We began hearing of extreme shallows at Hell Gate last year, see /?p=145174 and /?p=146335. Now Skipper Horowitz gives us further confirmation that MID TO HIGH TIDE is a requirement for passage through Hell Gate. This is trusted advice…TAKE IT!!
Transited Hell Gate southbound today, Wednesday, 11/4/15, at 0825-0840, roughly ½ hour before low tide 0902 at Florida Passage, Ogeechee River. Had a range of tide corrections from +2.09′ at 0825, +1.53′ at 0838, and +1.16′ at 0902. Tried to stay mid channel from G87, favoring red side. Ran out of water mid channel at G89-always interesting when the fathometer reads —, but no bump. Also saw a low spot exiting around 5.8′. ALTAIR draws 5′. This section is getting very bad again. Mike Horowitz M/V ALTAIR
Passed through Hell Gate at :40 mins past low tide. Sea Tow tide app. showed low tide at 1.5 ft above MLW (near full moon). 6′ was the lowest. we saw. From our chart there was a new Red 90 which we honored. We draw 4’3″ but still had white knuckles.
Everyone hears all these freak out stories and they are anxious about going thru Hell gate. To add to the fear you always arrive around low tide. I live in Savannah and go thru the gate on a regular basis, on all tides. Yes it is low but the USCG keeps the red buoy in the proper place. The above Captain said he tried to stay in mid channel favoring the red side. Well that is what they call a diametrically opposing statement. You are either in mid channel or you are favoring the red side. One or the other, you cannot do both. The channel is the same as always. Stay in the middle keep, all markers and buoys at an equal distance to the proper side and you will be fine. When in doubt stay out. If you are anxious waiting one hour can make all the difference in the world. Pick up the radio and ask that local guy who is just about to go thru for help. Ask him to take readings for you. Again like the anxious captain above said after all that he didn’t even bump.
Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits. Monty and Sara Lewis are well known in this area for their personal research and reporting. Their launch of “Bahamas Chatter” and real time cruising information via their web site, www.explorercharts.com is extremely valuable.
New schedule for SSB Voice Nets & simultaneous Internet Webcasts Tonight the US undergoes its semiannual time change ritual, so beginning Monday, November 2, there will be a few minor changes to timing of SSB Voice Nets: Please visit the following link to download pdf files with the schedule and map: http://mwxc.com/news/?p=199
In plain text, here’s the scoop: E Caribbean & offshore vessels S of 30N moving toward E Caribbean: 7:00am AST (6am EST / 1100 utc) on 4.045 USB & 8.137 USB. Bahamas, Florida, and other areas within 200mi of Florida: 6:30am EST (1130 utc) on 4.045 USB & 8.137 USB. US E Coast & offshore vessels N of 30N (Georgia & SouthCarolina may do better on Bahamas/Florida Net): 7:30am EST (1230 utc / 8:30am AST) on 8.137 USB & 12.350 USB. Caribbean W of 72W into E Pacific: 1330 utc (9:30am AST / 8:30am EST) on 8.137 USB & 12.350 USB. After traffic is finished on the W Caribbean Net, I’ll make a final sweep to the ESE / E / NE from Florida to pick-up any traffic missed earlier in the morning.
NEW NET IN THE EVENINGs: Any Subscribing Vessel to our SSB Voice Nets is welcome to participate in our new evening Net at 2200 utc (5pm EST / 6pm AST). However, the protocol will be different for this Net, since it’s not targeted at any specific group of Islands as are our morning Nets. Sometime between 2145 utc ‘“ 2200 utc, on either 8.137 USB or 12.350 USB, please say your vessel name & approximate location (name an Island you’re close to, or Lat/Lon rounded to the nearest degree). When I hear you, I will acknowledge you, and let you know I have you on the list for traffic. If I do not acknowledge you, then I don’t hear you, so try the other channel or ask for someone to relay your vessel name & location. At about 2200 utc I’ll start working vessels on my list, grouped logically, and with my antennas pointed in your direction. One bit of confusion for the first 2 weeks of November is I’ll have to handle Salty Dawg vessels on 8.152 USB & 12.350 USB for maybe 30 minutes beginning at 2200 utc’¦but as soon as I’m done with them, I’ll begin working my list of Subscribing Vessels on the traffic list on 8.137 USB & 12.350 USB. FOR NOW, all the above schedule remains 6 days/week (Daily except Sundays). Thank you for your continuing support!’¦Chris Parker.
