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    • Derelict Facts in the State of Florida

      The derelict issue, problem, controversy, whatever one chooses to call it, has loomed large and will continue to be hashed about in political and economic circles all along the Eastern Seaboard until a feasible plan is found to address abandoned vessels. We are grateful to Chris Waln for sharing his research with us. To access the Derelict Vessel map features, click Queries at lower right, select a county, then Search.

      The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (http://myfwc.com/) as an excellent (not yet fully implemented) online tool (https://public.myfwc.com/LE/ArrestNet/DerelictVessel/VesselMap.aspx) for tracking location and essential information on derelict boats. For the Florida East Coast, when the underlying data is parsed it reveals:
      66% of derelict recreational boats are Florida registered, and this percentage is slightly understated because the `Registration NA’ boats probably contain some number of Florida registered boats.
      Of the derelict boats for which length data is available (87%), the median boat size (all types) is 26 feet and the mean is 27 feet (discounting an outlier). Two thirds are between 22 and 32 feet.
      Across both registration categories sailboats account for 40%, cabin-power for 19%.
      75% of the 170+ derelicts are in Monroe, Miami-Dade, Brevard and Broward Counties, but’¦
      In Broward County 68% of the boats identified as derelict are in slips.
      Most of the pictures of `Registration NA’ boats and many of the `FL Registered’ depict hulls so old that removal would entail little legal effort.
      Caveats

      The few commercial hulks, barges, etc were not counted.
      The boat registration and length data is extracted from graphics files in the FWC tool by hand; there may have been a few errors.
      What can we draw from this?

      The registration data doesn’t support derelict boats being driven by out of state/foreign cruisers.
      The size data doesn’t support derelict boats being driven by cruisers, period. Yes, we have taken over 500 and 1000 mile trips in a 23 footer (1976) and a 29 footer (1980), but what we see on the waters today is 35-45 footers. Although to be balanced, 18% of the measured derelicts are 35 feet or greater ‘” the same percentage as boats 21 feet or less.
      From the FWC photos, the sailboats, with few exceptions, are not equipped as long range cruisers, they look to be local boats that were either uninsured or insured and totaled, and the local owners just walked away.
      Broward County’s slipped derelicts should be discounted when talking about anchoring issues.
      Money for removal is more of an issue than authority for removal.
      Finally (well, that apparently never happens in this debate), we don’t like looking at or being anchored near derelicts or imminent derelicts any more than any other Floridian. We don’t like them clogging up our few and far between safe anchorages. We don’t like them driving municipalities to create maritime ghettos that wipe out those few and far between safe anchorages.

      We believe the data above is a reason for the latest shift to attempting to ban anchoring on the basis of defamatory accusations rather than data. It’s pretty clear from the data, cruisers don’t come to Florida to abandon their boats.
      Chris Waln

      Derelict boats are completely different than cruising boats. It’s the difference between a car driving down the freeway, or parked at a rest stop, and one jacked up on blocks on the side of the road. I don’t for one minute believe that the people behind the anchoring restrictions can’t make this distinction, and I still believe the derelict boat problem, while a real problem, is being used as a smokescreen/false flag operation, for getting rid of non-derelict cruising boats that are messing up the views from waterfront condos of people who are used to getting their way on everything.
      R. Holiman

      Interesting analysis. I would add that another important factor in anchorage bans is financial. There are interests that think boaters anchoring for free are getting away with something and they should be forced to pay for the privilege. The funny thing in Florida is that this often involves creating a mooring field at huge expense that is paid for by taxpayers that then forces boaters to pay for moorings and marina space that even then is not self-supporting. The Marathon mooring field and marina only survive due to hundreds of thousands of dollars of taxpayer funds. These fields are not self supporting in Florida. I have yet to figure out why Florida mooring fields are so hugely expensive to construct, but the per-mooring cost is often four or five times what it would cost for an individual to put in the finest mooring set up. You would think that purchasing in bulk, etc. would save money. Someone is making money off of that aspect of this too.
      John Kettlewell

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    • W. P. Franklin Lock and Dam Park – Okeechobee Waterway

      wpfranklin1 Back on 5/19/14, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net was privileged to publish a superb article authored by my good friends, Skippers Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, about mooring their trawler, “Beach House,” at the inexpensive wet slips immediately west of the Okeechobee Waterway’s St. Lucie Lock (the easternmost lock on this Waterway – see /?p=140813).
      Later we learned that Chuck and Susan had found a similar facility adjacent to the W. P. Franklin lock, the westernmost Okeechobee Waterway lock. And, as you can readily guess, we asked them to repeat the process, and they have kindly done so. The story below is the happy result!
      We are once again greatly indebted to Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com) for providing this superb, in-depth article and copious photographs! THANKS CHUCK AND SUSAN!

