Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Nov 2, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 27.1122,-82.46339999
Questions and Advice on Depths in Gulf Waterway south of Clearwater, FL

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The following questions, observations and advice come from our friends at America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association’s Forum. If you have local knowledge of depths in the discussed areas, please share! Venice Inlet intersects the Waterway at GICW statute mile 58 and Boca Grande Pass at statute mile 25 (see/155359).
We are in Clearwater preparing to head south early next week. We have heard reports of boats running aground in the ICW channel through Lemon Bay and have been advised to exit the ICW at Venice Pass, returning at Boca Grande Pass. We would prefer to stay in the ICW due to timing issues with the longer run offshore. But do not want to run aground with our 6′ draft. Has anyone passed through that area recently and noticed any additional shoaling issues beyond those already posted?
Carolyn Chancellor
Be aware the a sustained east or west wind has a bigger effect along the coasts of Florida than the tide (moon effect). A sustained easterly wind will lower the water level along the Florida Gulf coast approximately 2′, and conversely. Be aware of the wind conditions even MORE than the tide tables. Also, much of the coast of Florida is sand, therefore moves substantially in every storm.
John Harris
One thing you need to do if you go down the ICW is pay very careful attention to the markers and ensure that you do not drift out of the channel; keep looking backwards not just forward. We’ve seen lots of boat aground simply because they weren’t paying attention. It only takes a few feet in the wrong direction to find sand.
Tim and Valerie O’Neil
Good point on the east wind. We cruised from the Bradenton area to Venice yesterday with a gusty ENE wind. Sarasota Bay was really choppy but we saw depths as charted along our course so long as we stayed carefully in the channel.
The Blackburn (swing) Bridge (MM 63) is on a maintenance schedule – not sure how long – and is only opening every 4 hours. Someone added a note on the Active Captain bridge description a few days ago, which we had not seen. Fortunately we only had to wait about 20 minutes to pass. With a 9′ closed height, all looper boats need to time their arrival. Openings are at 8, noon, 4 and 8 only.
Carolyn Chancellor
We are safely in Fort Myers at the City Yacht Basin. Thank you to all who offered their insight and recent information! In summary, we were very careful to stay in the channel and had no apparent bottom bumps or groundings. When we lost focus and strayed to the channel edge, the depths came up quickly.
I would echo lots of the advice we received for others following our wake:
STAY IN THE MARKED CHANNEL
Look both ahead and behind to stay centered between the markers
Make note of shoaling posts in Active Captain and other crowd-sourced resources for advice on which side to favor if you are centered in the channel and depths start getting shallow.
Contact local tow services for recent updates on conditions. AGLCA Harbor Hosts can provide contact info.
Talk with local boaters who have recently arrived at marinas along the route; they may have just transited the stretch you are beginning and can provide the most up-to-date depths, especially if they have similar draft to yours. Marina harbormasters may also be aware of shoaling issues nearby.
Watch tides and wind.
Check bridge schedules, especially maintenance schedules, to time your passage. Many of the bridges have limited deep water outside the channel to wait for an opening.
Make sure you know your air draft and your comfort level in clearance above your air draft. Use binoculars to check clearance gauge at the starboard base of each bridge. This records the current clearance at the lowest point above the water. Maximum clearance will be 3′ – 4′ more at the center, but the bascule bridges arc sharply and, if your boat is wide, you need to plan accordingly.
In narrow areas (lots of them), best to have two sets of eyes at the helm to monitor depths and course.
Safe travels to all who follow in our wake! Touch base if you see us along the waterway.
Carolyn & Robert Chancellor
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Venice Inlet
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Boca Grande Pass
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Dennis - November 2, 2016 - 7:20 pm

You will also need to check information on the Blackburn Point swing Bridge. It is on a restricted opening of every four hours through the November time frame.
Reply to Dennis
Nov 1, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Watch Out for Migrating Manatees!
A timely reminder from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission! Extra care is required following Matthew since a number Manatee Warning signs have been destroyed.

