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    • Jan 30, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy 5 Comments

      Seven Seas Cruising Association Asks Your Support to Defeat Florida’s Anti-Anchoring Legislation

      The Concerned Cruisers’ Committee (CCC) of Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) has, for many years, supported the rights of cruisers to navigate, anchor and enjoy the “Seven Seas” both in the U.S. and abroad. We have had recent success in Annapolis and in Georgia, and we are engaged in South Carolina, Washington and California.

      CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOTE: Ignore the “Log In to Donate” and go directly to name/address form.
       

      1/23 A good news update from MTOA Public Advocate, Mike Bodin:

      But as of now (1/23/2017), SSCA, AGLCA and MTOA have raised over half of the funds from their membership for the Lobbyists. Capital Assets has agreed to represent the boating community and their office is in Tallahassee.

      And this from Mike Bodin:

      Mates,
      As you know Florida’s legislative session has started. The Environmental Preservation and Conservation committee heard the first presentation by The Fish and Wildlife Conversation commission (FWC) on the Anchoring and Mooring Pilot Program. [See /161714] Anti-anchoring representatives were present and offered presentations.

      The window is closing for us to be effective with ongoing legislation. Capitol Access team did a great job representing our anchoring concerns in 2014,and 15. Without professional representation I fear legislation will be made and passed into law prohibiting anchoring by county designation with state approval. This Florida law can be the basis of others to follow along the ICW corridor. Like cancer, a small start than it spreads and very difficult to stop.

      Time is against us to raise monies for a professions lobbyist. MTOA donation survey results are very promising, AGLCA is now surveying their members and results will be available shortly.

      SSCA CCC has lead the boating community in the past. Anti-Anchoring is a pain in every boater’s thoughts. Future state laws to prevent anchoring along the ICW surely can be compared to the spread of cancer. We must unite and knock it out before it gains traction.

      Enclosed is a boaters rights donation form to your GoFunfMe site. Due to the tremendous time limitation now in place we request SSCA blast email the form to your membership. Within a couple of days, we will have a good idea if a lobbyist can be added to our anti-anchoring efforts.

      Thank you for consideration and hopefully participation.

      Mike Bodin
      MTOA Public Advocate

      CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM MTOA

      And from America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association:

      Boater’s Rights Interest Survey
      Florida’s 1,000-mile intracoastal waterway has often been called the boaters’ highway. Wealthy waterside residents in conjunction with several counties want to enact anti-anchoring laws. Last year Florida’s governor signed into law temporary nighttime anti-anchoring restrictions in several counties. Boaters must unite to stop the spread of anti-anchoring legislation.

      CLICK HERE FOR AGLCA’s SURVEY ON BOATERS’ RIGHTS

      CLICK HERE for more information on Seven Seas Cruising Association

       

      4 Facebook Likes, 4 Facebook Reactions

      Comments from Cruisers (5)

      2. Phil Barbalace -  February 14, 2017 - 10:58 am

        Quoted Text: [from AGLCA Forum]

        “Yes, Florida residents should care. Snowbirds should care. Loopers and long distance cruisers should care. Boaters who never leave their home waters in Rhode Island or California or Maryland should care. You should care, Phil. Suppose you can no longer anchor in Mattawoman Creek or down at Tim’s Rivershore?”

        I agree with your points Dave, 100%. (Actually a better analogy might have been the creeks around Annapolis–hardly anyone lives at Mattawoman or Tims.) But the reality of the anchoring problem is that we need money and we need volunteers and you just ain’t getting them from Tennessee (no offense to those in Tenn.)

        That everyone should care is a valid but weak argument. Those of us who made a donation whether large or small, did so partially because it was made easy, with a few mouse clicks and a credit card. Throwing stuff at the wall hoping some of it will stick is not an effective call-to-arms.