      WP Franklin Lock and Dam Park
      wpfranklin2 We recently visited the St. Lucie Park and had written about what a pleasant and unexpected gem it was. Imagine, then, our surprise at what we found at the WP Franklin Lock and Dam Park. It is the westernmost lock in the Okeechobee Waterway out of the 5 locks in the OWW. Initially we had thought we might go ahead through the lock and continue on to LaBelle. However, as we approached the lock, the wind began to gust and we decided it was time to call it a day. I had glanced over and realized that the docks were on the east side of the lock and not the west as I had originally thought. Also, they are tucked up in a protected basin and not right next to the river as the docks are at St. Lucie. We spun the boat around and headed for the docks.
      A very nice gentleman, Walt Vliet, who was out for a few weeks cruise with his wife June, came to our aid as we docked with the wind blowing us up on the finger pier. No matter how many years of experience one has, it is still difficult to dock with a single engine and a good, stiff breeze on the beam. Once secure, we had the opportunity to visit with Walt and June. Both are about to turn 80 soon and have been cruising for years. They live in Hobe Sound and often travel back and forth across the Okeechobee on either their small sailboat or their Marine Trader trawler. They were a pleasure to meet.
      But the real story is the park. It is truly a beautiful little place. The RV park and marina, situated on its own little island, is located on the northeast side of the river and lock. Slow speed buoys are located at the entrance to the marina basin. There are 8 slips here as there are at St. Lucie, with 4 being first-come, first-served and the other 4 able to be reserved. Very little wake makes it into the basin. Trees and a decent size picnic pavilion are very near the docks, and a short walk west past a number of RV sites, takes you to very clean heads and showers. Recycling bins are available jus t next to the trash.
      wpfranklin3 In the middle of the island is the ranger’s office where you pay your dockage. (Again, the same as St. Lucie – $24 per dock including water and electric, or $12 if you have your Golden Age pass for those 62+.) Just next to the office the ranger’s trailer and little fenced in yard that houses her `babies,’ three small dogs. From there, turn and walk due south out to the lock and fishing pier, or turn north to walk over the short causeway to get some exercise or a different view of the island. The other, or west, end of the island has many more RV sites and a larger head and shower facility which also houses a washer and dryer. You can walk beyond that building and find another large covered pavilion at the southern end as well as a bench with a great view to the west.
      If the docks are full, no problem. Figure out which direction you need wind protection from. There is plenty of room to anchor in the east basin beyond the docks, then dinghy in to the boat ramp near the heads and showers. Or anchor in the basin on the west side of the locks tucked up near the causeway that leads over to the island for great easterly and southerly protection. On this side, dinghy into the beach near the large trees just behind the building that houses the heads. The ranger is happy to have you come ashore.
      You cannot walk across the lock to the other side like you can at St. Lucie Park, so drop your dinghy in the water and visit the beach on the other side as well as the visitor center. The only downside we can see is there are no provisions nearby, so come well-stocked and enjoy this little piece of heaven.

      wpfranklin4

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    • A Tour of the Area around ICW/Savannah River Junction, AICW Statute Mile 575

      Captain Jim Healy

      Captain Jim Healy

      Most of our postings dealing with Savannah speak of cruising west from the Waterway, up the Savannah to downtown Savannah, certainly a delightful sidetrip. SSECN Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy, gives an account of the areas around the Savannah River/ICW junction, including Thunderbolt and Tybee Island. Thank you Jim – definitely a good read!

      savannah
      savannah2
      savannah3
      savannah4
      Sail Harbor Marina is on Wilmington Island, GA. Their website is: www.sailharbormarina.com/

      Enjoyed reading this post by Capt. Jim. We always enjoy visiting Savannah by boat. Bought our last boat @ Sail Harbor and had the yard haul and do some work after the survey. The bottom Job is still good now nearly 3 years later. Exceptional service and came in under estimate which is always good. Highly recommend their staff for repairs and service.
      Sonny

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    • Waterway Shoaling Headlined, Post and Courier, Charleston, SC

      The link below takes you to an article by Prentiss Findlay, headlined in the Post and Courier as “Low-Tide Effect Grounds Boaters,” about three of our “favorite” spots: i. e. AICW Problem Stretches at McClellanville, Breach Inlet (Isle of Palms) and Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff. Every SSECN reader can confirm the troubles brought on by lack of dredging all along the Intracoastal. It is somewhat comforting that shoaling is finally making the front page of a SC newspaper. Will something be done? Keep watching your depthfinder and holding your breath!

      http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20140530/PC16/140539917
      seatow

      Skipper Divers sends good news about funds for dredging:

      This morning’s Charleston Post and Courier reports that Charleston County Council has appropriated $500,000 towards dredging the ICW at Breach Inlet and McClellanville. Here is the link: http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20140529/PC16/140529191
      Tom Divers

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the southern section of Jeremy Creek

      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

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff Problem Stretch

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

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    • Report from AICW/Browns Inlet Intersection Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 237


      Skipper Matthews sends a fresh report on a Problem Stretch south of Swansboro. The intersection of the Waterway and Browns Inlet has been the site of shoaling for some time, as well as a mysterious underwater hazard.

