This is certainly one of the most unusual, but very legitimate, requests that I can remember posting. If you can supply Skipper Parish with a name or phone number, please reply to his email below. Port Mayaca Railway Lift Bridge with a vertical clearance of 49ft when fully open crosses the Okeechobee Waterway at Statute Mile 38, near the tiny (charted) village of Port Mayaca.
Years ago I travelled the Okeechobee Waterway and was able to get under the 49′ Port Mayaca RR bridge by hiring a marina operator to help heel my boat over so my 53′ mast would pass under the bridge. Does anyone know if this “heeling” service is still being provided by a marina along the waterway? If so, contact me directly at seabreeze384@hotmail.com. Thank you Rick Parish
Larry I received two replies today. Both sources provide the same information. One source was Kim Brown, captain of s/v Trust Me. The other source was from Indiantown Marina. Contact – Billy Owens his phone number is 561-262-5200. Best regards Rick
Mangrove Marina is one of only a very few facilities offering transient dockage on the Florida Keys Inside Route between a point south of Jewfish Creek, and Snake Creek. To access Mangrove Marina, depart the Inside Route just northeast of the Tavernier Creek intersection, between markers #64A and #65. Note that Mangrove Marina also features a full service repair yard! Skipper Foster’s review comes from the AGLCA Forum.
While the boat has been here over a two months, we’ve just been here a month. if you are looking for a marina on the bay side of the keys I’d highly recommend Mangrove Marina in Tavernier. Docks are combo of fixed concrete and wood. There isn’t a tidal swing, but the wind does push water in and out of the cove, total swing is about 18″. Water depth coming in is ok if you are 4′ or less. Call the marina office and get a route if you draw 5′ Within a 10 minute walk: Win-Dixy, movies, post office, McDonalds, hospital, 6 restaurants, hardware store and liquor store. A bike ride will add three more places to eat, a beach and a marine parts store. There is a lunch truck on site that has Breakfast / Lunch Sat and Sun, and a special dinner (Prime Rib, stuffed pork tenderloin, etc. ) on Wednesday night. Gas, diesel, ice, pumpouts. If you are staying, there are weekly pumpouts on the docks. Lots of liveaboards here made us feel welcome. There is the only Marching Conch Band in the Keys here! Nightly docktails at sunset. Lots of good fishing locations a 5-10 min dink ride away. Location is Keys MI 92. Car rental across the road will match Enterprise rates. By car you are 1 HR from Miami, 45 mins to Marathon, 2 hours to Key West. Rates include water and electric, no liveaboard fee. Mangrove Marina 200 Florida Avenue, Tavernier, FL 33070 (305) 852-8380
As reported by Adam Linhardt in KeysNews.com, Alligator Reef Light (Islamorada), American Shoal Reef Light (Big Pine Key), Carysfort Reef Light (Key Largo), Sand Key Reef Light (Key West) and Sombrero Key Reef Light (Marathon)are scheduled to be replaced by brighter, more powerful LED lights.
New reef lights being installed BY ADAM LINHARDT Citizen Staff alinhardt@keysnews.com
Saturday, February 7, 2015 Florida Keys maritime historians can breathe a sigh of relief as the Coast Guard has no plans to remove the historic reef lights throughout the island chain. But they are scheduled to go dark this year. The Coast Guard Sector Key West Aids to Navigation Team (ANT) is in the process of installing new, more powerful LED lights on single steel pilings near every historic reef light in the Keys. The cost to taxpayers will be about $100,000. That cost should be negligible in the coming years as the ANT crews have been spending about $2 million the last few years repairing and maintaining the existing lights at Alligator Reef Light (Islamorada), American Shoal Reef Light (Big Pine Key), Carysfort Reef Light (Key Largo), Sand Key Reef Light (Key West) and Sombrero Key Reef Light (Marathon). The problem has been the ANT crews have had to contract out the work needed to be done to the old historic lights to keep them up to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards at a high cost. The new, modern lights will be much more efficient in terms not only cost, but also operationally, said Coast Guard ANT Chief Jeff Hunter. The old historic light structures are not going to be taken down, but they will go dark when the new lights are installed. The new lights are going up very close to the old structures, Hunter said. They will leave a smaller environmental footprint and were approved by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as per the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. “The old lights project about nine miles out to sea and, in our opinion, we just don’t need them to project that far anymore,” Hunter said. “Things like modern GPS and navigational tools make that possible. The new lights will project about seven to eight miles out, just past the marine sanctuary.” Ships larger than 164 feet (or 50 meters) cannot legally transit sanctuary waters outside of the main shipping channel, and the reef (warning) lights are intended for those vessels more than smaller recreational boats, Hunter said. The white reef lights are not to be confused with green and red navigational lights more commonly seen throughout the island chain. “That’s really what our reef lights are for — to keep the big ships out there and let them know there’s a hazardous reef nearby,” Hunter said. “As long as the light is projected past the boundary, those ships know they need to avoid the area.” The ANT crews have put up new lights at Carysfort and Sand Key reef lights. The rest are scheduled to be completed by the end of this year, Hunter said. “Obviously, weather is always a concern when working out on the water,” Hunter said. Hunter stressed that the old reef lights — some are 100 years old or more and as much as 80 feet tall — aren’t going anywhere. “Don’t think we’re abandoning them or that they’re going to fall into the reef anytime soon,” Hunter said. “They’re just not up to our structural standards when we have to work on them. I would add that the historical lenses were removed on the old lights years ago and what’s up there now is just a traditional beacon and not the historic light.” Meanwhile, a system of offshore weather stations previously attached to the historic reef lights that once provided information to mariners, anglers and scientists has been defunded, said Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Superintendent Sean Morton. The program was called Sustained Ecological Research Related to the Management of the Florida Keys Seascape, or SEAKEYS. The station once provided real-time weather, tide and current data to the public free of charge via the Internet, but those days appear over. “Funding for that program came through a grant and (it) ran out,” Morton said. Whether the program will come back remains dim. “I doubt it,” Morton said. “We tried and basically the message we got was that it most likely will not be funded. Attempts were made to a different part of NOAA in Miami collecting some information, but not like we had at each of the lights.” Hunter added the Coast Guard has been having problems with people climbing the old reef lights, which is a federal trespassing offense. “The Alligator Reef Light (Islamorada) is the worst,” Hunter said. Residents need to know that they will be arrested and forced to appear in federal court if seen climbing the lights, Hunter said. alinhardt@keysnews.com
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Comments from Cruisers (1)
jules robinson- March 3, 2015 - 4:44 pm
On hot summer nights I would sleep in the cockpit at Carysfort. Last summer I spent a night there and had a hard time sleeping with that bright flashing light down close to the water. Night time was more pleasant with the old light up high.