        If I was a retiree boater living in FL I would more inclined to volunteer to drive to Miami or Tallahassee and foot the hotels bills at my expense. I’m neither of those and personally, we have our hands full up here in the Northern VA. That’s why we spread the loop out over 2 years instead of doing it all at once. Plus, with a take-no-prisoners style of doing things, anything I would do might be counter-productive! Some probably look at this as “someone else’s problem” but we certainly don’t.

        Will it “spread to other east coast states”? Not in our lifetimes. Florida is a unique critical mass of anchorages, waterfront homeowners and boaters.. The few causing problems are the problem. Google “anchoring laws” or “anchoring restrictions” and Florida dominates. Number two California isn’t even close.

        This debate has already attracted a healthy attention to the problem. Hey, Jim Healy has signed on. We owe him big time just for his informative contributions to the forum. Him volunteering for the anchoring work is above and beyond. Jim, we are buying you and Peg dinner if we ever meet up. Others should do the same. And thanks to the others who have volunteered!

        There are over 4,400 AGLCA members. If every member contributed only $25 (some did more) you would have well over $100,000. Just like crowdfunding (yes, you can laugh). That’s a healthy start instead of the 20K collected so far which is only a 20% participation rate, roughly. Just a few mouse clicks and a credit card. But if you want volunteers, make it easier like the contributions and focus on Florida. That’s where the problem is. So is the solution.

        Phil Barbalace
        2009 Mainship 40 Seascape
        Gold Loopers 2016
        Vienna, Va.

        Reply to Phil
      3. Jim Quince -  January 26, 2017 - 2:48 pm

        The various boating groups have come together just in time to hire a capable lobbyist (Jerry Paul) who happens to be a boater who recently moved his boat north by Tallahassee. Yesterday the Trawlers & Trawlering list owner endorsed the effort and asked members to support it.
        While there have been many people involved, Mike Bodin of MTOA should be commended for staying involved, taking the lead and keeping the boating community informed.
        Jim Quince

        Reply to Jim
      4. Jim Quince -  January 20, 2017 - 9:46 am

        Something to keep an eye on…..
        It has been reported that the chair of the Senate committee that received jurisdiction to hear the FWC Anchoring Report (and the committee most likely to originate anti-anchoring legislation) is chaired by a newly elected Senator who happens to be the daughter of the lead lobbyist who has represented the anti-anchoring interests for the last several sessions. We do not know whether she has preconceived opinions or biases on our topics. She did not display a bias in this first hearing. We must give her the benefit of the doubt and commit ourselves to working with her in a professional manner throughout this process.
        Jim Quince

        Reply to Jim
      5. perry -  January 13, 2017 - 4:39 pm

        In the current 2017 session of the Florida Senate and House there are no anchoring bills or committee discussions on anchoring.

        Reply to perry
    • Jan 26, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      AGLCA Fights for Boaters’ Rights Update

      America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association has joined other boating organizations is requesting donations toward lobbying for boaters’ rights in Florida. See /162138 for more information.

      As a result of the recent survey on anti-boating legislation, AGLCA is beginning to accept donations along with other boating organizations to hire a lobbyist to represent our interests at the Florida Legislature. This link can be used to make your contribution to the Boaters’ Rights Lobbyist Fund. When making your contribution, consider how much money you save in slip fees by having the ability to anchor. If you would like more information on this issue, you can view my recent forum posting.

      Thank you for joining AGLCA in this lobbying effort. I will keep you posted as we move forward with this issue.
      Kim
      Kimberly Russo
      Director
      America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association
      krusso@greatloop.org 

      1/26/2017
      Update:

      The three associations leading this charge (AGLCA, MTOA, and SSCA) are doing well in the fund raising effort. To date, 161 AGLCA members have contributed. We’re so thankful for all of those contributions, but there are about 100 more of you who answered our survey last week expressing your intention to contribute. If you have not yet done so, please make your contribution by clicking here as soon as possible.