A phone call to John Pennencamp Coral Reef State Park (305-451-6325) confirms that anchoring outside the mooring field is not allowed and there is no monthly rate for the mooring balls. The daily rate, including taxes and Monroe County fees, is $21.85. Sorry Jeff! Largo Sound in the State Park lies between Key Largo and El Radabob Key off Hawk Channel. The Sound is accessed through narrow South Sound Creek (which also allows access to the marina associated with the Park) at the tip of Lower South Sound Point.
Largo sound does not appear to be part of the Monroe county pilot program. It would seem it’s no problem to anchor then under current laws? Do they have a monthly rate on the moorings? Jeff Goff
Wonderful! So simple. That helped me a lot. I would like to share with you a great service to fill a form online. BTW, if anyone needs to fill out a a form, I found a blank fillable form here http://goo.gl/Kg7QDU
How do they justify banning anchoring in violation of state law? Key Largo is not part of the pilot program and the only local ordinances on anchoring allowed under current state law are those that are specifically included in the 5 pilot programs? Regards, Jeff Goff
As this article by Tim Hudson from WLRN in Miami describes, the conflict between All Aboard Florida RR system and the Florida waterways continues to be a source of discord for spokespersons of both industries. Much discussion has followed the introduction of the controversial plan to increase the daily number of trains crossing primary water routes. It’s hard to imagine how increased RR bridge activity will not impact the flow of water traffic.See /?p=149839.
The default position for the Florida East Coast Railway bridge across the New River in Ft. Lauderdale is in the up position. Many in the marine industry worry what new passenger rail service could mean for boat traffic on the river. TOM HUDSON
The Boat Business And A Fort Lauderdale Railroad Bridge By TOM HUDSON November 1, 2015 Talking with people who make their living based on boats and many quickly mention what they think is the biggest threat to their livelihood — a bridge. That single bridge crosses the New River near downtown Fort Lauderdale. Florida East Coast Railway operates the bridge, which handles freight traffic now.
However, with All Aboard Florida’s plans to run passenger rail service from Miami to Orlando over the same tracks, South Florida’s marine industry worries what that rail traffic could mean for the flow of its business on the water.
For the better part of two years All Aboard Florida and representatives of South Florida’s marine industry have been talking about how to deal with this pinch point where the boating business and the effort to build passenger rail service come together.
The current bridge was built in 1978, although a railroad bridge has crossed the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale since 1912. It’s a single leaf bascule drawbridge that runs 60 feet shore-to-shore.
When not in use, the bridge defaults to its up position, allowing marine traffic to float upriver to the many marinas lining the shore of the South Fork of the New River or down river to the Intracoastal.
For the full story and other related articles, CLICK HERE.
November 6, 2015 The marine industry and the proposed All Aboard Florida passenger train are making peace over the New River bridge in downtown Fort Lauderdale. A test by the Coast Guard has proved successful in trimming the time the railroad bridge needs to be closed, allowing both boats and trains to share the river ‘” at least for now, leaders said. Later, the marine industry would like to see an elevated bridge built over the river for the passenger trains to use instead, said Phil Purcell, executive director of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. “Guess what? I think we’ve worked it out,” Purcell told a surprised audience at a boat show event attended by All Aboard Florida’s president Michael Reininger. “The test has gone incredibly well,” Reininger added in an interview. “The test worked.” At issue is a 1970s bridge over the New River that is kept open for boats and closes when freight trains pass ‘” up to 14 times per day. All Aboard Florida plans to use the tracks when it starts high-speed passenger service next year, requiring the bridge be closed 16 extra times per day.
