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Young’s Yarns

May 30, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.9173,-81.29919999
More Praise for Inlet Marina, St. Augustine, FL, AICW Statute Mile 775.5

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Inlet Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, borders the eastern banks of the Waterway, immediately south of the Vilano Beach high-rise bridge. Skipper Herl adds to the many good things we continue to hear about Inlet Marina and their personal service.
Inlet Marina, Florida
Inlet Marina, the friendliest place we have stopped at yet. We talked to Jay about fuel earlier and he told us to come in late PM and we could stay on the dock for the night. So we did.
Jay made sure we ate at the restaurant by giving a discount on our meal. The meals were very good.
This is a great stop for fuel and grub. We were able to top off with fuel, walk to Publics for groceries. All set for another 500 miles.
The tide in that area can be strong, but don’t worry, Jay will let you know the direction and speed when you call for the approach. Like I said up front, Jay is very helpful.
Phil Herl

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Inlet Marina
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May 30, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.1612,-80.19549999
A Pleasant Night at Sailfish Marina, Stuart, FL, near AICW Statute Mile 988

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Sailfish Marina of Stuart on Manatee Pocket (not to be confused with Sailfish Marina near Palm Beach and Lake Worth Inlet), is the first facility encountered after entering the Pocket entry passage. Thanks to Skipper Herl for the photos of the popular fishing grounds.
Sailfish Marina, Stuart, Florida
Very nice and clean. Because of the spring break we were put on the fuel dock. That was no problem. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. It is a big fishing area so lots of fishing boats in and out. The area is also a no wake zone and everyone pays attention, so it was a pleasant night even on the fuel dock.
Phil Herl
Fishing Boats at the Mouth of Manatee Pocket
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Sailfish Marina of Stuart
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May 30, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 32.5146,-80.49619999
ARGUS Updated!

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SSECN is delighted to let our readers know that the crowd sourced bathometry, ARGUS, accessible on any of our Full Sized ChartView pages, has been updated. Our thanks to engineer John Hersey for supplying this valuable tool to SSECN chart users with just the click of the button found in the top menu of every chart. Try it on the attached chart.
Hi Larry,
Happy spring!!
Just a note to let you know we’ve updated the ARGUS ICW solution set based on about 7 million new soundings processed since the fall update. SSECN readers will benefit from lots of activity in the Florida panhandle between Orange Beach and Cape San Blas, the Florida Keys, the Caribbean, Lake Okeechobee, and the AICW-proper from Norfolk to Florida to include several off-waterway excursions. Look for updates throughout the ICW to include the latest from Hell Gate, Jekyll Creek, the Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff, Fields Cut, and the rest of the classic trouble spots. We expect lots of data in the coming months from the dedicated fleet of ARGUS vessels and will be sure to post these updates as well.
Regards,
John Hersey
SURVICE Engineering
29.82912104147681,-81.30384018787203
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Bill Hitchcock - July 19, 2015 - 2:17 pm

What lake level are the soundings in Lake okeechobee corrected to, or what lake level were they observed? Since there is no “MLLW” the lake level at observation or correction to the standard lake level is essential.
Thanks,
Bill
Reply to Bill
May 30, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Newest Means of Yacht Transporting
Have you seen one of these? Somehow I think we will not be seeing this vessel on any portion of the Waterway!
Seeing Double?
DYT Loads $350 Million Worth of Superyachts Headed for Med
PORT EVERGLADES, FLA. (May 29, 2015) ‘“ In a rare occurrence last week, DYT Yacht Transport‘s two semi-submersible ships pulled into Port Everglades (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) simultaneously to load $350 million worth of yachts bound for the Mediterranean Sea. With busy sailing schedules to worldwide destinations, it is unusual for the 556-foot M/V Super Servant 4 and the 686-foot M/V Yacht Express to be seen in close proximity to each other, much less in the same port doubling up on the fascinating process by which they float private luxury yachts into their cargo bays.
`Fort Lauderdale has been the western hemisphere’s home base for operations in the yachting industry for decades,’ said DYT’s Jeff Last,’ and it is here where yachts, small and large, spend time between busy charter seasons. April thru June are the prime time for yachts to take the journey across the pond in order to reach the Mediterranean’s cruising grounds in time for peak season.’
Photo credit: Joseph Hoyt
This special DYT double shipment includes a total of 39 yachts with lengths ranging from 30-200 feet. The two fully-loaded ships left Port Everglades on May 22nd and are scheduled for drop-offs in Genoa, Italy, Taranto, Italy, and Palma De Mallorca, Spain during the second week of June.
M/V Super Servant 4 and M/V Yacht Express are the only semi-submersible vessels in the world specifically engineered for yacht transportation. These unique vessels submerge, transforming into a marina where professional yacht captains and crew are able to dock their owners’ prized possessions safely and with no hassle. DYT then de-ballasts the vessel to have the yachts rest on secured supports, effectively allowing for transportation of the yachts while on a floating dry-dock complete with power and water hookups. The `float-on’ process is then reversed for an equally safe `float-off’ delivery of the yachts at their desired destinations.
Since 1987, DYT Yacht Transport, based in Fort Lauderdale and a member of the Dutch shipping company Spliethoff Group, has delivered over 13,150 motor and sailing yachts to various destinations around the globe.
For an up-to-date sailing schedule and to request a quote, please visit www.yacht-transport.com.
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May 28, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 27.5304,-82.63299999
Good Visit to Snead Island Anchorage, Manatee River, off Tampa Bay