      Prop-Eater.
      Came through here on May 25, 2014 at 745am. This one spot is mentioned here as a problem. Most advice says `stay to the red side’ which I have during 4 passages without incident. However this last Sunday, going southbound, I passed a trawler going northbound a few miles south of this spot. Later on channel 16, I heard his call to USCG and his tow service with the words `engine runs but prop not turning’. As USCG was contacting him and asking him to verify his position, he did. N34,36.41, W077,13.84. The same spot.
      There are multiple references which mention bent shafts and struts, and damaged props. Most shoaling reports merely mention that someone got stuck or kicked up some mud. This is one of the few that consistently mentions damaged hardware.
      On a prior visit, I photoed a tug stuck here:
      tug3
      Notice the prop wash to the side. I hailed him but no answer. Saw him later heading south, obviously freed.
      tug4
      Ben Matthews

      Came through that spot (Browns Inlet) at low tide with no problem. Draft 5 feet. May 30, 2014.
      Raymond W. Smith – The `Firer Dog’

      We went through the Brown Inlet area (marker 63) May 23 at near low tide with 10 ft at low tide. Just follow the marks. The problem is the temporary red and green are way off the normal channel and look like the are for a side channel. They are also in a straight line but they are for the intracoastal waterway marks.
      Henry Booke

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Browns Inlet Intersection

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

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    • Shortcut Tested, Snows Cut/CapeFear River Intersection, AICW Statute Mile 299


      This shortcut that runs northwest from the western end of Snows Cut to the Wilmington bound Cape Fear River has been a temptation and a hazard for several years, see /?p=105372. Skipper Matthews did not leave all his good sense behind, because he went slowly, kept an eye on the depthfinder, was able to do a 180 and escape the shoal. It’s a tough rule to remember, but all charted channels are not necessarily navigable.

      I left good sense behind and tried this channel Memorial Day weekend 2014. It dropped to 3 foot fast! Was lucky enough to turn around and make it back to deep water after a good barnacle scraping. I draw 3-1/2 feet.
      Ben Matthews

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Non- Shortcut

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    • New Shipyard and Marina Coming to St. Augustine, San Sebastian River, off AICW Statute Mile 780


      The San Sebastian River departs the Waterway to the northwest at statute mile 780. The new facility will be upstream on the western shore across from San Sebastian marker #20. Land address is 255 Diesel Rd, St. Augustine 32084. For the full story, go to: http://www.staugustineshipyard.com/

      St Augustine Shipyard is part of a proposed Merchant Marine Community located on the west bank of the San Sebastian River, southwest of Historic Old St Augustine. In addition to the marina, commercial development plans include a pedestrian `promenade’ offering a variety of shops, restaurants and lodging.
      The Shipyard Marina is under construction with restaurants, shopping and offices in various stages of planning and approval and is scheduled to open in September 2014.

      Thank you for this wonderful service.
      Ron Cousino

      san sebastian2

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New Shipyard

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    • Shoaling Reported, Isle of Palms, Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 459


      Isle of Palms Bridge - Click for Chartview

      Isle of Palms Bridge – Click for Chartview

      This reported shoaling lies north of Isle of Palms bridge in the vicinity of AICW marker #117 and is part of an area declared a serious AICW Problem Stretch in 2009. For a recent survey of the area, go to /?p=125717

      shrimpboat

      Photo by Fran Lavigne

      North of Isle of Palms bridge, SC. 3 boats 2 cruisers. 1 shrimp boat grounded in channel. CG in inflatable called me to assist. Our 42′ Chris. Frat. Easy Rider made it through barely. 4′ draft. Low tide now approaching Ben Sawyer bridge. Fran Lavigne.

      Photo by Fran Lavigne

      Photo by Fran Lavigne

      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

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch

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    • More on the Alternative to AICW/Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff Tested, off Statute Mile 517


      An earlier report recommended an alternate route to the Ashepoo Cutoff, see /?p=134342. Skipper Ross also reports on this slightly longer, but deeper water, with a warning about the southeast end of Combahee Bank.

      Because we would have been at the Ashepoo Coosaw cut at low tide, we decided to take the alternate route out St Helena Sound before heading up the river beside Fenwick island. There is a spot where the chart is incorrect. Just off the ocean end of Combahee bank, there is a place charted as 21 to 22 ft deep. It is actually 10 ft at low tide. The rest of the charted depths are close to correct. Although this route is 5 miles farther, it is an excellent alternative to `The Cut’
      Richard Ross MV Chez Nous

      I second the above. You do not want to pass closer than 1/2 mile south of the Combahee Bank marker, and even then keep a wary eye on the depth sounder.
      A much less stressful alternative to the cutoff at less than high tide.
      Larry Shick

      I should have realized when we first published the initial message above from “Chez Nous” that these good people pilot an ARGUS research vessel. As you will see below, ARGUS project leader, John Hursey, forwarded us this very useful chartlet, showing the soundings taken by Chez Nous. Note the color change in the sounding circles at the two spots indicated by the red lines. This shows soundings around 10 feet were taken at these locations!

