we may stop in Bimini for fuel depending on circumstances). After the 2 nights in Paradise Island, there are NO PLANS. And this is 100% intentional. We have plans as far as fuel, etc. But we have no set dockage or anchorage plans. We will maintain a list of anchorages and/or dockage based on our location, but we really want to just enjoy the time and do as we please. Our only limitation is fresh water and fuel. We can carry around 40 gal of fresh water in our tank (not *exactly* potable)… and will have upward of 10 gal. of potable at any given time. This does not include our ice bottle system (Engel Freezer).
So… now that you have a decent idea of our plans. Let’s hear it. The good, the bad, the ugly… My goat with this post is get some ideas as to “don’t miss this” items… and still fit with our laid back no plans ideal.
Thanks!
Pete
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (1)

John Jorgensen - March 24, 2017 - 3:55 pm

Fuel and water could definitely be a problem for you. Make sure to bring a couple (or more) 5gallon jugs for water. Several places to get water but you may well need to pay. Get current Explorer charts as they will be very helpful.
Reply to John
Mar 17, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.9061,-78.3859999
Low Tide Passage Through Shallotte/AICW Intersection Statute Mile 330

View In Chartview

The intersection of Shallotte Inlet and the Waterway has been an infamous Problem Stretch for years, but this report from experienced cruiser, Roger Long, holds promise for a safe Spring Migration.
I’ve made these passages [Shallotte and Lockwoods Folly] several times and always found plenty of water. Circumstances required us to transit northbound with .2 feet of water in Shallotte and Lockwoods at dead low. I called TowboatUS for their opinion with our 3’ – 9” draft. He said it shouldn’t be a problem if I knew the route and Lockwoods had just been dredged so should be easy.
We went through Shallotte and never saw less than 5 feet by nearly leaving paint on the first red buoy, R 82. It might have been more difficult with another foot of tide as we wouldn’t have had the bare sandbanks for an additional guide.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Shalotte Inlet Intersection
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Mar 17, 2017by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 33.9222,-78.2389999
Shallow Water Report from Lockwoods Folly, AICW Statute Mile 321

View In Chartview

Despite dredging last November, the intersection of the Waterway and Lockwoods Folly, which has been a Problem Stretch for years, remains a shoaling area and a recommended mid-high tide zone. Our thanks to experienced cruisers, Roger long, for this report. His report also shows that even with local knowledge, TowBoatUS in this case, you must GO SLOW AND EASY!
I’ve made these passages several times and always found plenty of water. Circumstances required us to transit northbound with .2 feet of water in Shallotte and Lockwoods at dead low. I called TowboatUS for their opinion with our 3’ – 9” draft. He said it shouldn’t be a problem if I knew the route and Lockwoods had just been dredged so should be easy.
Lockwoods was a different matter. Just past the first red, we bumped over a hump and then another. The sounder didn’t show less than six feet. Our transducer is about 4 feet to port so there is a steep slope to these humps. We were about as far to port as we could go so there is probably less water on the green side.
We got up around the corner and encountered a tugboat stuck between R 36 and G 33 bulling its way through on the tide just starting to rise. We got around and into his wake and then were stopped hard just before the green. The sounder showed properly here and we were able to back off. It took two tries to push through but we left a long trench. I don’t think this stretch is doable at dead low with much more than 2 1/2 feet of draft.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Lockwoods Folly Inlet Intersection
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (2)

Roger Long - March 27, 2017 - 7:57 am

Sorry, I forgot to send this on to you earlier. I got it the day after you posted my Lockwoods report but we’ve been busy and distracted by our generator replacement. I think Jonathan went through a day or two later but haven’t been able to reach him for clarification. When we went through, it looked like the dredge was about to start work or getting ready to move on. It’s quite possible the channel was there but the buoys hadn’t been moved into it. That would explain why TowboatUS said it had just been dredged. Perhaps you can check with the USCG.
I would not though that there was not sign of dredging where we actually stuck. If there was a channel there, the tugboat we saw pushing through the mud didn’t know about it.
Roger Long [Dredging began at Lockwoods Folly on Feb 22 and will end Apr 1]
Reply to Roger

