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    • Jan 3, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Alternate Route Suggested for St. Andrew Sound, AICW Statute Mile 690

      Marker #32 - Click for Chartview

      In addition to Umbrella Cut (see /?p=128619) and other alternates (see /?p=118925) to avoid the infamous R32 in often turbulent waters, Captain Ehlen offers the following suggestion that is an “around your elbow” route, but seems straight forward.
      THE SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET WANTS TO MAKE IT CRYSTAL CLEAR THAT WE ARE NOT ADVOCATING THE ALTERNATE ROUTE SUGGESTED BELOW BY CAPTAIN EHLEN. However, now that we have a first-hand account from Captain Richard Ross, cruising aboard the ARGUS cooperative research vessel, Chez Nous, this route is CERTAINLY on our radar to research in the near future!
      Even the adventurous among us should not have the tiniest thought of trying to run the channel east of #7 without an up to date and well functioning GPS chart plotter aboard.

      I haven’t tried this myself, but looking at the charts it seems to me that there is a deep water alternative.
      When heading south, at red #2 at Raccoon Key Split, turn to starboard SW above Horseshoe Shoal. Follow markers 3,4,5 and 6, then turn to port after G7. Head east until back on the ICW between FG33 and G33A.
      I hope someone has comments, good or bad, about this alternative.
      Wade Ehlen

      Here’s a posting from `the archives’ that describes the route I recently suggested. Posted on 11-02-2011
      “We went through the area yesterday. It was beyond awful in the Sound, so we turned to starboard up the Satilla River to marker 8, turned to port and worked our way through the deeper water back to Cumberland River. This is NOT the charted alternate route, but much shorter and worked for us. It was about 2 hours after high tide and we were able to make it through. We draw 5′. Not flat, but the giant elephants in St. Andrews made it a no-brainer for us.
      Take a look, and good luck!
      Stephanie Wakelin M/V September Song”
      Wade Ehlen

      And, finally, HERE IS THE FIRST-HAND KNOWLEDGE OF THIS ALTERNATE ROUTE WE HAVE BEEN SEEKING, and from a veteran cruiser, piloting an ARGUS cooperative research vessel, no less. We have pasted a shot of the channel near marker #7, showing the ARGUS soundings. Click on the chartlet to be taken to a Chart View page of these waters, with the ARGUS layer automatically activated!

      We have taken this route twice, and it does avoid the worst of marker 32. The charted depths are fairly accurate, and the only shallow spot is a sharp bump just south of marker 7. Take it slow there, as the bottom rises quickly from 12 ft to about 5 feet MLW, then immediately drops back to 12ft. Click on ARGUS to see the exact spot.
      Richard Ross M/V Chez Nous

      Came though the same route as Chez Vous early December. Winds ENE 15-20. Good alternative’¦ had same observations. Draft:5.5ft
      Doug Jacoby

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Andrew Sound

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    • Jan 3, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      More on Shoaling on Southern Foot of Sunshine Skyway Channel, at the Mouth of Tampa Bay (near Western Florida ICW St. M. 98)

      These reports are in response to a Navigation Alert that SSECN posted in May of 2013, /?p=114205. The cautions issued at that time are still applicable as Captains Hines and Davis attest.

      We came this way five days ago and the shoaling at this point is worse than I have ever seen it. The middle of the channel looked like a sandbar and could not have had more than three feet of water over it. We draw 4 and 1/2 feet and came to a stop. There was a darker strip of deeper water to the east well outside the channel. We picked our way through by sight and feel and made it past the danger area. It was about mid tide on a strong ebbing tide so it was no place to run around. Caution is strongly advised.
      Brad Hines

      I commented a while back about shoaling adjacent to green 3; since then it seems they have removed the floating red nuns which diverted traffic more easterly near the mouth of the channel. I went through a few days ago and thought I would run aground. Somehow just when the depthfinder said we were done, I got across. This was a little below mid tide, I draw 4.5 feet. Do stay away from green 3, it is still shallow there also.
      Cambren Davis

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the Southern Foot of the Sunshine Skyway Channel

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    • Jan 2, 2014by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Comments Requested by the Office of Coast Survey

      This important notice of critical changes to the distribution of NOAA charts was received today and your comments are sought. Submit comments by mail to Director, Office of Coast Survey, 1315 East-West Highway #6216, Silver Spring MD 20910; or by using the online NOAA Nautical Inquiry & Comment System at http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/inquiry.

      NOAA emblem
      FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE
      January 2, 2014
      Contact:

      Dawn Forsythe, Coast Survey Communications
      301-713-2780 x144

      Notice of Changes in the Development and Distribution of NOAA Nautical Charts and Publications

      Coast Survey asks for public comments
      Today’s Federal Register carried this notice from Coast Survey. (The published Federal Register Notice is here.)

      DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

      National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

      Notice of Changes in the Development and Distribution of NOAA Nautical Charts and Publications

      AGENCY: Office of Coast Survey, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce

      ACTION: Notice to advise the public of changes to the printing and distribution of NOAA’s nautical charts, including digital charts, and to seek public comment.

      SUMMARY: NOAA is making significant changes to nautical chart printing and distribution, and is seeking public comment. This notice informs the public of the Office of Coast Survey’s approach to expanding navigation products and services, and explains how mariners may continue to access the nautical charts necessary for safe navigation of U.S. waters and to meet regulatory carriage requirements.

      DATES: Written, faxed, or emailed comments are due by midnight, February 3, 2014.

      ADDRESSES: Submit comments by mail to Director, Office of Coast Survey, 1315 East-West Highway #6216, Silver Spring MD 20910; or by using the online NOAA Nautical Inquiry & Comment System at http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/inquiry.

      FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Visit the Web site (http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov) or contact the Office of Coast Survey at the following address: NOAA, National Ocean Service, Office of Coast Survey, Marine Chart Division, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-32821, U.S.A.; telephone 888-990-6622; fax 301-713-4516; email anthony.r.klemm@noaa.gov.

      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NOAA is privatizing the printing of nautical charts. Regulations that govern nautical chart and publication carriage requirements remain unchanged. These regulations are found in 33 CFR 164 and Title 46 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

      After April 13, 2014, NOAA-certified Print-on-Demand (POD) charts will be the only official source available for mariners to obtain NOAA paper nautical charts. NOAA-certified POD charts, available since 1999 through certified POD partners, are official paper nautical charts that are up-to-date at the time of printing. These charts are considered “published” by NOAA’s National Ocean Service, and therefore meet chart carriage requirements.

      POD charts are currently available from NOAA commercial partners OceanGrafix (http://www.oceangrafix.com) and East View Geospatial (http://www.geospatial.com). If you are interested in becoming a POD chart provider, learn more at our Web site at http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/pod/PODpartner.htm.

      NOAA is also making nautical chart information available digitally in three new ways, and is seeking feedback on these three changes.

      1. For a three-month trial period (October 22, 2013 to January 22, 2014), NOAA is providing free digital chart image files in PDF (Portable Document Format) file format. The free PDF chart files are available for public use. The digital charts are also available as NOAA-certified Print-on-Demand charts. NOAA will evaluate the usage and user feedback to decide whether to continue providing public access to PDF nautical charts. Please note that the free PDF charts do not meet chart carriage requirements under federal regulations unless printed to NOAA quality standards by a NOAA-certified POD partner. Download PDF charts at www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/pdfcharts.
      2. NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey is providing high-resolution NOAA raster navigational charts (NOAA RNC®) for public testing and evaluation. The Office of Coast Survey is upgrading the image quality from the current 254 DPI to 400 DPI to improve clarity, readability, and aesthetics of this digital charting product. The evaluation dataset, which is kept up-to-date like the current RNCs, is available for download for Tampa Bay, Detroit, Long Island Sound, and Puget Sound. If no problems are identified or left unresolved, Coast Survey intends to upgrade all RNCs to 400 dpi by February 2014. Software product developers and RNC users are invited to provide comments or questions regarding this new service. Download the evaluation datasets at www.charts.noaa.gov/RNCs_400/.
      3. An online seamless viewer of NOAA’s electronic navigational charts (NOAA ENC®) is available for public use at the Web site http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/ENCOnline/. NOAA ENC Online optimizes the viewing of the entire ENC suite, using the display rules defined by the International Hydrographic Organization’s S-52 standards, Specifications for Chart Content and Display Aspects of ECDIS. The public is invited to provide comments or questions regarding this new service.