Our thanks to veteran cruiser David Bell for this good report from the Okeechobee Waterway. The popular Franklin Lock Boat-in Docks, which were closed for repairs in August of 2014, are open for business.
Left Stuart for Fort Myers with the lake level at 14.78′. Never saw less than 10′ of water the entire trip. We took the lake route instead of the rim route. All of the lock tenders were right on the ball. Never had a delay. But one quick note. The locks shut down at 1640. If you are not in the lock by then you will have to wait for a sunrise before you can pass. The Franklin lock docks on the NE side were empty. At $24.00 per night it is a great place to lay over and very protected. David Bell
Spent Saturday night-Halloween- at Franklin Lock docks. Lovely as always. They seem to have only replaced the pilings- no other changes to configuration. Nothing fancy but facilities were spotless. Sign still says $24 but it is $30 which becomes $15 with an inter-agency senior pass. At any of those price points it is a bargain (electric is included). 4 of the slips can be reserved online (www. recreation.gov) and 4 are first come first serve. Our group of 3 boats were the only ones there Saturday. Kim
Our thanks to the Skippers Powers for this report. The intersection of the ICW and Lockwoods Folly has been a Problem Stretch for years and requires almost annual dredging. Recent reports like this one confirm shoaling here, /?p=150841. SSECN stills recommends Mid to high tide for passage through Lockwoods Folly.
Just passed Lockwood’s Folly close to high tide. Lots of radio traffic from boats ahead of us. Buoy 47 is OUT OF POSITION. All boats except one motor yacht ignored 47 and used reds 46,46a, and 46b- keeping 30-40 ft away. We saw 7.1 between 46a & 46b, others reported 8-10 ft Mike & Cathy Second Flight
The recent raised water levels brought on by flooding along the east coast has prompted Skipper Shick to ask a question that all of us have faced when approaching a bridge, be it a fixed or closed vertical clearance: Where is the highest spot? And, as you know, the height boards are notoriously inaccurate, especially wooden ones on older bridges. Let us hear what goes through your mind as you look up at that immovable object ahead.
I have never seen a definitive answer to the question of where exactly the height is to be read on the clearance gauges, e.g., where does the water lap at (say) exactly 63′. It appears that the exact-foot locations are at the center of the digits, so if the water cuts the bottom of the `63’ digits (assuming every foot is noted), then you’d have 63’6’³. The few gauges that have index marks put the index marks at the center of the digits. Can you confirm or correct?
Also, we should remind people that different bridges use different measurement points. Some signboards say `to center of span,’ some say `minimum clearance,’ some say `low iron.’ You have to look at each one. Larry Shick
Skipper Burnham is responding to a lengthy posting/replies that Claiborne did way back in 2008, /?p=1237. It is nice to know that the Outback Crab Shack is still in business and that the bucket of beer is still cold. Plow on Skipper!
The Shands Bridge at GCS limits access to the Outback Crab Shack’s 1500 foot floating dock to southbound sailboats with mast heights lower than 45 feet, although at very low tides I have been able to clear the span with the 45′ 9’³ mast on the Camper Nicholson 33′. However, I have to `power thru’ the muddy shoal at the entrance to Six Mile Creek on the eastern shore with my 6′ 6’³ draft fin keel so there are a few 6’³ wide `channels’ at the entrance of Six Mile Creek leading to the floating dock at the Outback Crab Shack. I have read a review that pans the seafood and service at this converted bait shop/biker bar, but they probably didn’t arrive by motorcycle or boat, and forgot to order the bucket of beer before ordering their food. I’m not a big fan of crawdads or chicken wings or overpriced seafood but I’ve never left the Shack hungry or sober and the service is better than the average biker bar. David Burnham
Our thanks to Capt. Huntley for these words of praise for TowBoatUS which come from the experiences of an obviously satisfied customer. BoatUS remains the premiere advocate for boaters on all waters and SSECN is proud to have BoatUS as a SPONSOR!