For immediate release: Nov. 1, 2016
Contact: Diane Hirth, 850-410-5291; Carli Segelson, 772-215-9459
Photos available on the FWC’s Flickr site: http://bit.ly/2eaNYTc
Watch out for migrating manatees!
Manatee numbers are up and these bulky aquatic mammals are on the move this month! The annual migration of Florida manatees begins in November, as the weather cools and Manatee Awareness Month is celebrated.
Watch out for manatees swimming in Florida’s rivers, bays or coastal waters. Keep in mind this time of year manatees are searching for warmer waters to help them survive winter’s cold.
With the onset of the manatee migration, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds people in boats and personal watercraft to slow down to avoid manatees, particularly in shallow areas. Many seasonal manatee protection zones also go into effect as of Nov. 15.
Adult manatees weigh about 1,000 pounds but can be difficult to see, especially when just below the water’s surface. Manatees are easier to spot if boaters wear polarized sunglasses and keep a lookout for signs of manatees such as the circular “footprints” they trace on the top of the water.
Manatee numbers are up. In February 2016, the FWC announced 6,250 manatees were counted in an aerial survey of Florida waters. While that is good news, there have been 91 manatee fatalities caused by boat strikes so far in 2016.
“Boaters who slow down and keep a lookout for Florida manatees are an important reason the overall population of this species is doing better,” said Carol Knox, leader of the FWC’s Imperiled Species Management section. “Remember, it is especially important to watch out for manatees during Manatee Awareness Month in November, as they begin their annual migration to warmer waters.”
The FWC spends about $2 million a year on manatee conservation, including research, rescue, management and public education efforts, and works in partnership with agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on manatee issues. Floridians contribute to manatee conservation when they purchase the “Save the Manatee” license plate at BuyaPlate.com or donate $5 for the manatee decal.
For information about manatee protection zones by county, including the seasonal changes, go to MyFWC.com/Manatee and click on “Data and Maps.” At the bottom of that same page, there also is information on FWC Manatee COLD-weather changes to speed zones. FWC law enforcement officers will be on the water enforcing these seasonal rules to protect manatees in busy boating areas.
Report sightings of injured, sick or dead manatees to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922, #FWC and *FWC on a cell phone, or with a text to Tip@MyFWC.com.
Want to see a manatee? Go to MyFWC.com/Manatee and click on “Where can I see Manatees?”
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Oct 31, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
AHOY MATEYS! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

AHOY MATEYS! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
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Oct 30, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.4504,-80.32249999
New Meeting Room and News, Fort Pierce City Marina, AICW Statute Mile 966.5

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If you haven’t visited Fort Pierce City Marina since their renovations and expansion, you are in for a treat – it is one super marina! The entrance channel leading to Fort Pierce City Marina, a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, runs to the west, just south of the Fort Pierce high-rise bridge, and well north of unlighted daybeacon #188.
JUST IN TIME FOR FOOTBALL SUNDAY!!!!!!!
The new meeting room for tenants has opened!!!! The new location is upstairs above where the old one was, and the old marina office. You now can look out from the balcony and oversee the events going on at the Marina, play cards, meet with your fellow boaters, make new friends, have a pot luck, the events are endless!!!
ALSO…
They will be replacing the coils in the transformers on the floating docks on Tuesday November 1. Each dock will be worked on individually. The power on the dock will be off for 3 to 4 hours. We don’t know which dock they will start on so please be patient and I apologize for any inconvenience.
NEW VETERANS PARK

Take a stroll down the street from the Marina and see the newly remodeled Veterans Park. While you are there go inside and see what classes are available in the Riverwalk Center. This is going to be a great Season!!!

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Fort Pierce City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fort Pierce City Marina
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Oct 29, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.2436,-77.95199999
Chef’s Feast on the River, Port City Marina, Cape Fear River, Wilmington, NC

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These photos are from a recent food festival enjoyed at SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Port City Marina. All proceeds went to Food Bank. There is also a photo of ROCKIT, a 200ft Fed Ship recently docked at Port City Marina, located along the eastern banks of the Cape Fear River, in the heart of downtown Wilmington, NC.