      Authority: 33 USC Chapter 17, Coast and Geodetic Survey Act of 1947
      Dated: December 16, 2013

      Gerd Glang,
      Director, Office of Coast Survey, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

      [FR Doc. 2013-31378 File 12-31: 8:45 am]
      NOAA Office of Coast Survey is the nation’s nautical chartmaker. Originally formed by President Thomas Jefferson in 1807, Coast Survey updates charts, surveys the coastal seafloor, responds to maritime emergencies, and searches for underwater obstructions that pose a danger to navigation.

       

      This is absolutely detrimental to navigational safety. Already, there are many fewer outlets for NOAA charts and obtaining POD charts requires advance planning and time to obtain, and they cost significantly more. As a boater with more than 35 years of experience I have numerous times purchased NOAA paper charts at or near the time needed because of a change in plans or other circumstances. That is simply no longer possible in most areas. PDF charts are next to useless because of the difficulty in printing off multiple segments and then cutting and taping them together, and the result is not at all water resistant or durable. Digital charts and privately produced chartbooks are great, but I personally like to always have both onboard.
      John Kettlewell

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    • Dec 30, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Proof of Pump-out to be Required in Key West?

      Captain Kettlewell sends us this article by reporter Gwen Filosa in The Florida Keys and Key West’s Daily Inline News. The report details discussions between members of the Bight Management Board and Mark Tait, the manager of the City Marina, concerning enforcement of the current law requiring pump-outs. For the complete story, go to: http://keysnews.com/node/52348. Such enforcement will affect transients and live-aboards.

      Key West is considering requiring dinghies and visiting boats to show proof of pumpouts before docking!
      What about those of us who use composting or incinerating toilets or porta potties?
      John Kettlewell

      While I absolutely agree that no boat should ever pump raw sewage overboard, someone in the Key West city attorney’s office and Monroe County should read the Federal Clean Water Act! It clearly and specifically prohibits states (and, therefore, municipalities from regulating MSDs or their use! They can enforce the Federal law and regulations but cannot go beyond those requirements. The federal law and regulations were put in place to avoid just this type of hodgepodge of laws which would be impossible for vessels to know or follow as they transit different local jurisdictions.
      Larry Sherman s/v Enchantress

      As a follow-up to my recent email regarding Key West requiring proof of pumpout, here is the Federal law prohibiting the states and their political subdivisions from doing that! Perhaps you could have your friends at BoatUS look into this?
      (f) Regulation by States or political subdivisions thereof; complete prohibition upon discharge of sewage
      (1)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), after the effective date of the initial standards and regulations promulgated under this section, no State or political subdivision thereof shall adopt or enforce any statute or regulation of such State or political subdivision with respect to the design, manufacture, or installation or use of any marine sanitation device on any vessel subject to the provisions of this section.
      (B) A State may adopt and enforce a statute or regulation with respect to the design, manufacture, or installation or use of any marine sanitation device on a houseboat, if such statute or regulation is more stringent than the standards and regulations promulgated under this section. For purposes of this paragraph, the term `houseboat’ means a vessel which, for a period of time determined by the State in which the vessel is located, is used primarily as a residence and is not used primarily as a means of transportation.
      Larry Sherman s/v Enchantress

      With respect to the federal law quoted, consider that Texas has an MSD Certification requirement (TEX WA. CODE ANN. § 26.044 : Texas Statutes ‘“ Section 26.044: DISPOSAL OF BOAT SEWAGE)
      That has been in place since 2009 without federal challenge.
      It applies thusly, `As used in this section, `boat’ means any vessel or other watercraft, whether moved by oars, paddles, sails, or other power mechanism, inboard or outboard, or any other vessel or structure floating on water in this state, whether or not capable of self-locomotion, including but not limited to cabin cruisers, houseboats, barges, marinas, and similar floating objects.’ The Gulf ICW is “water” in this state.
      Chris and Janet

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    • Dec 29, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Possible Development of Goat Island in the Future for Georgetown, SC, AICW Statute Mile 403

      Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 1776, Georgetown, South Carolina 29442

      Georgetown Harbor - Click for Chartview

      Any boater who has visited Georgetown harbor, especially to anchor, knows the location of Goat Island, because it parallels Harbor Walk and the rest of Georgetown waterfront. The owner of Goat Island is proposing to deed the property to the City of Georgetown for development for recreational use(see the Master Plan below). For the full story in the Georgetown Times, go to http://www.gtowntimes.com/article/20131025/GTT06/131029932/1110/goat-island-owner-sees-opportunity-for-georgetown-the-city-on-the-sampit

      Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Downtown Georgetown Waterfront Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Downtown Georgetown Waterfront Anchorage

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    • Dec 29, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Wishing They were with us in the South!

      We post this comment from Captain Viola and crew to offer our sympathies on their being stuck in the cold, cold north and to remind the rest of us of how lucky we are to be where there ain’t no snow and ice!!

      When we were about to sail south this year (to warmer climes in SC) in our Tri-Cabin trawler `Lady T’ ‘“ we transited Patcong Creek, a sheltered river off the Greate Egg Inlet near Ocean City NJ. We found the area littered with debris (no doubt from Hurr. Sandy) and wrapped a submerged cable around our stbd. shaft. We were disabled, the shaft bent, and the strut broken, and we never made it south. We enjoy SSCN, and wish we could join all of our friends that cruise south. Maybe next year! Keep up the good work and congrats on the great year!
      Captain Bob Viola
      `The Lady T’

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    • Dec 25, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission) Proposes Three Year Extension of the Pilot Mooring Field Program

      Just before Christmas, we received a telephone call from a fellow cruiser, reporting that the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission) was going to propose a three year extension of the Florida Pilot Mooring Field Program. There was not time to verify this data before the Holiday, but then, over Christmas, Captain Michael Connelly forwarded the “Florida Keysnoter” (www.keysnet.com) story below (see red text), which confirms the FWC’s action.
      The entire issue of Florida anchoring rights and Florida mooring fields has become a fast moving, and much discussed issue here on the SSECN. First, we presented a very frank discussion about the desirability of having mooring fields at all (see /?p=123153), and then comes the bombshell that ALL Florida anchoring and mooring field regulations are being challenged in US Federal court (see /?p=129877)! Now, here comes the FWC proposing a three year extension of the Pilot Program.
      It’s becoming a full time job just to keep up with this dynamic situation. The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net promises to do all in our power to keep the cruising community fully informed on all the latest developments in the struggle for Florida anchoring rights. HOWEVER, we need the help of fellow cruisers, like yourself and Captain Connelly. WHENEVER YOU GET WIND OF ANY LATE BREAKING DEVELOPMENTS, PLEASE SHOOT THAT INFO TO THE SSECN AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE MOMENT!