I am now 77 years of age and in April of this year I brought my Grand Banks 32 from Deep River Connecticut to the York River in Virginia. I am very grateful I had your [BoatUS] towing insurance, because two hours out of New York City in five foot seas our engine quit. We dropped the hook and called Tow Boat US . It was a two hour tow to Manasquan inlet, New Jersey and the boat captain did a super job keeping the boats `in step’ in difficult conditions all the way. I have fond memories working for you towing out of Tarpon Springs . Best regards, Ed Huntley
Our thanks to Skipper Burnham for this helpful information and advice. Go to /?p=130877 for the referenced posting. With a fixed vertical clearance of 65ft, San Pablo/Atlantic Boulevard Bridge crosses the Waterway at Statute Mile 744.5.
If you go to the http://www.deepzoom.com website you can easily see that the Atlantic Avenue Bridge has the strongest daily currents on the entire US East Coast. Use caution and timing and enjoy the push, but wait out the adverse current if you cannot maintain over 7 kts. David Burnham
Excellent note… caution needed. Completely agree with Skipper Burnham. Passed by here many times… slack or close to slack current is the preferred strategy for me.
These latest warnings must be heeded if you have children or pets playing at the beach. See “Red tide public health risks” below.
For immediate release: October 30, 2015 Contact: Kelly Richmond, FWC 727-502-4784
Red tide confirmed in Florida: What you need to know
Red tide is a naturally occurring, higher-than-normal concentration of microscopic algae. In Florida, the species that causes most red tides is Karenia brevis. This organism produces toxins that can affect the central nervous system of aquatic organisms such as fish and marine mammals. Red tide toxins also pose a human health risk. The toxins can aerosolize and be carried to beaches with onshore winds, leading to respiratory irritation in people. Toxins can accumulate in shellfish and result in illnesses if contaminated shellfish are consumed. Shellfish harvesting areas are closed when blooms are present.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) researchers are currently monitoring two blooms along Florida’s Gulf coast, one located in northwest Florida and the other in southwest Florida.
`We confirmed the presence of both blooms in September, and they have persisted since that time,’ said Alina Corcoran, FWC research scientist. `The bloom in the Panhandle is currently affecting Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay and Gulf counties. In southwest Florida, patchy blooms have been confirmed along Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties. Extensive fish kills and respiratory irritation have been associated with the bloom in the Panhandle but in southwest Florida the effects have been less.’
Red tide public health tips:
People in a red tide area can experience varying degrees of eye, nose and throat irritation. When a person leaves an area with a red tide, symptoms usually go away. People with severe or chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic lung disease are cautioned to avoid areas with active red tides. In some red tides, dead fish wash ashore; during these conditions it is advised that beachgoers avoid swimming in water where dead fish are present. Pet owners are advised that red tide poses a risk to animals brought to the beach. If a pet swims in a red tide patch at the beach, rinse off its fur and paws as soon as possible with fresh water. Also, do not let pets eat fish or drink water from the red tide. Recreational harvesting of bivalve mollusks such as hard clams, oysters and mussels from approved shellfish harvesting areas is banned during red tide closures. To determine whether harvesting of shellfish is permitted in an area, visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Aquaculture website. FWC researchers work closely with partners, including Mote Marine Laboratory, the University of South Florida, Department of Health, Department of Agriculture and NOAA, to track blooms, share information and develop products that help to inform both citizens and scientists about bloom conditions.
`Citizen scientists play a vital role in tracking blooms. Volunteers can provide the majority of water samples for bloom tracking in regions like the Panhandle,’ said Corcoran.
For updated red tide status reports, to track blooms or learn more about red tide, visit MyFWC.com/RedTide. To report fish kills to the FWC, contact the Fish Kill Hotline at 800-636-0511 or submit a report online.
