Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy, shares his perspective on St. Augustine, FL, home to three SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS and on Titusville, FL. Our thanks to Jim Healy for sharing his observations!
St. Augustine, FL: The St. Augustine light house is open to the public; the Catholic Cathedral Basilica would be of architectural interest to all; the Fort itself (Castillo de San Marcos) is wonderful, and the docents that do the historical interpretation are excellent. There are many restaurants within walking distance of the St. Augustine City Marina. We like the a1a Ale House.
Titusville, FL: Not really remarkable as a destination in itself, but the Titusville City Marina is an excellent place for boaters to stay in order to visit NASA at Cape Canaveral; the public areas and displays at Canaveral are excellent. It’s also a great place to watch a launch, if one is scheduled.
Martin County government declares local state of emergency WPTV Webteam 2:21 PM, Jun 29, 2016 5 mins ago
On a day when two Martin County beaches remain off limits to swimmers Martin County government officials have declared a local state of emergency due to toxic blue green algae in area waterways. It’s in effect for the next 7 day period. The declaration states that the algae pose a danger to health, life, property and the economic well-being of Martin County residents. It allows the government to waive procedures and formalities to ensure the health and safety of the community. Stuart & Bathtub beaches remain closed for swimming.
A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Jekyll Harbor Marina lies along the easterly banks of the AICW’s passage through Jekyll Creek, immediately south of the 65-foot fixed bridge. Our thanks to Dick Lawson for this excellent review and for the name of a good mechanic.
First time to Jekyll in a couple years. Marina under new management and services are good. The adjoining restaurant, DJ’s is closed, but being renovated by new owners and supposed to be open later this year. New town center on the island is beautiful with groceries, shopping and several restaurants – quite an upgrade from the past. It’s within walking distance, or the marina will let you use their golf cart for up to 90 minutes at a time. I required some engine work and they recommended Leo Ross, 912-266-1323, from Brunswick. He did a good and reasonable job and is also recommended. Dick Lawson
We had the pleasure of staying here Oct 16-18 while waiting on some weather to pass. This is ONE FINE MARINA. From the dock staff to the dock master PROFESSIONAL and HELPFUL. Dockage, diesel fuel and 20lb bags of ice were reasonably priced. The restaurant serves EXCELLENT food (shrimp and grits first night and fried shrimp and flounder the second night). They have a swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Clean showers. Bikes for touring the island. Or if you prefer you can get a golf cart for 90 minutes. Flash foods and Dairy Queen are within walking distance if you are looking to get a BLIZZARD. Plus they have safe and protected walking trails all the way to the resort. I am so glad for my friend Fred recommending we stop here. Call ahead and reserve your place they fill up fast. Great marina, restaurant, and friendly staff are what we all want after a day on the water.
In the 7 years we were at Jekyll Island Marina the work we hired done and observed on other people’s boats done by Leo Ross and his son was first class. As a 40 year veteran of the automotive repair business I know a good technician when I see/meet/hire one. Leo is fine Southern Gentleman of the old school where honesty and integrity are the mark of a craftsman. He also knows where to catch the nicest Georgia Shrimp in the area. Hope to get back to Jekyll one day before JIA sells it out to the rich and famous.
Skipper Dick Lawson joins others in praising Sunbury Crab Company in Brunswick, GA. Sunbury Crab Company Marina lies off the Waterway along the western shores of the Medway River, on the charted Sunbury Channel, north of Dickinson Creek.
This marina is 8 miles up the Medway River from the ICW. Plenty of deep water. Marina facility is basic but docks are good with water and power. Restaurant serving fresh local shrimp was excellent, but only open Wednesday thru Saturday nights. Ask for the owner, Elaine, and she will make sure you have a comfortable stay. Dick Lawson
Shelter Cove is located in a man-made cove on the southeastern shores of Broad Creek in Hilton Head Island near creek markers #22 and #23. Broad Creek departs the Waterway on the eastern shore of Calibogue Sound just as the Waterway turns west into the Copper River. Our thanks to Dick Lawson for this review.
Spent 4 nights here this past month. This is a beautiful and very well run marina. It is large and slips can be either close to the “action” or close to the marina office/store and showers. Regardless, one of the dock boys will show up in a golf cart to deliver you to your destination. Within walking distance there are several very nice restaurants and other shops. Transportation is also provided to the supermarket, or to the beach. Location is several miles off the ICW, up Broad Creek, and, as the name implies, it is very sheltered. Look forward to a return trip. Dick Lawson
Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy, shares his perspective on Fernandina, FL, home to two SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS. Thank you Jim!
