Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Jun 22, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 3 Comments
More on Albemarle Loop Expansion, Albemarle Sound, NC

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
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Manteo Waterfront Marina
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Edenton Harbor (City Docks)
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Albemarle Plantation Marina
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Mariner’s Wharf Elizabeth City Docks
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Camden TDA/Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
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Comments from Cruisers (3)

Buzz Shackelford -  March 7, 2016 - 6:27 am

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…!!
Reply to Buzz

Captain Rick -  February 14, 2016 - 12:04 pm

How do you get Albemarle Loop coupons?
Answer:
For coupons, go to:
http://albemarleloop.com/Marinas.html
Click on COUPONS in the top row of icons for a printable coupon.
Reply to Captain

george barr -  February 5, 2016 - 2:52 pm

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!
Reply to george
Jun 21, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Bahamas Chatter: New Fuel Dock in Long Island

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.
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Jun 20, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Boat Fire on Ft Lauderdale ICW
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.
CLICK HERE for the full story and video.
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Jun 20, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Bahamas Chatter: New fuel and dockage survey, June 18

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.
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Jun 15, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Information on ELCI Devices
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.
Cheers,
Ken Bloomfield.
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Skip Fowler - June 16, 2016 - 9:40 am

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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Jun 15, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Bahamas Chatter: Crossing to Bimini

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: Crossing to Bimini
Crossing to Bimini
Posted: 14 Jun 2016 04:21 AM PDT
Looking for boating buddy to cross to Bimini July 8th. Return date is flexible.
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Jun 15, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Log of the Ideath, Captain Randy Mims, June 14, 2016
You only have to spend a short time talking with Randy Mims to know that he has the soul of a true sailor. Randy not only built his 27ft gaff-rigged cutter, Ideath, but each year he single-hands the cutter from North Carolina to the Northern Gulf Coast and back again. “Ideath” is pronounced Idea-th and loosely translates as “house of ideas”. Randy stops along the way to visit maritime museums and, indulging his passion for music, he volunteers to sing in church choirs along the way. He also takes time to share his travels with his friends and has agreed to allow SSECN to post his emails. For more photos and more on Randy, go to http://towndock.net/shippingnews/ideath?pg=1 from TownDock.net in Oriental. See previous installment: /156986.
Dear Friends,
I am sending this update from LaBelle, Florida. It is located on the Caloosahatchee river in the Okeechobee waterway. I have crossed Lake Okeechobee numerous times both under sail and power depending on the wind. The first time, the wind quit completely and I anchored for the night. The next morning it was so absolutely calm that I spent half a day marveling at how quiet it was. When you are in the middle of a vast body of water and it is so still there is nothing to reflect sound , you can yell as loud as you can and as soon as it leaves your mouth it is like it is just absorbed by the universe. There are two possible routes to the a other side. There is the directly across way which I have always taken and what is called the rim route. Because of disastrous floods in the 1920’s, a channel was dug around the lake and the rock and dirt was used to build the “Herbert Hoover Dike”. This channel has always been too shallow to allow Ideath to try. This year I was pleased to learn that the lake is over two feet above the normal full pool. I have always wanted to experience this route even though it is eleven mile further. Many marsh islands and habitats dot the length of this channel. Near Belle Glade there is a park on Torry Island which is reached by an antique “hand operated” swing bridge. After calling the bridge tender and requesting an opening, a young man walked to the center of the bridge and inserted what looked like about an eight foot long metal tube into the deck of the bridge at about a 45 degree angle and began pushing it around in a circle. Obviously pretty hard to get moving, once he got it going it seemed pretty easy to get it all the way open. One added bonus was that during the entire operation no cars were waiting behind the swing arm barricades. I spent a wonderful day watching clouds of birds and aquatic flowering plants of all descriptions glide past. One of the best things about voyaging on Ideath is that no matter how long I have been doing it, there are always the opportunities to go somewhere or do something that I have always wanted to do but was prevented by some circumstance. Always be ready to take advantage of of an opportunity to do something or be someone when the universe makes it possible. I am starting to get close enough to the end of the voyage that I find myself longing to be there and wishing that it would never end. I hope your adventure is just as fantastic.
Love and Peace to you all,
Randy
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Jun 14, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Seeking Crew for Trip North
S.M. Stevenson is looking for crew to assist a lengthy voyage north from St. Augustine. If you are interested, give him or her a call.
Looking for a method to find cruise mate for adventure up the east coast from St. Augustine to Canada. Already underway and leaving St. Augustine shortly.
52 ft. Sea Ray
cell no. 636-751-8833
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Dudley Fort - June 17, 2016 - 1:13 pm

I am on Islesboro, ME. stop by when you are here. I am at Warren Landing on the North East side of the island. Free mooring and a grocery store near by.
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Jun 14, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 28.4079,-80.63399999
Canaveral Lock Back to Normal Schedule, off AICW Statute Mile 894

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Construction of Canaveral Lock began in June of 2015, see /149146. Local boaters will especially pleased that the work is now completed, see /156537 and /156009. Canaveral Barge Canal, with a single 600X90ft lock, crosses Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island and intersects the Waterway at statute mile 894. Our thanks to Officer Skolte for this update.