This excellent report by Skippers Valentine comes to us via the AGLCA Forum. The entrance channel to Daytona Marina runs west-southwest from the Waterway south of marker #39A and the southerly entrance cut for Halifax Harbor Marina.
I would like to report excellent service that we received at Daytona Marina and Boatworks (http://www.thedaytonamarina.com). After an unplanned meeting with the bottom we limped into their yard with damaged running gear. Both Kevin Mooney, the manager at Daytona Boatworks and Mark, the owner of Tomoka Propeller were very responsive and efficient. They were also considerate of our status as transients, and went out of their way to keep us floating while work progressed, including a couple of short hauls. We can’t say enough about how pleased we were with this facility and with the entire staff. If you are a cruiser needing some maintenance do yourself a favor and consider having it done here. They did what they said, when they said, and, even with a couple of surprises, stayed pretty darn close to the estimate. The transient docks are in great condition- fixed wooden lay alongs, the laundry and showers are clean and the dockmasters are efficient and helpful. If you need repairs or maintenance consider this your stop. If you just want a nice stop, with a restaurant on the premises and a short walk from the downtown area, give them a try. Larry & Theresa Valentine m/v Lauren Grace
These good words for Gulfport Municipal Marina were found on the AGLCA Forum. A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Gulfport Municipal Marina has recently undergone renovations and also has a nearby mooring field. The marina and harbor are found on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay and are easily accessible from the Western Florida ICW, just north of Tampa Bay.
We left our boat for a month around Thanksgiving at Gulfport Municipal Marina. We also spent several days there on either side of our trip home. We had a great time in the town and were well taken care of at the marina. We walked into town a couple of times. There is also a free taxi service, the Swoop Taxi. You just tip them. This is a quirky little town with a lovely independent spirit. Martha and George Alexander Aunt Aggie
We have stayed in Gulfport MM several times. The staff are always helpful and pleasant. It is a bit of a walk to Gulfport but if you have a car, parking is next to your boat in most cases. The last time we stayed (2012) a planned expansion was being considered for the shower area. The best part is Boca Ciaga Bay just outside the marina and a great place to anchor and dinghy in to see the art community, visit the shops or have a great mean [sic]. Gulfport is my favorite stop around Tampa Bay. There is also a nature park next to the marina and a sailing Yacht Club next door. Don’t miss it. Mike Liles Gold Flag 2011-2012 AGLCA Forum
We left our boat for a month around Thanksgiving at Gulfport Municipal Marina. We also spent several days there on either side of our trip home. We had a great time in the town and were well taken care of at the marina. We walked into town a couple of times. There is also a free taxi service, the Swoop Taxi. You just tip them. This is a quirky little town with a lovely independent spirit. Martha and George Alexander Aunt Aggie
USPower and Sail Squadrons provide valuable local community services with their public boating safety inspections and boat handling courses, as recognized here by BoatUS, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
NEWS From BoatUS Boat Owners Association of The United States 880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
(L to R) C/C Robert Baldridge; Cdr. Sterling Wyland, Ocean City; Lt/C. Bonnie Kanoy, North Strand; Cdr. JB Bagby, Ft. Macon; Cdr. Dick Todd, Lake Norman; Cdr. Jim Strothers, Sanibel-Captiva; D/C Mary Dodd, USPS District 8: Ted Sensenbrenner, BoatUS.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com
MD, NC, SC and FL United States Power Squadrons Bestowed With Honors
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., February 5, 2015 — At the US Power Squadrons (USPS) Annual Meeting held recently in Jacksonville, Florida, five Squadrons from across the country and one District were honored with Distinguished Civic Service Awards. Sponsored by Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the awards are given annually to the USPS District and Squadrons in recognition of exceptional service and public boating safety education and service to the boating community.
`While America’s recreational boaters are enjoying the water with friends and family, Power Squadron members work hard giving up their own time to help make boating safer. They offer boat owners free vessel safety checks, provide boating safety instruction, and more. We greatly appreciate their commitment to ensuring everyone has a safe day on the water,’ said BoatUS Foundation for Assistant Director of Boating Safety Ted Sensenbrenner.
Top Squadron honors went to Sanibel-Captiva Sail and Power Squadron, Florida. Some of their activities included: participating in an on-water wreath laying ceremony honoring lost members of the armed forces, helping a local food pantry, and working to increase safety for paddlers. `They showed how difficult it can be to see kayakers at dusk and in times of limited visibility, and how simply adding white reflective tape to paddle blades can be a real lifesaver,’ said Sensenbrenner.