Fernandina Beach, FL: City is easy walking distance right at the foot of the docks at the Fernandina Harbor Marina. Take the tour to Fort Clinch. Visit the house where the Pippi Longstocking movie was filmed. Visit Billy Burbank’s trawl net factory; they make shrimp nets; they’re open to the public for tours, and it’s a very interesting afternoon.
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: West end bound West end bound Posted: 25 Jun 2016 06:07 PM PDT Getting geared up for a crossing to west end from east coast fla – Jupiter/ Stuart/ wpb tbd possibly as early as the first week of July to mid month to be in Hopetown by the last week of July. Looking for any buddy boats and or weather links/ recommendations. 41′ american tug 4’10” draft cruising 10+ knots thanks Hooty Hoo II
Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy, shares his perspective on Charleston and Beaufort, SC and Savannah, GA where several SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORs are located. Thank you Jim!
Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA: magnificent old southern cities with many points-of-interest and fine restaurants; our strategy is to take a tour bus around the city. Look for a tour company that has same-day on-and-off privileges. (We do this every time we arrive somewhere we’ve not been before, including Canada). We take the entire tour circuit first, then go back to places that we think we’d like to know more about. At Charleston, start at the Welcome Center. Or, take the tour boat to Fort Sumter; nice aquarium near the Ft. Sumter ferry docks. In Charleston, there is a water taxi from the Charleston Maritime Center that goes back and forth to Patriot Point, which is where the USS Yorktown is located. In Savannah, there is a nice stage theater within walking distance of the downtown waterfront (http://www.savannahtheatre.com). The Savannah waterfront is very interesting, with a large riverwalk, wonderful park overlooking the River, and large shipping and commercial traffic as well as every kind of small-boat and pleasure craft. There are several architecture tours in both cities, and both have lots of weekly and seasonal activity for visitors. From Savannah (there are marina options in downtown Savannah on the Savannah River or at Thunderbolt and Isle of Hope), boaters can also visit Tybee Island (light house and Fort Pulaski).
Beaufort, SC: from the Beaufort Downtown Marina, take a carriage tour through the historic ante-bellum homes in the area. The downtown is friendly with many shoppes and good restaurant options.
Our sincere thanks to Captain Greg Allard for this excellent report and photos of the Okeechobee Waterway. Greg is an experienced cruiser and his observations and advice are definitely to be trusted and heeded.
Okeechobee Update – June 24, 1016
We just finished crossing the Okeechobee waterway from east to west. Some observations:
1) Obstruction report at MM34: On January 12, 2016 the Cruisers Net contained a report of a vessel which hit an object and sustained damage in the vicinity of MM 34 on the St. Lucie Canal.
On June 22, 2016, while we were underway we observed the scene below, at approximately MM34:
This bird was perched on the limb of a tree, on the south side of the waterway. The water was very murky, so we could not see any other parts of the tree or limb to be able to tell how far it extended into the waterway. The bird is approximately 30’+ from shore.
I hit the MOB button, and recorded the location as we passed: 27 degrees 00.8582’N; 080 degrees, 32.8102′ W.
In re-reading the report about the damaged vessel from January 12th, it appears that the vessel was “along the side of the canal which is the starboard side coming East from Port Mayaca,”“which would have put it in approximately this location. Of course we can’t be certain that this was the earlier reported obstruction.
This type of hazard is not unusual along this portion of the St. Lucie Canal. Just a mile further west, we took this photo:
On both sides of the canal, there are stands of trees, including some tall casuarinas on the right side. If one of them fell into the canal, it could easily become a hazard. The lesson here is to “stay in the middle”. That won’t protect you from free-floating logs or pilings, but it will minimize the risk of contacting fallen trees.
2) Lake Okeechobee water levels: The water levels in the lake have been high, due to heavy rains. Most cruisers use “Route 1” to cross (as opposed to Route 2, the southern rim route). This link takes you to the Corp of Engineers site, showing you the current depths for each route:
According to the Corps, the shallowest part of Route 1 is in the SW corner of the lake, from Clewiston out to where the channel stops its zig-zags. Follow the markers carefully, and don’t drift off. When we crossed on June 22, the level was over 8.8’.
It’s important to try to cross the lake as early as possible in the morning, before any strong winds develop, especially if the winds come from the north/northeast, or east. Where the water is only 8’ deep, if winds cause waves in the lake 2-4’ in height near the SW corner of the lake, a boat with a 5’ draft may start to bottom out in those conditions. The bottom there is rock, not sand.