      New managed anchoring areas in the Florida Keys could have a short life span.
      A statewide pilot program that allowed creation of the new areas expires in July unless the Florida Legislature acts this spring.
      In October 2012, Monroe County commissioners gave final approval to the managed anchoring zones, or narrow no-anchoring buffer zones around existing mooring fields, in Marathon’s Boot Key Harbor, and in Lower Keys waters of Boca Chica Basin, Key West Harbor and Cow Key Channel.
      Over the past year, the areas went into effect as boundaries were marked by signs, and informational brochures were distributed to boaters and local marinas. A system of providing free but mandatory sewage pumpouts once a month was instituted.
      “Things are in place and going well,” Rich Jones, Monroe County’s senior administrator of Marine Resources, said this week.
      “We have not had a lot of feedback” from boaters using the areas, Jones said, “other than everybody likes the free pumpouts.”
      Information on how many boats are using the managed areas was not available at press time.
      The Legislature passed the 2009 law allowing the pilot program in five specific areas, including the Keys. The legislation specifies that the special rules will sunset on July 1 unless extended.
      It took time for local jurisdictions to craft their plans and rules, then have them approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Monroe County’s pilot program also needed the endorsement of city officials in Marathon and Key West.
      A slate of requests from the FWC board to state legislators for this spring’s session is expected to include a recommendation that the pilot anchoring program be extended until 2017.
      The Keys zones primarily were created to eliminate the illegal dumping of sewage from anchored boats, and identify boats at risk of sinking and becoming derelict.
      “Florida Keys waters have historically been used for living aboard and storage of vessels at anchor,” says the county’s managed-area information. “The water-related Keys lifestyle is a traditional part of the Keys culture. However, in recent years irresponsible boating practices, associated with proliferation of unmanaged anchorages, have created environmental impacts that have become a growing public concern.”
      As it stands, the Monroe County anchorages would remain if the Florida Legislature extends the pilot program. However, Monroe County commissioners could end the local program on their own by changing the local law creating them.

      As of 1/6/14, the “Keynoter” has published a follow-up story on this issue at:

      http://keysnews.com/node/52752

      It’s WELL WORTH READING. PLEASE follow the link above!

      I view FWC’s latest announcement as a positive move. The state of Florida is continuing to hold municipalities accountable until a formal process for establishing anchorages and mooring fields is put in place. By doing this FWC (the state of Florida) prevents the Wild West of anchoring rules which are dreamed up by any town, county or city who wishes to displace or control boaters. If ultimately there is a permanent Florida state statute which has similar checks and balances in place as the current temporary statute, I believe the boating public at large will be equally well served.
      Philip Johnson

      Anyone who thinks the FWC has nothing better to do than harass local live a boards, has no idea of what’s going on. Every thing they are trying to enforce only promotes the conservation of our beautiful community. Follow the rules when you are in our backyard and you will find the harassment non existent.
      Today alone between noon and two o’clock FWC resecued a lost diver, responded to a reported square grouper, and investigated a migrant insertion vessel off of boot key.
      Joe Bauman

      I’m sorry to say, but I know of some experienced cruisers that are staying away from these communities with managed mooring fields and anti-anchoring regulations. The derelicts have not gone away, just moved elsewhere. So the only people impacted by these laws are the responsible transient boaters like myself who prefer to use our thousands of dollars of anchoring gear for something other than bow jewelry. And, these communities that think they will now reap the rewards of forcing boaters to pick up pay moorings are paying for all this with their taxes as the fees do not cover the costs of building, running, and maintaining the fields.
      John Kettlewell

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    • Dec 24, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Rough Passage Through Georgia’s St. Andrew Sound, AICW Statue Mile 690

      Marker #32 - Click for Chartview

      The unpleasant passage experienced by Captain Gorham and crew is the reason we continue to look for alternate routes to avoid the infamous R32 in St. Andrew Sound (see /?p=130801). SSECN has heard similar horror stories and has had a Navigation Alert posted for Marker #32 for some time now.

      We had a wild ride southbound through the Sound on November 30, 2013 in our 26 foot Glacier Bay cat. Conditions were a lot rougher than I anticipated, and visibility got bad due to spray and the occasional breaking wave over the bow. We shaved marker 32 close on the western side, and had 10 foot depths that dropped very quickly to 35-40 feet almost immediately after we passed the marker. There were solid breaking waves on the big shoal to the east of the marker at the time, so I suspect it was close on to low tide.
      Jonathan Gorham
      M/V Top Cat

      I talked to a ferry captain that crosses the sound twice each day 365 days a year and he advised that a Northeast wind was the worst for the affect on the waves and current. A Northwest wind would be second worst and then next worst would opposing winds and tides, i.e. West winds with incoming tide or East winds and out-going tide. South winds being most favorable.
      Sonny Reeves

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Andrew Sound

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    • Dec 24, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Water Can Be Costly At Melbourne Harbor Marine (Statute Mile 919)

      Now, here is an INTERESTING post from Captain Bill which recently appeared on the Cruisers’ Forum (http://www.cruisersforum.com), about the cost of filling one’s fresh water tank, IF you are anchored off, and come in to fuel and take on water at Melbourne Harbor Marina. This facility’s entrance channel cuts west, abeam of AICW marker #6, south of the Melbourne twin, high-rise bridges.
      Bill’s criticism of the cost of fresh water at Melbourne Harbor Marine fostered quite a discussion on the Cruisers’ Forum (see http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f2/anchor-outs-not-welcome-117433.html). Some thought the marina’s charges were justifed, others took a different point of view. The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net takes no editorial position on this question of cost, but we do think this is information that needs to be known in the cruising community!

      I had an interesting first today. I went into the Melbourne Harbor Marina in Melbourne Florida for a pumpout, some water, and to dump some trash. I visit Melbourne every year for the month of December visiting relatives before continuing on to the Bahamas. In the past I have used the MHM because I have found it to be a friendly and easy place to and get a pumpout and water. In the past what I have done get two pumpout and two water fills during December while anchored out. Melbourne does not have a lot of marina options for Catamarans. Melbourne Harbor Marina cannot accommodate a Catamaran at all. When I’m ready to leave I have always filled my fuel tanks at MHM before heading south and that visit was well over $$300. In the past the pumpout was $10 and water and trash was free. The first time I was in this year the pumpout was still $10 and water and trash was $5. This was perfectly reasonable in my opinion. Water and trash service are not free to the marina and a reasonable charge is not a problem. Today when I went in there The pumpout was still $10 but he asked how much water I needed and I said 80 gallons. Which he said would be $20. I asked him why it was up from $5 only 10 days ago. He said it is what it is. When I pointed out I paid less than this for RO water in the bahamas he went off on a rant about “anchor outs” wanting all these services for free. I asked for absolutely nothing for free. In the Bahamas it costs quite a bit to make RO water from sea water so $.25 a gallon is reasonable. This guy pays .00433 cents a gallon for city water so 80 gallons cost him 32 cents. Five dollars for 32 cents worth of water is a pretty good profit in my opinion even if one includes the capital cost of running a pipe to the end of the dock. He pays a flat rate for a trash dumpster. A bag of trash does not change what he pays so anything he charges is money in his pocket. The city requires that he have the dumpster even if it’s not used.
      Before I retired there was an old business rule about never being rude or nasty to a small customer because you never knew when they might become a big customer or how many big customers he had as friends. Today I was a small customer. The guy I dealt with identified himself as the owner. Needless to say I’ll find some where else to fill my tanks. Maybe $300-$400 worth of diesel is not worth his time, so be it. I don’t know why business owners act like this, do they think cruisers don’t talk to other cruisers? This was the first time I had ever been treated so rudely by a Marina. I might not have been so offended if he did not go off on me for not buying a service he didn’t offer (dockage for my Cat).
      Captain Bill

      Suggest y’all stop at Telemar Bay Marina just North of the Eau Galle bridge and Dragon Point. Very friendly! Plenty of room for cats even 42v footers.
      Russ Davignon

      Telemar Marina guards the Banana River’s easterly banks, just north of the Eau Gallie fixed bridge and Dragon Point.

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Telemar Marina

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

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Melbourne Harbor Marine

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Melbourne Harbor Marine

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    • Dec 19, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Good Words for Ft. Myers Beach Mooring Field, Western Florida Coastline, south of the Western Florida ICW’s “Miserable Mile”

      Ft. Myers Beach Mooring Field - Click for Chartview

      The Town of Fort Myers Beach proudly operates and maintains the Matanzas Harbor Municipal Mooring Field. The field boasts 70 mooring balls available for public rental year-round, and accommodates vessels up to 48 feet in length. The mooring field is located east of the Sky Bridge between San Carlos and Estero Islands in Matanzas Pass. For recreational cruisers, the Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field is a wonderful destination. Coming ashore at the Town's dinghy dock puts boaters in walking distance to beaches, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and public transportation. Mooring ball rental fees are $13/day or $260/month. All renters MUST register with Matanzas Inn upon arrival. The dinghy dock is available for public use to tie up dinghies 10' or less (no overnight tie-ups). The dock is located beneath the Sky Bridge between Matanzas Inn Restaurant and the public fishing pier. Ft. Myers Beach Mooring Field lies east of the 65-foot Fort Myers Beach high-rise bridge on the northern shore of Estero Island. These good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!!!!

