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    • Alternate Route around Causton Bluff Bridge, AICW Statute Mile 580


      Our thanks to David Oneill for this local knowledge to avoid Causton Bluff Bridge, currently closed for repairs, see /161254. Causton Bluff Bridge has a closed vertical clearance of 21 ft and no date has been given for comopletion of the repairs.

      Causton Bluff Bascules are old, cranky and have a local rep for breaking down. Delay could be long depending on issues.

      Alt route for vessels in excess of the 21′ clearance.
      Southbound:
      At “Fields Cut” / Savannah River Junction (R-50) proceed East along the Savannah River (outbound). Be aware this is a high traffic, large ship channel. Follow the marker chain out through Tybee Roads Inlet. After clearing G-3 proceed SSW approximately 9 miles to 31 53.771N 80 52.434 W. Proceed West to Wassaw Sound Inlet markers R-10 / G-9. Be aware this entrance is shoal to the north 3-3 1/2 mile out. It is regularly used by large (up to 250′) yachts traveling to TBI yard in Thunderbolt. Excellent water after you enter the marked channel. Proceed along marker chain up the South side of the sound and into the Wilmington River. Proceed North to ICW junction at Skidaway River (R-40) or continue on to Thunderbolt.

      Used the Wassaw Sound channel for years while I lived on Turner Creek with boats drawing 6′-7′ without a problem. As an area of 7′-8′ tides best to cross bar at high tide, settled weather and good daylight. Plan on burning a full day as it’s a round and about way but may be worth it depending on time for bridge repairs.
      David ONeill

      Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Causton Bluff – Sam Varnedoe Bridge

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Causton Bluff – Sam Varnedoe Bridge
      32 03.729 North/081 01.794 W

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    • Bahamas Chatter: “Association of Bahamas Marinas make docking more expensive” plus 2 more

      Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and 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: “Association of Bahamas Marinas make docking more expensive” plus 2 more
      Association of Bahamas Marinas make docking more expensive
      New Fuel and Dockage Survey, November 26, 2016
      Current status of Customs and Immigration on Andros
      Association of Bahamas Marinas make docking more expensive
      Posted: 26 Nov 2016 08:29 AM PST
      In conducting the latest fuel and dockage survey, we found a new expense being charged by some marinas. Two of the marinas we contacted, Treasure Cay Marina and Valentines Marina, advised that their dockage rates were subject to an additional levy of 2% to go to the Association of Bahamas Marinas. At this time it is unknown if all of the 30 member marinas will levying this fee.

      New Fuel and Dockage Survey, November 26, 2016
      Posted: 26 Nov 2016 07:47 AM PST
      Fuel prices were mixed, some up, some down. Some marinas are still repairing hurricane damge. The new monthly Explorer Fuel and Dockage survey is posted on our website www.explorercharts.com. Click on Fuel and Dockage prices in the menu on the left side of the home page.
      As always, we appreciate the individual reports you send us of any changes in prices from the date of this survey. Send an email to monty@explorercharts.com for any new prices you find until the next survey.

      Current status of Customs and Immigration on Andros
      Posted: 26 Nov 2016 03:50 AM PST
      Does anyone know if it is currently possible for a cruising boat to check into the Bahamas on Andros? If so, any recommendations as to where are appreciated.
      Mark

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    • Asking for Crossing Advice on Punta Gorda to the Bahamas

      Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and 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. Monty and Sara Lewis are well known in this area for their personal research and reporting.  Responding to an earlier Bahamas Chatter, Skipper Grant is asking for your advice in routing this passage/crossing.

      Hi I am wanting to cruise from Punta Gorda to the Bahamas in early February 2017 somewhere around the 7th.
      I have a Bayliner 4588 so will be cuising at 8 to 9 knots.
      I am presently in Australia and will be in Punta Gorda on the 2nd of February If anyone wishing to cruise as a Buddy Boat or a group of boats Please contact me on Email ( directfire.billings@gmail.com).
      Cheers and Happy Boating
      Grant Billings

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    • Fishermen’s Village Receives TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL


      Fisherman's Village Marina and Resort, 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 and very deserving of this recognition! With celebrations honoring every season, you will feel right at home and will thoroughly enjoy your visit to Punta Gorda on beautiful Charlotte Harbor.