3) Algae conditions:
Due to the heavy rains, there are severe algae blooms in the St Lucie canal, lower St. Lucie River, and the lake. We saw none on the Caloosahatchee River side. The algae is kelly green in color. Here’s what it looks like:
According to local news reports, samples have been sent to
Florida’s health lab for testing, so as of the time of this report it is unknown whether it will be considered toxic or not. We observed no cooling issues with our engines as we passed through these patches. It is thin and “whispy” and did not accumulate at all in the engine strainer baskets.
Favorite places to stay overnight:
1) To position yourself for an early morning Okeechobee crossing, going west to east:
a) Moore Haven docks (just before the lock). $1.00 a foot; electric available.
b) Roland Martin’s Marina, in Clewiston. Probably the best layover place; right on the edge of the lake. The outdoor bar is terrific: it reminds us of the bar scene in the first Star Wars movie.
When we stayed there in March on the way east, the small lock at Clewiston was actually in operation (the first time we have ever seen that.) Our 65’ LOA boat barely fit into the lock. On our most recent return trip, the lock was fully open, not in operation, and allowed full pass-through to the marina. The Clewiston lock is not operated by the Corps of Engineers – it is private, and the people who run it are well intentioned, friendly amateurs. Just because they tell you to do something, it doesn’t mean they know what they are talking about. They put about 20 bass boats into the chamber with us, and they were hanging all over us, banging into us, and cutting us off as we entered the chamber; it was bedlam.
Roland Martin’s is still the best place to stay on a west to east trip. The dockmaster Sam is excellent. Call for a reservation.
2) To position yourself for an east to west crossing of the lake in the morning:
a) Indiantown Marina: A true old fashioned time-warp. They have limited slip space, but at $1.00 a foot, it is a bargain. It’s about 9.9 Statute Miles from the Port Mayaca lock, where you would begin to cross the lake.
b) If Indiantown can’t take you, the River Forest marina, just 1/2 mile west of the St. Lucie lock, is a good alternative, at $1.35 a foot. It will take you longer to get to the eastern edge of the lake in the morning, but there aren’t any other choices.
4) Ortona Lock Restrictions:
The Ortona lock is undergoing repairs, and there are restricted openings which have been reported on the Cruisers Net.
Note that the restricted openings do not apply on weekends, when the lock will open on demand from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
On our recent trip across the waterway from east to west, we stayed at the River Forest location in Moore Haven, just 1/4 mile east of the Ortona lock. It’s perfectly positioned to allow us to arrive at the Ortona lock in time for the 7:00-7:30 limited opening. We did hear the lockmaster, on the VHF, allowing a boat to lock through at a time other than the restricted windows, so it does not hurt to ask. It depends on whether construction is actually going on.
Corp of Engineers Contact:
The day before we begin any Okeechobee crossing, we call the local Corp of Engineers office directly (they are in Clewiston), to be sure there aren’t any lock shutdowns or bridge problems. They are always very helpful.
Many of our cruising friends would never consider using the Okeechobee. We enjoy the trip. It’s much shorter than going down through the Keys and then heading north, up through the endless and tiresome Florida Bay, which can be loaded with crab traps. It is also easier to run the waterway in bad weather. It presents a fascinating slice of old time Florida. Scenes like this sunrise make it worthwhile:
Longboat Key Club Moorings, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, guards the western shores of Sarasota Bay, north of the city of Sarasota, and south of Longboat Pass. With the advent of mooring fields in Florida, you might mistake this marina as just another set of mooring balls. But, believe you me, this is one gorgeous marina. Anna’s comments are typical for this excellent facility and we are glad they stumbled upon it!
My husband and I stayed here last week while on vacation….we actually stumbled upon it. What a beautiful resort. We were pleasantly greeted by Pete the dockhand. He was very helpful. We were very impressed by the amenities, pool (pool towels are given at office) and very nice showers, bicycles for loan, Publix within walking distance. Harbor masters store and staff was awesome. We didn’t make it to Portofinos but will visit it next time. We will definitely be back. Anna
LBK Moorings is our home port. It is beautiful, very well run, and has everything any visiting boat would need….. but no mooring balls. You may be thinking of Marina Jack across Sarasota Bay.
Just an FYI, transients must have assigned marina slips. No anchoring in the bay and dinghy in. The Longboat Key Club and Marina are private, members and guests only.