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Snead Island Anchorage lies along the broad band of deep water northeast of marker #11 in the Manatee River. Our thanks to Out Chasing Stars for this excerpt from their blog.
[‘¦] went for a provisioning run, and then set off! David and I had done some research and scoped out an anchorage just down the Manatee River, off of Emerson Point Preserve and Snead Island. The anchorage was excellent; quiet, even for a holiday weekend, good holding, and protected from [‘¦]
Out Chasing Stars
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Snead Island Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Snead Island Anchorage
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Brian - August 16, 2016 - 11:56 am

Is a Anchor light required while in ‘Safe Anchorage’ at Snead Island on the Manatee River? I have a 57 foot boat that is kept in the water. It is pulled not motor operated. I have been told it is not required but have received a ticket.
Reply to Brian
May 28, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 31.1544,-81.49969999
Continued Praise for Brunswick Landing Marina, off AICW Statute Mile 680

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Brunswick Landing Marina, a very popular facility with long term resident cruisers as well as transient cruisers sits well off the direct path of the Waterway, flanking the eastern banks of Academy Creek off Brunswick River, near the heart of downtown Brunswick, Georgia.
We had the opportunity of staying at Brunswick landing twice during the month of may 2015. The rates are excellent for the services offered, such as low dockage rates, free laundry, clean bathrooms, and loaner bikes. Sherri the dock master has an uncanny ability to remember boats and names, and treats everyone like family. The marina also hosted a mothers day supper and several wine nights for all boaters. The town offers good restaurants, a great hardware store, and friendly courteous people. On our trip home we had the opportunity of having their mechanic (Wayne), work on our boat. He was an exceptional gentleman of character and knowledge and provided reliable repairs at a fair price. Overall we had a wonderful time there and intend to use this marina again.
Chris and Kate Nelson
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Brunswick Landing Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Brunswick Landing Marina
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Dawn & Bruce Turek - May 29, 2015 - 3:28 pm

So glad to hear Brunswick Landing Marina is still doing well. We stayed with Sherri & Cindy several times. Safe haven, well maintained and convenient to downtown shops & restaurants. Lady Hawk
Reply to Dawn
May 25, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.8233,-80.65569999
Good Visit to Pahokee Marina, Lake Okeechobee Rim Route Statute Mile 50

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The Pahokee Marina/Lake Okeechobee KOA is part of Pahokee State Park, north of Bacom Point, on the Rim Route of Lake Okeechobee. For more information go to: www.cityofpahokee.com/Marina & Campground/Marina.html
Pahokee Marina (3-18-15)
We traveled to Pahokee via the rim canal, no problems, the lake water was up and thanks to the Cruisers Net for letting us know the canal had been cleaned.
The first night was a great night, no wind. We were also warned not to leave the marina after dark. The area is a little rough. Everyone was friendly and helpful.
The second night the wind picked up and clocked around from the north to north west at about 8-10 knots. That got scary in the marina. One of the regulars (liveaboards) in the marina knocked on the boat and told us we had better put on more lines and helped us to cross tie everything so we were not rubbing the dock. They also told us if the wind gets more than what we have it starts to get dangerous inside the marina.
The town is within walking distance so food stuffs are within half mile walk. They also have a pool and restaurant.
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May 25, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.8339,-81.08969999
A Visit to Moore Haven City Dock, Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 78

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Moore Haven City Dock, the first stop west of Lake Okeechobee, is located at Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 78, on the Moore Haven waterfront. Our thanks to Phil Herl for this advice and report.
Moore Haven City Marina (3/18/15)
Great docking and electric, Lots of space on a face type dock, if you arrive early remember to tie as close as possible to the other boats, to leave as much room as possible for other boats. Also help to encourage others to do the same. Eating places and grocery store are within walking distance.
Phil Herl
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Moore Haven
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May 24, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 30.6702,-81.46619999
Early Morning, Fernandina Beach Mooring Field, AICW Statute Mile 716