Chef’s Feast on the River – Port City Marina

Chef’s Feast on the River – Port City Marina

Chef’s Feast on the River – Port City Marina

ROCKIT

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Port City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Port City Marina
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Oct 28, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Bahamas Chatter: Gulfstream navigation
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: Gulfstream navigation
Gulfstream navigation
Posted: 27 Oct 2016 04:22 AM PDT
While not a navigation school, the Coconut Grove Sailing Club, in Coconut Grove Florida does offer informational sessions as we prepare for our annual “Adventure Rendezvous” which will be coming up in the spring of 2017. We generally have sessions that address Gulf Stream navigation, vessel preparation and safety, local knowledge – customs etc. In the past we have circumnavigated the Florida Keys, gone to Bimini, and the Abacos. For spring of 2017 we are considering the Exumas or Cuba. Please contact lauren simpson at manager@cgsc.org and ask to be put on our cruising and rendezvous email list for future invites to meetings.
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Oct 27, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.0877,-80.93219999
Depth Report from Fields Cut, AICW Problem Stretch Mile 575

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Northern Fields Cut is always an area to approach cautiously and at mid to high tide. Our thanks to Captain Hospodar for this update.
My wife Pat and I traveled through Fields Cut on 10/26/16 one hour after low water favoring the outside of each curve and found no less than 12 feet of water from the Wright River to the Savannah River.
Captain George Hospodar
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Northern Fields Cut
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Oct 27, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 33.0775,-79.45929999
Report from Problem Stretch south of McClellanville, AICW Statute Miles 430-433

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The waterway south of McClellanville has been shoaling for years and as this LNM reports: /159671. Even with Captain Hospodar’s favorable experience, SSECN still recommends mid to high tide for passage through this section.
My wife Pat and I traveled from Mile 430 to 435 on 10/24/16 one hour after low water, staying in the middle we found no less than 6 feet of water throughout the area.
Captain George Hospodar
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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Dave Boxmeyer - November 18, 2016 - 6:38 pm

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.
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Oct 27, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.5146,-80.4969999
Depth Report from Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff, AICW Problem Stretch Mile 517

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Our thanks to Captain Hospodar for this report which is good news for all 5ft+ keels through this Problem Stretch. However, last year, depths of less than 5ft were reported via ARGUS readings at the south end of the Cut. Tidal range is 5-7ft here and is certainly a factor in deciding to take the Cutoff or use the longer alternate route, see /?p=141157. Be sure to click the ARGUS option at the top of the ChartView page.
My wife Pat and I traveled through the Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff into the Coosaw River on 10/25/16 one hour and 40 minutes after low water, staying wide of G “177” then traveling through the middle of the waterway and then slightly favoring the northwestern side of the channel between R “184” and G “185”, we found no less than 7 ½ feet of water throughout the area.
Captain George Hospodar
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff Problem Stretch
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Oct 27, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Bahamas Chatter: Looking for a Navigation School
Following Hurricane Matthew, it is so good to get more news from our friends in the Bahamas via Explorer Chartbooks – long the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits – and we are delighted that they have survived Matthew. Explorer Chartbooks is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER!
Bahamas Chatter: Looking for a Navigation School
Looking for a Navigation School
Posted: 26 Oct 2016 04:22 AM PDT
I am looking for a school to learn basic navigation, especially reading charts, my goal is to get a boat and cross from Florida to the Bahamas Islands, starting with Bimini and eventually Grand Bahama and then Nassau.
If there a school that offers basic navigation, I don’t want to do all self studies, I have questions and need answers.
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Andy Sonis - October 28, 2016 - 2:21 pm

Would start with your local US Power Squadron.
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Oct 26, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Bahamas Chatter: ABM reports most marinas open
Following Hurricane Matthew, it is so good to get more news from our friends in the Bahamas via Explorer Chartbooks – long the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits – and we are delighted that they have survived Matthew. Explorer Chartbooks is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER!
Bahamas Chatter: ABM reports most marinas open
ABM reports most marinas open
Posted: 25 Oct 2016 04:44 AM PDT
The 47 marina and allied members of the Association of Bahamas Marinas are open for business and are anticipating a busy winter season, almost all members having experienced no significant damage during the recent hurricane Matthew, according to ABM president Stephen Kappeler.
ABM members were reporting full restoration of power and water to their docks and resorts within a day or two of the hurricane, the small eye of which traveled over the Exumas, Nassau, Chub Cay and Grand Bahama Island. All the Exuma marinas including Highbourne Cay and The Marina at Emerald Bay (Sandals) reported no or slight damage with Safe Harbour at Cave Cay soon to repair two damaged docks and fully operational with other docks.
In Nassau and Paradise Island, all marinas escaped unscathed. In the harbour, Bay Street Marina and Nassau Yacht Haven reported no damage and are fully functional. Palm Cay on the southeast coast of New Providence only had a couple of channel markers misplaced while marinas at Lyford Cay and Albany were undamaged. Albany chose to close temporarily to cleanup foliage and make the luxury estate pristine.
In Grand Bahama, Old Bahama Bay & Yacht Harbour is open for business, waiting to be reconnected with power soon. Bradford Marine in Freeport Harbour is up and running with restored power for its dry dock, travel lift and all its repair services. Port Lucaya Marina is open for yachts, having reported a few vessels underwater while Grand Bahama Yacht Club’s clubhouse and docks are fine. On Friday October 21, power and internet returned to Port Lucaya Marina and the power company expects Grand Bahama Yacht Club to have power by Saturday. (From an article in thebahamasweekly.com)
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Oct 23, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 30.4009,-86.60079999
Question re Height of Fort Walton Beach Bridge, NGICW Statute Mile 223

