Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

May 6, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.8709,-82.31119999
Report from Palm Island Marina, GICW, Statute Mile 38

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Each year the Cape Coral Cruise Club makes an extended cruise and, after visiting several marinas on the Gulf Coast, sends us their reports. This report is one of eight marinas they visited in April. Palm Island Marina is located near the southern foot of Lemon Bay, northwest of unlighted daybeacon #7.
The two week 2015 long cruise began April 13 with fourteen member boats departing Cape Coral, bound for Palm Island Marina in Cape Haze, Florida. After all boats were secured in the slips, several club members enjoyed the marina’s pool, and on-site restaurant. Other members opted for the complimentary water taxi to the marina’s Gulf front beach. Four other members ventured off in a dinghy looking for the channel to Rum Bay on the beach. A minor incident occurred when the captain, wanting to get the dinghy up on plane, encountered the large wake from a passing boat that caused a wall of water to wash over the bow. The dinghy captain’s quick action, plus an efficient bilge pump, prevented almost certain swamping of the small boat. The only casualties were two wet women, and a cell phone that ended up under several inches of water on the bottom of the boat. On the second day of our stay at Palm Island, the cruise leaders prepared breakfast, and later, with help from other cruisers, grilled sumptuous herb-crusted beef tenderloin for dinner.
Long Cruise group picture ‘“ Palm Island Marina
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Palm Island Marina
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May 5, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.545,-77.36079999
Praise for Swan Point Marina and Boatyard, AICW Statute Mile 247

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Swan Point Marina guards the Waterway’s western banks, immediately south of the AICW/New River/New River Inlet Problem Stretch intersection, just north of marker #4. These good words for Swan Point Marina were posted by Skipper Schucker on AGLCA’s Forum.
Swan Point Marina is the place for you. Small, family run marina by Tina and her mom. Floating docks that hold 8 boats, good power, a little exciting to get into when the tide current is going, but hey, you are a Looper you can do this. Great dock help, cheap rates ($1.50 per foot, no electric up charge) and the cheapest fuel in NC is right next door.
Sold? But wait there is more! The Riverwalk Restaurant will send the manager over to pick you up. Great food, decent wine/beer selection, home made pies. We loved the free hush puppies, our steaks, blacked fish and two giant pork chops. Baked potatoes the size of a Westerbeke Oil filter. And they will cart your “in a food coma” body back to the marina. Get the pie to go. Don’t want to leave the boat? There is a great build it yourself pasta and pizza place that delivers.
Laundry? Got it covered. Local boaters to meet and swap tales with? Done. Great Sunset? Why of course, rain or shine the sun sets here every day!
Tina, the manager, just brought us a quart of strawberrys.
The perfect jump point to Beaufort, catch the bridge, watch the Marines do live fire across the ICW.
You loved the friendly family marinas in Canada, NY, down the Middle Rivers, in Florida and up the coast, this place ranks in the top 10.
Foster Schucker
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Swan Point Marina
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May 4, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.4035,-81.39179999
Blue N Hall Marina on the North River, west of AICW Statute Mile 651