      FISHERMEN’S VILLAGE EARNS 2016 TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE

      Punta Gorda, FL, November 23, 2016 –Fishermen’s Village today announced that it has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence. Now in its sixth year, the achievement celebrates hospitality businesses that have earned great traveler reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year. Certificate of Excellence recipients include accommodations, eateries and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered a quality customer experience.

      “Receiving the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence is a true source of pride for the entire team at Fishermen’s Village! We would like to thank all of our visitors who took the time to complete a review on TripAdvisor,” said Kathy Burnam, Marketing/Events Manager for Fishermen’s Village. “There is no greater seal of approval than being recognized by one’s customers. With the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence based on customer reviews, the accolade is a remarkable vote of confidence to our business and our continued commitment to excellence.”

      “With the Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor honors hospitality businesses that have consistently received strong praise and ratings from travelers,” said Heather Leisman, Vice President of Industry Marketing, TripAdvisor. “This recognition helps travelers identify and book properties that regularly deliver great service. TripAdvisor is proud to play this integral role in helping travelers feel more confident in their booking decisions.”

      The Certificate of Excellence accounts for the quality, quantity and recency of reviews submitted by travelers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.

      Fishermen’s Village Mall, Resort and Marina is located on pristine Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda Florida. A two level complex, the lower level features independently owned shops, boutiques and waterfront restaurants, water recreation, military heritage museum, live entertainment and special events. The second level sports vacation villas, available for daily/weekly rental. For more information, visit www.fishville.com or call 1 800 639-0020.

      TripAdvisor® is the world’s largest travel site**, enabling travelers to plan and book the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers advice from millions of travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools that check hundreds of websites to find the best hotel prices. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, reaching 340 million unique monthly visitors***, and 350 million reviews and opinions covering 6.5 million accommodations, restaurants and attractions. The sites operate in 48 markets worldwide.
      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

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    • Seeking Deep Water Channel Marina off Northern Hawk Channel

      If you have local knowledge of marina entrance channels that can accommodate a 5’5″ draft, let us hear from you. August is asking about Hawk Channel from Biscayne Bay to Marathon.

      Our sailboat draws 5’5″. I can’t seem to find ANY marinas on the ocean side We can get in about halfway on the trip. Any suggestions?
      August Trometer,  email: atrometer@me.com

       

       

      Comments from Cruisers (2)

      1. Michael Moorehead -  November 25, 2016 - 3:34 pm

        We too draw 5.5 feet. Best solution I have is to anchor overnight at Rodriguez Key, about half way to Marathon. Marathon and Key West will offer you marina options.

        Reply to Michael
      2. Mike Curreri -  November 25, 2016 - 2:55 pm

        Anchoring by Rodriguez Key is the best alternative. Ocean Reef claims to have an 8′ approach at MLW, but I have been told there is a 5′ bump. No personal knowledge yet (going to try it in a few days.

        Reply to Mike
    • Report from Lockwoods Folly/AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 312


      The Waterway south of St. James Plantation Marina is a long narrow channel leading into the Lockwoods Folly Problem Stretch that requires keeping an eye on your depth finder. Our thanks to Michael Levy for this report.

      Near St James Marina (STM 315-319) – again low tide – I stayed mid channel and had 10’+ 200 yards west of St James – I stayed close to G29, did the wide term between R46A and R46B, kept away from G47 and stayed close to R48…again 10’+ minimum through here.
      Michael Levy

      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

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    • Bahamas Chatter: Changed water depth after Mathew?

      Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and 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: Changed water depth after Mathew?
      Changed water depth after Mathew?
      Posted: 20 Nov 2016 04:08 PM PST
      Has anybody information about changed water depth after Mathew in any area of the Bahamas, especially on the route Memory Rock-Crab Cay?

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Danny Fraino -  November 25, 2016 - 2:45 pm

        I do not know about West End, However here in Freeport on Grand Bahama some of the canal entrances on the South side of Grand Bahama have had large boulders washed into them from hurricane Matthew and vessels entering these entrances should proceed with extreme caution especially at low tide.

        Reply to Danny
    • NEW Chart View : Overview

      This is the first in a series of posts detailing the capabilities of the New Chart View.  This post provides an overview of the graphical layout and associated feature areas.

      There are six feature areas to become familiar with.  Each area is shown in the following graphic and generally described below.