      The Ft. Myers Beach mooring field was a pleasant stay with decent facilities provided. The dinghy dock is just a couple blocks from downtown attractions. A bargain for $13/night compared to $2.50/ft transient slips. It’s the way to go to pack many boats into a small area.
      Archie Faulkner

      We left the Ft. Myers beach mooring field a week ago, and have nothing but great things to say about the moorings and the people at Matanzas Inn who administer the mooring fields. Always professional, pleasant and helpful, these people mad our stay there very pleasant. The pumpout boat is run by a good guy, working for the ft. Myers public works department, and is very helpful with information about the area. Now one of our top five places to stay a while.
      Rick Cass

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Ft. Myers Beach Mooring Field

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ft. Myers Beach Mooring Field

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    • Dec 19, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Results of 12/18/13 Meeting At Boot Key Harbor Marina Between FWC Representatives, Marathon Local Government Leaders, and the Cruising Coummunity

      It is now the morning of 12/19/13, and we have already been on the telephone with “Katrina,” Administrative Assistant for the Boot Key City Harbormaster, and have learned that a meeting did indeed take place last evening, at Boot Key Harbor City Marina with representatives of the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Service), local Marathon, Florida governmental officials, and a host of cruisers. If you have been following this situation both here on the SSECN, and/or on the Cruisers’ Forum (see both /?p=129366 and http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f57/civil-rights-attorney-needed-marathon-fl-116693-11.html), you know that a HOST of cruisers have lodged serious complaints and questions about “heavy handed” actions on the part of FWC officers in boarding and inspecting vessels both at anchor, and on the city provided mooring balls, in Boot Key Harbor.
      The Marathon local government became integrally involved in this matter following a very substantial cruising community presence at the last city council meeting. Unfortunately, the on-line minutes of this meeting are not yet available, but we are told the city government expressed serious concern about the actions of the FWC, and it apparently became quite clear that local government was very much an ally of the entire cruising community in this matter.
      One of the prime movers in this entire affair has been the captain of the sailing vessel, “Thin Line.” Late in the day on 12/19/13, the master of this vessel posted a note on Cruisers’ Forum, which we have reprinted below! It makes for very interesting reading, and provides what is probably the BEST summary of the 12/18/12 meeting!
      Back to the timeline, the result of all this early interaction was that a meeting was arranged for the evening of 12/18/13 to bring together all interested and concerned parties. As alluded to above, this meeting was indeed held, and, thanks to our conversation with “Katrina,” we are able to provide a summary of what took place.
      We interviewed “Katrina” on the morning of 12/19/13 at some length about this important gathering, and were told that the meeting encompassed better than three hours, and provided a forum for many cruisers to voice their concerns to Captain David Dipre, lead FWC representative, who “chaired” the meeting. We were told the give and take between cruisers and the FWC “went fairly well,” and many “left with a positive note.”
      Captain Dipre suggested that all cruisers and boat owners who experience future problems with FWC officers, contact him directly at 305-289-2320. He and his fellows also brought along books of Florida boating regulations which were distributed at the meeting, and it was discussed which regs applied to the situation in Boot Key Harbor.
      And now, we will leave our reporting mode, and enter into some editorial comments. ALL CRUISERS AND LOCAL BOAT OWNERS WHO BROUGHT THIS SITUATION TO THE FORE, AND SHONE A SPOTLIGHT ON THE ACTIONS OF THE FWC, HAVE DONE A GREAT SERVICE FOR THE CRUISING COMMUNITY! With this much attention being paid, it’s a very safe bet that FWC officers operating in Boot Key Harbor will be very mindful of courtesy and their own conduct regulations for some time to come!
      It is the editorial opinion of the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net that Boot Key Harbor is once again, and will most likely remain so for some time to come, a welcoming place for both resident and visiting cruisers. And, that’s a very good thing indeed, as Boot Key Harbor is the finest and most protected natural anchorage in all of the Florida Keys.
      Be ASSURED that the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net will continue to monitor this situation closely. Let’s all hope the meeting of 12/18/13 closes this unfortunate chapter which has blemished an otherwise sterling cruising destination in the Florida Keys. Please let us know about your experiences in BKH by sending e-mail to CruiserNet@triad.twcbc.com, or following the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below!

      And now, PLEASE READ THESE IMPORTANT WORDS FROM THE CAPTAIN OF THE “THIN LINE:”

      Sorry I haven’t been able to respond until now, our harbor internet is being worked on so I couldn’t write last night and I had to work today.
      Last nights meeting was well attended, both by boaters, the FWC, and other interested parties. There were 2 FWC Capt’s, and 1 officer, 4 USCG, as well as the Mayor and several city council members. While the discussion was at times heated and several times seemed to derail and go off track, overall there was much good discussion. What I find interesting is the varying opinions of the way the meeting turned out. I personally think the meeting accomplished everything we set out to do. We,,

      1. Brought attention to the problem.
      2. They acknowledged our voice by having the meeting, and by those who attended.
      3. They were in PR mode and attempted to put a human face on the FWC, Capt Dupree represented them well.
      4. The FWC acknowledged there were problems with some laws and they are working on getting them resolved.
      5. Cleared up some rumors that were blown way out of proportion.
      6. We were able to establish that almost, if not all, of the questionable interactions were from 1 particular officer. (training issue)
      7. Capt Dupree stated that his officers are being instructed to show greater discretion and more respect for the boaters in Boot Key.
      8. Both Capt’s have instituted an open door policy, as well as gave out personal numbers to discuss issues as they happen instead of letting it come to a head.
      9. Agreed we need to keep this open dialogue and should have a town hall type meeting a couple times per year.

      Sure, some of the people that attended wanted a full blown apology, with FWC admitting they did something wrong and groveling, obviously that was not going to happen. They do have to maintain the integrity of the field officers (even if they were wrong) however the general impression I got was they were there to repair the relationship. The Mayor and the city showed a huge amount of support and validation for us as boaters and wanted to make sure this was resolved. Overall the people that attended were well behaved, well mannered and even though a few wanted to bring pitchforks and torches, they checked them at the door. Most importantly my kids were there from start to finish, they got to see how people can rally together and change things. It was also another example of always standing up for what is right, even if it’s not directly affecting you right now, it could have eventually and it was just plain wrong. Everyone stood together, we made our voice heard and to me, that means we won this battle.
      Thank you to everyone for your support, your phone calls and your kind words, they helped tremendously! For those of you that were going to skip Boot Key, don’t, you’ll be missing out on a strong community of amazing people I’m proud to call friends.
      *_The following is what I said at the meeting when I was asked to speak. I hope I represented the harbor well and I tried to walk a “thin line” between being an upset boater/member of this community, and being a city employee. _*