Second Place for Top Squadron went to Lake Norman Sail and Power Squadron, North Carolina, for their work with youth and bringing a new Sea Scout Ship to the area, as well as support of the `The Dolphin Project,’ a local non-profit that performs surveys to monitor the health of dolphin populations.
Third place went to North Strand Sail and Power Squadron, South Carolina, which hosted shoreline clean up events, collected donations for their local Helping Hands charity and Sea Haven, a residence for homeless teens offering crisis services.
Runners up for Top Squadron included Ocean City Power Squadron, Maryland, for their community participation in parades, clean up events and their work with a respite care home to take families fishing and sightseeing. Another runner up was Fort Macon Sail and Power Squadron, North Carolina, for their work with the local visitors center to spread safety message as well as publishing boating safety stories and reaching out to boating families.
Top USPS District Award, which recognizes the collective efforts of all of the squadrons within a region, went to USPS District 8, which includes South Florida and the Keys. The award is based on the amount of classroom hours logged, community outreach hours and number of vessel safety checks performed. These voluntary and free safety reviews are designed to educate boaters about recommended and required safety equipment aboard recreational vessels and to assess the condition of the safety equipment they have aboard.
US Power Squadrons began with the efforts of Charles Chapman, who in 1914 realized that owners of recreational powerboats needed instruction on how to operate safely and with confidence. Today, the USPS has over 400 regional Squadrons for owners of both sail and powerboats.
About United States Power Squadrons:
Organized in 1914, United States Power Squadrons (USPS) is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. Our members are boating families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. We enjoy participating with our fellow members on the water and in the classroom. USPS has nearly 40,000 members organized into over 400 squadrons across the country and in some US territories. USPS is America’s largest non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three US presidents for its civic contributions. Each squadron’s activities involve the three primary objectives of USPS: community service, continuing education, and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of our fellow members. For more, go to USPS.org.
About BoatUS and BoatUS Foundation:
Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its over half-million members with government representation, services such as 24-hour dispatch, on water boat towing as well as roadside assistance for boat trailers and tow vehicles, feature-packed boat insurance programs, money-saving benefits and vital information that improves the boating, fishing and sailing lifestyle. Its 501(c)(3) nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating, and provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways and keeping boating safe. For more, go to BoatUS.com or BoatUS.org.
All boaters with gasoline fueled engines need to be concerned about ethanol added fuels. The use of ethanol added fuel in marine engines has been a point of contention for everyone in the boating industry from users to repair services and manufacturers. BoatUS continues to be a strong advocate for boating safety including the risk of engine failure and fire due to ethanol damaged fuel lines. See /?p=145755
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
Boaters and Ethanol Gas: New Legislation Would Fix Renewable Fuel Standard
BoatUS Urges Boaters to Speak Up Now
WASHINGTON, DC, February 4, 2015 ‘“ New bipartisan legislation introduced today would help ensure recreational boaters don’t put unsafe fuel in their boats, according to Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS). Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), with 30 co-sponsors introduced the Renewable Fuel Standard Reform Act of 2015. BoatUS is urging all boaters to contact their US Representative to support the bill. `The new bill would recognize the failure of the current Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and its out of date ethanol-mandate, and make the necessary changes so there is a safe fuel for all gasoline powered engines,’ said BoatUS Government Affairs Program Manager Nicole Palya Wood.
According to Wood, BoatUS supports the bill because, `The RFS Reform Act acknowledges the reality of America’s declining fuel consumption, allows for the investment in other more compatible biofuels, and erases the twisted math that forces more ethanol onto a marketplace that neither demands it, nor can physically absorb it at safe levels.’
Currently, there are no marine engines in the US warrantied to run on any gasoline blend greater than 10% ethanol (E10). According to AAA, only about 12 million out of the more than 240 million light-duty vehicles on the roads today are approved to use E15 gasoline, based on a survey conducted by AAA of auto manufacturers. Any damage from the use of higher ethanol fuels (E15 or greater) in cars and trucks will void many manufacturers’ warranties.
When the RFS was written in 2005, it assumed that Americans’ gasoline use would continue to rise and mandated escalating amounts of biofuels to be blended with our fuel. However, since 2005, gasoline usage has actually dropped steadily. The unintended affect is now the law that forces more ethanol into the nation’s gasoline supply, and to maintain adherence with the RFS rules, in 2010 the EPA permitted fuel containing up to 15% ethanol (E15) into the marketplace ‘“ a fuel many gasoline engines cannot use.
It is illegal to use E15 in boat engines, snowmobiles, motorcycles, small engines such as lawnmowers and leaf blowers as well as any vehicle made before 2001. However, this fuel can now be found at over 100 gas stations in 16 states at the same pumps as E10 and ethanol-free gasoline.
The potential for misfueling is significant. In the US, nine out of every ten boaters own a trailerable boat that is most often filled up at a roadside gas station. Additionally, these higher blend ethanol fuels are often the cheapest fuels at the pump.
The new bill would cap the ethanol requirements at E10 (10 percent ethanol), would effectively prohibit the use of corn-based ethanol in the RFS, require more advanced biofuels and take into account actual, real-world production of biofuels when setting requirements.
Boaters can ask their Congressman to support and co-sponsor the bill by going to: http://goo.gl/2H8vI9.
About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):
BoatUS is the nation¹s 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.
Gulfport Municipal Marina, of the newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS, has recently undergone renovations and is found on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay. The marina is easily accessible from the Western Florida ICW, just north of Tampa Bay. Gulfport also has a mooring field, which has been in the news lately because of a now infamous green trawler, see /?p=146123. Our thanks to Denis Frain for this wonderful review which comes to us from the AGLCA Forum.