      Although we are not yet at the $35,000 goal, we believe that number is attainable. In addition to contributing substantial time, effort, and administrative expenses, AGLCA and MTOA have agreed to help bridge the gap, if one exists after all contributions are in, to reach the needed amount. Since the amount needed is within reach, we have retained a lobbying firm (Capitol Access) in Tallahassee to represent our interests this legislative session. The goals have been defined as follows:

      Prevent the passage of Florida legislation that would ban or curtail overnight anchoring on public waters in locations defined by proximity to upland private dwelling units including but not limited to other provisions that unduly restrict anchoring on public waters.
      Monitor and track all legislation that could adversely affect our members’ interests.
      Increase our presence among officials in Florida government to build an enduring image of strong influence for the boating and cruising community on matters related to the lifestyle of boaters and cruisers on Florida’s waterways.
      Our lobbyist/consultant has agreed to:

      Monitor, track and report to the AGLCA all legislation and amendments filed or otherwise considered in Florida that could affect the interests of our members.
      Meet with key officials within Florida government to introduce AGLCA as a leader for the interests of cruisers and other boaters that it is now represented in Florida’s Capitol.
      Provide proactive lobbying and advocacy to actively support the legislative positions of AGLCA including but not limited to opposing Florida legislation that would ban or curtail overnight anchoring on public waters in locations defined by proximity to upland private dwelling units. This will include the organization of messaging and public appearances in the Capitol by members of the cruising community who support AGLCA’s positions.
      Report to AGLCA at least monthly the meetings and activities conducted on behalf of AGLCA.
      Jerry Paul, President of Capitol Access, is a trawler owner, lifelong cruiser, marine engineer, attorney, former elected member of the Florida Legislature and former Presidential-Appointed, U.S. Senate-Confirmed Official within the U.S. Department of Energy. He has extensive experience in the transportation field, maritime industry, boating, cruising, energy, government affairs and communications including a balance of experience in operations, regulatory, legislative, finance and restructuring work. Jerry is a graduate of Maine Maritime Academy and has held U.S.C.G. licenses as an engineer and captain. Jerry has also extended our coalition of boating associations a very generous discount for his services. Thank you, Jerry!
      Kim Russo
      Director
      America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association
      krusso@greatloop.org

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    • Jan 23, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy 2 Comments

      Bahamas Chatter: Entrance into the pond at Normans

      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: Entrance into the pond at Normans
      Entrance into the pond at Normans
      Posted: 22 Jan 2017 04:53 AM PST
      Does anyone know, if the inside entrance over the sand bar, will still carry 6 feet at high water? This is inside the rocks into the pond at Normans, and not the normal anchorage area of the dock. DenO

      Comments from Cruisers (2)

      1. Norman Quinn -  January 30, 2017 - 8:33 am

        If, by chance, you get in there on a higher than normal tide, you might find yourself in there longer than you care to stay until another higher than normal tide AND decent sea conditions combine to allow you to leave. We sailed our 6′ draft sailboat over there for 10 years and after sounding out the channel on numerous occasions, made the prudent decision NOT to chance going in and getting trapped. That being said, it is a somewhat tricky entrance to navigate as well…good luck and fair winds.

        Reply to Norman
      2. Dave Crannell -  January 27, 2017 - 3:01 pm

        We went through that cut in 2014 with our PDQ-41, 3 ft draft. I’m sure 6 ft at high tide could get through. It is worth the try. The anchorage inside is totally protected but totally isolated. We stayed two or three days. Our reviews on active captain are under Crusher.
        My suggestion is take the dingy through and sound it out. There was a weird turn at the entrance that was the most challenging.
        Saw a shark while cleaning the bottom of the boat inside. He hung around and got my attention.

        Reply to Dave
    • Jan 20, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Bahamas Chatter: Old Bahama Bay

      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: Old Bahama Bay
      Old Bahama Bay
      Posted: 19 Jan 2017 04:25 AM PST
      Although Hurricane Matthew hit Grand Bahama with a wallop, Old Bahama Bay Marina is able to accommodate traveling yachts. Electricity at the slips is not yet restored, but there is fuel, water, an excellent restaurant, and dockage at the reduced rate of $1/ft. The dockmaster brings Customs forms right to your slip, so clearing in is easy.