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The North River departs the Waterway at statute mile 651 and the Blue N Hall Marina reported by Skipper Fell is upstream from the two recommended North River anchorages. The marina is primarily a fishcamp but does have a few slips available. There are plans to expand their dock space later this year. Charts show plenty of depth up to the marina and, if you are looking for an interesting side trip, this might be a cruise for you.
There is a Marina just north of Darien a few miles off the ICW up the North River.
http://www.mcintoshrodandgunclub.com/blue-n-hall-marina.html
(912) 437-4677
31*24’20’
81*23’30’
They have marine gas there. [No diesel yet]
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May 4, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.1544,-81.49969999
More Good Words 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 stayed here waiting on weather and had a great time. Sherry and not the Sherry were wonderful. Helpful, personable. Bathrooms clean, as was free laundry. Farmers market next parking lot. Wine get together several times a week. Reasonable rates and easy to get in and out. Nice little downtown. Not really a place to provision without a rental car but couldn’t ask for a nicer marina to stop at.
Mary and Al Boutin
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Brunswick Landing Marina
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May 4, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More Waterway Condominiums in Myrtle Beach?
Just what Myrtle Beach needs, more condominiums! If you have cruised through those very attractive, still undeveloped properties along the ICW in Myrtle Beach, maybe you have probably already thought that development is inevitable. That’s 2000 acres of development!
And this from WBTW News 13, May 6
Horry County Council loosens restrictions on Intracoastal Waterway development
HORRY COUNTY, SC- Council voted Tuesday to relax it’s restrictions on Intracoastal Waterway development.
A resolution passed that would allow for construction on spoil easements that line the body of water. Spoil easements are piles of dirt and sediment dug up during dredging.
The county originally prohibited development on easements because they played a critical role in keep the canal clear for boats. However, several property owners got permission from the Army Corps of Engineers to build projects like a pool or a patio, according to Horry County attorney Arrigo Carotti. As a result, Council decided to allow for the issuance of building permits with written consent from the corps.
“If it’s okay with the corps, it will be okay with county,” said Carotti.
Army Corps of Engineers Spokesperson Sarah Corbett said they agreed to allow construction conditionally, meaning the corps could revoke the privilege at any time for dredging purposes.
Waccamaw River Keeper Paula Reidhaar said development on easements could negatively impact the environment.
“These are areas of land right along the edges of the waterway, which is why they were designated as potential spots to put this spoil material,” said Reidhaar. ” Anytime you’re opening up potential development for right along the water, there’s issues.”
One major issue concerns rain water. Reidhaar said the easements act as filters to keep run-off out of the waterway.
“Any time it’s going over a solid surface, the water just keeps carrying all of these materials to first available body of water,” she said.
Run-off often consists of chemicals. Reidhaar said it can dangerously affect drinking water, fish or recreational activities.
“Some of this may be upstream but it all becomes one body of water downstream so it certainly can have impacts,” stated Reidhaar.
Click Here for the article.
May 4, 2015
Horry County officials say a years-old proposal to relax restrictions on development along the Intracoastal Waterway is getting some traction, although the process will be long and expensive.
The Sun News of Myrtle Beach reported (http://bit.ly/1bq8wle) that county officials are discussing a proposal with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that would allow for construction on about 2,000 acres of waterfront land.
The project involves tracts that are privately owned but fall under easements held by the corps. County attorney Arrigo Carotti says the corps has researched an issue involving sites that hold dredged material.
Corps spokeswoman Sara Corbett says the agency has asked the county to provide environmental assessments that the corps will use to decide whether to release the easements. She says t no decision has been made.
Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/news/state/south-carolina/article20138928.html#storylink=cpy
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May 2, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 27.4031,-80.29159999
Report from Open Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 970

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Open Anchorage, located four statute miles south of Fort Pierce, is not your typical cove style anchorage, so we are grateful for this report from Skipper Hundley.
Great holding. Comfortable night anchored south of marker #9 with winds from north/northwest.
Kris Hundley
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Open Anchorage
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PassePartout - May 4, 2015 - 5:52 pm

A lovely anchorage for easterly and even westerly winds.
Avoid the nearby cove at sundown– the mosquitos are the worst I’ve ever seen.
Can walk dogs on west shore in some spots.
Reply to PassePartout
May 2, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 31.0648,-81.42869999
More Shallows Reported at Jekyll Creek, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 683