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If you have local knowledge of the air clearance extremes at this bridge, let us hear from you. With a charted clearance of 50ft, but noted as 48ft, Brooks – Fort Walton Beach Bridge – crosses the Northern Gulf ICW at Statute Mile 223 – west of the Waterways exodus from Choctawhatchee Bay and unlighted daybeacon #4A.
What height sailboat can pass under this bridge? Ours is 47.5 feet from the waterline to the top of the mast. Info says if 48 or higher you will not pass under. Is this measured at high or low tide?
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Northern Gulf Bridge Directory Listing For Fort Walton Beach Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fort Walton Beach Bridge
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Steve Delacroix - October 30, 2016 - 9:44 pm

Charted bridge clearances are measured in tidal waters at mean high water. You will have another foot or two depending on moon phase and wind direction as well as tidal state available in the tide tables. North and west winds lower and south and east winds raise charted tides.
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Oct 23, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Another Rescue West of St. Pete, FL
The USCG rescue teams have been busy in the Gulf the last few days. See /160596.
CLEARWATER, Fla.— The Coast Guard rescued four boaters Saturday after their boat took on water and capsized 12 miles west of Johns Pass.
CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO AND FULL REPORT
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Oct 21, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Coast Guard Rescue West of St. Petersburg, FL
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The Coast Guard rescued two boaters Thursday after their boat took on water 12 miles west of Egmont Key.
Watch standers from Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg received a mayday call at 6:03 p.m. via VHF-FM marine band radio channel 16. A man stated his 21-foot boat was taking on water due to a 2-foot crack in the hull and was in need of emergency assistance.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND FULL REPORT
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Oct 21, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
NC AICW is Open to Cruising Vessels
To put to rest the rumors, the AICW, from the VA-NC state line to New River Inlet, is closed to vessels exceeding 500 gross tons. Otherwise, the Waterway is open to all normal recreational vessels.
Boaters are reminded that nav aids may be off-station and that new shoaling may have occurred. Boaters are also warning to watch for water-borne hazards, particularly submerged or partially submerged objects.
Hazards should be reported immediately to the Coast Guard at 910-343-3880.
4:00PM Everything is open Norfolk south! [Only as far as Socastee Bridge, see /160452]
Terri Mann
10/20 All bridges and locks from Norfolk to Oriental are operational on Va Cut. Water is high with only the occasional deadheads to avoid. No problems encountered. Able to maintain safe cruising speed.
SV Kestrel
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Jackie Rosholt - October 15, 2016 - 12:16 pm

The visitor center at Dismal Swamp reports the canal remains closed and there is no estimate when it might reopen as of 10/15/2016.
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Oct 20, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
SSECN Cap Winners, AGLCA Rendezvous, Joe Wheeler State Park
David and Kim Witt were the fortunate winners in a drawing for a SSECN Cruising Cap at America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association at their annual Fall Rendezvous being held at Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville, AL October 17-20, 2016.