      1. Map Type

      2. Tools

      3. Display Options

      4. View Control

      5. Weather Overlays

      6. Messages

      New Chart View

      1. Map Type

      Map type choice is available in the upper left corner with the three similar options as the past: Charts, Hybrid and Map.  Charts are now obtained from the official NOAA site versus through EarthNC in the past.  Hybrid is a combination of aerial with street overlays and obtained from Google.  Map is a traditional street map view and also obtained from Google.  

      2. Tools

      The tool area is in the top center and provides general functionality including:

      • Help help icon
      • Local information local info icon
      • Measuring measure icon
      • Routing routing icon
      • ‘Go To Home’ current location icon – center at your current location, and
      • Latitude and longitude of the current mouse position when the window is active. 

      Measuring measure icon allows you to measure on the map between two locations.  You can drag the end points around and instantaneous distance and optionally the latitude and longitude of the points.

      Routing routing icon enables you to define a route on screen and download it or to upload a previously defined route from a file in gpx format.  When defining the route the distance and bearing between each set of points is shown, the total distance to each point and, optionally, with latitude and longitude of each point.

      Local information is comprehensive information based on the map center if you click the icon or anywhere you right click the mouse local info icon .  This comprehensive information includes the local regular weather forecast (daily, next few hours, weekly), marine weather forecast, sun/moon times and characteristics, nearest tide station (predicted, actual, difference) and nearest weather buoy.

      3. Display Options

      There are many options that can be toggled on / off from this area.  Many are the same as the original chart view (marinas marina icon , bridges bridge icon , anchorages anchorage icon , etc) but several are new and innovative.  Two of which are: 

      The Waterways option displays the various waterways (infamous Magenta line, etc.) and also contains dots at every 5 miles via the waterways icon icon.  When hovering over a dot a popup shows the mile marker so you always have a quick reference to your mile marker location.    

      A second and highly innovative feature is the ability to show hydrographic survey data hydro survey icon . Depending on the data available, the survey data can be shown as depth dots like the Argus data or a color contour overlay.  You can choose which form to show the survey depths when both types are available.

      A separate post will detail these and the other options due to the extensive functionality and capabilities.

      4. View Control

      View controls are on the right side of the screen, these include:

      Full screen option full screen icon   at the top right which allows Chart View to cover your entire screen.  

      Zoom controls at the bottom right   zoom icon .  

      Street view is selected via the yellow Pegman pegman .  Stree view is enabled by clicking and dragging the Pegman to a location on the map. The map will automatically switch to the street view and the street view control street view control will replace the yellow Pegman.  To exit street view click the arrow icon located in the upper left corner exit street view .

      5. Weather Overlays

      Five different weather overlays are currently available.  

      1. Wind
      2. Wave Height
      3. NEXRAD Radar
      4. Clouds
      5. Lightning Strikes
      6. Marine Warnings

      Data for these overlays are obtained from NOAA.

      6. Messages

      Depending on your activities various message and information windows may appear.  This will generally be shown from the bottom center of the view.

       

      Click here to check out the new Chart View and these features now

       

      Other Posts Regarding the New Chart View:

      11-08-16 Announcement

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    • FOCUS ON Fishermen’s Village Resort and Marina, Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL


      Fisherman's Village Marina and Resort, 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. With celebrations honoring every season, you will feel right at home and will thoroughly enjoy your visit to Punta Gorda on beautiful Charlotte Harbor.

      fvlogo

      fvfocus2

      Fishermen’s Village Resort and Marina, the gateway to Southwest Florida! 
      The Village is Florida’s unique combination of a full-service destination resort and a hometown hang out for visitors and locals alike. Fishermen’s Village Resort and Marina can fill a day, define an evening, or pack the itinerary of extended stay. 

      fvfocus6 fvfocus7

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      Conveniently located between Sarasota and Fort Myers, Fishermen’s Village is the waterside event center and launching site for Florida fishing and recreation, culture and entertainment, shopping and dining. See why Fishermen’s Village is the locals’ enduring favorite and the visitors’ top choice.

      fvfocus3

      Find the pride of Charlotte Harbor’s maritime community. 
      The protected, secure marina at Fishermen’s Village offers more than one hundred boat slips to accommodate power craft and sailing vessels up to 60 feet LOA and 7-foot draft. Family cruisers, fishing boats, sailboats, dinghies, and sport craft all find safe harbor, friendly dockhands, and the modern amenities that keep the jewel of Charlotte Harbor on the “Top 10” lists of sail and yachting magazines year after year.
      Slips have 30/50 amp electricity, dock boxes, potable water, cable television and Wi-Fi available. Additional amenities — from pump-outs to pizza delivery — are available upon request. Larger vessels can be side secured and 100-amp service is available.
      Gulf of Mexico mariners and inland bay day sailors confirm Dock Age magazine’s rating of Fishermen’s Village Marina as its undisputed “Marina of the Year.”