Canaveral Lock returns to normal operating hours 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. daily

Canaveral Lock guidewall construction is complete; Canaveral lock is back to normal operating hours, 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. daily.
Thanks for your patience during the construction period.
Please share this information on social media on the Jacksonville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleDistrict/ and retweet @JaxStrong.
Sign up for Notices to Navigation: http://bit.ly/1PDwSHe
Thanks as always for helping us to get the word out to the public!
Erica
Erica Skolte
Public Affairs Specialist
Corporate Communications Office
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District
South Florida Restoration Office, West Palm Beach
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Port Canaveral Lock
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Jun 11, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.2111,-81.0119999
Memorial Bridge Removal Underway, AICW Statute Mile 830.6

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Thanks to Bill Schreiber for this bridge removal information. Stay tuned for details of necessary closures related to the demolition of the old bridge and construction of the new.
Not sure if you know. The Daytona Memorial Bridge (SM 830.6), the southern most bridge in Daytona, has just started a total replacement. Work started on June 6th and will take approximately three years. The bridge will be totally removed and a new high rise (65 ft vertical) bridge will replace same. The bascule lifts are currently in the fully up position and will remain so until removal of same; hence there is no current restriction, other than slow speed, on navigation in the immediate area. Work barges are on scene and will remain until near total replacement is finished. Eventually, some vessel traffic restrictions will be in place for bascule removal and for demolition of the old span but time frame is unknown at current time.
I will, if you wish, send further info as it becomes available. USCG station Ponce Inlet would be a good source for information.
Respectfully,
Capt. Bill Schreiber
USCG Merchant Marine Masters License
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Memorial Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Memorial Bridge
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Jun 9, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
World Oceans Day: Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet
Yesterday, June 8th, was World Oceans Day and the many reports and editorials in the news give us a lot to ponder about the health of the water that surrounds us all. This article is from the United Nations.
2016 Theme: Healthy oceans, healthy planet
Plastic bottles and garbage from a nearby village wash on the shores of a river and then spill into the sea in Dili, Timor-Leste. UN Photo/Martine Perret