Jonathon Welch - March 27, 2017 - 7:52 am

Bad luck for you I think — if you had gone straight in Lockwoods Folly you would have had 12 feet depth; the dredge just did that spot but the marks have not been moved. There’s a report today it is working in Shalotte Inlet.
Jonathon Welch
Reply to Jonathon
Mar 17, 2017by: Larry Dorminy 3 Comments
Bahamas Chatter: First timer
Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST 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: First timer
First timer
Posted: 15 Mar 2017 02:55 PM PDT
I’m headed to Bahamas from Charleston SC Via Stuart, Fla. Frankly worried about grounding. Have 6.6′ draft sailboat. Have no clue where to first arrive and what best cruise plan/areas are. Could use some advice. I’m used to deep water sailing: Nova Scotia, Maine, New England, Bermuda.
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (3)

David -  April 10, 2017 - 9:36 am

We spent 8 weeks sailing our boat in the Bahamas; have a 6 1/2′ draft. Did not have a problem. Pay close attention to tides when you plan on entering “skinny water”, study the charts closely and don’t fixate on your chart plotter – learn to read the water (color changes).
Don’t let the shallow water keep you from going. People run their sailboats up and down the ICW with little more that a foot of water under their keel and can’t see the bottom., but they worry about the depths in the Bahamas. You can see the bottom there and it’s gorgeous! Go! Enjoy the trip. Wish I were there right now instead of northern Michigan!
Reply to David

Captain Ron Crook -  March 23, 2017 - 7:58 am

A six ft 6″ draft should not be a problem; I have sailed thru the Bahamas chain with an 8 Ft draft on a 456 Beneteau; you have to keep a good eye towards coral heads and water depth; choose your course well.
Reply to Captain

CAPT McDonald -  March 17, 2017 - 7:08 pm

I would read the book “Too Old Not to GO.” It has some excellent advice for 1st timers going to the Bahamas.
Reply to CAPT
Mar 17, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.6768,-82.7619999
ALERT: Search Suspended for 2 Swimmers Missing, Pass-a-Grille, St. Pete Beach, North of Tampa Bay

View In Chartview

News Release
March 16, 2017
U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Tampa Bay
Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Tampa Bay
24/hour duty: (305) 965-4672
Coast Guard suspends search for 2 missing near Pass-a-Grille
ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — The Coast Guard suspended their search Thursday at 7:41 p.m. for two men missing near the Pass-a-Grille channel entrance since Tuesday.
Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watch standers received a report Tuesday at 6:10 p.m. from the captain of the Jaguar, a 71-foot yacht, stating Andrew Dillman, 27, from New York, and Jie Luo, 21, from China, were missing from the boat.
Fifteen college students chartered the yacht for the day. When the yacht anchored at Shell Key, five students, including Luo, reportedly jumped from the boat to swim. The current pulled the students from the boat, and all but Luo were able to make it back to the boat. Dillman, a crew member aboard the yacht, jumped in to rescue Luo and was also separated from the boat.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Jie Luo and Andrew Dillman,” said Capt. Holly Najarian, Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg commander. “Suspending a search is the most difficult decision I have to make in my position, and despite our best efforts, we were unable to reunite Andrew and Jie with their families.”
Crews from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission conducted 39 searches totaling 80 aircraft and surface hours and covering more than 1,577 square miles – an area larger than the state of Rhode Island.
The incident is currently under investigation.
March 15, 2017
U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Tampa Bay
Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Tampa Bay
Office: (727) 535-1437 ext. 2143
After Hours: (305) 965-4672
Coast Guard continues search for 2 missing near Pass-a-Grille
ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — The Coast Guard and partner agencies continue their search for two males missing near the Pass-a-Grille channel entrance.
Missing are Andrew Dillman, 27 from New York, and Jie Lou, 21 from China.
Coast Guard crews and partner agencies have conducted 22 searches over 419 square
miles.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Andrew and Jie during this difficult time,” said Lt. Jason Holstead, the command duty officer at Sector St. Petersburg. “We continue work closely with our partners to search for Andrew and Jie; all of us have them and their family in our thoughts and prayers.”
At 6:10 p.m. Tuesday Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watch standers received a report from the captain of the 71-foot yacht, Jaguar, stating two males were missing from the boat.
Fifteen college students chartered the yacht for the day. When the yacht anchored at Shell Key, five students, including Lou, jumped from the boat to swim. The current pulled the students away from the boat, and all but Lou were able to make it back to the boat. Dillman, a crew member aboard the yacht, jumped in to rescue Lou, and was also swept away.
Crews from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Station St. Petersburg, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are actively searching for the missing men.
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Mar 16, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
News from Martin County, Stuart, FL
At the intersection of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and the Okeechobee Waterway, Martin County, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is a hub of boating activity and of events of interest to boaters.
CLICK HERE FOR NEWS from Boatlines
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Mar 13, 2017by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Hook Kids on Fishing, April 29, Fishermen’s Village, Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL
Fishermen’s Village Resort and Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is absolutely the most event active marina on the Gulf Coast for all seasons. With year-round family friendly celebrations, you will feel right at home on your visit to Punta Gorda, also A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, on beautiful Charlotte Harbor.
Hook Kids on Fishing
Source: Anglers for Conservation
March 13, 2017–FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact: Mike Conneen, (321) 759-3585
mike@anglersforconservation.org
Hook Kids On Fishing
In partnership with the Fisherman’s Village, Anglers for Conservation (AFC) is coordinating AFC’’s Hook Kids on Fishing program on Saturday, April 29th from 10am-12 Noon The Hook Kids on Fishing program will take place at:
Fisherman’s Village Center Court
1200 West Retta Esplande
Punta Gorda, Fl. 33950
Kids ages 6 to 16, are welcome along with their parents. The first 80 kids registered may receive a free rod and reel. Registration is mandatory by calling Ralph Allen Kingfisher Fleet at
941 639-2628.
These conservation-minded Hook Kids on Fishing programs teach casting, fishing safety, knot tying, the tackle box, catch and release tactics, fishing habitat and conservation; and are taught by professional guides and knowledgeable anglers. Parents and kids bring your smiles, positive attitudes and patience along with you!
Parent or guardian must accompany attendees.
Additional community sponsors include the Anglers for Conservation, Fish Florida Foundation, Coastal Angler Magazine and Aylesworth’s Fish & Bait.
The Hook Kids on Fishing program is a product of the Anglers for Conservation, a non-profit-501-C3, whose mission is to inspire new generations of marine stewards through education, conservation, and community outreach.
Volunteers are needed and donations are greatly appreciated.
If you’re interested in volunteering for, or sponsoring this event, please contact Mike Conneen at mike@anglersforconservation.org or visit the website, www.anglersforconservation.org
Kathy Burnam
Marketing/Events Manager
Fishermen’s Village
mkting@fishville.com
1200 W. Retta Esplanade #57A
Punta Gorda, Florida 33950
P 941 575-3007
M 941 258-1327
F 941 637-1054

Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fishermen’s Village
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fishermen’s Village
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Punta Gorda Waterfront Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Punta Gorda Waterfront
Share:
1 Facebook Likes, 1 Facebook Reactions
Comments from Cruisers (1)

Cruisers' Net - March 13, 2017 - 8:10 pm

Great work on behalf of young people. Wishing you much success.
Reply to Cruisers'
Mar 13, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Brad Pickle and AIWA Recognized by BoatUS
SSECN is proud to be an associate of Brad Pickle as well as a supporting member of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association whose efforts toward improving navigation conditions in the Waterway are invaluable.
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
(L to R) Brad Pickle, Executive Director, AIWA; David Kennedy, Manager, BoatUS Government Affairs; Mark Crosley, Chairman of the Board, AIWA, and Executive Director, Florida Inland Navigation District
Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association Campaigns for the 1100-Mile Waterway on Capitol Hill
Hazardous shoaling reduces depth to less than 5 feet in several sections
WASHINGTON, DC, March 13, 2017 – The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the famed 1100-plus mile coastal waterway stretching from Norfolk, Virginia to Miami, Florida, is getting “thin.” Shoaling has created hazardous conditions in some areas with depths reported less than 5 feet – which reflects a remarkable 7 feet of water depth lost in the waterway’s authorized minimum depth of 12 feet. The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association (AIWA), a waterways interest group, recently gathered in Washington, DC, to ensure the Department of Transportation-designated marine highway M-95 is a top priority for Congress and the Trump Administration.
AIWA members are requesting legislators allocate $50 million for additional dredging needs to come from within the US Army Corps of Engineers operating and maintenance budget. AIWA members also pressed the case for continued allocations for operations and maintenance of navigation projects.
An estimated 13,000 recreational boaters, or “snowbirds,” make the annual boating migration from the Northeast to Florida each year, averaging $300 per day in spending supporting small-business jobs along the way. Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), a charter member of the AIWA, has concerns about boaters potentially forced to take more hazardous offshore routes due to ICW shoaling. BoatUS’s on-water TowBoatUS towing responders in South Carolina and Georgia report shoaling to be an on-going issue in some locations.
“The waterway is critical US infrastructure and important to recreational boaters,” said David Kennedy, Manager of BoatUS Government Affairs. “We vigorously support efforts to improve navigation and waterway access.”
Brad Pickel, executive director of AIWA, said, “We appreciate the high level of support by the Congressional delegation along the entire waterway. We look forward to ongoing investments in Marine Highway 95 as part of the infrastructure and jobs focus in the new administration.”
Additional AIWA members include the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association, Florida Inland Navigation District, Waterways Journal, and the National Marine Manufacturers Association, as well as state and local agencies, marinas and commercial shipping businesses, tourism groups, publications, associations, dredging companies and tug and maritime businesses. For more information about the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association visit atlanticintracoastal.org.
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Mar 13, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.0523,-77.91089999
Shoaling Surveyed in Snows Cut, Carolina Beach, NC, AICW Statute Mile 296