      *We are here tonight to raise questions, questions we as boaters need answers to. Hopefully tonight we will all leave here a little wiser and with far less anxiety. The FWC’s presence in the harbor starting on Thanksgiving day was overwhelming to say the least. Nightly spotlighting, and late night boarding of vessels without cause brought a sense of fear into Boot Key Harbor. This is a family community of live aboard boaters, these are our homes. I also know that FOR NOW’¦ these are not offered the same protection, but they should be offered respect. A little bit of tact on the part of the FWC officers in question and we might not be here tonight.
      Capt Dupree you said something the other day that stuck with me, it’s something I think might have prevented the entire situation in the harbor if those officers here would have followed your advice. “Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should” Just because you can board a vessel at 11pm, waking a family, scaring the children AND the parents out of sleep and into a state of disorientation, doesn’t mean you should. Using discretion and a little bit of tact, goes a long way with the public, just as the decision of your officers went a long way in creating this negative situation. Their actions have reached far beyond the mangroves of Boot Key Harbor. There are articles nationwide in magazines, internet and other media, and the city marina is fielding calls daily from all over the country about this situation. On cruisers forum alone there are over 15k views and word is spreading fast. We all await the outcome of this meeting. Many people have decided to skip Boot Key until this is resolved. This lost revenue creates a ripple effect that also reaches far and beyond the harbor. Cruisers bring money, dispensable income that infuses the economy here in Marathon. These businesses also have an interest in the outcome of this meeting.
      I understand after talking with you, several of these citations were warranted. Many times the one ticket written was the least of the many infractions the individual could have gotten. Other times the citations have been odd, if not just plain bizarre. Writing tickets for things nobody has ever heard of, again, “Just because they can”. Capt Dupree, what we want is consistent interactions and for you to pass this message to your officers in the field. We are not going to live in fear, we will not put up with heavy handed officers, and we WILL call into question at the highest levels, the necessity of actions such as nightly spotlighting and shining into my 8 year old daughters bedroom window. How many nights in a row do you have to “check my registration”? Capt Dupree we welcome the dialogue and the help in returning Boot Key Harbor to the way it was before Thanksgiving. Respect is not something that comes with a gun and a badge, fear does not earn it and it is not blindly given. When it is not given to us we question that authority, so tonight lets try and repair what has been damaged and show each other mutual respect.. Thank you. *

      What was the reason for the heavy handed and (in my view) illegal police activity?
      Captain Mike Wright

      Captain Wright wrote, `What was the reason for the heavy handed and (in my view) illegal police activity?’
      Captain Wright,
      1. What was the answer you received from FWC?
      2. What do you expect to change as a result of the meeting?
      Thanks
      Jim

      My good friend Walt Avery has retired from his career as a marine biologist working in Tampa Bay on seagrass restoration to live aboard his lovingly restores Pearson 39. He is a waterman with as good a knowledge of the rules and regulations as any one I know but he is now fighting a jack-booted FWC in Marathon’s Boot Key Harbor.
      He relates the story of a family with children rousted in the middle of the night for inspection.

      I don’t know how aware you or those in the Marine Industries Association are of what is going on but he reports that FWC is running off law abiding yachtsmen with enforcement of obscure regulations (like needing a 12-volt system on your dingy to maintain a yellow over white light over the long winter night.)
      Law abiding yachtsmen are facing criminal prosecution for bizarre laws.
      The restaurants are losing customers who don’t want to get caught taking their dingies back to their boats after dark without full lighting, not just a motoring light.
      Boot Key Harbor, which generally has a waiting list this time of year has a 20% vacancy due to FWC tactics including late night inspections and demands that out of state yachtsmen from states that don’t require registration of documented vessels must now register their boats in Florida if they stay longer than 60 days. Think of having to pay sales tax on your yacht’s value if you want to come and spend money in Florida.
      I want to spread the word. Our marinas could be next.
      Merry Christmas,
      Kevin

      Actions speak louder than words. Hopefully, the meeting will help the situation. But don’t get your hopes up. This has been going on for decades in Boot Key Harbor. I was there in 1988, when they did a joint operation with the Florida Marine Patrol, Monroe County Sheriffs, Customs and immigration, and the FWC.They sealed the harbor on both ends,and using a bullhorn, ordered everyone to return to their boats and standby for boarding. They then spent the entire day boarding boats and writing frivolous citations. I believe Capt Dipre is the same guy who was some kind of spokesman for the FWC at the time. He went on the local radio station and basically said they planned to keep on doing it. Boot key Harbor has been the subject of harassment for decades, with occasional periods of relative calm, followed by more harassment.
      Also see the Sept 2007 issue of southwinds, and scroll down to the `letters’, where this then `officer’ Dipre is mentioned, regarding another raid. It appears he is probably behind most of the harassment, but seems to be softening his image a bit at the recent meeting.
      http://www.southwindssailing.com/pdfs-issues/southwindsseptember2007.pdf
      This Dipre guy has been defending his cops for the past 25 years, with any relief being short lived!
      Scott Kuhnen

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marathon, Florida’s Boot Key Harbor

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Boot Key Harbor City Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Boot Key Harbor City Marina

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    • Dec 19, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments 30.993,-81.41279999

      IMPORTANT – More on Marker/Charting Confusion and Increased Shoaling on AICW’s Passage Through Georgia’s St. Andrew Sound (St. M. 690), 8/10/12


       View In Chartview

      OK, ALL AICW cruisers bound through southern Georgia within the next six months (at least), LISTEN UP! It appears we have a serious problem on the AICW’s passage through often ROUGH St. Andrew Sound, south of Jekyll Creek/Island. The data detailed below was sent to the Cruisers’ Net by way of fellow cruising guide author, Captain John Kettlewell.
      Captain John, a good and long-time friend of yours truly, and I have been in close touch about this St. Andrew Sound situation, and compared notes. Unfortunately, neither of us has had occasion to research this portion of the Waterway for a good two years, so WE COULD REALLY USE SOME LATE BREAKING INPUT FROM THE CRUISING COMMUNITY CONCERNING THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION! If you have cruised the St. Andrew Sound section of the AICW within the last 4 months, PLEASE e-mail me directly at CruisersNet@triad.twcbc.com, or click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below!
      With that being said, it appears to both John and myself, that the charted shoal north and northeast of marker #32, may well have built out almost to the northern edge of this aid to navigation. Thus, if any vessel attempts to pass #32 to its northern or eastern sides, that sad sound of keel meeting sand (or mud), will be the result.
      As Captain John notes below, the marker numbering scheme, and the placement of the infamous (and ofter incorrect) magenta line in these waters is truly bizarre. John suggests, with good reason, that #32 might now be an inlet marker, and should be passed to its safe, southern side when cruising east to west through St. Andrew Sound Inlet. I agree with John that this seem plausible, BUT, conversely, the numbering suggests #32 is in fact an AICW marker.
      Our collective best advice at this point, is to be SURE to pass #32 to its western and southwestern flanks, without straying too far from this aid to navigation. Under no circumstances should you attempt to pass #32 to its northerly side. Ignore strangely placed marker #31A. From #32, southbound AICW craft should point to eventually come abeam of marker #33 well to its western side. Note that it’s a long gap between #32 and #33!
      OK, AGAIN, we need to more input on this situation. PLEASE let us hear from you! The SSECN is declaring a Navigational Alert for these waters!

      Update as of 12/2013

      We had a wild ride southbound through the Sound on November 30, 2013 in our 26 foot Glacier Bay cat. Conditions were a lot rougher than I anticipated, and visibility got bad due to spray and the occasional breaking wave over the bow. We shaved marker 32 close on the western side, and had 10 foot depths that dropped very quickly to 35-40 feet almost immediately after we passed the marker. There were solid breaking waves on the big shoal to the east of the marker at the time, so I suspect it was close on to low tide.
      Jonathan Gorham
      M/V Top Cat

      Earlier Contributions:

      I came through traveling north on 10/13/2013 at mid-tide following the Magenta Line as usual. No problem. Saw 60′ between Stm 690 and R32 dropping to 16′ just past R32.
      James H. Newsome
      Contributing Writer ‘“ Southwinds Magazine
      s/v Roma ‘“ Coastal Cruising With Hugh & Suze

      Well, we know that r32 is off station. It is actually north east of the charted position and located on the edge of the shoal that goes bare at mllw; so any vessel with 5’ or more draft can be in trouble. It’s a money maker for Sea Tow.
      The troubling issue is why the course line is drawn incorrectly to the west of that buoy but actually provides a guide thru safe water? Did NOAA know it’s off station and just drew the line incorrectly to give us a hint? Interestingly, if you look at a chart that’s about 10 years old ; you will see the course line is drawn on the correct side!. When a person is piloting the sound for the first time; what should they believe; the buoy or the course line? That could be an interesting debate between husband and wife and/or Captain and owner! I didn’t see any notices to mariners about the buoys location.
      Pete

      Here is what I am guessing, but do not know without some further research. The R32 may now be positioned as a red-on-right marker for those returning from the ocean via the inlet, therefore they want you to leave it to starboard when inbound from the ocean, but in reality you need to leave it to port when headed south on the ICW. This would mean in addition to its red color it should have a fluorescent yellow square on it indicating that it is considered a port-side beacon for the ICW (when southbound). Though according to the most current Light List, those markings are not the case so I may be wrong in this guess. Or, you could be right in that the buoy is simply off station. I will try to find out more and get back to you.
      John Kettlewell

      Claiborne:
      Take a look at the following messages with regard to R32 in St. Andrew’s Sound. For some reason the magenta line on the chart is on the wrong side of the buoy and has been for years, but this fellow says that now the R32 is on the edge of the shoal to the NE and if for some reason you do leave it to starboard when southbound it will put you aground. Do you have any information on the area you can share?
      John Kettlewell

      And, as usual, the cruising community is responding by sharing useful information! There just aren’t any better folk than cruisers!