The ocean is the heart of our planet. Like your heart pumping blood to every part of your body, the ocean connects people across the Earth, no matter where we live. The ocean regulates the climate, feeds millions of people every year, produces oxygen, is the home to an incredible array of wildlife, provides us with important medicines, and so much more! In order to ensure the health and safety of our communities and future generations, it’s imperative that we take the responsibility to care for the ocean as it cares for us.
This year, the theme is Healthy oceans, healthy planet, and we’re making a special effort to stop plastic pollution.
Plastic pollution is a serious threat because it degrades very slowly, polluting waterways for a very long time. In addition, plastic pollution impacts the health of aquatic animals because animals including zooplankton mistake the microbeads for food. Scientists also fear health impacts for humans.
CLICK HERE for more.
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Jun 8, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Infestation of Sea Lice on the Gulf Coast
In case you haven’t seen this story. We called these “nettles” in the Chesapeake and they can make a trip overboard miserable. A poultice of Adolph’s Meat Tenderizer was the remedy of choice for us. This report is from AOL.com.
Sea lice are infesting Gulf Coast beaches
Tiny creatures are lurking in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. The nearly invisible creatures are known as sea lice and can cause an itchy rash and even flu like symptoms.
Although the small creatures are almost undetectable to the human eye, their sting packs a huge punch. The itchy rash they cause, known as “ocean itch” or “seabather’s eruption,” can last for days but luckily it goes away on its own. Applying an oatmeal preparation and calamine lotion can soothe the itch.
According to Florida Department of Public Health, “outbreaks of seabather’s eruption occur intermittently between March and August, but they appear to peak during early April through early July.”
The appearance of sea lice during the summer months is caused by shifts in south Florida’s current and the highest incidence of cases of seabather’s eruption occur in Palm Beach County and Northern Broward County.
Sea lice are the larvae of adult jellyfish and their small size sometimes causes them to get stuck between a swimmers’ skin and their swim suit, clothes or hair, which causes them to sting.
Swimmers can reduce their chances of getting seabather’s eruption by avoiding wearing T-shirts while in the ocean and changing out of their bathing suits as soon as possible after exiting from the water.
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Jun 7, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Advice on Crossing Southward from Northern Gulf
This advice on Gulf Coast Florida comes in response to folks about to make the voyage south from northern Florida. All the marinas listed below can be found in our Western Florida Marina Directory accessed from our Homepage.
Keep in mind that scallop season starts the 25th of June which will be an issue gaining dockage the closer you get to this date. That said there are many nice marinas reminiscent of old time Florida along the Big Bend area. Don’t expect anything fancy but you will receive great friendship and clean accommodations. All the marinas I’ll mention can handle a 3 foot draft and then some. Be cautious of the depth in this area.
1) Swanee River has two: Swanee River marina 352 542 9159 & Gateway Marina 352 542 7349 Call the local BoatUS Tow for current channel depths and USE THE NORTH channel NOT the river.
2) Yankee Town; YT marina 352 447 2529; Best talk with Helen 352-447-5888; Riverside 352-447-2890 This is one of my favorite stops.
3) Crystal River: Petes’s 352 795 3302 & Twin River 352 795 3552 This area thinks highly of there dock space but if you’ve never been to Crystal River the stop might be nice.
4) Now to my favorite river the Steinhatchee: For a nice motel with dockage call Shelter Cove. They have recently been bought out by Ideal Marine so you can be the first to review them. 352 498 5707/352-210-1781. There are also Good Times Motel never been there 352 498-8088; SeaHag 352 498-3008 lots wakes; River Haven my favorite 352 498-0709/352-356=2904.This is outland Florida so best to phone in advance to qualify all your requirements.
Gaz
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Jun 7, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Bahamas Chatter: Help

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: Help
Help
Posted: 05 Jun 2016 02:22 PM PDT
Good day all. Planning trip from Grand Bahama to Acklins. Is there a known channel between the southern tip of the tongue of the ocean to the crooked island passage, for vessel drawing 15′ water? Thanking in advance.
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James Lea - June 10, 2016 - 8:52 pm

If you mean going down west of the Exumas, at 15′, absolutely no way!. Your best option is to head for Exuma Sound , if you can get through into it and then down the east side of Long Island. Otherwise you have a long sail either outside Eleuthra and Cat Island or south of Andros, long sails either way.
But your objective, The Acklins is well worth it. All the out islands are friendly, but we have never received a warmer welcome than at Landrail Point (Crooked Island). Excellent wall dive just a few hundred yards off the beach.
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Jun 6, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.1021,-77.03989999
Good Deals from New Bern Grand Marina, Trent River, off Neuse River, New Bern, NC

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The New Bern Grand Marina lies in the heart of downtown New Bern, North Carolina, along Trent River’s northern banks between the low-level Trent River highway and railroad bridges.

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For New Bern Grand Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New Bern Grand Marina
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Jun 3, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 33.6955,-78.96219999
Report from Hague Marina, Myrtle Beach, SC, AICW Statute Mile 368.5

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Hague Marina is located in a sheltered loop on the Waterway’s southern shore some 2.4 nautical miles southwest of the Myrtle Beach high-rise and railroad bridge.
They had a fantastic ships store but it burned. Owner is making do right now with small office building.
Fabrication shop and tools were not damaged in fire, so they can still do anything you need. Not fancy, but gets job done. My brother worked there from 1972-2013. He quit to be a Restaurant Chef.
Frederick
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Hague Marina
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Capt. Don - June 3, 2016 - 9:05 pm

The Hague is a dump. Don’t get on the docks or you risk injury. Avoid at all cost. Unreliable power and water you shouldn’t drink. The owner is not concerned about “customer service” and is only interested in an offer for the property. The previous poster obviously had a misplaced loyalty to the owner…
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Melissa - May 15, 2018 - 1:24 pm

Could you please respond in more detail about your experience with Hague Marina, and especially why you say, “don’t drink the water.”
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Jun 3, 2016by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments
A Question of Property in a Mooring Field
Here is an unusual question for you armchair lawyers. Have any of you experienced such “aquatic squatting”? If you have suggestions, let us hear from you.
My question is how can one retain rights to a mooring and the tackle that she has put on it? I purchased a houseboat on a mooring off Islamorada, Florida Keys. I added chain and anchors and tackle to it and a mooring ball with my FL numbers. I used the houseboat for days at a time, but was not a full-time liveaboard. I left the mooring to spend a few months at a marina ashore in order to perform needed repairs. Now there is a man that hooked up to my mooring tackle and refuses to move. What can I do about it?
Captain Anne Baxter
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Winston Fowler - June 4, 2016 - 9:16 am