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We are receiving regular reports of shallow water and groundings in Jekyll Creek, a perennial trouble spot. SSECN recommends extra care and mid to high tide only for this passage. See Navigation Alert from October. Markers 19 and 20A are on the north side of the Hwy 520 fixed bridge. For good advice on this Problem Stretch go to: /?p=145894. Jekyll Creek is home to Jekyll Harbor Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Unluckily, I had to pass both Hell Gate and Jekyll Creek at dead low tide the last couple of days. Both were 4 feet. Jekyll was 4 feet from beacon 20A to 13. High banks of mud less than 50 feet on both sides means the channel cannot be more than 100 feet wide when full. I consider this to be a no passing zone. Hell Gate was 4 feet from just before beacon 89 for another few 100 feet. I draw 3′-9″ and just had my Fathometer rebuilt, so I now have confidence, but have not touched bottom recently for the final accuracy test.
Ray Schmidt
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Jekyll Creek
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Georgia Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina
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Apr 30, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
New Marine Electronics
For all of you who love having the very latest in communications technology, here are two items to whet your appetite.
Raymarine eS Series Multifunction Navigation Displays
Raymarine eS Series Multifunction Navigation Displays FLIR Systems, Inc. has released the new Raymarine eS Series line of HybridTouch multifunction displays. Powered by Raymarine’s LightHouse II user interface, the eS Series includes three navigation displays that aim to offer improved control and ease-of-use in a new design. The eS Series with HybridTouch gives captains the choice of simple touch screen interaction or full control using the sculpted keypad and multifunction rotary controller. Share on LinkedIn share on FaceBook
KVH Debuts Maritime Satellite TV Antenna System
KVH Debuts Maritime Satellite TV Antenna System KVH Industries, Inc. introduced the TracVision TV8 maritime satellite TV antenna system to be unveiled at the Sea Asia conference in Singapore, April 21-23. TracVision TV8 is designed to provide the tracking, reception and extended coverage area needed for yachts and merchant vessels calling on ports around the world. It is compatible with nearly all Ku-band services around the globe, Share on LinkedIn share on FaceBook
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No Comments 26.6478,-81.86979999
Good Words for Fort Myers Yacht Basin and Staff, Caloosahatchee River/Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 135

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We are proud that this fine SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR is providing their excellent service and expertise to Okeechobee and West Florida transients! Fort Myers Yacht Basin lies along the southeasterly banks of the Caloosahatchee River, between the 3rd and 4th bridges from west to east.
Very helpful, and friendly staff. Well protected marina right within walking distance of many taverns, restaurants and shops. Showers are air conditioned and clean.
Manuel Farinas
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Ft Myers Yacht Basin
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Apr 29, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 33.8651,-78.63889999
More Good Words for Coquina Harbor Yacht Club, AICW Statute Mile 346

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Coquina Harbor Yacht Club guards the eastern banks of Coquina Harbor. Coquina Harbor itself cuts into the northern banks of the Waterway, opposite unlighted daybeacon #13.
We have stopped here both coming and going to the Bahamas over the last ten years. We’ve never been disappointed. Sandy Otten, the dock master, could not be more friendly. We rate it one of the best small marinas on the ICW and a great value.
Bill Murdock
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Coquina Harbor Yacht Club
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Pat Kenefick - May 1, 2015 - 5:42 pm

We stopped at Coquina Yacht Club April 30,2015 and we totally agree with the comments made by Bill Murdock. This was our first visit ; Sandy Otten, Dockmaster is fantastic; very, very kind and caring; she along with her buddy
Bob helped us dock, brought my wife to the grocery store, etc. great stop and great value; will stop again.
Reply to Pat
Apr 29, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.0829,-79.46229999
Good Words for McClellanville, SC, AICW Statute Mile 430