      Between 2009 and 2011, my wife and I made 4 transits of the sound on our sailboat, which draws 5 ft.. Our last was north bound to NJ in late March 2011. We were traveling with another boat and followed him through. We both treated Red “32” as an AICW bouy and passed close to port, because of the narrow channel. I always monitor closelly my nav instruments and and don’t rememmber the exact depth, but I am sure it was double digits. Everything seemed routine and no different than previous transits. Red ” 32 ” appeared to be in its usual position. As far as the magenta line is concerned, it is not unusual to see it out of place.
      I would add that the sound and behind Jeckel Island are some of the more challenging parts of the waterway and have my respect and full concentration. I remember the crossing well, because the wind was from the SE and blowing around 18 to 20kn kicking up quite a sea. I felt like I was in a washing machine.
      John and Honey Funston
      Hielan’ Lass II

      All Sailors
      We passed thru this area July 23 2012 bound for our home port of St Augustine. Our observations were :
      First , R32 was east and somewhat north of our chartplotter position
      Second , It was half flood tide and depth sounder showed 6 feet on that side ( we left it to starboard per ICW southbound )
      Third , G31A was nowhere in sight
      We have had several nasty storms along this coast in June ( Berrell ) and in July ( Debbie ) and others without names.
      Notices have been posted to be watchful for missing marks, etc.
      Our sailboat,Santana, draws 3 feet 8 inches which is becoming desireable around here Safe sailing to all.
      Captains Matt and Margaret
      PS On the same trip, we encountered 2 , yes 2, funnel clouds in the St Simons/ Brunswick inlet on July 19 and turned around and went back out to sea. They were not forecast!

      We passed St.Andrew Sound red 32 northbound in April this year and kept it close to port as we made the turn. We draw 5 feet and depths were not a problem. The breakers to the northeast were very obvious, very visible. The mark may have shifted since then as there have been two TS’s that have blown through this area in late spring/early summer.
      Steve and Sheila Kamp
      S/V Carolina

      We transited this area last spring and twice last year. We always pass on the southwest side of R32 approximately where the magenta line shows on your chart. We have been skeptical of the channel between G31 and R32 for a years.
      Walter and Ellen Solomons
      M/V Rachel

      In January of this year (2012) we were headed south and kept R32 on the Starboard side, on our return trip in April we kept it to port. We draw 5 feet and had no problem. We did stay close to the mark both times. We do not have a chart plotter, and had a 10 + year old chartbook so gave no thought of passing R32 on the `wrong side.’ If I remember correctly, it does have an ICW yellow triangle on it.
      John and Georgie Jackson

      Passed through here the 6th of May and did pass to the West side of `32’³ as I always do having a draft of 3′. I do this as it allows for a more gradual turn and I never see less than 10′ and this is not overly close to the mark. Has anyone reached out to the local towing services or the USCG for their input???
      Donovan (EOS, TC-44)

      Jim Reed's tracks

      We passed this area on 4/16 going north and got very confused and concerned about the water depth. About 6 ft. I believe we took R32 port side on the way back whereas we might have cut it going south. I have my fairly detailed track files for the trips if they are desirable but they do not show the depths recorded.
      Jim Reed

      We transit this route several times a year. Last transit was June of this year heading north to Brunswick. We have a full keel 6ft draft sailing vessel and usually time our passage close to high tide due to transiting Jekyll Creek. We always pass R32 on the east side of the buoy as the CG stated (the Magenta Line is incorrect in the turn). It is a tight turn and particular attention should be paid to the alignment of G 31A and G 31 as you round R 32 keeping it to port (heading north). It is a little unnerving due to the quick depth change (deep to shallow) but there was at least 15 ft of water at high tide in June. Pretty much the same for the past 3 years. Hope this helps.
      Capt. Jesse Price s/v Wind Dust

      December 18, 2013. Note the Local Advice!
      Passed 32 today. Steered a course from 31 to 32 heading south and passed about 100 ft on the wrong side of 32. Minimum depth at 32 was 15.8 ft. With tide at 6.1 ft over mlw. Locals at marina also advised passing on the wrong side.
      Terry, Orient Moon

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    • Dec 18, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      A GOOD Idea – Why Not Let ARGUS Define the “New” Magenta Line

      As reported earlier on the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net, as well as many other nautical web sites and forums, the NOAA charting folks have decided to discontinue the “magenta” fairway line, which was supposed to indicate the best depths while navigating the AICW, and many other USA Waterways. There was some discussion about this decision coming about due to budgetary considerations, but all of us at the SSECN collectively feel the real reason was that, far too often, the magenta line simply did NOT properly indicate where the best depths were to be found. NOAA no longer, if they ever did, has the resources to adequately survey the Waterways to find out where the channels have wandered to lately.
      Then, we received an e-mail and subsequent telephone call from ARGUS founder, John Hersey of Survice Engineering, with what sounds to us like a really GOOD idea. The ARGUS project is already gathering millions of soundings on the AICW and other coastal waters. Why not let the ARGUS data determine where the magenta line really SHOULD be placed on the appropriate NOAA charts?
      Wow, talk about an improvement. Instead of having the magenta line’s position based on surveys (sometimes) from the 1930’s, now its position would be determined by the millions of soundings undertaken by ARGUS cooperating research craft. And, this sounding data is about as timely as you can get!
      John informed us that his company is taking a look at proposing this idea to NOAA, the USCG and the US Army Corps of Engineers.. However, with the current budget climate in Washington, Survice Engineering is not optimistic that the effort would be funded, even though the cost would be a small fraction of a complete Federal resurvey. But wait, there may be an intriguing alternative.
      Captain John made us aware of a program we had never heard of before, known as “Kickstarter” (http://www.kickstarter.com). Quite simply, Kickstarter proposes what seem to be worthy projects to the public at large, and solicits small donations from private individuals. If enough people contribute to a “kickstarter” project, then this seed money may very well bring worthwhile efforts to fruition, that would otherwise have just lain dormant forever. If there is not enough interest, and a project does not receive enough financial pledges of support, no-one has lost anything, and the project is simply cancelled, and any pledges that were received are cancelled and never collected. An interesting concept, and a very interesting idea, all rolled together in one!
      Would you be willing to make a small contribution to Kickstarter to have an ACCURATE magenta line appear on NOAA charts? What do you think of this entire concept? Good idea, bad idea, or just don’t know.
      THE SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM AS MANY MEMBERS OF THE CRUISING COMMUNITY ABOUT THIS CONCEPT AS POSSIBLE. We will then pass along your “words to wisdom” to both ARGUS and Kickstarter. Please send your thoughts to CruisersNet@triad.twcbc.com.
      We look forward to hearing from you!