We’ve been called funky, eclectic, artsy, charming, welcoming, warm, and yes, even weird. We are a small town, but we have a big heart. It’s easy to make yourself at home here. Visit us and we think you’ll agree. All of the businesses in our waterfront village are independently owned and operated. Overnight accommodations in the village are also of the unique variety, offered by two independent venues with great attention to Gulfport-style hospitality. Individually furnished rooms and suites are offered with their own identity, such as the Marrakech or Serengeti at the Peninsula Inn, and the Jamaica or Aruba at the Sea Breeze Manor. Some locals also offer cottages or guest apartments for rent on an independent basis. No chain stores here. No parking meters. Just small-town warmth and people as friendly and welcoming as they come. Our village offers the best of “Old Florida” charm. Picture old oaks draped in Spanish moss, brick-paved streets, small colorful cottages, and light shimmering on the Bay. A concentration of more than a dozen restaurants in the village has made Gulfport a premier dining destination. A wide variety of foods in all price ranges is represented within just a few blocks, from sandwiches and burgers to fine dining. Live entertainment is featured in several locations throughout the week.There’s always something going on here. Visit a selection of artists and crafters, from breathtaking to funky, on the first Friday and third Saturday of each month for our popular Art Walk. Beach Boulevard’s trees are lit up, shops and restaurants are open late, visitors and locals mingle on the street, and that “only-in-Gulfport” energy ebbs high. Gulfport is conveniently located to many other destinations in the area. Gulf Beaches and downtown St. Petersburg are minutes away. You can travel to Tampa, Ybor City and Busch Gardens in a half-hour, and a drive to or from Orlando is about two hours. Our Municipal Marina has transient facilities, fuel, pump-out, free wifi and is a well protected Harbor. Please contact Denis Frain CMM, Director of Marina Operations @ 727-893-1071 or dfrain@mygulfport.us. Visit us @ http://www.mygulfport.us
You are so very right, Denis. When I returned from living in the Caribbean, and I found this little jewel, it felt like I never left the boating/cruising life. I love it here. Everybody can contribute to this area in so many ways….playing a role in helping with our multiple festivals, street fairs, and such worthy events such as Get Rescued, coming up on Feb. 28th. Something for everyone can be found here. And you’ll always find yourself among neighbors. Thanks for all you do.
A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, Isle of Hope Marina lies along the northwestern shores of the Waterway in the body of a hairpin turn northwest of AICW marker #46A.
Loved this marina! Our first visit here, but will not be our last. Very friendly and helpful ‘“ loved the little town and Driftaway Cafe. Be careful to check operating hours, however. They were closed upon our arrival ‘“ we had made reservations on line and I had my home phone on contact so they were not able to let me know. Only tiny thing to say could use improvement is washer/dryer needs updating and the free roaming of a dog (boxer) who belongs to a marina resident. Ann Bearden
Darien City Docks lie along the northern banks of the Darien River, hard by the charted 31-foot fixed bridge, in the heart of downtown Darien, which is 7 nautical miles off the AICW via the fully marked Darien River Channel, featuring minimum 14 foot depths. Recent repairs to the docks add to the attractiveness of this lovely river port.
Found plenty of water on the Darien river. Chose to dock here to wait for tide to transit Little Mud creek. It is 7 miles up the river, but was more than worth it. Free dock with electric ‘“ only 30amp ‘“ David the volunteer dockmaster was very friendly and helpful. dinner at Skippers was great and the best Key Lime pie ever! Ann Bearden
This could happen to any vessel stored on land, especially when using jackstands in lieu of a cradle. Even boats in a cradle should be anchored/strapped to the ground to prevent being floated by tidal surge. Our thanks to BoatUS, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, for this reminder.
NEWS From BoatUS Boat Owners Association of The United States 880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
The 110-foot USS Providence toppled over in last week’s blizzard. (Photo credit: Rocky Steeves)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com
Tall Ship Falls Over: Could Your Boat Do This?
PROVIDENCE, RI, February 3, 2015 — When a tall ship stored on the hard at a boatyard blew over during last week’s brutal blizzard, the loud crash ‘“ unlike a tree in the woods ‘“ was heard by many. But now that the ship is lying on her side with a punctured hull and snapped mast, it will be an expensive recovery effort to return the boat to the water by next season. The incident may also have recreational boaters asking, `Could this happen to my boat?’ The short answer, according to Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), may depend on whether you ignore your boat over the winter lay-up period.
`Some boat owners put the boat away for the winter, and it becomes out of sight, out of mind,’ said BoatUS Director of Damage Avoidance Beth Leonard `That’s a mistake. You need to make periodic boat checkups. If you can’t do it yourself, ask a marina staffer or friend to take a look to ensure any blocking or jackstands haven’t moved. If the boat is not on a hardened surface, the freeze-thaw cycle can cause blocking to shift. Always use chains to secure jackstands to the opposite jackstand.’
`Tarp lines that are tied off to a jackstand can pull the stand away from the boat ‘“ not a good thing. It’s better to run them under the hull tied off to the opposite tarp line. Loose tarps can also allow snow and ice to collect like a pond, adding tremendous weight that can tear stanchions out of the deck or worse,’ added Leonard.
In the case of the toppled tall ship, the USS Providence, initial reports indicate the ship’s supports failed due to Winter Storm Juno’s high winds buffeting the 110-foot vessel. East Providence WPRO New Talk 630 reported a crowdsourcing campaign has begun to raise the $900,000 required for updates to the ship not covered by insurance and to support crew who take care of the vessel.