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Here’s an article with which we can easily identify and a nice tribute to our friends at America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association. Published by Joe Weston in the Columbia Daily Tribune, Columbia, Missouri. Fernandina is home to Fernandina Harbor Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Early morning on the Intracoastal Waterway
Fernandina Mooring Field
By JOE WESTON
Sunday, May 24, 2015 at 12:00 am
Columbia native Sally Tull Logan and her husband, Clay Logan, are in the midst of an ambitious boat journey called the Great Loop. The Loop involves circumnavigating the eastern half of North America by water, with most of the passage being on the Intracoastal Waterway, or ICW.
Loopers, as they are called, live on their boats for the entire journey, which might be in the 3,000- to 5,000-mile range, depending on side trips. I was fortunate to join them in the Florida Keys last year and on the ICW from Jacksonville, Fla., to Charleston, S.C., this year.
Being on the water affords opportunities for many spectacular sunrises and sunsets, as well as treacherous storms. This scene was more subdued but still beautiful, as sailboats in the lifting fog reflected the sunrise at Fernandina Beach, Fla. The only motion was a solo bird hunting for unsuspecting breakfast at dawn.
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Fernandina Beach Mooring Field
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fernandina Harbor Marina
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May 24, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 32.43,-80.67419999
Another !! Update on Ladys Island Swing Bridge, AICW Statute Mile 536

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On May 6, we posted this Update on the Ladys Island Swing Schedule, /?p=148206, in which the new restrictions applied M-F only. Today we received another update from our good friend, Mike Ahart of Waterway Guide, that increases the restrictions to seven days a week.
The temporary deviation for Ladies Island Swing Bridge in Beaufort SC does apply on weekends and holidays, to the consternation of the bridge tenders and all the sailboaters waiting hours for a bridge opening on a Sunday morning!
I had talked to the tenders when the new schedule started, and they said, despite the notice, that it would not apply to weekends/holidays…well, I guess they were “corrected.” Another strange thing is that the notice applies to all vessels, including commercial. The bridge tenders raised a stink about that, since the tugs and barges are on schedule and cannot stop ‘“ so, apparently, the Coast Guard is allowing the bridge to open on signal for tugs and barges, despite never changing or issuing a notice to reflect this (at least not one I have managed to find).
BTW: On CruisersForum.com, someone cited a posting at SSECN from 2010…but also pointed to the current bridge listing.
MikeA
Mike Ahart, News Editor, Waterway Guide
804-313-0274
www.waterwayguide.com
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For Ladys Island Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ladys Island Bridge
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Miami - May 25, 2015 - 11:59 am

We are sitting at Beaufort waiting for a 9am opening on Sunday morning since 6 this morning. Three boats have called for an opening.
This is criminal and we must email. call do what ever we can to stop this insanity.
There is no way to make Charleston in one day or come the other way.
Please write all SC relevant politicians, Beaufort officialdom and the CG!
Thanks
Reply to Miami
May 23, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 36.7238,-76.24789999
UPDATE: Report on Free Docking in Great Bridge, VA, AICW Statute Mile 11.5