Anna’s comments are in contrast to other more favorable reviews of ‘Tween Waters Marina we have received, such as /149457, but seems to be in line with these comments: /148730. Tween Waters Inn and Marina lies southwest of the Roosevelt Channel’s marker #19 off Pine Island Sound.
My husband and I visited this marina before our vacation to preview it. We drove our car and when we got to the marina we weren’t impressed. The docks were in need of repair with nails poking through. We went into the dock masters office to inquire about pricing…the older lady working there was helpful but the gentleman there was to busy to even acknowledge our presence. We even asked him a question and he never looked up at us. Then we went to check out the restaurant and the older lady working there was very rude to us when we inquired about the menu as they weren’t open yet. Needless to say we will never stay at this place. Anna
You can be at the resort when things are not in sync. But normally you will find Tween Waters a very nice place to visit. We docked there one night recently, having been there by boat numerous times. They were busy with other boats, so instead of waiting we docked ourselves. No worries. The food is good. The pool is fun. The town is just a stroll away. One of our favorite places. Dave Bell, Escapade, Nordic Tug
We had almost the exact same experience last year. Because of their location they are not inclined to be friendly to anyone but their regulars, it is a very nice location, it is very nice to visit but they need new staff and a new attitude, management take notice, it is a service business.
We are entering the next generation of navigational products. NOAA is developing new services for faster chart downloads, using more data from new sources, and providing more information for better decision-making. Here are the latest updates.
Beta testing of crowdsourced bathymetry
We are on the verge of acquiring a significant new source of data to improve NOAA nautical charts, thanks to an
Coast Survey Research Vessel Bay Hydro II collected about 123,000 soundings over 12 days to pre-test the efficacy of Rose Point beta test for bathymetric crowdsourcing.
enthusiastic industry and mariners equipped with new technology. Rose Point Navigation Systems is working with NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) and Coast Survey and others who are collaborating on an international effort to maintain crowdsourced bathymetry.
In a beta test released on May 13, 2016, Rose Point has added a new feature to Coastal Explorer that gives users an option to send anonymous GPS position and soundings data to a new international database managed by NCEI. After getting permission from users, Rose Point systems will generate data log files of positions, depths, and time, and automatically transmit the files to the data center, where Coast Survey can pull the data to compare it to nautical charts. The new sources of information will alert Coast Survey cartographers to areas where shoaling and other changes to the seafloor have made the chart inaccurate.
It is a major challenge – some might say an impossibility – to keep all thousand U.S. nautical charts up to date. But exactly how out of date is the chart data? Chart users will get a better idea now that Coast Survey is gradually rolling out a new chart feature called the zone of confidence, or “ZOC” box. It will replace the source diagram that is currently on large-scale charts. Source diagrams, and now the improved ZOC, help mariners assess hydrographic survey data and the associated level of risk to navigate in a particular area.
The first charts to show the new ZOC box are 18622, 18682, 18754, and 11328. They were released on April 7.
Charts are packed with symbols and abbreviations, some that might be unfamiliar to you. U.S. Chart No. 1 lists all of the symbols used on NOAA nautical charts, but sometimes chart users need a deeper understanding.
Coast Survey is now providing additional information about complex or particularly confusing chart symbols to augment what is available in U.S. Chart No. 1. The first three tip sheets help explain fish havens, anchorages and harbors of refuge, and virtual AIS aids to navigation.
Our thanks to Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy, for shareing his perspective on Beaufort and Morehead City, NC, home to SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Morehead City Yacht Basin, located on the southern flank of the marked channel that runs west from Mile 203 of the Waterway, just north of the Morehead-Beaufort, Newport River high-rise bridge.
Beaufort, NC: This is a seaport town near Morehead City; it’s a very pleasant, laid-back, “chillaxin'” place with a small but well done Maritime Museum, many shoppes and some nice local restaurants. For those who might enjoy a short off-shore (maybe 10 miles) cruise, depart the Beaufort Inlet and head out the the bight at the Cape Lookout National Seashore. [See Claiborne’s article on Cape Lookout.] It a large, well protected anchorage, with access to the beach for campfires and swimming. The bight itself is well protected from winds and ocean sea states, but the trip out and back can be too much for some if the wind offshore is up. Plan accordingly. Jim Healy
Brunswick Landing Marina, a very popular facility with long term resident cruisers as well as transient cruisers, sits off the direct path of the Waterway, flanking the eastern banks of Academy Creek off Brunswick River, near the heart of downtown Brunswick, Georgia.