      Hi Claiborne,
      This just in from M/V Chez Nous, passing southeast of Combahee Bank in St. Helena Sound:
      Just off the ocean end of Combahee Bank, there is a place charted as21 to 22 ft deep. It is actually 10 ft at low tide.’
      John

      ashepoocoosawalternateargus

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Combahee Bank

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    • New Video Shows Why You SHOULD “Do the Dismal”

      Set in beautiful Camden Count, NC, the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center provides free dockage for cruisers' on the Dismal Swamp AICW Alternate Route PLEASE, if you have even the slightest interest in ever cruising the Dismal Swamp Canal AICW Alternate Route, follow the link below to see a truly amazing video. The talented sailors who put this together employed one of those new drones for aerial photography. And, in addition to the canal itself, there are some truly stunning aerial shots of our good friends at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center! DON’T MISS THIS ONE!!!

      http://vimeo.com/94469647

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    • Suggestions on Bridge Communication Etiquette

      Skipper Chappell’s comments follow on the heels of a lengthy discussion on a incident at specific Waterway bridge. See /?p=120963. However, the advice offered would apply to any bridge requiring communication with a bridge master.

      I do not condone any rude behavior by Bridge Tenders. I can explain a few things though. He probably turned the light off in the tender house to see you better. Also, bridges open on signal. You are required to request an opening via VHF ch9, visual signal, or horn (one prolonged blast followed by one short blast). Please read CFR33 part 117. Also, he asked for your boats name and homeport as required for filling out logs. Additionally, if he felt it was an unnecessary opening (again, see cfr33 part 117) there is a form to fill out for USCG action. Always know the height of your vessel and observe the clearance gauges. Know how to request an opening. Just because you show up at a bridge does not indicate that you request to go through. Frequently vessels approach a bridge, then turn around and go the other way, doing the tourist thing.
      Dave Chappell

      Dave makes some excellent points. I would add that you should use the VHF radio’“skip the other signals’“use the radio. I call even if there are other boats waiting’“I want to make sure that the bridge tender knows my intentions. Never assume the bridge tender can read your mind’“communicate!
      John Kettlewell

      One other point I should have made above is that 95+% of the time I have had no issues when passing through a bridge by establishing communication, following the bridge schedule and regulations, being observant of other traffic and conditions (like current and wind), and using commonsense. Yes, you do occasionally encounter a bridge operator having a bad day, but usually a calm voice, saying `please’ and `thank you,’ and using a little patience will make all good.
      John Kettlewell

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    • More on Mariner’s Disease – Mycobacterium Marinum

      Skipper Hart’s comments refer to a report by Jim Bertch chronicling his frightening experience with mycobacterium marinum, see /?p=118638.

      I went through merca with the exact symptoms of your marinum. Doctors were wondering until the culture came back. It entered through a fishing line paper cut just below my left pinky & went right to that middle finger and set in like concrete. Thats when the highly knowledgable Dr. McCallister of Panama City, Fl. started prepping me for my left hand to be changed forever but Doc finally nailed it after 8 days in quarantine & 2 surgeries. Can this come back as marinum if it decides to ?
      Jeffrey Hart

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    • St Lucie Lock and Dam Marina and Campground – Okeechobee Waterway

      St. Lucie Lock Marina Slips

      St. Lucie Lock Marina Slips

      About a week ago, I saw a submission by my good friend, Skipper Susan Landry, about mooring their trawler, Beach House, at the inexpensive wet slips immediately west of the Okeechobee Waterway’s St. Lucie Lock (the easternmost lock on this Waterway).
      And so, I asked both Susan and her “partner in crime,” Skipper Chuck Baier, to please provide the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net with a fuller account of this facility. The below article is the happy result of my request.
      We are once again greatly indebted to Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com) for providing the superb, in-depth article and copious photographs, set below! THANKS CHUCK AND SUSAN!

      Click Here To Read Susan and Chuck’s Excellent Article!

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    • Manteo Waterfront Marina Produces Superb Video Showing How to Run the Shallowbag Bay Entrance Channel (Roanoke Sound, NC)

      Manteo Waterfront Marina is now run by the Town of Manteo. It boasts 53 slips that can accommodate boats up to 140 feet. The marina is situated right next to historic downtown Manteo on a boardwalk
      SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Manteo Waterfront Marina has produced a really useful video about how to successfully navigate the Shallowbag Bay entrance channel from the waters of Roanoke Sound to the Manteo waterfront. Not only does the commentator describe the channel via NOAA Chart 12205, but there is a HIGHLY useful on-the-water sequence where navigators can visually  review exactly what they will see from the water while running the channel.
      This video is especially useful for these waters, as they are populated by a huge collection of aids to navigation, some of which are founded in shoal water, and the channel is narrow, in spots, and changeable.
      So, if you have any idea of visiting the popular port of call in Manteo, NC, may we strongly urge you to follow this link!

