Visit Logged
  • Select Region
    • All Regions
    • VA to NC Line
    • North Carolina
    • South Carolina
    • Georgia
    • Eastern Florida
    • Western Florida
    • Florida Keys
    • Okeechobee Waterway
    • Northern Gulf
    • Bahamas
    • New York
    • Ohio
    • Pennsylvania
    • Washington
    • Puerto Rico
    • Minnesota
    • Maryland
    • Tennessee
    Order by:
    • Shoaling Reported South of Anclote Key, near West Florida ICW Statute Mile 150, May 9, 2014


      From Skipper Bakos’ report and with the several shoalings reported on the chart, it would seem prudent to avoid the southern tip of Anclote Key when entering or exiting the ICW between Anclote Key and Three Rooker Bar. If you have navigated this channel recently, let us hear from you.
      See also /?p=145021 for update on shoaling.

      There is also shoaling due south of Anclote Key charted as 8 to 9 feet depth. I ran hard on the shoal last night for 6 hours. It is about halfway between marker #5 on the south side of Anclote Key and the partially submerged wreck shown on the chart. There is less than 5′ at low tide there. Further south, closer to the wreck there was good depth.
      Bob Bakos

      I have seen several boats aground at the southern tip of Anclote Key over the last couple of years. The odd thing is that I haven’t run aground there yet as I seem to have a natural affinity for sand bars. On a good day, the shoaling is easy to see by the color; watch carefully for signs of breakers. Capt Bakos’ advice is good, always give Anclote a wide berth and watch your depth carefully.
      Cambren Davis

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Anclote Key

      Be the first to comment!

    • New Technology from NOAA for Surface and Tidal Currents

      Example Image - 600 x 150 pixels

      NOAA gives mariners new way to see surface and tidal currents

      Use of high frequency radar on water’s edge makes navigation safer

      Contact
      May 5, 2014
      HF Radar
      The newest form of HF Radar technology, seen here along a coastal beach, is being used for the new NOAA surface current product.

      A new NOAA National Ocean Service website will provide mariners near real-time coastal ocean surface current observations and tidal current predictions in coastal waters using high frequency (HF) radar, making marine navigation safer for mariners and commercial shippers.

      The web-based observations are now available for the Chesapeake and San Francisco Bays in areas vital for marine navigation, with additional locations to follow. The product was made possible by NOAA’s Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) using data from the NOAA-led U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®).

      “By partnering to create new tools like HF radar surface currents, we are providing a more complete picture of a very dynamic environment.” said Richard Edwing, director of CO-OPS. “This is a great example of how coastal environmental intelligence better enables informed decisions to be made for safe navigation and other uses. We will continue to work with our partners in the navigation community to enhance and expand this product and eventually integrate it into NOAA’s Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS®) products.”

      Currents in the ocean are equivalent to winds in the atmosphere because they move things from one location to another. These currents carry nutrients as well as pollutants and marine debris, so it is important for scientists and mariners to know the currents for ecological, economic and safety reasons. HF radars can measure currents over a large region of the coastal ocean, from a few miles offshore up to 125 miles out, and can operate under any weather conditions.

      Located near the water’s edge, HF radar does not need to be atop a high point of land. Traditionally, crews placed current measuring devices directly into the water to retrieve current speeds. While these direct measurement systems are still widely used as a standard reference, HF radars are the only sensors, including satellites, which can measure large areas at once with the detail required for important applications.

      HF radar ocean surface current data complements NOAA’s PORTS®, a system that provides real-time water level, current and meteorological observations for safe navigation and also benefits search and rescue, oil spill response, harmful algal bloom monitoring, water quality assessments, ecosystem assessments, and fisheries management.

      “This is an excellent example of taking the environmental data that U.S.IOOS® collects, and putting that information into the hands of people who need it,” said Zdenka Willis, director of the NOAA-led U.S. IOOS® Program. “By working to translate that data into an existing suite of real time navigation products and services, we are showing that NOAA’s investment in key observational platforms provides the vital services our maritime communities rely upon to operate both safely and efficiently.”

      CO-OPS is an organization of experts in understanding tides, currents and water levels, turning operational oceanographic data into meaningful information, products and services for the nation.

      The NOAA-led U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®) is a federal, regional, and private sector partnership for tracking, predicting, managing and adapting to changes in the marine environment. IOOS® delivers data and information needed to increase understanding of the nation’s waters to improve safety, enhance the economy, and protect our environment.

      Coastal environmental intelligence provides timely, actionable information, developed from reliable and authoritative science, to provide insight to decision makers into present and future conditions in the coastal zone.

      NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Twitter, Facebook and our other social media channels. Visit our news release archive.

       

      Be the first to comment!

    • The Primadonna Saga Continues, from Oriental, NC to Nassau

      Toucan Grill and Fresh Bar in Oriental, NC

      A search for a number of weeks in response to a request (/?p=129228) by Oriental merchant, Pat Stockwell, the errant sailing vessel, Primadonna, and her crew have been found.. Our thanks to Dave Boxmeyer for sending us this update from TownDock, http://towndock.net/news/primadonna-s-latest-controversy.

      It appears that the saga of the S/V Primadonna continues. The crew is in jail in Nassau and their boat has been stripped. And now it seems that the French government has gotten involved.
      While it is hard to feel any sympathy for the Primadonna’s crew, based on there stay in Oriental; I have absolutely no respect for the crew of the Fata Morgana. Things are pretty bad when we have started to eat our own.
      Dave Boxmeyer

      Very interesting’“thanks for the follow up. For some reading this I think there is some grey area here. For example, I remember seeing an intact motorboat washed up on the rocks in New England and by the morning it was toothpicks and an engine sitting on the reef. It might have been better to try to salvage some things off the boat before it became trash on the rocks. Sometimes it is hard to tell when a boat has been truly abandoned. I personally would not take to salvaging stuff unless I had the owner’s or the insurance company’s permission or somehow knew for certain that the boat was abandoned, but how would you ever know? Also, most of us are used to being in a country where a boat like Primadonna wouldn’t stay there for long, someone would come with a towboat and take it away. In the Out Islands of the Bahamas salvage would likely have been more expensive than the worth of the vessel, so essentially it was just trash on the reef.
      John Kettlewell

      We do not know the vessels involved but before we pass judgement, does anyone have relevant information as to what is correct in Bahamian & maritime law/rights? The vessel will most likely never be salvaged out there so who can give us more information? How does Dave know what went on and anything else that is pertinent.
      Cheers,
      Dick Anderson

      http://towndock.net/

      Be the first to comment!

    • Another Vote For a Visit to Washington, NC

      Whether you want to revisit the past or satisfy your curiosities, discover the arts or explore your true nature, you can do it from the heart of the Inner Banks - Washington, North Carolina. 800 546 0 Skipper Susan Landry, co-owner of Beach House Publications, producers of the notable “Great Books of Anchorages” series, confirms what MANY have said before. It’s well worth all cruisers’ time to get off the familiar confines of the AICW, and cruise upstream on charming Pamlico River to the excellent city docks on Washington, NC’s downtown waterfront. And, these fine folks are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET sponsor!!!

      We enjoy side trips off the ICW instead of just rushing north and south. One recent side trip we took was to Washington, NC. The free town docks are in a well protected basin and across the street from the historic district.
      Susan Landry

      How are the plans going for the new shower facilities in Washington? I think they would really help make the trip worth the extra effort.
      Dick Parker

      washingtonwaterfront

      Washington City Docks

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Washington City Docks

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Washington, NC

      Be the first to comment!

    • Reminder: Rules for Meeting/Overtaking on the ICW

      From Rule 35 of the USCG Navigation Center for Inland vessels:
      Rule 35
      (a) When power-driven vessels are in sight of one another and meeting or crossing at a distance within half a mile of each other, each vessel underway, when maneuvering as authorized or required by these Rules:

      (i) shall indicate that maneuver by the following signals on her whistle:

      one short blast to mean “I intend to leave you on my port side”;
      two short blasts to mean “I intend to leave you on my starboard side”;
      three short blasts to mean “I am operating astern propulsion”.
      (ii) upon hearing the one or two blast signal of the other shall, if in agreement, sound the same whistle signal and take the steps necessary to effect a safe passing. If, however, from any cause, the vessel doubts the safety of the proposed maneuver, she shall sound the danger signal specified in paragraph (d) of this Rule and each vessel shall take appropriate precautionary action until a safe passing agreement is made.
      (d) When vessels in sight of one another are approaching each other and from any cause either vessel fails to understand the intentions or actions of the other, or is in doubt whether sufficient action is being taken by the other to avoid collision, the vessel in doubt shall immediately indicate such doubt by giving at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle. [Such | This] signal may be supplemented by at least five short and rapid flashes.
      Remember that “Port” and “Starboard” always refer to your vessel.
      Our thanks to the AGLCA and the Burkes for this good advice and reminder to review the Rules of the Road!