      1 Facebook Likes, 1 Facebook Reactions

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    • Jan 17, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy 3 Comments 27.5316,-82.64869999

      Caution: Narrow Entrance to Manatee River, off Tampa Bay


       View In Chartview

      The marked channel from Tampa Bay into the Manatee River west of Sneads Island passes 1ft depths to the east, between markers #5 and #8, and can easily snare the careless captain, as the photo below attests. The grounded sailboat is off the point of Sneads Island.

      Off point of Sneads Island

      1 Facebook Likes, 1 Facebook Reactions

      Comments from Cruisers (3)

      1. Winston Fowler -  January 20, 2017 - 10:09 am

        The grounded vessel is a derelict vessel in about four feet of water just off McKay Point a good mile or so into the Manatee River near Snead Island Boat Yard. Stay in the channel and you have ample water. Some of the tightest spots will be at the very entry out in areas between Green 1 and Red 2.
        Winston Fowler

        Reply to Winston
      2. David Huie -  January 19, 2017 - 8:47 am

        I am a 8foot draft vessel looking for dockage at Regatta point up the Manatee river. I saw the grounded sail boat off Sneed Island in your post. My question is can I make it past Marker 5 and 8 in the channel or is the shoaling extending into the channel. I would appreciate any local knowledge regarding my passage as I plan to call this home for a few months. Pintail

        Reply to David
        • Bob Wilson -  January 21, 2017 - 5:51 pm

          Living up the Manatee River, I have not seen the river entrance change much over the past years. If you follow the markers there is plenty of water for boats up to a 7 ft draft. Came up the river this morning and it look like the sail boat has been moved off the sand bar.
          You should have no problems visiting any of the three marines on the river.

          Reply to Bob
    • Jan 16, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Celebrating 36 Years – Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary


      graysreef1101
      Today we celebrate 36 years of protection for Georgia’s special live-bottom habitat that supports wildlife in the Atlantic Ocean and along the southeastern U.S. coast. With your support, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary will continue to be an area teeming with diversity and an abundance of marine life, supported by healthy habitats in clean ocean waters.
      CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE

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    • Jan 14, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy 1 Comment

      BoatUS: Fix the Ethanol Mandate Petition

      Add your name to this petition to correct the pending ethanol fiasco!

      BoatU.S. needs your help with a petition to the new Administration and Congress to protect your boat’s engine. Please take a moment to help us send a strong message that it is time for the broken renewable fuel/ethanol policy to be fixed.

      Fix the Ethanol Mandate

      The 12-year-old Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is a federal law that forces more ethanol into the nation’s gasoline supply. The only way to meet this government mandate is to add more ethanol to gasoline, beyond the current widespread 10% level, or E10 blend.

      The current RFS policy is trouble for boaters:

      Gasoline with more than 10% ethanol has been shown to damage boat engines A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory conclusively demonstrated that E15 damages boat engines. As the RFS forces E15 and higher blends into the market, the chance of harming your boat’s engine increases.

      You could put the wrong fuel in your boat While gas blends with more than 10% ethanol are prohibited for use in recreational boats under federal law, a 2016 Harris Poll found that 64% of consumers were not sure or did not pay attention to the type of gas they used. Pumps dispensing blends greater than 10% ethanol are only required to display a small orange warning sticker raising the chance of misfueling your boat.

      Higher ethanol blends are becoming more common E15 and higher ethanol blends can now be found in at least 23 states, often at the very same roadside gas pumps dispensing E10 fuel. With only the one warning label, boaters have to be extra vigilant to prevent misfueling with engine damaging ethanol blends.

      You could face big repair bills 87% of readers of a prominent boating industry publication reported seeing customers with engine damage caused by ethanol. While modern marine engines are designed for E10, higher ethanol blends of 15%, 20% and even up to 85% ethanol, will cause even more damage to boat engines.