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Great Bridge Battlefield Park is on the west side of the Waterway as it passes through the friendly town of Great Bridge. As Skipper Holtbakk relates, the 24hr free docking is strictly enforced. If you need to stay longer than 24hrs, we heartily recommend SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Atlantic Yacht Basin, just south of Great Bridge Bridge.
Hi,
I like you to know that the 24 hour docking is enforced in Great Bridge VA. I docked between the bridge and the lock 5/16/15 1100 hrs. At 1858 hrs on 5/17/15 I was told to get off the dock or receive a summon to appear in court for overstaying the 24 hr limit. I asked if I could stay until morning, but no way. It was just two boats docked at the time, so it was not a question of space.
Stein A Holtbakk
Our thanks to friends Chuck Baier and Susan Landry for sharing this research:
Larry, We have been researching the incident reported on cruisersnet regarding the boat owner being forced to leave the seawall between the lock and the bridge. I received a reply from the City and the Department of Parks and Recreation. The following is their reply…
We apologize for any inconvenience or aggravation this situation may have caused you in your travels through Chesapeake. Our research continues to show us that 24-hour mooring is the norm, on unpaid slips, for this area of the Intracoastal Waterway. As you may be aware, 24-hour mooring is dictated by the City of Chesapeake City Code and Parks, Recreation and Tourism policy. Furthermore, the Army Corps of Engineers’ lease agreement with the City of Chesapeake requires staff to enforce this code as written. The justification and enforcement of this code is important because, at any point in time, we have multiple vessels waiting to utilize the pier on a first-come, first-served basis. Last year, for instance, we had a significantly increased number of unfortunate issues with some boaters tying up at that dock and leaving for days, sometimes weeks at a time, which left little to no room for other visiting patrons. Additionally, we received numerous complaints, especially at the specific location, from other boaters, neighbors, the bridge tender, Army Corps of Engineers and Chesapeake Police Department regarding vagrant boaters visiting this and other local areas within our City. In order to keep our docks consistently available, safe, clean, and welcoming, the Chesapeake Park Rangers have been given the directive to use their discretion to enforce this City Code. The Rangers do, however, have the discretion to make the determination as to what type of enforcement actions are appropriate for problems both they and community members identify. `Zero tolerance’ policies can sometimes be viewed as `zero intelligence’ policies which have the net effect of eliminating a Ranger’s discretion. We encourage and expect our Rangers to use their best judgment in abating certain offenses. They will always go out and talk to the vessel’s owner before making any determination, unless the owner becomes unavailable. There are many situations where a discussion, or possibly a warning, achieves the same if not a better result than strict enforcement does. To this end, we sincerely hope you understand our objectives and will continue to visit Chesapeake’s waterways again in the future. If you have any questions or need any assistance during your travels to Chesapeake, please do not hesitate to give me a call.
Sincerely,
Michael D. Barber
Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
1224 Progressive Drive, Suite 200
Chesapeake, VA 23320
(757) 382-6411
mbarber@cityofchesapeake.net
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s NC-VA Bridge Directory Listing For Great Bridge Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Great Bridge Lock
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Atlantic Yacht Basin
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Pat Banyas - June 12, 2015 - 5:15 pm

While I sympathize with the boater I must say that after 30 some years boating and cruising I am still surprised how many boaters are too cheap to pay for a berth somewhere. I know we all talk about how much we spend but the point here is that this is a 24 hour free berth. If you need more that that pull out your wallet and pay for a slip. We all know ahead of time how long we need for a particular stop. It does not matter how many boats are there. Plan on 24 hours and then movr on and open your wallet. It is not the grocery store or evil empire (west marine) that needs your support. Marinas up and down the waterway are the ones who need the support.
Reply to Pat

Mike C - May 29, 2015 - 4:07 pm

I’d be curious to know who did the enforcing. I have spent more than one night there several times. Admittedly we are ahead of most of the snowbirds both north and southbound. Spending money on supplies sometimes takes more than one day.
Reply to Mike
May 22, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.8749,-82.31359999
Good Visit to Cape Haze Marina, Gulf ICW Statute Mile 38.5