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The marina mentioned below in this report from AGCLA’s Forum is recently renovated Leland Oil Company on the northern shores of Jeremy Creek, in the heart of McClellanville, hard by the stream’s charted turn to the west. Like Quo Vadimus’s skipper, we find McClellanville to be one of the most delightful stops on the AICW and, yet, it’s known to only a few cruisers. Stop for awhile and make the acquaintance of this village that time has forgotten. You won’t be sorry!
Just an update, we are here on 28 April 2015 and are happy. Little town, dollar store, a place to eat, etc.
Good seafood store the other way, got some huge shrimp for $8.99 a pound. Crab dip is very good and they had 100 count bags of clams we may pick up if we stay a second day.
Docks are in good shape, the river is deep on the north side. People hang out at the marina that are willing to give you rides to the stores, etc.
If you are here the first Saturday in May (in 2015 its 2 May) is the annual shrimp festival. Shrimp, Crab, fish, games, music, crafts, etc. I was told it’s “A real nice day”
Foster and Susan
Quo Vadimus
Nowhere OK
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Leland Oil Company Marina
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Apr 29, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.052,-79.50249999
Depths Report from South of McClellanville, , AICW Statute Mile 433

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Captain Healy’s observations taken at MLLW is good news for most northbound cruisers, because this area has been the source of shallow water reports last Fall. See /?p=145005. SSECN still recommends mid to high tide passage if you draw 5ft or more!
On Tuesday, 4/28/2015, between 10h30 and 10h50 EDST, Sanctuary and crew transited the ICW between R”42″ and G”35″ south of Jeremy Creek, McClellanville, SC, northbound, essentially at the morning low tide (+0.6 at 11h14) for the day. Here is our observation report:

Comments:
1. We met a SB tug/tow at R”48.” Asked him for “tips” for handling the McClellanville shallows. His answer was: “Stay in the middle. Stay off the bottom!” Then he added: “I draw 7 ft, and I float through this stretch.” Well folks, he may float, but I would observe, just barely…
2. Exact path through the area matters; stay well off the markers. Slalom course-line is OK.
* Almanac numbers based on Garmin chart plotter matched to Coastal Explorer’s tide table.
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the Waterway south of McClellanville to Awendaw Creek
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Apr 29, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.785,-79.819999
Depth Report from Isle of Palms, Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 459

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This AICW Problem Stretch has been shoaling badly along its southern and southeastern flank between the Ben Sawyer and Isle of Palms Bridges.
On Tuesday, 4/28/2015, between 07h20 and 07h40 EDST, Sanctuary and crew transited Mt. Pleasant, SC, northbound, between the Ben Sawyer Bridge and Isle of Palms, at mid-tide (falling). Here is our observation report:
Conclusions:
1. Shallowest water is north of G”119″ and nearby but south of Green floater G”117A.”
2. Exact path through the area matters; favor red for best water depths through this entire stretch. Proceed carefully in the vicinity of G”117A” at Swinton Creek.
* Almanac numbers based on Garmin chart plotter matched to Coastal Explorer’s tide table.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently northbound at Socastee, SC
And this from AGLCA’s Forum:
Just north of Charleston is the swing bridge at the entrance to the ICW heading north. Between markers 119 to the next bridge (and mostly around marker 117) it is very shallow. After getting a positive trip report from
Seahorse on a successful trip, we went today. Only difference was an hour difference of tide. We watched a sailboat and a tow get stuck at marker 117. While TowBoatUS says to keep to the red side (port), the key is to go at least 2 hours AFTER low tide. The thicker water (note not a channel) is to the red side, but don’t stray too far. Note that there are shoals at the ocean inlets, so at those points the green side does get thin.
Quo Vadimus
Nowhere OK
Foster and Susan
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW North of Ben Sawyer Bridge to Isle of Palms Bridge
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Apr 28, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 32.5288,-80.39989999
Report from Fenwick Cut, AICW Statute Mile 511

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Fenwick Cut slices through a narrow neck of Fenwick Island and connects the Ashepoo River with the Stono, north of the infamous Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff which Captain Healy wisely avoided by taking the alternate route east around Combahee Bank in St. Helena Sound, see /?p=145808. The alternate route adds about 5 statute miles to your route.
Fenwick Cut, northbound at 09h10 DST 4/27/2015:
8.6 ft observed today, mid-channel, south entrance
+1.8 ft tide level per Garmin chart plotter almanac, therefore
6.8 ft MLLW control depth transiting the cut
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fenwick Cut
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Apr 27, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.1155,-75.98589999
Good Report from National Park Service Docks, Ocracoke, NC Pamlico Sound