David and Kim Witt

Curtis Hoff and Winston Fowler, SSECN Team Members
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Oct 19, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.9171,-78.02819999
Weather and Navigation Briefs at the Dock, Southport Marina, AICW Statute Mile 309.5

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Once again Carolina Yacht Service, Zimmerman Marine and Southport Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, are teaming up to offer FREE weather and navigation daily briefings for the Fall Migration. A big thank you to these hard-working folks!
Weather and Navigation Briefs at the Southport Marina Dock for Fall 2016
Announcement
Back by popular demand! Celebrating our third year offering this free, one of a kind service.
Headed south through Southport, NC this fall? The two things we hear most in discussions amongst cruisers are concerns for coastal weather, winds and seas and navigation issues on the ICW. Well Southport Marina, in historic Southport NC, decided to do something about it.
Teaming with Carolina Yacht Care (cYc) and Zimmerman Marine, Southport Marina invites you to join them during the Fall 2016 transient season for daily “Weather and Navigation Briefs on the Dock” – geared towards transiting boaters.
These informal discussions are an opportunity for you to join fellow cruisers at the end of the day for a presentation and interactive discussion on weather and navigation issues for the next leg of your journey.
Retired US Navy meteorologist, cruising sailor and owner of Carolina Yacht Care – Hank Pomeranz, hosts the daily discussions. Hank will review the current National Weather Service advisories, watches and warnings, analyses and forecast charts and discuss the resultant forecasts for winds and seas, precipitation, temperatures, fog and severe weather potential for the Carolina coast north of Southport.
On the ICW navigation side, Hank will draw from the US Army Corps of Engineers surveys, USCG Notices to Mariners, recent fellow cruiser postings in cooperation with Salty Southeast Cruiser’s Net, The Waterway Guide, ActiveCaptain and local knowledge.
And, you won’t have to memorize everything presented. They’ll have handouts you can take back to your boat and review at your leisure.
Briefings will be held daily at 6PM through 15 December 2016 at the marina docks.
Daily “Weather and Navigation Briefs at the Dock”: yet another great reason to stop and stay with us at Southport Marina.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport Marina
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Oct 18, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
GA DNR Hearing on Private Docks, October 27, Brunswick, GA

DNR to Host Public Hearing on Proposed Rule for Coastal Private Docks
Brunswick, GA (Oct 18, 2016) – The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has announced the rescheduled public hearing for proposed new rules for private recreational docks. The public hearing, rescheduled due to Hurricane Matthew, will be held in Brunswick on October 27, 2016 at 6:00 PM.
The proposed new rule would codify standards and conditions for issuance of a revocable license authorizing construction, maintenance, or modification of private recreational docks located over state-owned tidal water bottoms. The proposed new rule would also provide penalties for non-compliance with these standards and conditions.
“The Department of Natural Resources is responsible for insuring that private docks in coastal areas are built in a manner that balances environmental impact with access to tidal waterways for recreation such as boating and fishing,” explained Spud Woodward, director of the Coastal Resources Division of DNR. “The proposed rule will formalize in state law the same standards for dock size and configuration that have been required in federal law since 2012. Harmonizing state and federal law will eliminate confusion in the regulated community and strengthen the ability of DNR to resolve situations when docks are built knowingly and willfully in the wrong location or in the wrong manner.”
The public hearing on the proposed rule will be held in Brunswick at the Georgia DNR Coastal Regional Headquarters campus in the Susan Shipman Environmental Learning Center on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at 6:00 PM.
Written public comment will be received through Monday, November 07, 2016. Comments should be legible, concise and limited to the proposed rule change. Following the comment period, the Board of Natural Resources will consider the proposed rule on December 13, 2016 at 9:00 AM at the Lake Blackshear Resort, 2459-H U.S. Highway 280 West, Cordele, Georgia.
Mail or email comments to:Doug Haymans, Coastal Resources Division, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, GA 31520; email: doug.haymans@dnr.ga.gov
Additional information is available at www.CoastalGaDNR.org “News and Notices.”
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Oct 18, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.0606,-80.91899999
AICW Report, Ponce Inlet and Daytona to New Smyrna, FL