      http://www.tinyurl.com/manteochannel

      Thank you so much Claiborne and Manteo Marina. I’ve approached that turn several times with my heart in my throat because of uncertainty with all those markers. I’ll be there next week once again, but this time, I’ll be confident thanks to the video.
      Dick Mills

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    • Watch Out For Shoal East and Southeast of AICW Marker #49 (Statute Mile 772), 5/16/2014


      On the morning of 5/16/14, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net received a telephone call from Francis aboard “Easy Rider.” She reported that they were northbound on the AICW, and had just observed a larger powercraft hard aground, AT HIGH TIDE, on the charted shoal east and southeast of marker #49. She went on to say that this was the very same spot where they had a grounding problem with their own vessel a year ago.
      While we cannot yet confirm this hypothesis, it seems likely that the charted shoal east and southeast of #49 has built out farther towards the AICW channel. Prudent skippers will pass #49 well to its western and southwestern side.
      If anyone has any additional information about this hazard, PLEASE use the “Comment” function below and share that information with our fellow cruisers! Our thanks to Skipper Michelle for confirming the advice to favor the west side of the channel.

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position Near AIcW Marker #49, North of St. Augustine.

      SeaTow mentioned this area as a problem to our group recently. I went up to check it out yesterday and it is very shallow E and NE of green marker 49. Your suggestion is spot on to stay on the west side of the channel.
      Michelle

      We passed 49 about 150 to the West in about 30 ft of water at just about the beginning of a rising tide without a problem on June 3 at 1140am
      Diane Jack Toomey

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    • St. Johns River, AICW Crossing to Jacksonville – An Article by SSECN Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy

      jimhealyThe Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is very pleased and honored to welcome veteran cruiser, Captain Jim Healy, aboard as our first “Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Contributing Editor.” Many of you know Jim from his participation in MTOA and various on-line nautical forums. Many are the cruisers who have sought Jim’s advice about computers, networking and wi-fi aboard.
      It also occurred to the SSECN that Jim is just a really GOOD writer as well. In fact, one of the best we’ve come across in quite some time. So, after some conversation at the recent MTOA Rendezvous in Fernandina Beach, Florida, Jim has joined the SSECN team, and it’s really GREAT to have him aboard.
      In his first SSECN article as “Contributing Editor,” Captain Healy guides us from the AICW/St. Johns River intersection upstream to the sprawling city of Jacksonville, and nearby Ortega River with its impressive collection of marinas and repair yards! Please check out this very useful account at:

      /?p=140723

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    • Announcing our New, Revolutionary Marina Directory Format!

      The entire Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net “bunch” takes great pride in announcing a MAJOR upgrade to our reporting of marina services, prices and statistics. This project has been a year in the making, and countless hours of work have gone into copying and pasting, line by line, data from our old format into the new.

      Behind the scenes, what we have done is to move our various Marina Directories from a document based scheme, to a database manger-like scheme! That may not mean much to you, but it allows us to present marina data in a far more readable and user friendly form. Throw in LIVE chart and satellite images of EVERY marina in our directories, and we think you will discover that SSECN’s reporting of marinas is now second to none in the marine publication business.

      Rather that prattle on, an example is worth another thousand words or so. AFTER reading to the end of this section, please go to:

      /marinas/030-georgetown-winyah-bay-pee-dee-river-black-river/

      This link will bring up an example of our NEW MARINA LISTING FORM! This particular section covers Georgetown, South Carolina. Normally, you would get here by using our red, vertically stacked menus on the right side of this, and all other (except Chart View) SSECN pages, click on “South Carolina,” then “SC Marinas,” then “Marinas, Georgetown, Winyah Bay, Pee Dee River, Black River (AICW Statute Mile 403 to 410).”

      Back to the Marina Listing Form. What you now see is a bare bones listing of marinas in the Georgetown, SC region. This is what you might call a “quick look” page.

      Scroll down until you come to the entry for Harborwalk Marina. You will see a list of service icons which depict what is available at this facility, and such basic data as “Phone,” “Website,” “Statute Mile,” “Location” and “Depths.”

      marinaexample1

      THIS IMAGE IS AN EXAMPLE ONLY – You must follow the link above to open a page where all features are active!

      Where this starts to get really EXCITING is discovered by making use of the three large, rectangular buttons on the bottom of this (and all other) marina entries. “View in Chartview” opens a Chart View page centered on Harborwalk Marina, and “Review This Marina” is pretty self explanatory.

      The “magic” begins to happen when you click the “View Full Marina Info” button.

      This button loads a page filled with everything you ever wanted to know about Harborwalk Marina! Scroll up and down and look at all the data fields. LOTS of info! Pretty neat, huh!

      Note that MUCH Additional Data Lies Below This Image As Seen on ALL Marina Directory Pages

      Note that MUCH Additional Data Lies Below This Image As Seen on ALL Marina Directory Pages THIS IMAGE IS AN EXAMPLE ONLY – You must follow the link above to open a page where all features are active!