For more tips on winter boat storage, see the BoatUS Marine Insurance Program Seaworthy Magazine story, `Boat Winter Checklist’ at BoatUS.com/boatwinterchecklist.
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About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):
BoatUS is the nation’s largest organization of recreational boaters with over a half million members. We help ensure a roadside breakdown doesn’t end a boating or fishing trip before it begins. On the water, we bring boaters safely back to the launch ramp or dock when their boat won’t, day or night, and the BoatUS’ insurance program gives boat owners the specialized coverage and superior service they need. We also stand up for boat owners’ rights on Capitol Hill and help keep them safe and our waters clean with help from the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. Visit BoatUS.com.
Our thanks to Chuck Baier and Susan Landry, Special Correspondents to SSECN and publishers of Beach House Publications, for this wonderful article and beautiful pictures. Chuck and Susan perfectly express the excitement and anticipation so many of you are feeling with the possibility of piloting your vessel to the beautiful shores of Cuba. Enjoy!
Can I Take My Boat to Cuba? By Chuck Baier and Susan Landry Publishers, Beach House Publications The Great Book Of Anchorages
Can we go now? That’s the question every American Skipper has been asking since the President announced talks on normalization with Cuba on December 17th, and the internet is abuzz. Unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions and misinformation out there. That announcement stated that talks were to begin on the normalization process, and although the idea of formal talks between the two countries in itself is historic, we still have a long way to go before we top off our fuel tanks in Key West and point the bow south. So the short answer to the main question is, NO. The original announcement was only for formal talks and nothing more. In the following weeks, there were more announcements and some changes, and suddenly everyone was getting more excited and the rumors began flying throughout the boating community.
What has actually changed? Not a whole lot. On January 17th, the President announced that the requirement for a license from the Treasury Department for approved visits to Cuba would be changed. Notice the word changed, not eliminated. The facts are that there are still the same restrictions in place that were in place prior to December 17th and they are the same as they have been for decades. The only change as of January 16th is that a license is no longer required to be issued by the Treasury Department in order to travel to Cuba under the current restrictions. Here is where a lot of confusion came about and where the rumors came from. All of the past restrictions are currently in place, except that a formal license is no longer required and the process is now done on the honor system.
What are the exemptions and can I qualify? OFAC has issued general licenses within the 12 categories of authorized travel for many travel-related transactions to, from or within Cuba that previously required a specific license (i.e., an application and a case-by-case determination). Travel-related transactions are permitted by general license for certain travel related to the following activities, subject to criteria and conditions in each general license: Family visits. Official government business. Journalism. Professional research and meetings. Educational activities. Religious activities. Public performances, clinics, workshops, exhibitions and athletic competitions. `Support for the Cuban people.’ Humanitarian projects. Activities of private foundations or research for educational institutes. Exporting or importing information or `information materials.’ Travel related to some authorized export transactions. Tourism of any kind is not only not on the list but is strictly prohibited. U.S. companies that organize trips to Cuba designed to pass muster with OFAC’s guidelines are expensive and rigid, making them unappealing to many potential travelers. A Treasury Department spokesperson stated, `OFAC will enforce its sanctions and potential sanctions violations as they always have.” Can I start my own church and visit on religious activities? Going on to the internet and starting the Church of What’s Happening Now isn’t going to pass muster. Religious activities are extended to major denominations, require traveling in a group and attending conferences or events related to the churches activities. Most American travelers will still have to certify that they have a valid reason to travel to Cuba under existing law and retain records for five years proving that they fell under an exemption, according to the Treasury Department. It is also required that a record of your itinerary, as it applies to the category under which the visit falls, must be kept for five years. If the Office of Foreign Assets Control suspects someone of traveling to Cuba in violation of the rules published by the Treasury Department, that person could face an audit and fines. Under the General License, a journalist, subject to appropriate conditions, full-time journalists, supporting broadcast and technical personnel and freelance journalists are permitted to travel. However, you will need to show credentials or past work to be eligible under the General License. It is illegal for a U.S. citizen to go to Cuba to write a book or paper or any other form of media and to profit from it other than being paid by an approved organization. It is also illegal for a U.S. citizen to take any action that encourages or promotes tourism to Cuba. Can I do any of these things from my boat? Again, the answer is no. George W. Bush tightened the restrictions considerably under his administration, and no matter what the intentions, traveling to Cuba by boat is assumed to be travel for recreational purposes and tourism. From the Federal Register, Note to § 515.550(d): This general license does not authorize vessels to transport persons between the United States and Cuba. See § 515.572(c). The United States Coast Guard is currently (as of this blog posting date) on constant patrol in the Florida Straits looking for Cuban refugees trying to get into the United States. Rumors that the U.S. government is planning to end the wet foot/dry foot policy has created an urgency and an increase in rafters. In all probability, any U.S. flagged vessel believed to be heading for Cuba will be turned back. The weak link in the restrictions is the educational exemption. All that’s needed is to sign a piece of paper saying your traveling to learn some aspect of Cuban life and the Cuban people. But you still can’t do this from your boat…legally.