      Can you count on your engine when you need it? Boat engines that are unreliable due to ethanol issues are a safety concern for every boater. When the weather turns and you need to count on your engine, there should be no question whether it will get you home.

      Gas without any ethanol is becoming harder to find The RFS arbitrarily limits the supply of ethanol-free gasoline (E0), a fuel that many boat owners prefer to protect their engine.

      BoatU.S. is calling on the new Administration and Congress to reform this broken government mandate and make certain there is gas available that will not damage your boat. Use the link below to add your voice:

      Fix the Ethanol Mandate

      The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is a law passed in 2005 that requires the blending of biofuels such as corn-ethanol into our gasoline. To keep up with this mandate, in 2010 the EPA permitted E15 (fuel containing up to 15% ethanol) into the marketplace, but only for some automobile engines. E15 is prohibited to use in marine engines. It is also prohibited to use E15 in snowmobiles, motorcycles, small engines like lawnmowers and leaf blowers, as well as any car or light-truck made before 2001. Click here for more information on the Renewable Fuel Standard.

      Thanks for being a BoatU.S. member and for taking action to tell the new Administration and Congress how more ethanol in gas will affect you.

      Sincerely,

      David Kennedy
      BoatU.S. Government Affairs
      (703) 461-2878 x8363

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Harry H. Stiles, jr. -  May 31, 2017 - 3:31 pm

        The RFS is another federal law that is damaging to our outboard engines which is wrong to force us to use something that is determental to our way of life.

        Reply to Harry
    • Jan 12, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Shared Photo

      Cape Coral Cruise Club

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    • Jan 10, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Florida Fish and Wildlife Management Area System is 75 Years Old

      FWC celebrates 75 years of wildlife management area conservation success

      In 2017, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is commemorating the 75th anniversary of the wildlife management area system, one of the state’s greatest natural treasures. The FWC oversees this statewide network of remote and scenic lands, managing them for conservation and recreation. To celebrate the milestone and help people discover the opportunities these public lands offer, the FWC is hosting free events throughout the year.

      “Florida has one of the largest systems of public lands in the country at nearly 6 million acres, and these lands are the best of the best of what wild Florida has to offer,” said FWC Chairman Brian Yablonski. “These natural communities span a variety of habitats from longleaf pine uplands and pine flatwoods to the hardwood hammocks and sawgrass savannas of the Everglades. Not only are these areas beautiful, they are managed to provide habitat for many species of wildlife and access for people to enjoy hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing and more.”

      Florida’s first WMA, Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area, was established in late 1941 in Charlotte and Lee counties. By the 1960s, there were 28 WMAs. Today, the FWC is the lead manager or landowner of over 1.4 million acres, and works in partnership with other governmental or private landowners on another 4.5 million acres. These healthy habitats are essential to Florida wildlife – both common and imperiled species. The FWC uses its scientific expertise and a comprehensive ecological approach to manage a variety of wildlife while balancing public access to these wild lands.

      WMAs provide many recreational opportunities including paddling, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, photography, wildlife viewing, and target shooting at areas with a public shooting range. They also offer a wide range of hunting opportunities including special hunts for families and people with disabilities. Throughout 2017, the FWC will host a variety of events to celebrate Florida’s WMAs. Events include a statewide geocaching challenge, volunteer work days, a photo contest, guided hikes, fun opportunities to explore WMAs, and citizen science bioblitzes where members of the public help document wildlife species at WMAs.

      To learn more about upcoming events or to find a WMA near you, visit MyFWC.com/WMA75. Share your visits to Florida WMAs on social media by using #WMAzing.

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    • Jan 7, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy 12 Comments 32.04,-81.04329999

      SLOW DOWN! Speed and Wake Enforcement, Thunderbolt, GA, AICW Statute Mile 583, New Comments


       View In Chartview

      PLEASE NOTE: The purpose of this warning is to remind you to slow down and watch your wake wherever you are, not to assist you in avoiding law enforcement. This specific warning of a speed trap is based on hearsay and it’s the first such we’ve had in a long while. However, a word to the wise calls for carefully watching your speed and wake through this area. If you encounter speed/wake enforcement in Thunderbolt, let us hear from you. Our thanks to Steve and Barb Sipe for this report.