      Magenta line, misplaced or just plain missing has one thing ARGUS doesn’t ‘” `sovereign immunity.’ NOAA cannot be sued. Without this protection, ARGUS could be playing `you bet your company.’
      What about chart plotting software companies? They simply convey government charting and geodesy products in a `pass through’ and are very careful to keep their value added layers away from the C&G data. In ARGUS’ case they would be the C&G data provider.
      Explorer charts and a few others may have a liability protection model worth looking at, but until that aspect of this idea is nailed down, I’d say it’s a bit early to fund it.
      Chris and Janet

      Using ARGUS in lieu of the magenta line is a great idea. It enables a skipper to just follow the route that others took.
      No one should mis-interpret the meaning of ARGUS data. It is a rendition of `I took this route, and this is what I found.’ It does not absolve a mariner of the responsibility to navigate in a safe manner.
      Already ARGUS data includes soundings for many places where there never was a magenta line, and other places where prudent skippers deviated from the recommended route. Using ARGUS data points is just a natural extension of this existing program.
      Richard Ross MV Chez Nous

      Generally a bad idea. The magenta line was never intended to indicate the `best depths’. Instead it was intended to indicate to direction of the ICW at crossings, forks, and so on. The folks who insist otherwise and then complain are the reason that NOAA is dropping the line.
      Gene Fuller

      I agree about the liability issue but think this is worthwhile. In the meantime we are building a shallow draft boat.
      Dawn Moore

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    • Dec 18, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.5605,-81.94099999

      Bikini Basin Anchorage Recommended, Cape Coral, Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 142


       View In Chartview

      Harney Point - Click for Chartview

      Well, thanks to Captain Jeff Moore, we may have just uncovered a real Western Florida “anchorage find” near the city of Fort Myers, and on the Caloosahatchee River’s shoreline. Bikini Basin is not named on most charts, but it is located south and west of Cape Coral fixed bridge and almost due west of Okeechobee marker #70.
      Based on Captain Moore’s comments below, this is not the most navigationally simple anchorage on the Western Florida coastline, but it sounds like it may be one of the most secure! If anyone else has anchored on these waters, PLEASE let us hear from you. Use the “Click Here to Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, or send e-mail directly to CruisersNet@triad.twcbc.com.

      A great anchorage in Cape Coral, Florida is in Bikini Basin, inside Harney Point and a few yards down river from marker 70 in the OWW. Unlike Bimini Basin there is no power line guarding the entrance to the anchorage. There is only room for a few boats (3 or 4 at most) but since it appears on no lists of anchorages there is rarely anyone there. I live on Bikini Basin and regularly take my Westsail 42, OSPREY, 5’8’³ draft, in and out at mid-tide rising. The holding is sand and mud. Wind protection is 360 deg.
      Enter the rim canal to the north between mkrs. 1 and 2 a few hundred yards down-river from OWW mkr 70. When the channel forks, take the right fork and hug the green side until you are at Harney point. From there on split the reds and greens until you are abeam the first channel to port and head to port, into the channel. Anchor in the middle. There is no place to dinghy to shore as the basin is surrounded by private property. I have anchored there hundreds of times, waiting for the tide to rise enough to get over the sand bar at the entrance to my slip at the end of the basin. BTW, if coming down-river from Ft. Myers, Don’t be seduced by the first channel to stbd., that parallels the Cape Coral Bridge on the down-river side. It’s 3 ft. deep at MLW.
      Jeff Moore

      After further thought, I would replace the mid-tide rising comment with “1.0 ft. above MLW with a 5’8″ draft, when wind is not a factor.” A strong wind with any north or west in it drains the basin significantly.
      Jeff

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Harney Point

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    • Dec 18, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      “The Cone of iPhone Shame”

      Ok, admittedly, this has very little to do with cruising, but I couldn’t resist. I just swiped this image, posted by fellow nautical writer, Mark Doyle, off the St. Augustine Cruisers’ Net (https://www.facebook.com/groups/staugustinecruisersnet/). It brought on a serious chuckle from this fellow. May it have the same effect for you!

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    • Dec 17, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Florida Pilot Mooring Fields Program Being Challenged in US Federal Court

      Port of Call, St. Augustine This story is potentially one of the most important ever published on the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net in regards to anchoring on Floridian waters. It has the potential to change EVERYTHING! That may not happen, but there is some reason to believe it might.
      This news begins with a challenge in US Federal court to St. Augustine, Florida’s anchoring and mooring policies, as set forth under the Florida Pilot Mooring Field Program. However, this entire matter actually goes far deeper than a challenge to the Mooring Fields Program. In fact, it is a challenge to the rights of any state, county or local government to regulate anchorage on “navigable waters” in any way, shape or form. As I understand Captain MacDougall’s argument, only the US Federal government has this authority, and this right is guaranteed by Federal law and at least hinted at in the US Constitution!
      Going back to the 1990’s, and the old, now long defunct, “Coalition of Concerned Boaters,” many have said, including attorneys within this old group, that the real key was to challenge ALL Florida state and local anchorage regulations in Federal court. The problem was that no-one has had both the will and/or financial resources to undertake such a challenge, AT LEAST UNTIL NOW!
      All that has changed, with the Federal suit brought against the city of St. Augustine by Captain Michael `Wolfy’ MacDougall. By following the link below to a well written story in the “St. Augustine Record,” you can find out much, much more about this still unfolding drama.
      And, before giving you this link, let me just note that one of the SSECN’s newest SPONSORS, Port of Call, St. Augustine (http://www.portofcallsa.com/) is also heavily involved in trying to have all Florida anchoring regulations negated via Federal authority. You can read more from Port of Call St. Augustine concerning this issue at:

      http://www.portofcallsa.com/pilot-program.html

      And, to peruse the HIGHLY RECOMMENDED article in the “St. Augustine Record,” please follow this link:

      http://staugustine.com/news/local-news/2013-12-15/st-augustines-anchoring-and-mooring-pilot-program-tested#.UrB0Jyf7v2B

      As we’ve said above, this is VERY INTERESTING news, no matter which side of the Florida anchoring rights debate you occupy. We would like to hear what YOU, the members of the cruising community, think about this US Federal court case. Please make use of the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, or send e-mail directly to CruisersNet@triad.twcbc.com.

      I’d like to remark on this article, since I was quoted in it and now having read it and the comments accompanying it, can add the following:
      Had the Pilot Program’s actual intent been as stated, a lot more cruisers such as myself would have supported it. However, its clear intention was to move boaters from areas where they have historically anchored if such activity bothered wealthy homeowners.
      Another of its unspoken goals was to generate income where none was before, by ‘˜monetizing’ the act of anchoring. Unfortunately, and this can be born out by the experiences of the largest mooring field in Florida, Marathon, anchoring fields do not pay ‘“ they cost the municipality. That has been a long established fact. Marathon has sunk hundreds of thousands of dollars into its mooring field, all taxpayer ‘“ not boater ‘“ funded.
      But the main goal for most municipalities was to get rid of their derelicts ‘“ people with drug and substance abuse problems, mental issues, or simply poverty. Such lovely folks you are ‘“ instead of choosing to help these folks, who truly need it, you just shoo them on to the next jurisdiction. Proud of yourselves I trust?
      However, you’ve also lumped myself and thousands of other cruisers in with your social welfare problem, by laying the same rules on us. The fact is, even the FWC noted that the real problem with derelicts was as I’ve just noted ‘“ poverty, substance abuse, etc.
      I’m so sorry that so many people in Florida cannot see the difference.
      Wally Moran

      I sailed in the Navy then the Merchant Marine for over 30 yrs. I learn 2 to sail a sailboat! Now that so much attention has come to our sport and lifestyle because of a small percentage of nasty kooks, I am at a loss as to how I’m supposed to perceive myself! Thanks Capt Wally, we will be seeing you around!Merry Christmas!
      Captain Jerry Robbins

      I agree with all above and would like to add that the Fwcs list of goals for their pilot program includes `Promote Public access to waters of the state’ so how does limiting anchoring in some areas do this, it seems contradictory. I am sorry but derelict boats will always be a problem in our society. Just because someone abandons or wrecks a car on the side of the road or throw trash we do not prohibit cars from driving on the road do we. Our waterways need the Fwc to start looking at the real dangers to the Waterways of this state, pollution from agriculture including golf courses. We need to regulate runoff from land based sources. I have already spent close to 1000 dollars retrofitting my small sailboat for a legal holding tank system while I sit in my townhome in Broward County and watch all the chemicals sprayed on the golf course behind me end up draining into a canal that goes out to sea. Wake up Fwc and start doing something about this.
      Dave C