I love this marina! As a delivery captain and salesman, for Prestige Yachts, I stop in many marinas. Brunswick Landing is in a safe hole, with little boat traffic, easy fuel, FANTASTIC staff, free beer, and bicycles to pedal around town. The floating docks are great, the restrooms are very clean, ice at tge end of the docks, and coffee in the morning on the fuel pier. I’ll be back in a few weeks. Thanks for the hospitality. Brad Heil
Yep. I totally agree. One of the nicest marinas on the entire ICW, in my opinion, with great staff. Its also dog friendly! I no longer boat, but if I did, I’d still be there.
This wonderful expanded tour of the Albemarle Sound now includes five Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Sponsors. And below, SSECN Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy adds his thoughts on the Albemarle Loop.
Press release for the Albemarle Loop The Albemarle Loop announces the expansion of its membership by three (3) to a total of nine (9) marinas for 2016, offering free dockage and pump outs where available. Members offer two days of free dockage along with many amenities including swimming pools, golfing, tennis, restaurants and other boating necessities that make your stay at these marinas an enjoyable experience. See details of where these amenities are offered at http://albemarleloop.com/Marinas.html . The new marinas for 2016 are:
The Manteo Waterfront Marina is located in a tranquil setting less than a mile from the Roanoke Sound. It is a small, deep, and well-protected harbor, and can accommodate vessels up to 150 feet in length. Take a stroll along over a mile of boardwalks on the Manteo Waterfront. Near this site the first English colony was born on American soil. Dock your boat in the protected waters of Dough’s Creek and enjoy all the amenities this quaint island village has to offer. There are approximately 20 transient slips and 33 slips dedicated to seasonal and annual boaters. All slips feature 30 and 50 amp power, cable television, and free wireless Internet access. The air conditioned comfort station located at the marina features separate men’s and women’s bathrooms, clean showers, and coin operated washer and dryer. Boaters come to Manteo for its coastal charm and relaxed atmosphere.
Everett Marine and Cypress Cove Marina is a boating and fishing community located off the Scuppernong River about a mile west of the Columbia Docks. One of only 2 Albemarle Loop members offering both diesel and gasoline fuel, marine supplies and the only member offering repairs and a boat lift. With a friendly southern hospitality they specialize in routine marine engine service and custom installation of accessories on new or used boats. Slips feature 30 and 50 amp power, and free wireless Internet access. The air conditioned comfort station located at the marina features separate men’s and women’s bathrooms, clean showers, and coin operated washer and dryer.
The Dismal Swamp Welcome Center is a NC DOT facility providing travel and tourism to both highway and waterway traffic. With the 150’ bulkhead, numerous boats are rafted up on their transit through the canal free for one night or more depending on weather. The Dismal Swamp Visitor Center has free wireless Internet access and comfort station featuring separate men’s and women’s bathrooms and clean showers. Located adjacent to the Welcome Center, the NC State Park provides numerous opportunities for eco-tourism with an exhibit hall that allows visitors to learn the natural and cultural history of the swamp. Rangers will guide you on exciting explorations where you’ll uncover fascinating natural surroundings, and make great discoveries about the world in which we live.
The Albemarle Loop is a non-profit organization that provides the boating public with an exciting opportunity to cruise and explore the protected waters of historic Albemarle Sound. Visit the friendly communities surrounding Albemarle Sound as you share your boating experiences with other families (at a very low cost) and in high-quality marinas. Contact the Albemarle Loop at 427 Albemarle Blvd., Hertford, North Carolina, 27944 or email info@AlbemarleLoop.com or call (252) 426 – 4037 or visit http://albemarleloop.com.
Jim Healy writes:
The Albemarle sound is a shallow body of water; the “deep water” range is 12′ – 18′. These waters are home to many crab fishermen; crab pot floats are to be found virtually throughout the sound. The sound lies geographically East-West, and the prevailing winds are from the West and Southwest. Winds greater than 15 kts can raise uncomfortable beam seas for North-South crossings. Winds greater that 20 kts can produce uncomfortable chop in all directions. While not technically part of the ICW, this “loop” is centered around the ICW Routes from Norfolk/Portsmouth to the southbound ICW at the Alligator River in North Carolina. The “Albemarle Loop” is a cruising route that touches some wonderful and oft-overlooked venues. On the Crystal Coast, the towns of Manteo and Ocracoke are excellent stops. On the Western Albemarle, the towns of Edenton and Plymouth are delightful. The history of the Albemarle dates to the earliest English colonists. At Manteo, visit the Lost Colony Plantation. At Edenton, visit the revolutionary period Chowan County Courthouse, St. Paul’s Church, learn of the ladies of the Edenton Tea Party, and visit many other historical sites. Here is a link to information on the Albemarle Loop: http://albemarleloop.com. Jim Healy
Some really superb information you posted. I was searching more for Boat lift but there is only few info about this. would like to read more stuff about Lake Boat Lift… Thanks…!!