      NOW, NOTICE THE TWO IMAGES BETWEEN THE “BASIC MARINA INFORMATION” AND “SERVICE DETAILS” SECTIONS! ONE IS A CHART IMAGE CENTERED ON HARBORWALK MARINA, AND THE OTHER IS A SATELLITE IMAGE OF THE SAME FACILITY. THESE ARE NOT STATIC IMAGES. THEY ARE LIVE!

      Put your pointer inside either the chart or satellite images, hold down your left mouse button and drag. The chart or satellite images MOVE. You could drag the image all the way north to Maine or south to Key West. You can also adjust the zoom level by using the “+” “-” vertically stacked zoom tool, or use your mouse wheel to zoom.

      Want to see a full size image of what’s in the window? Just click on the “View this Marina on a Full Sized ChartView Page” link, and, presto-chango, now you are looking at a full page image of the chart or satellite image. When you are finished with your perusal, simply click the “Return to Previous Page” button above the chart/satellite image, and now you are back to the full listing of specifications for Harborwalk Marina!

      marnaexample3

      THIS IMAGE IS AN EXAMPLE ONLY – You must follow the link above to open a page where all features are active!

      And, may I be so bold as to remind everyone that all our marina information has been PROFESSIONALLY RESEARCHED. All the data you see in our marina directories has been verified, in most cases on-site, by myself or the SSECN staff! You can’t get better accuracy than that!

      The future of this new “database manager” SSECN capability is VERY EXCITING. Next, we will bring our Anchorage Directories” into this new format, followed by bridges and AICW Problem Stretches. A few months from now, we will offer ADVANCE SEARCH CAPABILITY where you will be able to call up every marina within, for example, 20 miles of AICW Statute Mile 400 that has showers, 50 amp power hookups and diesel fuel! How’s that for a sterling service to the cruising community.

      And, of course, as always, our enhanced marina directories are usable by members of the cruising community at absolutely NO CHARGE, and without even the need to set up a user name nor a password.

      Our new marina directories ARE NOW READY FOR YOU TO USE! PLEASE USE THEM, and, oh yes, let us know what you think!

      One final but VERY IMPORTANT word! We could never have undertaken this HUGE project without the support of our loyal sponsors. WE ASK THE CRUISING COMMUNITY AGAIN TO PLEASE PATRONIZE AND SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS WHENEVER POSSIBLE! And, when you are visiting a sponsoring marina, repair yard, coastal restaurant or other nautically related business, please take a moment to tell them how much you appreciate their support of the cruising community by way their support for the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net!

      Thanks so very much for your time and attention!

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    • Praise for Cape Harbour Marina, near mouth of Caloosahatchee River, West Florida

      Cape Harbour is indeed one of the best kept secrets on the Western Florida coastline. Yours truly, who has spent years personally research every marina (and anchorage) I could find on these waters never knew this marina was there until a fellow cruiser brought its existence to our collective attention.
      To access Cape Harbour Marina leave the Okeechobee Waterway/Caloosahatchee River at marker #92 and follow the marked channel into Glover Bight; break off to the northwest before reaching Tarpon Point Marina and follow canal through a LOCK into Cape Harbour’s well sheltered dockage basin.

      This marina is, indeed, a gem for cruisers. My husband and I were looking for a spot with amenities where we could relax for week aboard our 47′ Sabre motor vessel. Cape Harbour grows on you each day. Transient dockage is along the sea wall. Therefore, you have plenty of water and privacy on one side. The foot traffic on the dock side is light, and friendly.
      The pool is lightly used and cleaned each morning. There are four restaurants, including a coffee shop, in the marina village. Frank, the Harbour Master, is a great ambassador of this place. We also enjoyed this area for stand up paddling and touring the canals in our tender.
      Note: Harbour Master’s office closes at 4:30, so call or radio ahead of arrival.
      Clean, convenient showers, too. And, the 1-mile walk to Publix is a straight shot, and quite easy. Bicycle rentals are available in the marina village as an alternative.
      Melanie Humphrey

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Cape Harbour Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cape Harbour Marina

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    • Reports From Beaufort Town Docks (Statute Mile 201)

      jimhealy

      SSECN Contributing Editor – Captain Jim Healy

      As some of you may remember, this past fall, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net published a partially negative review concerning Beaufort Town Docks, authored by SSECN frequent contributors, Skippers Chuck Baier and Susan Landry. This veteran cruising duo stopped here, and made their report, at my suggestion to do so.
      The reason for this commission was that, about a year ago, we began, for the first time, receiving several negative reviews of this facility from fellow cruisers. I must admit to being thunderstruck. Beaufort, NC was, and IS, one of my very favorite ports of call, anytime, anywhere. Everyone here knows me on sight, so that is why I asked Susan and Check for a review.
      Several cruisers, and particularly Beaufort Town Dock employees, objected to Susan and Chuck’s review as too negative, and not really fair. We eventually withdrew publication of this story at the specific request of Chuck and Susan.
      So, this year, in a conversation with new Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Contributing Editor (more about this later), Jim Healy, I asked him, if it proved to be convenient, to stop by Beaufort, and share his impressions. As you will see below, this veteran cruiser has presented a largely positive, but, it is only fair to say, also a mixed review of Beaufort Town Docks.