      Thank you Captain Wolfey. I will be sending a donation for your court costs and encourage others to do so. There are laws to deal with derelict vessels and the money is there. Its just a matter of priorities. I feel its really scary when the people who are supposed to be enforcing laws are involved this deeply in creating the legislation,ie.. FWC especially when theyre breaking higher laws. Who are the real criminals?
      Steve Roth

      Compliments of the Season to you also Claiborne.
      All these regulations we cruising people have to put up with are mainly on behalf of marinas trying to fill their slips in a poor economy – and towns trying to get income to augment their budgets. The net result is a far lower number of cruising boats on the water than was the case some 6 years ago.
      Many owners are trying to sell their boats – though only if prepared to accept low offers. Others have decided best not to cruise and save the money for whatever else might be coming down the pike. And still others are sick and tired of being boarded by all kinds of agencies trying to find a reason to give us a ticket. The irony is that many marinas today are finding it hard to make a living let alone a profit. They should be REDUCING their prices not increasing .
      Glad you have added charts etc for the St Johns River. You might recall that I am the person who first built Green Cove Springs Marina – which I sold out my ownership some 20 odd years ago under precisely similar conditions – that is a Recession which always badly hits anything to do with boats. We also had to deal with Environmental Agencies which at times was a nightmare.
      Now that too is much worse – very difficult for a marina to expand or even make improvements – always some official from some agency holding up approval etc.
      Oh well – we are possibly a dying breed – at least until the American economy improves.
      Best wishes to you
      Arnold

      If you would like to donate $100 or more to this legal fight and get full credit of $100 toward a Vacation in the Tropical Florida Keys, that includes a cottage and a 22’ sailboat send a check to Key Lime sailing club & Cottages 101425 Overseas HWY #922 Key Largo Florida 33037 and in the memo put Anchoring Rights Fight. I will forward the funds raised and credit each Person back $100 to a future stay at Key Lime Sailing club & Cottages. Note: Credit is Limited to $100 but Please send more if you can. Lets keep our waters Free for us to `Roam about’.
      Paul, Key Lime Sailing Club

      It is a shame that the promoters of this anti-anchoring law ignore the actual words written into the law that say it must promote access to the waters of the state. Outlawing people from anchoring in places they have always anchored does not promote access. And, as Wally points out, the derelicts have not disappeared’“just been forced elsewhere, which in some cases I suspect is ashore in the same community but now sleeping on park benches and in shelters. And too it is interesting how certain well-connected political interests have benefited from the injection of public tax dollars to create mooring facilities that then create private profits. The cost of installing a Florida mooring field is many times what it costs in other parts of the country, and then the revenues almost never cover the long-term costs. The taxpayer pays again. Meanwhile, cruisers head elsewhere.
      John Kettlewell

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    • Dec 17, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Hearty Endorsement of Carolina Yacht Care (Southport, NC – Statute Mile 309)

      Carolina Yacht CareWow, what a great endorsement of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Carolina Yacht Care, based in Southport, NC! If you are anywhere near Southport, and you need yacht services, NOW YOU KNOW WHO TO CALL!!!!

      While transiting to Miami from the Chesapeake on MV The Gator, my Outer Reef 65, I had the good fortune to stop in at Southport, NC. Southport is a quaint, friendly town with excellent marina facilities. We stayed at Southport Marina. While there we needed a ride to a laundry facility and were referred by marina staff to Hank Pomeranz of Carolina Yacht Care (cYc) who, in addition to other services, runs a shuttle from area marinas. The shuttle is on demand and inexpensive and we used it several times.
      During our shuttle runs we learned that cYc provides a host of services for transient boaters. One of those services is monitoring boats when owners are unavailable. So, when weather interrupted our plans to continue south and with Thanksgiving drawing close, I left The Gator in their hands for 10 days over the holiday, during which time they monitored the boat daily, made adjustments and kept me informed of her status. We were in touch almost daily and I had the sense that they were looking after The Gator as if she were their own.
      As happens, the delay also impacted my crews’ availability and I found myself without crew to finish the trip. I called Hank and asked if cYc might be able to provide crew. While this was not an advertised service, Hank adjusted his schedule and crewed for me himself. His competency and professionalism underway during the four day transit were typical of the same levels of service he applies to the other aspects of his business. I suspect his 30 plus years in the Navy and experience as a cruising sailor contribute a great deal to his expertise, level of detail and professionalism.
      It is rare when you can truly find a single business dedicated to every need of the transient community and with a singular focus on customer service.
      In short, I would strongly endorse Hank and his crew at Carolina Yacht Care to any transient boater needing services in the Southport, NC area.
      Jim Hammel
      Owner/Captain, The Gator
      Outer reef 65

      As the Marina Manager at South Harbour Marina in Southport I also heartily endorse Hank @ Carolina Yacht Care. Our laundry is right at the end of the dock but we have also used Hank for his shuttle and other services. He is dependable, professional, and his extra customer service efforts certainly makes my marina look good too! He can be trusted to give my customers good value.
      Bill Gregory

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina

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

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    • Dec 17, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Watch for Crab Pot Buoys South of St. Augustine, AICW Statute Mile 778

      St. Augustine - Click for Chartview

      While Captain Lee doesn’t specify a particular stretch of the Waterway, his admonition to keep a sharp lookout for crab pot buoys is a good one to heed, as all you cruisers from the Chesapeake will verify! From St. Augustine Cruisers Net, https://www.facebook.com/groups/staugustinecruisersnet/
      Just a reminder to anyone cruising south of St Augustine on the ICW. The locals have been putting crab pots out in the channel. Be careful you don’t foul a prop.
      Stan Lee

      Call FWC and have them removed. Pots in the marked channel are illegal state wide.
      Dave Bell

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Augustine

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    • Dec 16, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Praise for ARGUS and Its Use

      Captain Reeves comments are in response to earlier postings on shoaling waters, such as Little Mud River: /?p=128659, and many other such reports. ARGUS is a great tool in those areas already documented to be shoaling, as well as those where a captain might suspect a shift in the channel.

      If the prudent navigator compares the new ARGUS soundings on all problem areas, there is a clear path to take and it is not the red line. I like the ARGUS soundings, because I can zoom in and see the depths and where they are. I don’t cruise the world now days, but I do enjoy the ICW on the Georgia Coast and it is nice to have accurate information and lots of different views.
      I do hope cruisers can continue to enjoy the ICW by using the excellent resources here and pay attention to their charts, depth sounders and common sense.
      Sonny Reeves, Jekyll Island

      As a long time fan of Argus, we have had the system installed on Beach House for the last year as we cruise. We are happy to contribute to the database and find this an invaluable tool for boaters. Thanks for making the information available on Cruiser’s Net.
      Chuck and Susan, Trawler beach House

      ARGUS Readings through Little Mud River - Click for Chartview

      On any SSECN chartview, simply click the ARGUS box at the top of the screen to bring up the ARGUS symbols.

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

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    • Dec 16, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      “Best” Margarita in St. Augustine

      Hurricane Patty's Bloody Mary (Yummmmmm!)

      For everyone who is a fan of Margaritas, not to mention other “adult beverages,”there is a really good discussion about the “best” spots on the St. Augustine Cruisers Net Facebook page at:

      https://www.facebook.com/groups/staugustinecruisersnet/permalink/557441387677638/

      Sounds like I (and everyone else) needs to check out “Hurricane Patty’s”! Did a bit of research, and discovered this contact info:

      Hurricane Patty’s
      69 Lewis Blvd
      Saint Augustine FL 32084 US
      904-827-1822
      hurricanepattys@gmail.com
      http://www.hurricanepattys.net/home.html

      Once I looked at the map on Hurricane Patty’s web site, I realized this is the restaurant/bar/really fun dining attraction that’s located on the grounds of River’s Edge Marina (see /oyster-creek-marina/). This facility and restaurant are located on the western side of the San Sebastian River. That means that those docked at the city marina, or in the city sponsored mooring fields, will have to walk a good six or seven blocks to reach Hurricane Patty’s, but after reading the discussion on the St. Aug. Cruisers’ Net, the effort sounds more than justified!!!

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