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Cape Haze Marina flanks the eastern shores of the ICW/Lemon Bay, south of unlighted daybeacon #9. Skipper Herl sends a good report and great photos!
Cape Haze, Inglewood, Florida (3/13/15)
We left the Bradenton area, of all things on a Friday the 13th of March, and just in time for spring break with spring vacations. Our first choice was Venice Florida, but with all of the above being thrust upon us, Venice was jam up and jelly tight. Tried to anchor, but because the space was so tight, we just polished the props good by getting in too shallow. Moving on.
The next place we tried was Cape Haze a little farther south. We made it in with no other complications. Since we are a 15ft 6in beam we were placed on a face dock. Very nice, just a long walk to the office. We needed the walk anyway.
Cape Haze is nice, but with a wide beam one would best stay away from the finger docks. We have been in Cape Haze before on a finger dock and needed a shoe horn to get in. The good news is, after you get in you don’t move around much.
After all the hubbub we encountered getting to Cape Haze and the slip we were in belonged to a boat coming home the next day, we did not plan on more than one night. Upon hearing that the slip would not be needed by its owner until Monday, we decided to spend two nights and just let the Saturday crowd clear out. We had no specific agenda and did not have to be anywhere at any specific time. A great feeling by the way.
Phil and Sandy Herl
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Cape Haze Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cape Haze Marina
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May 21, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
VIDEO: TowBoatUS’ Potomac Capt. Terry Hill talks about ethanol in our fuel
The ongoing legislative battle over the use of ethanol in marine gasoline continues with BoatUS leading the struggle to lower or completely remove ethanol from marine fuels.
May 21, 2015
Dear Friends-
Tomorrow is Friday, the day before the three happiest days of the week for America’s 12 million recreational boat owners and the annual kick-off of the summer boating season.
Hundreds of thousands of recreational boat fuel tanks will be filled over this Memorial Day holiday weekend, again bringing to the forefront the topic of ethanol fuels and boating. Boat Owners Association of The United States urges all boaters to be vigilant when filling up a trailerable boat at a gas station to ensure you’re not accidentally misfueling with ethanol gasoline at greater that 10% or E10. As a side note, on May 11th Georgia became the latest state to begin selling E15 at gas stations as a result of the renewable fuels mandate.
If you’d like to know more about how ethanol fuel is negatively impacting recreational boating, here’s a short video from the Smarter Fuel Future coalition that features our own Captain Terry Hill of TowBoatUS Potomac talking about `why we need something better.’ I hope you can share with friends:
https://goo.gl/D1hW38
Have a safe holiday weekend and wishing you a great summer on the water-
Scott Croft
Vice President Public Affairs
SCroft@BoatUS.com
Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS)
880 South Pickett St.
Alexandria, VA 22304
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May 21, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Celebrate Dad’s Day at Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda, FL
Your Dad will love this! Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, on Western Florida’s Charlotte Harbor/Peace River always has an array of activities to please everyone. Whether you are moored in Punta Gorda’s mooring field or berthed at Fishermen’s Village Marina, also A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, there is always something special to do!
CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND’”DADS CRUISE FREE!
PUNTA GORDA, FL’”King Fisher Fleet, headquartered at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda, invites Dads to cruise for free in honor of Father’s Day. Here’s how you can help dad celebrate his special day: Dads cruise FREE on any of the cruises listed below. Act fast to reserve your space!
Fri. June 19: Sunset Cruise 7:00 p.m., 1 Â½ hours
Sat. June 20: Cabbage Key Island Cruise 9:00 a.m., full day
Sunset Cruise 7:00 p.m., 1 Â½ hours
Sun. June 21: Cabbage Key Island Cruise 9:00 a.m., full day
Cayo Costa Beach Cruise 9:00 a.m., full day
Afternoon Harbor Tour 2:00 p.m., 1 Â½ hours
Afternoon Harbor Tour 4:00 p.m., 1 Â½ hours
Sunset Cruise 7:00 p.m., 1 Â½ hours
All dads cruise free on all of the above listed cruises. Advance reservations are recommended. For more information about the special Father’s Day offer, please call (941) 639-0969.
King Fisher Fleet offers eight cruises including daylong cruises to the islands of Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key, and Boca Grande, narrated tours of the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor, as well as sunset cruises and Christmas light canal cruises. King Fisher Fleet also offers charter fishing with some of the best fishing guides in southwest Florida, departing every day from Fishermen’s Village Marina.
Voted `Best Charter Boats in Charlotte County’ every year 1996-2014, Sun-Herald poll
Voted Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce Pinnacle Business of the Year 2009
Voted Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year 2010
Elissa Allen
Marketing Director
King Fisher Fleet
941-639-2628
www.kingfisherfleet.com
Sign up for our E-Newsletter
Kathy Burnam
Marketing/Events Manager
Fishermen’s Village
kathyb@fishville.com
READER’S CHOICE AWARDS FAVORITE SHOPPING DESTINATION!
1200 West Retta Esplanade #57A
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
P 941 575-3007
M 941 258-1327
F 941 637-1054
www.fishville.com
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Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Punta Gorda Waterfront Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Punta Gorda Waterfront
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fishermen’s Village
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May 21, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
BoatUS News: Just the Facts, All the Facts!
BoatUS continues to be the nation’s leading advocate for boating safety, yet even BoatUS members may not be aware of all that this wonderful organization does for America’s boating community. SSECN is proud to have BoatUS as a SPONSOR!
NEWS From BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com