       

      fvfocus
      Recent renovations and dredging enhance the marina’s well-marked entrance channel. Controlling depth at mean low water is approximately 7.5 feet and dockside depths range from 7.5 feet to 3.5 feet at MLW.
      Valvtect gasoline and diesel available. Discounts for dock holders.

      Fishermen’s Village Marina is located in Upper Charlotte Harbor, near the confluence of Florida’s famous Peace River. 
      Outer Channel Marker: Red No. 2 at 26 deg 56.1 min N. 82 deg 04.4 min W.
      Harbormaster monitors U.S. Coast Guard radio channel 16.

      Fishermen’s Village Marina
      1200 W. Retta Esplanade
      Punta Gorda, FL 33950
      941 575-3000
      www.fishville.com
      email: marina@fishville.com
      Outer Channel Marker: Red No. 2 at 26 deg 56.1 min N. 82 deg 04.4 min W.

      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

      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

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    • Bahamas Chatter: The end of sport fishing

      Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and 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: The end of sport fishing
      The end of sport fishing
      Posted: 19 Nov 2016 04:52 AM PST
      The following is an article from The Florida Times-Union: Florida wildlife officials expressed concern Wednesday the government of the Bahamas is in talks with China to split fishing rights in waters east of Florida.

      State Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Nick Wiley said the potential deal, as reported, could impact Florida’s commercial and sport-fishing industries.

      “China, their interests in this, would get exclusive access to fisheries in Bahamian waters,” Wiley said. “A lot of people may not realize this, but the boundary between the United States waters and Bahamian waters is still in dispute. It’s still not been clarified, so that further makes this an issue. The government of the Bahamas hasn’t released details of the negotiations.

      The Nassau Guardian newspaper has reported that the government of the Bahamas has given the green light to its embassy in Beijing to pursue agricultural and fishing partnerships with China. The proposal reportedly could bring $2.1 billion in cash, along with agricultural and farming equipment, into the Bahamian economy, over 10 years.

      The proposal by the Bahamian government, according to the Guardian, states: “While realization of a reasonable return on an investment in agriculture is a relatively slow process, requiring substantial capitalization over many years, participating companies in the initiative will within months of commencement of operations realize positive cash flow from the sale of seafood.”

      Under the reported terms of the deal, the government would lease to 100 companies — each jointly owned by Chinese and Bahamians shareholders — 10,000 acres in Andros Island, along with fishing licenses.

      “It is anticipated that the agricultural products and the seafood will be used either for local consumption or will be exported to China or the U.S.A. for sale,” the proposal says. “The management of participating companies will resolve to do what is in their best interest.”

      Commercial fishing for conch, lobster, snapper and grouper are mainstays of the Andros Island’s economy. However, the indication is that the Chinese firms want to target dolphin, kingfish, marlin, tuna and wahoo.

      Wiley said the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has reached out to the government of the Bahamas for additional details.

      “It’s something we really need to figure out what is going on. We really don’t understand it yet,” said Commissioner Robert Spottswood, the president of a Key West real-estate development company. “But the potential impact for us in the Keys, in Florida and for the U.S., of the Chinese government getting involved in fishing in the Bahamas could certainly affect the balance of what is going on in fisheries in South Florida.”

      Comments from Cruisers (5)

      1. Michael Albury -  November 29, 2016 - 3:16 pm

        According to the latest report, directly from our Prime Minister, this conversation/idea is dead.
        It was an idea our minister of marine resources put out to the Chinese for feedback.
        There was quite an uproar here in the Bahamas.
        I don’t expect to hear much about it except from those that will get the information later and believe it is an ongoing process.
        Thank you for making the post.
        MOST OF US KNOW WHERE OUR FRIENDS ARE : ))

        Reply to Michael
      2. John Todd -  November 28, 2016 - 3:23 pm

        Not knowing the actual numbers it seems unlikely China would be willing to compensate the Bahamian population(this affects ALL Bahamians not just the government) for the loss of American tourist dollars brought in by the fishing industry.