      We bought our Sanctuary in June, 2004. We finished re-fit, commissioned and splashed by the last week of September, 2004. New to boating and cruising, we spent the winter of 2004-05 in North Carolina, first in New Bern and then in Morehead City. During that winter, we also discovered Beaufort, a rustic and historic seafarers and mercantile community.
      Beaufort is not far from the ICW route, but we haven’t visited there in several years. We do stop in Morehead City so I can visit the very best marine `toy store’ on the US East Coast, `Ace Marine and Rigging,’ which is just a short walk across Arundel Street from the Sanitary Restaurant’s dock. This trip northbound, we decided to divert and visit Beaufort.
      The many mercantile establishments in Beaufort carry a full range of upscale millenaries, clothing, gifts, bric-à-brac, curiosities and books. Merchandise prices are high; we observed `full retail price’ in all shoppes, and `well above MSRP’ in many. There is a very nice Maritime Museum on Front St. Since we last visited Beaufort, the Post Office has relocated, an inconvenience for those afoot. Local restaurants offer a fine range of victuals. We visited Clawsons for lunch, and were disappointed to find they have dropped their signature `Dirigible’ from their menu. Fortunately, their selection of craft beers somewhat compensated; somewhat. We thoroughly enjoyed an excellent ribeye steak dinner at the Grocery Company on Queen St.
      Access to the `Beaufort City Docks’ from the Beaufort Inlet is easy. During our visit, two megayachts made overnight stops. Approach depths to 12 ft and slip depths to 7 ft are fine for cruising boats. Taylor Creek currents are moderate. The marina is exposed to winds with an easterly component. The facility has widely separated infrastructure features. Modern, floating docks are in good condition. In-slip fueling and pumpout are available. Fairways and slips are commodious. Shower house/bathrooms are clean and functional in a 1940s high-school locker room style, but are located at the far western end of the facility, so can be a long walk. Complimentary wi-fi is provided and adequate for email and web browsing. There is a well worn courtesy car. Courtesy car use is complimentary and car availability was excellent; finding a place to park it on return was tedious. Net transient pricing (dockage plus electric) is above regional averages, even after organization discounts are applied. On a scale of 1 – 10, 10 being excellent, I’d rate the marina facility as a 7; OK, but overpriced.
      We arrived at the Beaufort City Docks at noon on Thursday. We stayed two nights and felt we had had two very different customer experiences. The reservation process was easy. When we arrived, slip assignment went smoothly. Docking assistance and electric set-up was excellent. It was our impression that there are two separate `crews’ of dock attendants and office staff which I will call `Team 1’ and `Team 2.’ Team 1 – our Thursday experience – was welcoming, friendly, responsive and helpful. They offered local information they knew we would want but did not know to ask about. They smiled and laughed a lot. Team 2 – our Friday experience – was markedly different. They were indifferent and remote. There was no smiling. We asked for information about the Beaufort drawbridge operation and the northbound `Russell Slough’ (pronounced: SLEW) navigation channel. `Team 2’ pointed to a sheet on the wall. No Captain’s handout was available. We were entirely `on our own’ to find a place to park the car. We circled the town for 20 minutes, and finally found a spot two blocks from the marina. `Team 2’ made it clear – `if looks could kill’ – they were annoyed that we had left the car `so far away.’ Our net is, the customer experience that a transient boater might have at the Beaufort City Docks is mixed, and seems to depend on which crew of attendants (and which attitude) is on duty. On a scale of 1 – 10, 10 being excellent, I’d rate `Team 1’ as a 10. `Team 2,’ well, not so much.

      Well done review, though I would caution that the term `moderate’ for the current in Taylor Creek probably depends on when you hit it. I have seen large powerboats have difficulty getting in and out when the current is full tilt and the wind is blowing. My advice to sailors is to time your arrival or departure for slack tide and wind, if at all possible. Anchoring for a short while to await better conditions can sometimes make the difference between a safe landing and an expensive mistake. Also, this is often the first strong current docking experience for many ICW newbies coming from the north where marinas tend to not be situated in current-swept locations for the most part. It’s good practice for places further south on the ICW where currents can be even stronger.
      John kettlewell

      We have stopped at Beaufort Town Docks many times in the past. The last time was in April 2010. Since then, we have regretfully by- passed this wonderful town. We simply will not pay the exorbitant price for a marina that has so little to offer but a superb location. On our 2009- 2010 cruise to Florida, Beaufort Town Docks was the MOST expensive marina we stayed in in four months. When we were there the last time, it was almost empty. Did the cost have something to do with this?
      Norman Mason
      Peggy Sue, Monk 36
      Norfolk, VA