A look at BoatUS by the numbers.
A Look at the Numbers Behind the Nation’s Largest Recreational Boating Group, BoatUS
ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 20, 2015 ‘“ Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is the nation’s largest advocacy, services and safety group with over half a million members. With the `kick-off’ of the summer boating season this Memorial Day weekend, there may be a lot you don’t know about this 49-year-old organization without looking at the numbers.
Membership
530,219 Total number of BoatUS members nationwide. (BoatUS.com/membership)
28 feet The average length of a BoatUS member’s boat.
1091 The number of businesses and marinas offering BoatUS members discounts, including fuel and transient slip discounts. (BoatUS.com/servicelocator)
4% The percentage of West Advantage Gold Rewards earned back by BoatUS members when shopping for boating supplies at West Marine. (BoatUS.com/rewards)
Boating Safety
1,085,503 The number of students who have taken the BoatUS Foundation’s free Online Boating Safety Course to date. (BoatUS.org/courses).
101 The number of Emergency Position-Indicating Rescue Beacons (EPIRBs) and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) available for rent from the BoatUS Foundation. (BoatUS.org/epirb)
575 Locations across the US where you can borrow a child’s life jacket for free from the BoatUS Foundation’s Kids Life Jacket Loaner Program. (BoatUS.org/life-jacket-loaner)
$1.3 million Funding over the past 26 years provided to local community groups by the BoatUS Foundation Grassroots Grant Program that promotes safe and clean boating education. (BoatUS.org/grants)
Government Affairs
49 The number of years BoatUS has fought for recreational boaters’ rights. (BoatUS.com/gov)
1 The number of national boat owner organizations with full time government affairs staff (BoatUS).
11 The number of individual issues, from Florida Anchoring and Ethanol to Aids to Navigation and boating access that BoatUS Government Affairs works on in an average month.
244 The number of groups, organizations, government agencies and legislative leaders BoatUS works with in an average year to support boaters’ interests.
27,769 The number of grassroots messages generated and sent to legislators in an average year by BoatUS Government Affairs on pending boating-related issues.
16 The number of volunteer (unpaid) positions BoatUS management holds in an average year on outside boating-related advisory boards, professional associations or philanthropic organizations.

On the Water Boat Towing and Roadside Assistance
603 The number of towboats in the TowBoatUS/Vessel Assist towing fleet. (BoatUS.com/servicelocator)
305 TowBoatUS/Vessel Assist Locations across the country (BoatUS.com/servicelocator)
70,297 Annual requests to BoatUS Towing Services 24-hour dispatch centers for on water assistance. (BoatUS.com/towing)
24: The number of hours a day you can summon on water or on road assistance from BoatUS.
5 Number of different ways boaters can contact BoatUS 24-hour dispatch for on water or on road assistance: 1. Telephone 800-391-4869; 2. BoatUS Towing APP (BoatUS.com/app); 3. VHF radio; 4. Spot satellite messenger (BoatUS.com/spot); 5. DeLorme inReach (BoatUS.com/delorme).
100 The number of miles BoatUS Unlimited Trailer Assist will haul a boat trailer and its tow vehicle to a repair shop, safe area or home with no out of pocket expense to the member. (BoatUS.com/trailerassist)
$14 The annual price for BoatUS Unlimited Trailer Assist, in addition to member dues of $24. (BoatUS.com/trailerassist)
48-53 feet The length of a flatbed trailer that could be used by one of the 18,000 roadside service providers offering assistance to a BoatUS member with Unlimited Trailer Assist to haul both a disabled boat trailer and tow vehicle. (BoatUS.com/trailerassist)
209,212 Number of downloads of the BoatUS Towing App, which makes it easy to summon on water and on road assistance 24/7. (BoatUS.com/app)
Boat Insurance
$7.4 Billion The total hull value of all boats insured with BoatUS Marine Insurance Program. (BoatUS.com/insurance)
24/7 Hours/days per week that BoatUS members can make a claim. (BoatUS.com/insurance)
$25,000 The amount BoatUS boat policies automatically include for Medical Payments Coverage to the member or their family members not covered by any major medical policy. (BoatUS.com/insurance)
25% The reduction of a BoatUS policy deductible each year a member remains claims free, until it reaches $0. (BoatUS.com/insurance)
50% The percentage of a marina’s haul-out bill that BoatUS Marine Insurance will pay to help avoid damage from an approaching hurricane (up to $1,000 total). (BoatUS.com/insurance)
$23 The starting cost (annually) for BoatUS mechanical breakdown coverage for drive units that can be added to any BoatUS Yacht Policy (agreed value) for boats less than 10 years old. (BoatUS.com/insurance)
$500 The amount the BoatUS Angler’s Best policy will pay up to for reimbursing a member should a claim cause them to miss or withdraw from a competition. (BoatUS.com/insurance)
$5,000 The amount the BoatUS Watersports Package will pay up to in actual cash value coverage for your watersports equipment. (BoatUS.com/insurance)
$500,000 The amount of liability coverage available per occurrence with the BoatUS Boat Yacht Policy. (BoatUS.com/insurance)
Consumer Protection
$2,500 The average dollar amount returned to a BoatUS member who received a successful resolution from the BoatUS Consumer Affairs Dispute Mediation Program. (BoatUS.com/consumerprotection)
11,317 The total number of complaints filed and searchable in the BoatUS Consumer Complaint database since 1992. (BoatUS.com/consumerprotection)
About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):
BoatUS is the nationÂ¹s largest organization of recreational boaters with over a half million members. We are the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill and fight for their rights. We help ensure a roadside breakdown doesn’t end a boating or fishing trip before it begins, and on the water, we bring boaters safely back to the launch ramp or dock when their boat won’t, day or night. The BoatUS insurance program gives boat owners the specialized coverage and superior service they need, and we help keep boaters safe and our waters clean with assistance from the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. Visit BoatUS.com.
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May 21, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 29.6159,-81.20399999
Top Ten BBQs, including Captain’s BBQ on the AICW! Statute Mile 800