        I know the Chinese have long held a large tract of land on the tip of Grand Bahama Island where they have oil storage and tanker terminal facilities but surely this is helping China out a lot more than the average Bahamian.

        Tell me this is just another fantasy rumor…

        Reply to John
      3. Richard Dugan -  November 26, 2016 - 12:18 pm

        History has shown us what will happen when Governments , who care nothing for conservation, get involved. Does anybody trust the Chinese to adhere to the catch limits placed on Sportfish ? ! !

        Reply to Richard
      4. David Tarbox -  November 26, 2016 - 11:24 am

        The US needs to do more to strengthen relations with the Bahamas so they won’t look to the Chinese for support in our backyard. We need to recognize the economic expansionist goals of the Chinese (see South America and Africa) or we will be caught flat footed again.
        Pass this article on to Senators Nelson and Rubio

        Reply to David
      5. Gregory Yount -  November 25, 2016 - 10:21 pm

        Well, that is pretty disturbing!

        Reply to Gregory
    • AICW Crab Traps, Problem Stretch south of McClellanville, AICW Statute Miles 430-433


      Our thanks to Dave Boxmeyer for this report and warning. Dave is referring to George Hospodar’s October comments on this Problem Stretch, /160670. Unlike the Chesapeake, crab traps are not the usual hazard in the Waterway.

      I agree with George, we came through here yesterday at dead low tide and found no less than 5 foot of water under the boat. We draw 3 1/2 feet. The larger problem are the crab traps. They are everywhere, shore to shore and the channel is no exception. Took us a lot of “S” turns, but we managed to miss them all. You have to really pay attention to the depth finder and out the window in this stretch.
      Dave Boxmeyer

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

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

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    • New Markers in St. Johns River? Orange Park, FL


      Doctors Inlet is on the west side of the St. Johns just south of Orange Park. If you have knowledge of these uncharted markers, let us hear from you.

      Good morning – We live on the west shore of the St. Johns River (FL) just north of Doctor’s Inlet, and have just recently noticed what appear to be new flashing markers (3 red, one green) near the east side of the river, north of Mandarin Point and just north and east of the flashing green “11” on chart 11492.
      They are not charted, and I can’t find them on any recent notices to mariners. Anybody know anything about them? Thanks.
      Bill Healy

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St Johns Marker #11

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    • Christmas Flotilla, December 10, Oriental, NC, AICW Statute Mile 181


      Toucan Grill and Fresh Bar in Oriental, NC

      Oriental is home to two SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS, Oriental Marina and Nautical Wheelers! and the Christmas Flotilla is the perfect start for the Holiday Season.

      Christmas Flotilla in Oriental
      There will be a Christmas flotilla as part of the 2016 annual Oriental Spirit of Christmas festivities.
      Boats will rendezvous at Oriental marker “1” at 1645 on Saturday, December 10th and proceed on a prescribed route. Those participating and desiring a reserved slip at the free town dock will be provided one on a first to register basis. This dock will be reserved from Friday noon until Sunday noon.
      A limited amount of electricity will be provided at this dock for lighting only. We will also have free overflow slips available throughout Oriental for participating out of area or out of town boaters. Please contact Joe Valinoti via email at joesail1@gmail.com for the entry form and flotilla instructions including slip assignments.
      Joe
      boatparade2
      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Oriental Marina

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

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    • Bahamas Chatter: New marina in Spanish Wells…

      Explorer Charts - the best charts for the Bahamas and 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: New marina in Spanish Wells…
      New marina in Spanish Wells…
      Posted: 12 Nov 2016 04:08 AM PST
      Just wondering if anyone has any reviews, and also pricing for the new Yacht Haven Marina in Spanish Wells?
      DenO

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    • Farmers Market Brings Produce to Lido Key, Sarasota Bay


      This is good news for cruisers visiting Lido Key which lies west of southern Sarasota Bay and south of New Pass. This notice comes from www.yourobserver.com.

      On Nov. 3, the Lido Pavilion hosted the key’s inaugural Veggie Market, a weekly open-air produce sale designed to serve barrier island residents.
      by: David Conway Deputy Managing Editor

      CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Otter-Lido Key Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Otter-Lido Key Anchorage

      Be the first to comment!