      Having just returned from three nights in Beaufort I can report that we had a great time. The dock masters were extremely cordial and caring and handled any need. They checked on us several times and as we watched others come and go they paid them the same attention. Beaufort remains our favorite destination, besides Ocracoke, on the North Carolina coast.
      John Rebholz
      Just4Shell

      I arrived at Beaufort Marina on Fri. and experienced crew #2. I totally agree with Jim that there seemed to be an attitude. I think everybody not only wants to deal with competent dock helpers, which crew #2 certainly was, but also wants to feel welcome and treated like the reason for their employment instead of an interruption to their day.
      Joe Apicella

      Just amazes me as the the pettiness of many boaters..sometimes I feel reading this various reports that boaters expect these docks to be 5 star hotels with all the amenities of them. If i can talk to someone, make a reservation, someone meets to grasp a line , and get my power plugged in’¦.i am happy.
      I will bet if i flew into any airport in any city, I would be standing around figuring out what and where.
      PS: BEEN at these docks several time and enjoyed the experience which it is if the current is running!
      Larry Hemmerick

      I’ve gone to Beaufort Town Docks since the 90s. Know it from dock and shore.
      1. It’s expensive by comparison to all other locations within 200 miles.
      2. Roll the dice on whether they’re friendly or not. Honestly.
      3. The bath/shower by comparison to other locations is horrible.
      4. Great location.
      5. Shops are tourist traps, not for bargain seekers.
      6. Some of the best restaurants around. But you have to look and ask.
      If they fix the showers to compare with other local marinas, and get rid of some of the goober, huckster dock-hand behaviors, they’ll be awesome. Not $2.75 awesome, but pretty awesome. Many of their staff are very good, helpful folks, but they’ve got a knucklehead or two they should wish `good luck in your future endeavors’.
      Ben Matthews

      Beaufort Docks has a great location adjacent to a very nice town. We stayed here one night, and the dockhands were courteous and helpful. We dined at the Blue Moon Bistro, and had a wonderful meal. Walking the town and taking in the shops was easy, and the marina had a loaner car we used to provision. We did not use the showers or laundry, so can’t comment on them. The docks are in decent shape, and easy in and out if you know how to play the current.
      About $140 for one night (for a 48′ trawler), however, is a bit steep. Bald Head Island Marina just south was $100 a night. But, due to the location, the owner gets his price, and such is life. My only complaint was the pumpout. First, the hose was not long enough to reach both sides of my boat (I have two tanks and the caps are port and starboard). After untying and turning the boat around for the second tank, I was charged $10 per tank for a total of $20 for the pumpout. While $20 is not going to break the bank, it left a bad taste and is indicative of poor management. Had the pumpout dock and hose been adequate to handle the situation it would be less obtrusive (even though most pumpouts have been free with a slip rental), but the owner should not be surprised at some of the more negative reviews here and elsewhere. It is the little things which can turn a positive experience into a poor one. With that said, I still give the marina four out of five stars, based on our overall positive experience.
      Berwick Duval

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Beaufort Town Docks

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Beaufort Town Docks

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    • Main Street Bridge Frustrations, St. Johns River, Jacksonville, FL

      Main Street Bridge – Click for Chartview

      Like the headaches related to the FEC RR bridge in downtown Jacksonville, the Main Street bridge will be less than accommodating as it undergoes reconstruction that requires advanced notice for an opening. See /?p=134950. To make matters worse, the dates and hours that require advanced notice change weekly. A phone call to the tender, 904-891-2191, is still the best way to determine when an opening will be possible. This situation will continue until March of 2015. Skipper Charleston’s frustrations are surely shared by many.

      WRONG! I was TOLD this morning that there would be at least a TWO HOUR DELAY after the request is made to open the bridge! The boat behind me requested that the bridge be opened at 10 am today but the bridge tender said she had NO RECORD OF THE REQUEST HE MADE LAST NIGHT SO HE WAS TOLD HE WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL AT LEAST 2 PM as he arrived at 10 am as he said was scheduled.
      I got lucky as a SEATOW worker had scheduled an opening and was tied up at the JAX free dock near the GATOR BOWL (I will never call it any silly bank name, it’s always going to be the GATOR BOWL for me).
      IF you have to wait, from the NORTH go to the free GATOR BOWL marina sponsored by the City of JAX. From the south, go to the LANDING and have a beer at Hooters, or BBQ or anything. Arguing will not get the bridge opened as I listened to those who came after me until I arrived at the next bridge between me and sleep at the marina. When Small Craft warnings are issued, it is time to sail! What a great ride this week through the Keys and up past Miami on the East Coast.
      Bill Charleston

      Make sure you contact the bridge tender on the phone THAT SHIFT. I heard a boater who had called the day before to schedule an opening and the tender that day had no record of it.
      Bill Charleston

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Bridge Directory Listing For Main Street Bridge

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Main Street Bridge

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