If I go anyway, what’s the worst that can happen? Many of the internet gurus profess to have traveled back and forth between the U.S. and Cuba without ever getting caught and will tell you that lots of American boats go over all the time. Beware, it may very well be possible that these so called gurus have never left the dock, let alone sailed to our southern neighbor. Susan and I have never and will never advise or advocate that anyone break the law of this country or any other. Ric Herrero of #CubaNow, a non-governmental organization pushing for closer ties to the island, says the restrictions still have a chilling effect on travel.`If you get caught, you get fined — how that’s going to get enforced, we don’t know yet,’ Herrero said. There are many that proclaim that Americans should be able to travel wherever they want, and no government is going to tell them otherwise. Whether you subscribe to that attitude or not, this is still the law and as such, it’s an individual’s decision whether they will violate the law and suffer the consequences if they get caught, no matter how small the chances may be. Even for foreign flagged vessels, there is what is known as the “180-day rule” and it provides that no vessel that calls at Cuba may thereafter call at a U.S. port for 180 days after said Cuban call. The only exception to this rule were activities specifically licensed by the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury.
Is there any other good news? Yes there is. After January 16th, the restriction regarding spending money while in Cuba have been lifted. If you are there on an approved visit, you may now spend unlimited amounts of money. “Other expenditures, other than those directly incident to the traveler’s authorized activities in Cuba, are not authorized.” At the present time, you will need to take enough cash, but as of March 1st, MasterCard will begin taking swipes in Cuba for goods and services. I am sure the other credit card companies will follow suit. American Express has already indicated an interest. Travelers are now allowed to bring back up to $100.00 worth of alcohol and cigars, but total imports are not to exceed $400.00 for goods from Cuba to the U.S. In the U.S. Senate, a bi-partisan bill was introduced on January 29th, the Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act of 2015, that would completely lift the travel restrictions. A companion bill is to be introduced in the House of Representatives. Whether anything will be accomplished within Congress anytime soon is anyone’s guess. It would be silly to assume things are going to change overnight. But we think that in a year or two there will be major changes and this discussion will take a totally different direction. Details from the Treasury Department on all things Cuba can be found at, http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/pages/cuba.aspx and a good summary of changes here, http://www.safety4sea.com/images/media/pdf/2015/USFinalRule31CFR515.pdf . Although the President can make some modifications to the current restrictions through executive order, only Congress can repeal or significantly change the current travel restrictions and embargo that has been in effect for over 50 years.
Susan and I have been to Cuba and look forward to the day when we can return. We wrote about our cruise of the south coast in a previous blog entry here. The people were the friendliest we have met anywhere. The officials were professional, friendly and welcoming. The beaches were spectacular and the reefs pristine. It will take some time for the infrastructure to catch up to the demand once travel is allowed and the boats start arriving. There are 15 marinas and 795 slips in the entire country. The marinas in Havana and Veradero are undergoing major renovations and others will follow. The Cuban government is preparing for the influx of boaters, but progress will be slow. Many may find the restrictions and bureaucracy stifling if they have never experienced the likes before. But from our perspective, it’s all worthwhile. As things change, look for us to report here. Stay tuned.
That’s funny…because we just spent a month cruising the south coast of Cuba. Yes, illegally, but the interdiction patrols have been discontinued. I’m really glad I didn’t wait.
Our thanks to Captain Wright for this first hand report from USCG public hearings concerning the proposed All Aboard Florida railway service from Miami to Orlando, as described earlier this month in /?p=146374.
I attended and spoke at the USCG hearings in Stuart re: St. Lucie River RR Bridge [/?p=5739] closings issue. While the USCG did state that they have no jurisdiction over the railroad, and therefore cannot take a position on the viability (or not) of All Aboard Florida’s (AAF) attempt to add 32 highs speed trains per day to the tracks between Miami and Orlando, USCG did say they are responsible and have jurisdiction over the waterways in so far as safe navigation is concerned. They can (and did in CT at the CT River Amtrak bridge in the 80’s) limit the closing of RR bridges if they interfere with the safe passage of vessels. The proposed AAG 32 high speed trains between Miami and Orlando would increase the `bridge close time’ to a total of 75 minutes every hour (greater than one hour for those not mathematically inclined) which represents not only a navigation safety issue, but is in actuality a `BLOCKADE’. To be successful with the USCG in this matter, we must focus on what the USCG can affect, which is the impact of the bridge closings on safe navigation of the waterways. Capt. Ken Wright, North Palm Beach, Florida
All boaters with gasoline fueled engines need to be concerned about ethanol added fuels. The use of ethanol added fuel in marine engines has been a point of contention for everyone in the boating industry from users to repair services and manufacturers. BoatUS continues to be a strong advocate for boating safety including the risk of engine failure and fire due to ethanol damaged fuel lines. See /?p=145755
January 23, 2015
Dear BoatU.S. Member:
If you fill your boat up at Sheetz gas stations in North Carolina beware of E15 or gasoline containing 15 percent corn-ethanol. There is not a single marine engine warrantied to run on this higher blended fuel and any damage it does to your car may not be covered by the manufacturer warranty, according to AAA.
Sheetz Convenience Stores announced on January 21, 2015 that they will offer E15 fuel at 60 of their store locations in North Carolina beginning in early 2015. Because this fuel is often the cheapest at the pumps that offer multiple fuel choices, please take an extra moment to ensure you aren’t filling your boat with any fuel containing more than 10% ethanol. It is not only unsafe for you to use this fuel in your boat engine, but you are prohibited by law from using it in marine engines as well as other small engines such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, snowmobiles and line trimmers.
BoatU.S. will continue to lobby Congress to reform the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) – a law which forces these higher blends and less compatible fuels into our markets. For more on the Renewable Fuel Standard go to www.BoatUS.com/gov.
Thanks for being a BoatU.S. member!
Nicole Palya Wood BoatU.S. Government Affairs (703) 461-2878 x3201
And more today from BoatUS News:
Buyer Beware of Ethanol Fuel in North Carolina:
60 Sheetz Stations to Offer E15 in 2015
“This Isn’t Just About Boats”
RALEIGH, NC, January 29, 2015 – The Altoona, Pennsylvania based convenience store chain Sheetz announced on January 21 that it would offer E15 fuel – gas containing up to 15% ethanol – at 60 of their North Carolina locations beginning in early 2015. Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) believes that could be a problem for recreational boaters, motorists and many other users of gasoline-powered equipment and vehicles.