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Palm Coast is between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach and Captain’s BBQ is at Bing’s Landing on the east side of Mile 800. Sounds delicious!!
CNN) ‘” There’s more than one bone of contention in the great finger-lickin’ barbecue debate. Pork or beef? Vinegar- or tomato-based sauce? No sauce ‘” or maybe something mustard-based?
Travel site TripAdvisor has waded into hotly contested territory with a list of the best BBQ restaurants in the United States.
6. Captain’s BBQ, Palm Coast, Florida Â– Located along the Intracoastal Waterway, this Palm Coast, Florida, eatery — which is accessibly by boat — pairs mouthwatering meats with al fresco dining.
CLICK HERE for the rest of the list from WGNO TV.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Captains BBQ
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Winston Fowler - May 21, 2015 - 1:19 pm

If you ever get to Osprey Marina on Waccamaw River north of Georgetown, SC, get a car and drive over towards Pawley’s Island on US-17, where you will find ‘MOE’s Original BBQ” ….. now these boy’s know how to make BBQ. Here’s a link to it: http://www.moesoriginalbbq.com/lo/pawleysisland
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May 21, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 4 Comments 36.3004,-76.21819999
Observations on the Dismal Swamp Canal, AICW Alternate Route

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As Captain Healy noted below on AGLCA’s Forum , northbound cruisers enter the Canal just north of Elizabeth City, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR. Traveling south, the Dismal Swamp Canal route exits the Waterway westward immediately south of the I-64 fixed bridge at statute mile 7.1. The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, also A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located on the east shore of the Canal at Statute Mile 28.
The day you passed us, we went into the Elizabeth City free wharf [Mariner’s Wharf] just after you guys went into Pelican Marina. (What a perfectly nominal crossing of the Albemarle, eh!) We left EC Saturday morning and travelled up to Portsmouth’s High Street Basin after a fuel stop at Top Rack. We also had the Dismal all to ourselves; well, except for a couple of canoes. We draw 4-1/2 ft. We never touched, even once! We saw water depths of 6-1/2 ft or better the entire way. We spent our time this trip looking for the stone mile posts that were placed on the canal during a widening and renovation project in the 1820s. Many have been found/restored/replaced in their original positions by a group called the Virginia Navigation & Canal Society. The Deep Creek lockmaster that we all know and love – Robert Peek – is a canal historian and a key contributor to that effort. We did actually spot many of the markers. Funny that it’s the first trip out of 10 or more canal transits that we even knew they were there! Too often asleep, I guess.
That said, I definitely agree, people using the Dismal Swamp Canal should make way at slow bell. On previous trips through the canal, we have touched a time or two or three. We always travel at slow bell, and we recommend that if following another boat, you do that at a distance of 1/2 to 3/4 miles. That way, if that boat picks something up off the bottom, it has time to settle back down before you get to it. We have never had any damage; not ever. The canal is 22 miles from South Mills to Deep Creek. Boats that clear through either lock at 08h30 will make the other end for 13h30, so you have 5 hours to travel 22 StM. That’s less than 5 StM/hr, and should be easy even at dead idle. If you get to the other end early, you just have to keep station there until locking time. Keeping station in the canal can be a challenge – especially if there are a cluster of boats all doing the same dance – if there’s any wind to speak of. SLOW BELL!
Don’t be afraid of it. Just go slow and “smell the roses.”
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Mariner’s Wharf Elizabeth City Docks
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Mariner’s Wharf Elizabeth City Docks
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
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Richard B Emerson -  May 25, 2015 - 6:52 pm

The intersection with the Lake Drummond feeder is one of the places we’ve felt the bottom. However, the bottom is so soft it’s not a problem. We’ve also touched leaving the South Mills lock, southbound.
Back to Lake Drummond… This is the water supply for the canal. The locks help to conserve the water. This means that the canal’s depth remains relatively constant. The water coming from the feeder slows down as it spreads into the canal. As the water slows, it drops its load of sediment – hence the bump that has to be periodically dredged.
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Rick Emerson -  May 24, 2015 - 10:20 am