Red tide sparks tourism concerns Eric Glasser, WTSP 5:40 p.m. EST December 9, 2015
St. Petersburg Beach, FL — Pictures of dead fish washing ashore in the Bay area are not the images that tourism officials want popping up on social media. But red tide, say marine scientists, is now here. And how long it will last, they admit, is a mystery. Visitors like Kathy Keleher who came to St. Petersburg from Canada to experience its cuisine and culture have seen the images of bloated fish now floating in Boca Ciega Bay. “And then it’s gross, and it stinks,” said Keleher, “I don’t expect that at all. I expect beautiful white sandy beaches and clear water and palm trees. Not that,” she said. It’s not what those who rely on tourism want people texting their friends and relatives back home. “No, I mean it’s horrible for business obviously,” said Wade Parrish, head chef at O’Maddy’s Bar and Grille in Gulfport. “You know, the smell would be a deterrent for people to come out here and sit outside and enjoy the wonderful view that we’ve got here,” said Parrish. Bob Weisberg with the University of South Florida’s Marine Sciences lab in St. Petersburg, says red tide, or Karenia Brevis as they call it, can kill fish and even cause respiratory distress for people and marine mammals in high enough concentration. “There is very little we can do about the red tide,” said Weisberg, describing it as simply too large. “This particular plant can get a foothold, and when it does it then dominates,” said Weisberg, “which is what’s happening right now,” he said. The red tide algae, says Weisberg, makes its way inland from deep in the Gulf of Mexico riding along strong underwater currents. Scientists, he says, could better predict how long it might stick around if they were able to take more offshore observations. Unfortunately, he says, the estimated $300,000 cost to consistently send a boat out into the Gulf of Mexico to take those readings is regularly cut out of the state budget. Commonly, red tide will begin to dissipate this time of the year, said Weisberg. But he also warned that there have been some seasons when the algae bloom has survived well into the summer. For a closer look at the underwater current charts Weisberg and his colleagues at USF use to try to predict the direction red tide may be moving, click here.
This AICW Problem Stretch has always been one of the shallowest sections of the Waterway in Eastern Florida. Earlier descriptions of the three newest markers would indicate that shoaling is beginning to reappear. BE SURE to observe any new aids to navigation and, as always on perennial AICW Problem Stretches, be READY for new shoaling and even newer markers as you pass through. Our thanks to Skipper McLeran for sharing his observations.
Two of us transited Matanzas Inlet southbound at mid tide 3.5 feet this morning (10/30) at 0930. Despite giving the temp greens and reds their appropriate distance we saw only 7.5 feet total depth in a few spots. Boaters still need to be careful and play the tide if necessary for the boat’s draft. Bob McLeran
I went through southbound at a -0.5 ft low tide on in the afternoon of 10/28 and found 4′ 9″ 50-100 ft south of 81C. I was in mid channel – potentially more water closer to red side. Also skinny water elsewhere but this was the worst I found.
October 29, 2015 Slow down for manatees migrating to warmer waters
With winter’s chill approaching, Florida manatees are on the move. Manatees cannot tolerate cold water and may begin to seek warmer water when temperatures start to drop below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Some travel hundreds of miles to reach a warmer destination. Because of the annual migration, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding boat and personal watercraft operators that it is important to slow down to avoid manatees, particularly in shallow areas.
Manatees can be difficult to see as they often swim and rest just below the water’s surface. Boaters wearing polarized sunglasses are more likely to spot manatees underwater.
November is Manatee Awareness Month. There is no better time to plan a visit to observe Florida’s beloved manatees. Find these places by going to MyFWC.com/Manatee and clicking the link under the `Where can I See Manatees?’ box.
`Watching these large plant-eating mammals swim slowly through Florida waters, often accompanied by their calves, is a special experience for residents and visitors to the state,’ said Carol Knox, the FWC’s Imperiled Species Management section leader. `Boaters following posted speed zones for manatees migrating to warmer waters help conserve this iconic Florida species for future generations.’
Boaters should be aware that many seasonal manatee protection zones go into effect on Nov. 15 throughout the state. 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.
People can 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.
The purchase of a Florida manatee license plate at BuyaPlate.com or a manatee decal from tax collectors’ offices in Florida is another way to help manatees. The license plate and decal support the FWC manatee program, including research, rescue, rehabilitation, conservation, management and education efforts.
Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits. Monty and Sara Lewis are well known in this area for their personal research and reporting. Their launch of “Bahamas Chatter” and real time cruising information via their web site, www.explorercharts.com is extremely valuable.