      Have heard reports in the past few days of speeding violations being issued on the GA ICW around Thunderbolt, in the area of G33 to G37. Reports indicate LEO’s are stopping vessels for speeding/violation of no wake zones and issuing warnings and in some cases, citations with a fine of $1,000. No specific information as to the enforcement agency conducting the stops, either state or local, not USCG.
      Might be worth a mention on the site as a problem area.
      Steve & Barb Sipe
      Solo 4303 “Maerin”

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marker #33

      Comments from Cruisers (12)

      1. Tom Hale -  January 13, 2017 - 4:05 pm

        I was at Thunderbolt Dec 21 and 22. i asked about an unusual or increased enforcement. The marina staff was not aware of ay such activity whatsoever.

        Reply to Tom
      2. H.J. Bjarno -  January 6, 2017 - 6:03 pm

        I am a safe and courteous boater and yes I come from the north, but still south of the Mason/Dixon line.
        I got stopped just passing Thunderbolt with a sog ( that’s speed over ground for you locals) of 3 kts and a good current against. I was told by GDNR sargent that I had to do idle speed! I asked him what idle speed means and he answered 1000 rpm?? I told him if I did 1000 rpm I would be doing 6 kts. and as others have said no solid object can go through a fluid without making a wave. I got a warning, but the Sabre behind me got $1000…. I must not be looking like the 1%ers!

        Reply to H.J.
        • Emory -  March 10, 2017 - 3:57 pm

          Did you actually mean to say $1,000.00 (one thousand dollar) fine??

          Reply to Emory
      3. Ron -  January 2, 2017 - 11:55 am

        I try my best to abide by any no-wake or speed regulations but there are two problems:
        1) Many, many waterfront homeowners have posted their own “no-wake” signs making it hard to distinguish the real ones from the fake ones. I realize that some homeowners are concerned with excessive wakes, but they have no more right to post these signs than I have to post fake speed limit signs in front of my property.
        2) Wakes are subjective, rather than objective. As someone else mentioned, you can’t move a boat through the water at any speed without making some sort of wake. So when does a ripple become a wake? And in whose opinion? How do you defend yourself in court if you get a ticket? We can’t measure a wake height and neither can a LEO.

        Someone mentioned boating into a current. If you’re boating into a two knot current, you have to make two knots just to stay in place and four knots to make two knots over ground.

        Yes, we should do our best to boat safely and obey boating laws. Sometimes, it’s not as easy as it might seem to people other than boaters.

        Reply to Ron
      4. Rich Tanner S/V Feral Cat -  December 3, 2016 - 8:43 am

        I agree with Tracy. They are breaking the law, increasing erosion and sometimes creating hazardous wakes. There are reasons for No Wake and speed limits.
        I absolutely don’t think your publicizing the locations is a good idea.

        Reply to Rich
      5. Kevin R. Quinn -  December 2, 2016 - 6:51 pm

        We call it the Parade. All the boats coming from up north going to Florida. There are a lot of them and it looks like a long parade of boats. We love Yankees the talk fast drive fast have fast women and money. The drive fast thru no-wake-zones and bridges. In Georgia it is against the law to make a wake going under a bridge like the one in Thunderbolt. “No wake Idle speed only” means no bow wake you know the little bitty six inch wake your bow is making; It is a wake. When Yankees slow down from 35 knots to 25 knots that doesn’t count. Thanks for the money. It is only money go as fast as you want. Don’t worry about respecting your fellow boaters tied to the docks in those no- wake-zones

        Reply to Kevin
      6. Mike C -  December 2, 2016 - 4:26 pm

        Just conjecture here: went by there in early November and someone chastised me about my wake over the VHF. I have a sail cat and was doing less than 6 kts. My wake was quite minimal. I wonder if soneone’s complaints is causing a crackdown. Let’s keep the wakes down but not get crazy unreasonable.