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Last summer, the National Park Service Docks had closed in anticipation of Hurricane Arthur, see /?p=143288, but re-opened for business after having suffered only minimal damage from the storm. Now as Skipper Noel confirms, the docks and businesses in Ocracoke are all open.. Certainly good news for summer visitors to this beautiful village on the Outer Banks.
We are currently at the NPS docs and they are up and running. This is pre-season, but there have only been a few boats in and out. Dockage is $1.25 per foot per night, power is $2.00/$5.00. There is an updated sidewalk leading to the village. We had a great meal at Dajio and a great one at Eduardo’s Taco Truck. We enjoy the relaxed pre-season vibe on Ocracoke!
Katherine Noel
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Ocracoke National Park Service Docks
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Apr 26, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.5539,-77.35189999
Reminder of Perennial Shoaling at New River Inlet/AICW Problem Stretch Intersection, AICW Statute Mile 246

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The Waterway typically shoals either immediately north or south of the four-way intersection with New River and New River Inlet. Dredging at this intersection was last done in February of 2013. Skipper Johnson’s detailed comments were posted on AGLCA’s Forum and see /?p=142854 and /?p=146808 for more information and good advice for the New River Inlet area.
As you make your way northward to the rendezvous there are a couple of areas that warrant a caution. Both are always areas to be cautious, but this year are even worse than ever.
First, just as you pass by the Marinas in Sneads Ferry, NC (New River Marina, well known for cheap fuel, and Swan Point Marina) you come to the junction with the New River Inlet, where you make a sharp turn to the right. The shoaling, to a depth of less than 3 feet at low tide, is in the vicinity of markers 72 and 74. This is immediately before you reach the popular Mile Hammock Bay anchorage. Then a few miles later after you pass under the Onslow Beach Bridge, Browns Inlet is always a point of concern. Follow the markers very closely, erring to the west if you are in doubt.
Betsy Johnson
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For New River/New River Inlet
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Apr 25, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 36.7361,-76.29469999
Bridge Frustration of An Unusual Kind

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As Skipper Paul reports the old Steel Bridge is no more, replaced by a 95ft fixed bridge. While his report is definitely good news for other cruisers, we offer him condolences on a missed dining opportunity and we’re delighted that Paul could laugh at himself! See /?p=106464 for the remaining construction details.
On Friday, April 10, northbound, I stopped at Great Bridge at 1545 thinking I would be held up until 1800 at Steel Bridge. To my surprise (and chagrin), the next morning lock-though brought me to a functioning high-rise `steel bridge’; the old low-slung steel bridge was no more. Another on-the -hour obstruction gone south of Norfolk. That’s the good news. Had I known, however, I could have kept on and dined that Friday evening at one of my favorite spots along the AICW, Portsmouth’s Cafe Europa, That’s the source of my chagrin.
Paul
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Virginia Bridge Directory Listing For Dominion Blvd. Bridge
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Bob McLeran - May 1, 2015 - 3:39 pm

If I remember, and read the charts correctly (much greater likelihood of that) then that means there are only two real bridge obstructions through that area – the two Norfolk Southern railway bridges (and the corresponding highway bridge with the southern one of those).
That’s really good news.
Reply to Bob
Apr 25, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 36.7238,-76.24789999
Praise for Atlantic Yacht Basin, Great Bridge, VA, AICW Statute Mile 12

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As noted in the many positive reports and from my own personal experience with their repair work, Atlantic Yacht Basin is the best! AYB, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located at Mile 12 just south of the Great Bridge lock and bridge. Skipper Gubler’s good words are from AGLCA’s Forum.
Our boat was since october in the Atlantic Yacht Basin und we got the best service. James knows most of the problems a boat can have. He even got our hydraulic crane repaired, 2 other yards didn’t succeed. I can recommend AYB for all the work you need and the docking under roof is great.
Rene Gubler
Blue Rosy V
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin
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Dani Barnack - May 18, 2015 - 11:10 am