There are no marine engines warrantied to run on E15 and according to AAA, most automobile manufacturers say any damage due to the use of this higher ethanol blend fuel will void the warranty.
In the US, nine out of every ten boaters own a trailerable boat that is most often filled up at a roadside gas station – not at a marina gas dock. While any gasoline with greater than 10% ethanol (E10) is prohibited for use with recreational boat engines, it’s a common practice among trailer boaters to fill the tow vehicle first, then simply pull the boat up to the pump and insert the same gas pump nozzle into to boat’s fuel fill. A small, inadequate warning label on the pump pointing to the prohibited uses of E15 may contribute to a situation ripe for misfueling.
“This isn’t just about boats,” said BoatUS Government Affairs Program Manager Nicole Palya-Wood. “If you own an older car, truck, or any small engine such as a lawnmower or leaf blower that uses gas, you will need to be very aware — and take an extra moment to ensure — you’re not putting higher ethanol E15 in the tank. At stations that offer multiple fuel selections these corn-based ethanol fuels are often the lowest price, which is an attraction for frugal boaters. Ironically, owners of small, affordable boats could get hit the hardest when the expensive repair bill comes,” added Wood.
BoatUS, which has nearly 20,000 members in North Carolina, will continue to lobby Congress to reform the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) – a law which forces these higher blends and less compatible fuels onto the public. For more on the Renewable Fuel Standard go to www.BoatUS.com/gov.
Sheetz operates 437 locations in six states, including Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and North Carolina.
In this report from Maritime Global News, the National Waterways Foundation outlines the economic benefits of improving the US inland waterway system, including the Atlantic and Gulf Intracoastal Waterways. Now, if only state legislatures would pay heed to these well-studied recommendations!
Study Examines Impacts of Inland Waterway Investment The National Waterways Foundation (NWF) has commissioned and released a two-year study to examine the U.S. inland waterways’ national economic return on investment and the need for and benefits of an accelerated program of waterways system improvements that sustain and create American jobs. The study, conducted by the University of Tennessee and the University of Kentucky and entitled “Inland Navigation in the United States: An Evaluation of Economic Impacts and the Potential Effects of Infrastructure Investment” (November 2014), evaluates the inland navigation system as it is currently funded and configured, and as it might be through renewed infrastructure investment. The study begins with a basic analytical framework examining navigation’s role as a productive input in various industrial processes and reflects actual, real-world economic interactions and consequences if the system were to suddenly shut down and then if proper infrastructure investments were made.
This legislation notice from BoatUS, A SALTY SOUTH EAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is definitely good news for the middle-class boat owner looking for income tax deductions.
NEWS From BoatUS Boat Owners Association of The United States 880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304 Read this press release online at: http://goo.gl/1wyr0M All BoatUS news can be found at: BoatUS.com/pressroom
A boat is considered a second home for federal tax purposes if it has a galley, an installed head and sleeping berth.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com
In Rare Act of Agreement, Last Congress Does the Right Thing for Boat Owners Tax Provisions for Boats Extended
WASHINGTON, DC, January 27, 2015 — In an exceptional act of agreement, the recently departed 113th Congress did the right thing for boat owners. It extended some boat sales tax and mortgage interest deductions when filing a 2014 federal income tax return. The catch is a boat has to include a sleeping berth, cooking and toilet facilities, and is offered to new owners who paid substantial state sales taxes on a new or used boat purchase last year. If there is a loan taken, mortgage interest paid on the loan may be also be deducted from your federal income taxes, according to the nation’s largest boater’s advocacy group, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS).
The Sales Tax Deduction
The Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 continues to offer a federal tax deduction for state sales taxes. Boaters must choose either the state sales tax deduction or state income tax deduction on their federal tax return ‘” you cannot take both.
In addition, to take the state sales tax deduction, the sales tax on a boat purchase must be applied at the same tax rate as the state’s general sales tax. In order to claim the sales tax deduction, tax returns must be itemized. State sales taxes are entered on IRS form Schedule A, line 5b.
The Boat Loan Deduction
For those owners with a secured boat loan, mortgage interest paid on the loan may be deducted from your federal income taxes. Taxpayers may use the home mortgage interest deduction for one second home in addition to their primary home, and must itemize deductions on their returns. A boat is considered a second home for federal tax purposes if it has a galley, an installed head and sleeping berth.
During federal budget negotiations last year, some in Congress sought to eliminate this deduction for boat owners while keeping it in place for second home and recreational vehicle owners. BoatUS advocated for a more equitable all-or-nothing approach when applying the deduction, and boaters did not get unfairly singled out.
Some boaters may be unaware of this potential tax benefit because not all lending institutions send borrowers an Internal Revenue Service form 1098 which reports the interest paid. Not receiving the form does not preclude taking the deduction. If a 1098 is not available, boaters should contact their lender for the amount of interest paid and should enter it on line 11 on Schedule A along with the lender’s tax ID number. If a form 1098 is sent, boaters should simply enter the amount on line 10 of Schedule A.
Sorry, AMT
For those who fall under the Alternative Minimum Tax, most deductions are unavailable. Boaters are urged to contact a tax preparer or financial adviser for more information.