Larry… just a short note to avoid any potential confusion on Manteo’s participation. Carl Jordan, dockmaster advises that “Visitors with loop coupons will be given dockage, a free pump out and water per the Albemarle Loop guidelines on a space available basis up to 2x per year. Bathroom, Shower and laundry access and full electrical, cable and wireless access are also available at deeply disounted rates for Loopers.” Contact Carl at 252-473-3320 for further details. Thanks!
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 Fuel Dock in Long Island New Fuel Dock in Long Island Posted: 20 Jun 2016 04:33 AM PDT Long Island Petroleum in Salt Pond has rebuilt their fuel dock, which was destroyed in Hurricane Joaquin. It is a sturdy, long dock along the shoreline and will give yachtsmen easy access to fuel. The area in front of the dock has been dredged so it is deeper than indicated on the chart.
This story comes from reporter Anne Gettis in the Sun Sentinel.
A family of four and their dog had to bail out after their boat burst into flames on the Intracoastal Waterway Saturday evening. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue and police were called to the scene at Datura Court and the Intracoastal just after 7 p.m. Fire investigators were working late Saturday to determine what had caused the blaze.
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 fuel and dockage survey, June 18 New fuel and dockage survey, June 18 Posted: 18 Jun 2016 06:19 AM PDT Fuel prices were up in this months survey with the exception of four marinas having slightly lower diesel prices and only one of them with a lower gasoline price. Lyford Cay lowered dockage to $4.50 and Treasure Cay raised moorings to $30 and now charges $20 to anchor in the harbour.
Long Island Petroleum has completed a new fuel dock with deeper access.
As always, we appreciate the individual reports you send us to keep this survey updated. Send an email to monty@explorercharts.com for any new prices you find until the next survey.
Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupters (ELCIs) and the more familiar GFCIs, are part of a larger family of devices that measure current flow in the hot and neutral wires and immediately switch the electricity off if an imbalance of current flow is detected. ELCIs and GFCIs that are also Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCBO) provide overcurrent tripping protection characteristic of a normal circuit breaker. Our thanks to Ken Bloomfield for his perspectives.
Hello all, and sorry if you are no longer interested in this info, let me know. Our marina has just implemented the much discussed ELCI electrical leakage circuit monitors with a 30 mA leakage trip point. This has caused cursing and screaming and hair tearing at our marina like you would not believe. Jim Healy has written a lot as well on this subject and is bang on. Maybe you are already ahead of me, if so I apologize.
One thing that has become apparent is that they truly will not allow a boat to have power with any on-board connection between the green safety ground and the neutral white wires of the shore-power system. This I know as my boat immediately popped the ELCI. It took me longer than I want to admit to find the issue. So, I am sharing what I found just in case you also run into the problem.
As you all know, there is a nice little “room for rent” under your lower helm station, and on the forward “wall” there is the buss bars and terminal strips for the wiring (at least on my 1984 model). There is a buss bar about central to the “wall” running vertical, and on it you will find both green wires (safety ground) and white wires and also the large welding cable sized wires from the battery negatives. All very neat, but co-mingling the AC neutrals (white) and the green grounds is a no-no for ELCI supplied power. The solution was pretty simple once found, and that was to simply move all the white wires to a separate new buss bar. Fortunately they were all pretty much together near the bottom of the buss, and I was able to mount a terminal strip (with all sections jumpered together to create a buss) and move the white wires there without the need to splice extensions on. Lo and behold, no more problems.
Hope that you don’t need to do what I did, but I suspect that Marine Trader and most other boats of that era considered that neutral and ground were the same voltage so “what the heck, ground them both”. They did so neatly and well, however despite 32 years of faithful service with no current going into the water, this no-no cropped up its ugly head.
I believe that the marina manager at Fort Pierce City Marina has addressed this issue and made significant improvements. His staff checks every vessel before hooking up to power to make sure all is correct. There are times when a vessel is denied hooking up to electrical because of potential problems. Skip Fowler
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