Thank you, we always appreciate the kind words. Check out our YouTube channel to see some of our other boat repairs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWBY5ZlRA-w
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Apr 24, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 3 Comments 31.8609,-81.08369999
Extreme Shoaling at Hell Gate, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 602

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We began hearing of extreme shallows at Hell Gate last year, see /?p=145174 and /?p=146335. Now Captain Healy gives us up-to-date confirmation that MID TO HIGH TIDE is a requirement for passage through Hell Gate. This is trusted advice…TAKE IT!!
Larry:
As of 4/22/2015 at 19h45:
Egg Island, GA, tide data: L – 17h09
Range: -0.2 to +8.0
Readings at 19h45: +2.8
– NB, one-half way between G91 and R89: 6.2′
– At G89: 5.8′
– 100 yards north of G89: 5.6′
Conclusion: minimum depth at normal low would be 3.0′, less for celestial low tides; not navigable at low tide for most cruising boats. Channel is narrowing, and tidal currents require careful attention.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently northbound at Hilton Head, SC
http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com
Monk 36 Hull #132
Unluckily, I had to pass both Hell Gate and Jekyll Creek at dead low tide the last couple of days. Both were 4 feet. Jekyll was 4 feet from beacon 20A to 13. High banks of mud less than 50 feet on both sides means the channel cannot be more than 100 feet wide when full. I consider this to be a no passing zone. Hell Gate was 4 feet from just before beacon 89 for another few 100 feet. I draw 3′-9″ and just had my Fathometer rebuilt, so I now have confidence, but have not touched bottom recently for the final accuracy test.
Ray Schmidt
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Hell Gate
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martin -  April 24, 2015 - 4:19 pm

Just another reason to wait for a 24 hour window and bypass Georgia completely by leaving out of Port Royal sound and gliding along the coast to Florida. This usually takes me 20-24 hrs under sail.
Reply to martin

Al McGillivray -  April 24, 2015 - 3:34 pm

SV Airtime (draft 5′ 3″) passed through Hell Gate from the south this morning (April 24, 2015) at 10:00 approximately 2 1/2 hours after low tide. Low tide at Egg Island was at 07:32. The lowest depth I saw was 6.0 feet but I know I was a little too far to starboard expecting the incoming tide to set me more to port. We were behind 2 other sailboats with drafts of 5 feet + that passed through approximately 1 hour previously. The lowest depth reading conveyed by radio was 6.2 feet.
My advice for this passage is trust the aids to navigation, do not believe your chart plotter, stay centre channel and exercise caution.
Reply to Al

Richard Ross -  April 24, 2015 - 3:06 pm

We passed thru Hells Gate in early March, within 1/2 hour of a normal low tide, and saw a minimum of slightly over 5 feet. We draw 4.5 feet, and did not touch bottom. However, another boat closely following us on a slightly different track reported 3.5 feet. From this, and from Jim Healy’s remarks, it would seem that the channel is now very narrow. The problem is to figure out just where the deep water is.
Reply to Richard
Apr 23, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 33.8726,-78.56969999
Shoaling Reported at Calabash Creek Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 342

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The anchorage at the mouth of Calabash Creek, just below the NC-SC state line, has been a popular stop for years, owing in no small part to the delicious seafood awaiting a dinghy ride up the creek. Sad to have it shoaled in.
21 April 2015, attempted to anchor in the creek but saw that the anchorage had shoaled badly. Rather than anchor within the channel, we went back to Coquina Yacht Club marina for a fantastic rate of a dollar a foot plus three bucks for power with BoatUS. Third night is free. Very nice marina people’¦have scratched the Calabash creek anchorage off the list of possibilities. Too bad, considering we anchored there a little over two years ago and had fine depths and a very pleasant night’¦
Barry Umberger
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For The Calabash Creek Anchorage
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