This report on the Waterway from Oriental, NC to Beaufort, SC comes from longtime Cruisers’ Net Special Correspondent, Captain Jane Tigar. Note especially her observation about reduced bridge clearances. Over the last several years, Ladys Island Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, has been undergoing big improvements in the marina portion of this property under the direction of owner, Kelly Ryan, as confirmed by the positive comments SSECN has received. Ladys Island Marina is located on Factory Creek just east of Ladys Island Bridge.
Hello Larry From Michael Tigar and Captain Jane, now on M/V Tara We went from Oriental to South Harbour Village and then from SHV to Ladies’ Island Marina (Beaufort, SC) in these past two weeks. We did not see any debris other than a large floating log in the Waccamaw — but those show up there at other times. The rivers are higher than normal, and boaters should indeed watch the effect of wakes on homes and docks. The higher than normal tides in Charleston and on South to the Coosaw meant that bridge clearances were less than optimal. The McKinley Bridge, MM 501.3, showed only 61.5 feet as we passed, and two large catamarans were waiting for the tide to go down. All in all, a good trip. Second item — Hertz in Beaufort SC will deliver a car to Ladies’ Island Marina if you give them notice and it is during their regular hours (before 5pm). “Yes Indeed Thai” restaurant on Boundary Street was a really good place to eat. Best Michael and Captain Jane
Reports of shoaling south of Fernandina Beach have been coming in for several years and prompted a USCG Hazard Warning in May of last year (/?p=140702). Our thanks to cruising writer Robert Sherer, New Intracoastal Waterway Cruising Guide, for sending these charts and waypoints to guide you through the shoals.
There is a 10 ft MLW path through the shoals south of Fernandina that I took on October 28, 2015. Heading south: Depart channel 300 ft before R16 aiming for the tongue of deep water shown on chart (Garmin) at a heading of 275M for 17.8 MLW. Run along the 12 ft contour line next to shore until the tongue of deep water ends as shown on the chart, then aim for G1 which will be at 245M, pass by 30 ft for 13.4 MLW, higher along the way. Important: do not turn immediately around G1 (shoals), continue for 170 ft, then turn due south for 500 ft before turning towards deep water as shown on charts on the green side close to shore. Run just outside the 12 ft contour line down to G3 and G5, 200 ft off. 10.4 MLW entering the 12 ft contour line, deeper after that. This passage is difficult because you’re avoiding three shoals: – one is in the middle of the marked channel in the bend that’s down to 3 MLW – the second one comes out off the eastern shore just south of G1 – the third one is further south coming off the western shore None of these are marked.
After six years of passing through here, I’ve settled on the above description, it works for no less than 10.4 MLW. The depths were adjusted for not only the tides but also for the higher than normal water levels as reported by the Fernandina weather station. This passage would be easy if buoyed properly, the route has been constant for the pass five years. A chart of the route: For those wanting the exact path, here are the waypoints with the usual disclaimers (things can change on the ICW)
F01 N 30° 39.804 W 081° 28.596 F02 N 30° 39.805 W 081° 28.730 F03 N 30° 39.853 W 081° 28.938 F04 N 30° 39.803 W 081° 29.082 F05 N 30° 39.713 W 081° 29.084 F06 N 30° 39.613 W 081° 29.030 F07 N 30° 39.409 W 081° 28.968 F08 N 30° 39.254 W 081° 28.970 F09 N 30° 38.824 W 081° 29.024
Robert Sherer aka Bob423 Author of “2015 ICW Cruising Guide” available on Amazon.com Daily blog at fleetwing.blogspot.com
Who among us cruisers has not experienced exactly the same lack of respect shown to moored vessels by wake making machines along the Waterway? Coincidentally, we are having the same issue here in South Carolina with cars speeding down flooded streets causing wake to flood into homes. Those drivers must be the same immature skippers who rock boats wherever they go…?