We draw 6′ and, aside from rarely feeling the muddy bottom, have had no problems with the canal. Well, with one notable exception. We’ve collected twigs and leaves from overhanging trees. We know of a 27-foot sailboat that scrubbed off his masthead after a moment’s inattention put him close to the bank. IIRC, running at more than 5.5 kts is a waste of fuel and time. The distance between the locks and their schedule means running faster means parking in front of the next lock. Finally, agreed that standing off the boat ahead is a good idea, but 1/2 – 3/4 mile just won’t work. See above regarding schedules. Invariably there are people who somehow think they’ll beat the schedule and will run up hard astern to “push” the boat on the bow. Passing is almost impossible in most places, making moving well with the traffic imperative. All that said, the canal and Pasquitank are one of our favorite stretches on the ICW.
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Darrell Stewart -  May 22, 2015 - 4:20 pm

As a footnote, Southwind Construction will be dredging portions of the DSC around mid to late July near Mile 22 at the intersection of the Lake Drummond Feeder Ditch. A local notice to mariners will be issued prior to startup.
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Donna Stewart -  May 22, 2015 - 4:13 pm

Thank you for sharing your story. We have had some rumored 4 foot depth reports lately and have no idea where this originated, but appreciate your comments. We always ask our boaters about their experience, to share accurate information and we are aware the ACOE is always try to alleviate
problems as much as possible. All of our traffic who stop in the center have also made similar comments, so again, thank for you telling your story.
I just scanned our boater’s log to see if you stopped in to say hi, but we must have missed you on this trip. Thanks for coming our way!
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May 21, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.5567,-82.59619999
Good Stay in Bird Key Anchorage, Terra Ceia Bay, off the Manatee River

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Bird Key anchorage is found on the tongue of deep water north-northeast of Bird Key and north of marker #13.
This is a great anchorage ‘“ Terra Ceia Bay is quite deep behind this island and it’s very quiet and peaceful without a lot of boat traffic. Nothing nearby to dinghy for supplies, but if you want a quiet anchorage, probably by yourself, this place is great! Follow the zig-zag channel closely as it gets shallow in some spots.
Laura
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For Terra Ceia Bay – Bird Key Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Terra Ceia Bay – Bird Key Anchorage
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May 19, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Explorer Chartbooks Partners with SSECN, Bahamas
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is pleased to let the cruising community know that we are partnering with Lewis Offshore, LLC’s Explorer Chartbooks to share timely and useful information concerning cruising in the Bahamas. “Explorer Chartbooks” have 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 has been well received. Extending this valuable information to “The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net” will expand their offering coverage in the best interest of the cruising community to make for safe and enjoyable cruising – supporting the notion of “know before you go”.
We look forward to hearing from you, our readers, as to how we can make this partnership more valuable for you.
We are pleased and look forward to working with Monty, Sara and the Lewis Offshore, LLC.
CLICK HERE For ExplorerCharts May 15 Dockage and Fuel Survey.
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Winston Fowler - June 17, 2015 - 3:13 pm

We were at Great Harbor back in Feb. 2006…it was desolate, but absolutely beautiful. Golf course club house was a wreck, there was a pool and facility right behind marina that looked like it had not been used in years, but had the raw potential of being spectacular. We love the beach and met some very nice folks. The hamburger place near the air strip was not bad but the air strip had some rather big holes. We waited five days for fuel which never came during our stay and finally with some accurate current and tide info we carefully cruised to West End. Great to learn of how it has experienced a new birth.
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May 19, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Advice Requested for a Big Bend Region Crossing, Northern Gulf, West Florida
Claiborne’s Comments: For those who have never cruised these waters, the Western Florida’s ICW’s northern terminus is at Anclote Key, while the Northern Gulf ICW does not begin its east to west trek until one reaches Dog Island and the charming village of Carrabelle.
In between is better than a hundred miles of coastline, with a LARGE shelf of shallow water jutting for miles out into the Gulf of Mexico. These shallows are pierced at fairly regular intervals by man-made channels, leading to the Big Bend rivers such as the Crystal, the Withlacoochee, the Suwanee and the Steinhatchee. Some of these entrance passages are fairly reliable, while others are not.
So, rather than follow the Big Bend coastline, staying several miles offshore, some mariners choose to cut the corner, and head (northbound) directly for Dog Island or Panama City.
I will be traveling this route in a modified trihull pontoon in june. ( modified hull frame with welded steel frame to keep it solid ) what would be a good route with this boat. hopscotch ? pattern any map refrences would be great. also : hey there Rich Gano I had some emails with you. I was planning a steam boat trip on the great loop. But opted for this instead’¦..at least for now.
Bruce Noble
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Rich Gano - May 22, 2015 - 9:22 pm

Bruce, you can contact me at richgano2gmail.com to discuss your route. What is cruising speed and draft? What navigation electronics?
Rich
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