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Our thanks to Captain Richard Holtz who was able to get out on the Waterway and submit this report.
Cruised this weekend 101616 from New Smyrna Beach to Daytona Beach and back.
Heavy damage noted to Docks from Ponce inlet south to South of the North Causeway on the East side of the ICW. While some of the newest ones survived, more than 80% are in shambles. The CG Station Roof had issues, however the docks seems fine.
The condominium marina just to the south {of the CG Station] was wiped out.
Many commercial docks are total destroyed including Riverview Charlies and to the North of the inlet much of Inlet Harbor’s Fishing pier is gone. The floating gas dock at Inlet Harbor is OK however the restaurant took a significant hit. The floating docks at Down the Hatch seem fine, however the restaurant took a hit. The New Smyrna Marina-Outriggers Restaurant has no significant damage. In Daytona Beach Caribbean Jacks’ slips took a major hit.
Surprisingly the Halifax River has somewhat cleaned itself and has less debris than expected.
New shoaling South of Daymark Red “12” to Daymark Red “14” on the backside of Rockhouse Creek where Hunter Creek enters the ICW is significant. See /158393
The Green Daymark “11” at the CG station is gone. The North End Jetty Beacon Ponce Inlet is gone. Many floating markers appear off station. The area to West of inlet know as Disappearing Island has significant sand shifting occurring. With the very high tides it is hard to tell what will be once normalcy returns.
Thanks!
Captain Richard Holtz
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ponce de Leon Inlet
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Oct 18, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Added Water Heights Add Question Marks to Fixed Bridge Clearances in NC and SC
This article by Audrey Hudson of the Myrtle Beach Online relates problems not only for communities along the Waterway, but for boaters as well. Along with debris, floating and submerged, air clearances at fixed bridges become concerns with the added water heights.
Waccamaw River crest to topple record that has stood since 1928
The Waccamaw River crested in Conway late Monday at 17.9 feet, toppling the record set in 1928 from the rain unleashed by Hurricane Okeechobee.
The 1928 flood is listed as one of the state’s “storms of the century” by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, with rainfall of 10 to 12 inches that topped the Waccamaw at 17.8 feet above flood level. Road, bridges and railways were impassible, and property losses were nearly $6 million.
The river’s third-highest crest was set by Hurricane Floyd in 1999, and last year’s record rainstorm is now fourth.
The slow-moving river took nine days to hit the mark following Hurricane Matthew, and officials say it could take just as long for the water to finally recede back to moderate flood stage levels.
Residents near Conway started preparing for the coming flood the morning after Hurricane Matthew hit, and roads were cut off by water the following Monday.
Residents in areas that have never flooded before along the Intracoastal Waterway and in Bucksport were evacuated days later as the water crept to the crest.
The Intracoastal Waterway was at 19.09 feet over flood stage by Monday.
The code red emergency call system was activated Saturday to alert Socastee residents by phone about the rising waterway, and a voluntary evacuation was urged.
Bucksport residents — at risk from the Intracoastal Waterway, Waccamaw and Little Pee Dee River flooding — were alerted on Friday, said Brooke Holden, communications specialist for Horry County Emergency Management.
“We wanted to make sure those people knew that if they wanted to leave or felt the need to leave, now was the time to go,” Holden said.
There are seven shelters still operating in Horry County for residents who have evacuated flooded areas: at Aynor High School, Conway High School, Green Sea Floyds Middle and High schools, Loris High School, North Myrtle Beach High, Palmetto Bay Elementary School and Whittemore Park Middle School, according to the Emergency Operations Center.
“People need to know there is still somewhere for them to go,” Holden said.
With more than 100 roads closed throughout the county due to flooding and the Waccamaw River just hitting its peak, it will be several days before local, state and federal officials can access the areas to assess the damage and finalize requests for federal assistance from FEMA.
“Just like last year, it’s going to be a waiting process,” Holden said.
Once the river crests, it takes the crawling Waccamaw days, sometimes more than a week, to recede to the point that homeowners can access their property and assessments can be made.
Those assessments must be made before FEMA determines whether to grant the state’s request that Horry County be declared an emergency area.
“It’s a process that has to go to the White House for the president to approve,” said Derrec Becker, public information officer with the state Emergency Management Division.
“Horry County is still in response mode with the oncoming flood. Because it’s an ongoing emergency situation, we are focused on life and safety first, and then recovery,” Becker said.
Audrey Hudson: 843-444-1765, @AudreyHudson
Read more here: http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/article108738657.html#storylink=cpy
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Bob Sadler - October 28, 2016 - 3:42 pm

Last year we were stuck for almost a week at Barefoot Landing due to flooding. Our mast height is 62′ and many, almost all the ’65’ bridges lacked height boards so we had to rely on other boaters to help us out…I suspect that same situation is true this year as well.
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