What I find most maddening, having been boating down here for 20 odd years, is that there is absolutely NO enforcement of no wake idle speed or slow speed zones going past bridges or marinas. We have had extensive problems in several different marinas and no one seems to care or do anything about it. I have seen numerous times large yachts and sport fish boats leaving huge damaging wakes and they are never stopped by FWCC or local law enforcement. However, I have seen dinghys stopped, small boats stopped, and slow small sailboats stopped and given citations, which leads me to the conclusion that FWCC is totally catering to the rich. They don’t dare stop them, just some poor, working class guy in a dinghy, who couldn’t throw a wake if he wanted to. Karen Lawrence
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Comments from Cruisers (2)
Rick Cass- October 30, 2015 - 7:41 pm
When actual damage is done to you or your boat, get in Ch16 and call the offending boat back. We did that recently, and the boat returned, and a claim against the boat resulted in payment for damages.
Try recording your trips on the waterway with video cameras of your wake and surrounding boats. When the overpaid cops show up record them also then go to court to get the charges thrown out and sue them for harassment especially after you show the huge wake left after a large boat passes by compared to yours if any.
If your marina doesn’t have an onSpot WiFi system, pass this information along. You will be glad you did! Old Port Cove Marina is located on the western shore of the northern Lake Worth channel, near unlighted daybeacon #7. Both Old Port Cove Marina and onSpot WiFi are SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORs!
Ever pull into a marina desperate to check your messages only to encounter Wifi issues? Don’t blame the marina’s Wifi service! According to Bob Taylor of onSpot Wifi, marinas have a very unique set of circumstances when it comes to providing Wifi service. It might not be the service at all, it just could be your device! Read Bob’s very useful TIPS & TRICKS on our blog atwww.OPCH.com
Old Port Cove Holdings is pleased to provide onSpot Wifi service at all three of our marina facilities. Thank you boaters for choosing to do business with us! Sincerely, Sue Morgan, Marketing Director www.OPCH.com
This dredging is in a relatively short section of the Waterway paralleling Hugh Taylor Birch State Park to the east and north of the Sunrise Blvd Bridge at Mile 1062.5. Unfortunately, this article from Soundings does not give project dates. However, the dredging is in a relatively wide section and should not impact through traffic.
Dredging set to start for ICW in South Florida Posted on October 26th, 2015 After several years, permits were issued and a contract awarded for the dredging of the Intracoastal Waterway in South Florida, allowing the vessels that patronize the area’s waterways to have better access to local marinas and boatyards.
The dredging, which will take place from 17th Street to Sunrise Boulevard to 17 feet deep, will be the largest single public works project for the Florida Inland Navigation District, a special state taxing district tasked with managing and maintaining the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, according to the Marine Industries Association of South Florida.
`The Florida Inland Navigation District’s ICW dredging project will provide an extraordinary benefit to Broward County through the infusion of $20 million by increasing the depth of the ICW from the congressionally authorized depth of 10 feet to a new depth of 17 feet to accommodate the vessels that are seeking to visit, reside and retrofit at our local marinas and boatyards,’ Tyler Chappell, the Broward commissioner for FIND, said in a statement.’
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Hell Gate
Comments from Cruisers (2)
Passed through Hell Gate at :40 mins past low tide. Sea Tow tide app. showed low tide at 1.5 ft above MLW (near full moon). 6′ was the lowest. we saw. From our chart there was a new Red 90 which we honored. We draw 4’3″ but still had white knuckles.
Everyone hears all these freak out stories and they are anxious about going thru Hell gate. To add to the fear you always arrive around low tide. I live in Savannah and go thru the gate on a regular basis, on all tides. Yes it is low but the USCG keeps the red buoy in the proper place. The above Captain said he tried to stay in mid channel favoring the red side. Well that is what they call a diametrically opposing statement. You are either in mid channel or you are favoring the red side. One or the other, you cannot do both. The channel is the same as always. Stay in the middle keep, all markers and buoys at an equal distance to the proper side and you will be fine. When in doubt stay out. If you are anxious waiting one hour can make all the difference in the world. Pick up the radio and ask that local guy who is just about to go thru for help. Ask him to take readings for you. Again like the anxious captain above said after all that he didn’t even bump.