        Reply to Mike
      7. tracy hellman -  December 1, 2016 - 1:43 pm

        Why should we warn them? If they are speeding they need to learn a lesson. #noradardetectors

        Reply to tracy
        • Bill -  December 2, 2016 - 3:24 pm

          I couldn’t agree more. How about just a general reminder. If you are caught violating any speed or wake law, you are subject to a fine.

          Reply to Bill
        • Fragrante Delicto -  December 2, 2016 - 7:09 pm

          Because No Wake is ambiguous at best. You cannot move a solid thru a liquid without creating a wake. Add to that a full flood tide on the nose and the Slow Speed – No Wake issue is subjective. That’s how I talked my way out of a citation near Vernon View.

          Reply to Fragrante
          • Bill -  December 9, 2016 - 3:00 pm

            Congratulations, you got lucky. Keep pushing the limits and your luck will run out.

          • Tracy Hellman -  January 13, 2017 - 2:08 pm

            That’s total nonsense! You need to slow down, period!

    • Jan 6, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Fuel Catalyst Makes Engines More Efficient

      Would not it be wonderful for cruisers if such technology becomes available for smaller vessels? Keep your fingers crossed!

      Fuel Catalyst Makes Engines More Efficient
      More complete combustion means less fuel needed, as well as reduced maintenance and unscheduled downtime, cleaner injectors, cleaner piston crowns, cleaner firing tubes
      Engines are designed to run on refinery grade fuel. At the time fuel is refined, it is at its purest state; however, it deteriorates rapidly as it oxidizes and is attacked by a host of organisms (bacteria, yeast, molds), that change the molecular structure of the fuel.
      CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE from maritimepropulsion.com

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    • Jan 5, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.9291,-82.06339999

      Red Tide Sampling in Charlotte County, Punta Gorda, FL


       View In Chartview

      Punta Gorda and Fishermen’s Village on Charlotte Harbor are both SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS are actively involved with the ecology of marine life in Charlotte County. This report comes from Charlotte Harbor Travel’s Have You Heard?

      Charlotte County has been dealing with red tide the last couple of months and we wanted to share with you where water samples are taken in Charlotte County to determine red tide. READ MORE!

      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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    • Jan 5, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.6812,-79.04179999

      A Good Visit to Osprey Marina, AICW Statute Mile 373


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      A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, popular Osprey Marina is at mile marker 373 on the Intracoastal Waterway south of Myrtle Beach, SC. Osprey Marina offers a protected harbor 150 yards off the Waterway, accessible by a private “D” daybeacon. Thank you, Charlie and Jackie Ridley, for this interesting report.

      12-31-16. At Osprey Marina, mm373.5 for New Year’s Eve– only ones there and was great. One of our favorites, not just the setting but also to see all the goats (see https://www.facebook.com/Osprey-Marina-92853570418/ – search “goats”). Brian, dock hand, very helpful and knowledgeable. Diesel 2.20/g. Since here in past, cable tv worked and have greatly improved wifi- even at far end of fuel dock. The grill is a distant memory but the area is now a very nice den/tv/sitting area. Bath/shower very clean and nice- even soap dispensers full. Always look forward to the “goody bag.”
      Charlie and Jackie on TRAVELER.

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Osprey Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Osprey Marina

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    • Jan 5, 2017by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.3639,-79.28239999

      More Good Words for Harborwalk Marina and Georgetown, SC, AICW Statute Mile 403


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      VHF 16 & 68 Located on the Sampit River, Harborwalk Marina is only a boardwalk away from Georgetown's Historic District, great food, shopping, etc. A safe harbor from bad weather and located in calm

      Our thanks to Charlie and Jackie Ridley for their report on Harborwalk Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! and Georgetown. Located on the Sampit River, Harborwalk Marina is only a boardwalk away from Georgetown’s Historic District, great food and shopping, as the Ridleys attest!