For more details on the mortgage deduction on boats that qualify, go to www.IRS.gov and download Publication 936 or the Fact Sheets. For state tax deduction information, download Publication 600 which also includes state-by-state tax tables. ### About BoatUS:
Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its over half-million members with government representation, services such as 24-hour dispatch, on water boat towing as well as roadside assistance for boat trailers and tow vehicles, feature-packed boat insurance programs, money-saving benefits including marina and service discounts, and vital information that improves recreational boating. Its member-funded BoatUS Foundation is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating and offers range of boating safety courses ‘“ including 33 free state courses ‘“ that can be found at BoatUS.org/courses.
Skippers Wilson and Simmons join the chorus of satisfied customers at Brunswick Landing Marina, a very popular facility with long term resident cruisers and many positive comments from your fellow boaters. BLM sits well off the direct path of the AICW, flanking the eastern banks of Academy Creek off Brunswick River, near the heart of downtown Brunswick, Georgia.
Brunswick Landing is by far one of the finest marinas on the East Coast. Whether it’s for a night, or long-term. The staff and facilities are top notch and the boating community that gathers is a fun group. We have called BLM our home for over 12 years, and as we return each season from cruising, they know us, they know our slip and they welcome us with open arms. It is at the top of our recommended list of home port marinas. Robert Wilson
We have spent the last 5 or 6 summer and fall seasons at Brunswick Landing and have found it to be a wonderful experience. As with many places we have stayed, the people, manager, dock office and cruisers alike make the difference. The new manager has been instrumental in completing the new boaters lounge that is second to none as well as working to restore the yard’s reputation. Proximity to downtown Brunswick, St. Simon Island and Jekyll Island provide much to see and do. The marina is well protected and provides good access to both the ocean and ICW. S/V Dream Chaser Morgan 41OI Don and Anne Simmons
With one of the lowest gas tax rates in the country and politicians loathe to raise any tax, this article on raising a SC tax might be whistling in the dark. But, then, we boaters are accustomed to holding our collective breaths waiting on helpful legislation! Will it ever come?!? This article from today’s Post and Courier in Charleston offers some hope that, at least, one official is concerned about the AICW.
Ailing Intracoastal Waterway could be dredged using state gas tax money, local officials say
An increase in the state gas tax that is being considered in Columbia could be used to provide much-needed funds for dredging the ailing Intracoastal Waterway, local officials said.
`I think the gas tax is basically a transportation tax so I do think it could justifiably be used for waterway dredging. I encourage our state leaders to research what has been done elsewhere along the waterway,’ said Charleston County Councilman Dickie Schweers.
The article below comes from Sounding’s Trade Only Today and might well offer some hope to the dilemma boaters using gasoline often find themselves. See a warning posted recently by BoatUS: /?p=146615
NMMA supports fuel-standard revision in Keystone XL bill Posted on January 22nd, 2015
The National Marine Manufacturers Association is applauding an amendment floated to the Keystone XL pipeline bill that would remove corn ethanol from the Renewable Fuel Standard.
U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Pat Toomey, R-Pa., floated the amendment, which is called the Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2015, according to the NMMA. U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., is a co-sponsor.
The amendment would remove the mandate to blend normal ethanol into gasoline but preserve other renewable fuel mandates, including those for biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol. The standard ethanol mandate is effectively a corn ethanol mandate, the sponsors said.
Citing growing food prices and an increasing amount of corn ethanol in the U.S. fuel supply (the fuel standard caps corn ethanol production at 15 billion gallons), Feinstein called the bill a simple and smart modification of the RFS.
`Once we remove the corn ethanol mandate, the RFS program can finally serve its intended purpose: to support the development of advanced, environmentally friendly biofuels, like biodiesel, cellulosic ethanol and other revolutionary fuels,’ Feinstein said, according to the NMMA.
Skipper Starling’s report comes in response to an earlier posting on the heavy-handed practices of some FWC patrol officers, /?p=133874. Despite numerous complaints filed by experienced and law abiding boaters, Florida seems unable to control the over-zealous enforcement present in the FWC enforcement division, practices definitely not limited to the Keys.
Predatory practices by FWCC toward boaters in Key West Being shadowed by a boat with no lights while underway to the dock at sunset is unnerving , but when it turns out to be FWCC , it is worse. Now pulled over by FWCC, they mention running lights so I mention the sunglasses they still have on. No matter that it is literally moments after sunset. Their intention is to write a citation and generate income for FWCC and at the moment I have become that revenue resource. Minor infractions that should warrant a verbal warning are tickets. Worse yet , a few weeks later I receive a certified letter from FWCC . Inside, a citation for a non operational anchor light , which was issued in my absence from the vessel. It was issued at 6:32 , just after sunset when the ambient light was bright enough to keep the photo cell on my Davis auto anchor light from activating. This anchor light is an industry standard and turns on and off automatically . My vessel was not anchored in State waters but Navy bay bottom and not in navigable waters. I have lost any respect for the newly inducted Officers, as they lack the skills necessary to gain the confidence of the Citizens and form relationships that would benefit the FWCC and boating community. Older Veteran Officers do not operate in this manner and know that it creates animosity and results in the boating community not helping FWCC in investigations of serious violations due to bad experiences and distrust. FWCC wonders why the boating community doesn’t trust them , and refuses to cooperate . This is one example of their perception of boaters as a income revenue resource. Lee Starling
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Comments from Cruisers (1)
Rick Emerson- January 30, 2015 - 7:29 pm
Sorry, but never ever not ever tell any officer something like “you’re wearing sunglasses after sunset”. Your ticket for the anchor light was, no doubt, payback for the comment.
Study Examines Impacts of Inland Waterway Investment
Comments from Cruisers (1)
Try Indiantown marina. #772 597 2455.