I would start with police. Also look at bill of sale to determine if mooring is public or private. The devil is usually in the details. … We used to leave our tender tied to ball when we were off of it.
Hope some of this helps. Hard to deal with rude people. Especially in today’s world.
Winston
Reply to Winston

Captain Anne Baxter - June 13, 2016 - 11:35 am

I have contacted both the Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Friday. Yesterday I spoke with the FFWCC woman. She had checked on it and said that the Basin had been declared a sanctuary and that no one could moor or anchor in it. However there are already several boats on private moorings in there. One man had been there for 20 years. My houseboat was already on a private mooring when I bought it 5 years ago. She said the FFWCC will do nothing about this man’s takeover of my mooring and use of my mooring tackle. She said it is a civil matter. I asked why if someone car was stolen, the cops would search for the car and arrest the thief. My mooring tackle is still there but this person is using it and so perhaps it is a trespassing issue? Does anyone out there have any suggestions?
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Jun 3, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.8517,-78.65649999
Little River Swing Bridge Stuck in Open Position, AICW Statute Mile 347

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Bad news for motorists, good news for boaters – at least until inevitable repairs begin. With a closed vertical clearance of 7ft, Little River Swing Bridge crosses the ICW just south of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR Harbougate Marina. This Associate Press report comes from The Daily Reporter, Greenfield, Indiana (!!).
A swinging bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway near North Myrtle Beach has been closed after the gearbox that moves the bridge broke.
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First Posted: June 02, 2016 – 5:48 pm
Last Updated: June 02, 2016 – 5:48 pm
CLICK HERE for the full report.
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Little River Swing Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Little River Swing Bridge
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Harbourgate Marina
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Jun 3, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Bahamas Chatter: Bird Rock light restored

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: Bird Rock light restored
Bird Rock light restored
Posted: 02 Jun 2016 04:18 AM PDT
NOTICE TO MARINERS
(RBDF MAY 30th, 2016) The Aids to Navigation Section of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force wishes to advise mariners that the automatic light at Bird Rock Lighthouse, off Pitt’s Town, Crooked Island has been relit.
The light at Bird Rock is situated at Latitude 22° 50.7’N and Longitude 74° 21.6’W (Charts ACK 1 and ACK 2, pages 57 and 58 Explorer Chartbook Far Bahamas, Sixth Edition).
Any discrepancies with this or any navigational aid should be reported to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force at telephone number 362-4436 or by e-mail at aton@rbdf.gov.bs (For further information contact the RBDF Public Relations Department)
This aid was fixed on 30th May 2016 after being extinguished for some time. Technicians found evidence of vandalism, as the main cable from the batteries was severed by a sharp object and six of the eight solar panels were removed. The cable was reconnected and the technicians had to make do with the remaining two panels. These southern lighthouses are plagued by this sort of thing, rendering the aid extinguished.
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Jun 1, 2016by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Bahamas Chatter: New species of snake found on Conception Island

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 species of snake found on Conception Island
New species of snake found on Conception Island
Posted: 31 May 2016 10:47 AM PDT
(from an article in the National Geographic published May 26, 2016)
On an uninhabited island in the southern Bahamas, a scientist noticed a snake that shined like metal as it climbed a tree.
“We all came to take a look at it, and it was instantly clear that this was something different,” says biologist R. Graham Reynolds, part of the scientific team exploring the remote islands.
Expedition member Alberto Puente-Rolón, an expert on Caribbean boas, agreed that the animal appeared unlike any species of known boa.
So the team went searching for more boas, finding four more snakes before settling down to sleep on the beach at Conception Island. But it turns out the boas weren’t ready to call it a night. (See “Extremely Rare Fishing Snakes Discovered.”)
“Sometime around 3:30 in the morning, I woke up to something crawling across my face,” says Reynolds, now a biologist at the University of North Carolina, Asheville.
Another silver boa had come down from the forest and crawled right over him as he slept. They’d located their sixth specimen, and DNA analyses back at the lab confirmed the snake was a new species.
The scientists named the Conception Bank silver boa (Chilabothrus argentum), based on both its color and the fact it was first found on an aptly named silver palm tree. A study on the species appeared in the journal Breviora.
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