      As usual Harborwalk very nice. Joe- dock hand- nice, knowledgeable and helpful. Wifi not great but ok [on an earlier visit – continue reading]. Ate at Alfresco Bistro- a little pricey but great! Shower very nice. One of our favorite places. Back here on 1-1-17. Wifi seemed better and cable tv very good. Joe here again and did his usual good job. Ate at a new place for Sun lunch and will definitely will be back!!!! Aunny’s– meat and three “soul” food. Fried chicken, ribs (Jackie said best ever had) mac & cheese , okra, butter beans, tomatoes, squash casserole , cornbread. Terrific- needed a to go box. Mamma Jane was truly the boss!
      Charlie and Jackie on TRAVELER

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Harborwalk Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Harborwalk Marina

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    • Dec 31, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      USCG Advice for Safe Holiday Boating

      Excellent advice for holiday boating on any waters!

      The Coast Guard reminds boaters to stay safe during New Year’s Day weekend
      TAMPA, Fla. — The Coast Guard reminds Florida boaters Friday to exercise caution and to boat safe while enjoying New Year’s Day weekend.

      The Coast Guard urges boaters not to launch or use fireworks aboard a boat as they can be mistaken as a sign of distress and needlessly attracting Coast Guard and other rescue resources.

      “Every New Year’s Eve, Coast Guard personnel receive and respond to numerous reports of boaters firing emergency flares from their vessels,” said Lt. Jason Holstead, a Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg command duty officer. “To appropriately search an area where a flare was reported requires a significant number of resources. If the report was an unintended false report it places our emergency crews in areas where they aren’t needed.”

      Red or orange flares are internationally recognized as a signal of distress. It is a federal felony for anyone to knowingly and willfully communicate a false distress message to the Coast Guard or cause the Coast Guard to attempt to save lives and property when no help is needed. This includes, but is not limited to, firing flares or saying ‘Mayday, Mayday, Mayday’ on a VHF radio in a non-distress situation.

      “The Coast Guard stresses that flares should only be fired to indicate distress when a boater feels they are in an emergency situation,” said Holstead.

      Boaters are also reminded to stay well clear of fireworks displays staged from barges or shore side facilities. In an effort to increase the safety of boaters on the water this holiday weekend, the Coast Guard recommends the following:

      Boaters watching fireworks from the water should ensure they are not impeding navigable channels and displaying the correct navigational lighting associated with their activity.

      Stay informed. Be sure to check the local weather prior to departing the dock. Weather can change very rapidly and boaters should keep a watchful eye on the forecasted conditions. The public should monitor the National Weather Service, local television and radio reports. Boaters can monitor weather patterns, fog and developing storms on channel on VHF-FM marine-band radio. Small craft advisories are also available on channel 16.

      Always wear a life jacket. Since there is little time to reach for stowed vests when accidents occur, wearing one at all times reduces your risk of drowning. Federal law requires you to have a personal floatation device on board for each passenger.

      File a float plan. A float plan is simply letting family and friends know where you are going and your expected time of return. File a float plan with someone who is not getting underway with you and stick to the plan. If you change plans, contact the person. A float plan assists responders in the search of an overdue boater who may be in distress.

      Never boat under the influence. It is recommended that boaters have a designated sober operator, as it is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. There are stringent penalties for violating BUI/BWI laws, which can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges and jail terms.

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    • Dec 28, 2016by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Winter Carnival at Staniel Yacht Club, Exumas, Bahamas

      Welcome to the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, your own paradise in the middle of the beautiful Exumas.

      Staniel Cay Yacht Club, a favorite destination for cruisers in the Exumas, has always been most accommodating for its guests and word of such exceptional service for cruisers spreads like a wind driven wild fire. A loyal SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Staniel Cay Yacht Club offers an exciting end-of-year schedule of events!

      Like No Other Place On Earth.








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