    • NEW Chart View

      The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net team is excited to announce a completely new version of Chart View was installed this morning.

      This new version is completely rewritten and contains many enhancements such as: New Chart View

      • New graphics and layout
      • Latest NOAA charts
      • Continuous lat/lon location of your mouse
      • Waterway routes and mile markers
      • Measuring and routing capabilities
      • Tide stations (predicted, actual and difference)
      • Weather overlays
      • Detailed information at a location (weather, sun/moon times, tide station data, NOAA weather, weather buoy)
      • Hydrographic survey data overlays
      • Many, many additional features

      Over the new several days and weeks we will regularly post articles describing in detail these new features and their usage.

      We hope you find the new Chart View as exciting as we do.

      Please let us know if you encounter any issues and also please submit any enhancement ideas you would like to see in future releases.

      Click here to check out the new Chart View now

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    • USACOE to Suspend Water Release from Lake Okeechobee


      St. Lucie Lock, the easternmost Okeechobee lock, lies west of Stuart, FL near Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 15.

      wptv-st-lucie-locks2_1475151216075_47103285_ver1-0_640_480

      St. Lucie Lock

      U.S. Army Corps will suspend water flows to the St. Lucie Estuary beginning Friday
      WPTV Webteam
      11:50 AM, Nov 3, 2016

      The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Thursday it will suspend water flowing from Lake Okeechobee to the St. Lucie Estuary and reduce flows to Caloosahatchee Estuary.

      The Corps cited falling water levels in the lake as the reason.

      It said no water from the lake will be released through the St. Lucie Lock near Stuart. This is the first time since late January that discharges have been suspended from the St. Lucie Lock after a wetter than usual dry season last winter.

      However, the Corps says runoff from rain that accumulates in the St. Lucie basin will be allowed to pass through the spillway.

      “Drier weather has taken hold and the lake continues to recede,” Candida Bronson, Acting Operations Division Chief for the Jacksonville District, said in a news release. “Barring an unexpected heavy-rain event, we expect the recession to continue. We can safely suspend releases to the St. Lucie and will continue reducing flows to the Caloosahatchee from 2,800 cfs to 650 cfs over the coming week.”

      The water level at the lake stands at 15.40 feet which the Corps says is down .21 feet over the past week.

      The changes announced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin Friday.

      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 the St. Lucie Lock

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    • Poor Paint Job from Hinckley Boat Yard, Thunderbolt, GA, AICW Statute Mile 583

      We post this complaint only to compare the experience of this skipper with Imron versus Awlgrip. We also trust that the results of this particular work are not typical of Hinkley’s expertise. See Tom Law’s comments below.

      You don’t always get what you pay for! With such great reviews we decided to use Hinckley to paint our boat. We got a bid to have our 49 Hylas yacht painted in Awlgrip in January 2016. We have used Awlgrip paint before and found it to be durable, easy to clean and long lasting. A few weeks after we got the bid to paint the topsides in Awlgrip by the manager, we were handed off to [another worker] to coordinate the work we needed done. Then came emails and phone calls to use Imron paint. Imron paint is cheaper than Awlgrip. Although we loved Awlgrip we decided the “professionals” knew better and so we went with their product Imron. We felt that on every step Hinkley encouraged us to do more and more work than we felt unnecessary. It always started with “at Hinckley we do it this way because it’s the best”. They faired the transom and built it up with a compound to fix a few dings. We were not in Florida when the work was done which was Big mistake. When we arrived in late January the first issues started. First issue was we had covered our boat to protect the deck from the harsh Florida weather .We always do this when leaving our boat in storage. Hinckley removed it when they stepped the mast right after we left and never replaced as they deemed it unnecessary. We reminded them to put it back on after the mast was stepped and were assured they would do so. We had new [name] signs put on the boat. When I showed [the worker] that they were peeling, he suggested a little clear nail polish on the edges to keep them from peeling off! I was starting to regret using Hinckley.
      Most worrisome was the paint job. The Imron just wasn’t the right type of paint for a sailboat that actually gets used. This became apparent a few months later. We sailed from Hinckley directly to the Bahamas and Cuba for 4 months. The boat was only in a marina once where it was rinsed down and washed. It was there we noticed that salt had etched the paint. When we returned to Hinckley five months after the initial painting we had to haul the boat and they had to use an acid to remove the salt. Even the yard and paint distributor said they had never seen anything like it. Never in 25,000 miles of sailing with Awlgrip had we ever used anything but Awlgrip wash to clean our boat of salt residue. It always looked great. Next issue was discovered by the guys who polished the boa. He t noticed small cracks all over the transom. Brian tried to explain it as fiberglass from under the bonding they used was suddenly erupting through the paint. Riduculous? Of course. But our choice was to stay in Florida and haggle with Hinckley or just consider this a VERY EXPENSIVE lesson. We realized we would never be satisfied and left. We are currently in Europe and have now noticed that everything scratches this paint. Mooring lines that rub remove the paint down to the primer. Bumpers rubbing wear off the paint, a small bump on a plastic dock scratches. Even my finger nail can scratch through the paint! Two professional painters here in Europe laughed at their explanation on why the transom had cracks. Both explained it was too much compound used and the compound was cracking underneath. This of course makes more sense. I will say that Hinckley did reimburse me the costs of the signs. Lessons learned. Never would I recommend Imron paint and never would I recommend Hinckley Boat yard.
      Maureen Gapp