View In Chartview

This report of shoaling at Marker #162A in Snow’s Cut comes from Robert Sherer’s Cruising Down the ICW 2017 blog, March 12, 2017. Snows Cut is a 1.5 mile cut connecting Cape Fear River with the east coast Waterway at Carolina Beach.

Western end of Snow’s Cut, survey 11/8-9/2016

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marker 162A
Share:
2 Facebook Likes, 3 Facebook Reactions
Be the first to comment!
Mar 11, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 30.3241,-81.66239999
Restricted Dockage at Jacksonville Landing, Jacksonville, FL, St. Johns River

View In Chartview

Jacksonville Landing is on the north side of the St. Johns, midway between the Main Street Bridge and the Acosta Bridge. This complex is a downtown shopping mall/food court with a stage area for special events and concerts and normally features its own dock for visiting pleasure craft. Now experienced cruiser, David Burnham, reports very limited dockage due to damage from Hurricane Matthew.
Update 3/9/2017:
Arrived at the Jacksonville Landing to find no docking signs posted as the floating docks have not been repaired since last October’s Hurricane Matthew.
Only a very small section, east of the river ferry dock section, and nearest the Main Street Bridge was available for docking while waiting for the bridge to open.
I arrived after 4:30pm and had to wait until the next opening at 8pm instead of 6pm. Best to call the Main Street bridge tender to find out the latest opening schedule.
Update 3/9/2017: After October 2017, Hurricane Matthew ruined most of the floating dock space at the Jacksonville Landing and only a very small section close to the Main Street Bridge remains open for docking now.
David Burnham
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jacksonville Landing and Main St Bridge
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Mar 11, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
USED BOATS FOR SALE! Intracoastal Yacht Sales
Intracoastal Yacht Sales, a long-time SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, offers full service brokerage representation from three locations, Wrightsville Beach, NC, Little River, SC and Charleston, SC. You will want to see these new offerings!
CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST OFFERINGS FROM INTRACOASTAL YACHT SALES
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Mar 11, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 30.5517,-81.46679999
Shoaling Reported in South Amelia River, AICW Statute Mile 727

View In Chartview

This reported shoaling from experienced cruiser, John Wampler, is northwest of Nassau Sound. Thanks you John!
Shoaling in South Amelia River at position N30* 33.1 W081* 28.0 south of Marker 42 mag bearing 172* at 0.4 miles. +1.2 feet above Fernandina tide datum. Charted depth is 11 feet. Published course goes right over shoal. Bumped while floating over shoal. Draft 3.4 feet. Reported to USCG ANT JAX.

John Wampler
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Shoaling
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Mar 10, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
32 Derelicts to be Removed from Marquesas Keys, West of Key West
Derelict and abandoned vessels are a huge factor in the increasingly restrictive anchoring regulations in Florida. See Derelict Boats Accumulating along Central Florida Coast and Funds Available for Derelict Vessel Removal in Florida. The Marquesas Keys are a group of islands about 17 miles west of Key West.
Monroe County to remove 32 derelict boats from Marquesas Keys
$61,200 project begins Sunday, continues through April 1
By Peter Burke – Local10.com Managing Editor
Posted: 4:10 PM, March 09, 2017
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REPORT from NBC News 10 Monroe County
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Mar 10, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Bahamas Chatter: “New BTC data rates” plus 1 more
Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST 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: “New BTC data rates” plus 1 more
New BTC data rates
Posted: 09 Mar 2017 01:55 PM PST
Appears BTC has changed their data rates again.
500mb $2.49 1 day
1 GB $7 10 days
2 GB $10 30 days
3 GB $20 30 days
4 GB $30 30 days
All +vat
Long Island Update
Posted: 09 Mar 2017 05:36 AM PST
Good news not only for the Long Island Rally heading for Salt Pond from George Town today but also for all cruisers to the Thompson Bay area. The former Pirates of the Caribbean, on the north shore of Thompson Bay, has reopened to offer several important services to yachts in the Bay. It is now called Tiny’s Hurricane Hole and boaters can take their dinghy there to enjoy a meal at the restaurant, use the WiFi, and even do laundry while relaxing with a beautiful view. Two of the cottages are available as well for those who want to bring guests to the island.
Long Island Petroleum is fully operational with plenty of water at the new dock. However, a word of caution: the dredging may have left a little silt at the channel entrance, but it is easily manageable at high tide.
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Mar 9, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 30.6472,-81.48569999
A Cruiser Helping Other Cruisers!

View In Chartview

Every now and then a fellow cruiser goes out the way to correct a situation that poses a hazard to other boaters. Joe Plunkett is just such a Cruiser Helping Other Cruisers. Joe’s efforts chronicled below have caused the USCG to relocate markers in a shoaling zone that has existed for years. Hats off to Joe Plunkett! This is Seamanship at its best.
Gentlemen:
This is the e-mail I sent to the USCG back in December in response to the request for public comments. It is gratifying to see that a problem of long standing is now being addressed.
Joe Plunkett
From: Joseph T Plunkett CPA
Sent: Wednesday, December 28, 2016 10:57 PM
To: D07-SMB-DPWPublicComments@uscg.mil
Subject: CG 7th District LNM 07482016
To whom it my concern:
I wish to comment In regard to the proposed elimination of Fernandina TRUB 2 and establishment of Fernandina Beach Daybeacon 2 (LLNR 37988) in position 30-38-54.689N/081-29-03.486W (30°38.9115N / 081°29.0581W, 30.648525 / -81.484302) .
On September 4, 2016 at approximately 13:30 hours I ran aground in the Amelia River while piloting Happy Hagar, my 40’ Burns Craft Sun Deck Motor Yacht. The point of grounding was in the vicinity of 30-39-104N/081-29-089W (30°40.7333N / 081°30.4834W, 30.678889 / -81.508056) . Time was approximately 1.5 hours after high tide. The shoal in this area is unmarked. The USCG Station at Jacksonville, Florida should have a record of my contact on that day. The grounding resulted in the loss of our portside prop shaft and prop, bending of a prop strut and a bent port side rudder post. I was successful removing the boat from the shoal and stemming the flooding from the loss of the shaft. I anchored my vessel and waited approximately two hours for a tow from Towboat US from Brunswick. Total damage including yard repairs and towing may exceed $20,000. The missing shaft and prop are on the bottom of the Amelia River somewhere in the vicinity of the grounding.
While awaiting the tow I observed an outboard powered boat run aground in the same area. The outboard powered vessel was able to free itself from the unmarked shoal by trimming up their motor while throwing up a rooster-tail of sand. I have no information as to what damage, if any, that vessel may have incurred.
The Towboat US operator informed me that the problem shoal has been present for at least nine years. I have attached a photo of my chart plotter showing Happy Hagar’s track up to the point of grounding, at anchor after the grounding and while under tow heading toward Fernandina Beach Marina. The chart plotter image is shown as course-up with the top of the picture being SSW. The end of my track extending furthest south would be the point of grounding. The chart indicates a depth of 12-15 feet at that point. I have also attached a photo of a sailing vessel that grounded in the same area taken by Towboat US, date unknown.
I ask that you consider relocating Daybeacon 2 to the vicinity of 30-39-104N/081-29-089W (30°40.7333N / 081°30.4834W, 30.678889 / -81.508056), the point at which I grounded, subject to conducting your own survey. The existing Fernandina TRUB 2 could be replaced by a semi-permanent Daybeacon 4 in position 30-38-54.689N/081-29-03.486W (30°38.9115N / 081°29.0581W, 30.648525 / -81.484302) .
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of my comments.
Joseph T. Plunkett
M/V Happy Hagar, Official Number 660256
Share:
Be the first to comment!