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Tom Law -  November 15, 2016 - 10:18 pm

        I think this refers to Hinckley, Stuart. Not Hinkley, Thunderbolt. Perhaps, a minor point; however, I’m sure it will be appreciated by Hinckley, Thunderbolt. We had our 43 foot American Tug painted with Imron at Hinckley, Stuart, a few years ago and were very pleased with the workmanship and the result. Different boats and different experiences; however, I did want to state a positive experience with Hinckley, Stuart.

        Reply to Tom
    • New Location for River District Farmer’s Market, Caloosahatchee River/Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 135


      The river is Caloosahatchee and the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Sponsors are Legacy Harbour Marina and Fort Myers Yacht Basin. Legacy Harbor Marina entrance is located on the Okeechobee Waterway East of Marker #49 on the Caloosahatchee River. Fort Myers Yacht Basin lies along banks of the Caloosahatchee River, between the 3rd and 4th bridges from west to east.

      River District Farmer’s Market opens at new location this Thursday

      FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 31, 2016) – The River District Farmer’s Market will open this Thursday in a new location in nearby Centennial Park.
      This move, from the market’s previous location under the Caloosahatchee Bridge at 2000 West First Street, will free up the more than 40 parking spots that were taken up by vendors.
      “We are really excited about this change in venue because it now only frees up parking under the bridge for our customers, but also allows for seating under the pavilion and gives us a fabulous back drop of the River,” said Betsy Ventura, who, along with Jean Baer, owns Local Roots, LLC and will run the market each week.
      The market will take place each Thursday and will be open all year except for Thanksgiving Day but will open on Wednesday, Nov. 23 for a make-up market. Vendors begin setting up at 7 a.m. with everyone in place by 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
      According to Ventura and Baer, there will be plenty of lunch options including area favorite food trucks as well as fresh flowers, local fruits and vegetables, Greek olive oils, dog treats, and much more. Complimentary Jimmy Java’s coffee will be given to the first 100 shoppers starting at 9 am.
      Baer’s son, Tyler, a graduate of the University of Florida and Ventura’s daughter, Sims, will be joining the duo this season to assist in managing the markets.
      In addition to Downtown, Ventura and Baer also operate the Sanibel, Bonita Springs, Coconut Point, Fenway South, Lakes Park, FSW and Boca Grande (beginning Jan. 6) Farmers Markets.
      They added that the goal of each of their markets is to strengthen the surrounding community by showcasing vendors that are selling produce and artisan products that are grown or produced locally. Products are packaged by owners in an environmentally friendly way and the locations of markets are clean and safe and reflect a community atmosphere.
      Anyone interested in becoming a vendor or providing live entertainment may visit the web site at www.BuyLocalLee.com.
      Contact: Melinda Isley, APR, m.creativepr, 239-274-7736, cell: 239-565-1630, melinda@mcreativepr.com
      Thank you,
      Melissa Moore
      Web/Graphics Technician
      Anniversary Logo-03
      1631 Hendry Street
      Fort Myers, Florida 33901
      T: 239.337.1071 – F: 239-337.1076
      mmoore@cella.cc www.cella.cc

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Ft Myers Yacht Basin

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ft Myers Yacht Basin

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