      We live on the waterway just south of Mile Marker “0” and in the last week there have been two occasions of “five” whistles by passing tugs pushing barges. The Southbound tugs sounded signals at approaching Northbound cruisers. Each event was started by the tugs sounding appropriate passing whistle signals . . . the cruisers ignored the proposal, and the five whistle signals followed. Vessels passed very close, fortunately there were no mishaps. Norfolk is a very busy place and as the summer season is soon to begin, and, with the looper meeting taking place here in Norfolk, please know that we urge every boater to monitor channel 13 in the Harbor and to talk early to approaching large ships and tugs. Call them on 13 as soon as you see them. They will work with you and like very much to hear you on the radio, channel 13. They then know you see them, have a better feeling regarding your competence, all resulting in understanding and a reduction in everyone’s level of concern. Be sure you have a clear correct understanding of the Rules concerning One Whistle and Two Whistle passing. Be safe out there.
      Charlie & Bonnie Burke
      M/V SONATA (GB42 Ocean Marine Portsmouth)

      IMHO it is not wise to use actual horn signals. Commercial vessels rely on radio communication and they are unlikely to be able to hear your puny horn’“use VHF channel 13! Other pleasure boaters may be able to hear your horn, but 90+% won’t know what it means and it will just cause anger/confusion. Instead, first try contacting the other boat on the VHF’“usually channel 16 works for pleasure boats. Failing that, assume the other boat may do something unexpected and don’t try to cut it close in a narrow channel until you know it is safe to pass. If you do get a horn blast from another boat it often means `pull over to your starboard, I’m coming through’ irregardless of what the actual horn signal means. So if you hear one blast from astern and you see a fast boat coming up don’t immediately swing to port! The chances are very good they don’t understand what one horn blast means.
      John Kettlewell

      I have noticed that from Louisiana to Florida’s west coast, most recreational boaters, and all commercial skippers use the terms `one or two whistles’ according to the rules. On the east coast from Florida to NC, most recreational boaters say I am passing you on the port or starboard side, which can be very unclear in an overtaking situation. Is this a regional thing? Also, I have handled court cases involving boating accidents, and disregarding the proper sound signals will certainly work against you in that venue.
      Berwick Duval

      Be the first to comment!

    • Advice on Depths in Smokehouse Bay – Marco Island Anchorage, Marco Island, Southwestern Florida Coastline

      Smokehouse Bay – Click for Chartview

      Smokehouse Bay lies in the heart of northern Marco Island. This fortunate body of water plays host to Esplanade Marina and a good anchorage. Its entrance channel leaves the unofficial Marco Island to Naples waterway west of marker #14. Our directory for this anchorage lists 4’6″ft as a minimum depth, so a 5’7″ draft seems questionable. Skipper Oldershaw’s comments are in response to earlier questions about navigating Smokehouse Bay, /?p=137310.

      Smokehouse Bay has a fairly narrow 3′ mlw bar running north south in the center of the north half of the bay. Depths outside this bar around the edges of the bay are typically 12′ in soft, smelly mud. There’s plenty of room to anchor away from the bar in the eastern half of the bay away from the entry channel that heads south to the marina. The shallowest spot is in entrance route in the eastern corner of Collier Bay at 25 57.955N, 81 43.900W. Keep away from the marker R2 and hug the seawalls as you make the turn to starboard but watch for outbound vessels that don’t know why you’re doing that. A 6′ draft can be carried to the bay.
      The bar in Smokehouse Bay can be faintly seen in the aerial view of the Collier County Property Appraisers GIS web site at http://www.collierappraiser.com/webmap/Map.aspx?ccpaver=1.9.2&msize=L when you zoom in. The cloudy water on the west side of the bay is not shallow.
      Lee Oldershaw

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Smokehouse Bay – Marco Island Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Smokehouse Bay – Marco Island Anchorage

      Be the first to comment!

    • Eye Opening Video of the Debate in the Florida Senate Concerning the “Margolis Amendment”

      By now, just about everyone who has visited the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net within the last 24 hours knows that an effort was mounted in the Florida State Senate yesterday by Senator Margolis from Miami, that would have allowed Broward and Dade counties to pretty much institute any local anchorage regulations they wished. That amendment was withdrawn, BUT there is a new effort TODAY (4/23/14) to attach the same amendment to a Florida House bill. For more on this, please see /?p=139367.

      Courtesy of the Seven Seas Cruising Association’s “Concerned Cruisers Committee” we can present to you a video of the debate which took place in the Florida State Senate Appropriations Committee yesterday. THIS IS VERY REVEALING, particularly when Senator Margolis states that “we certainly don’t want to hear from the public,” or words to that effect.

      To make this work, without having to watch the entire 8 hours worth of video, you must follow this procedure.

      First, go to:

      https://www.flsenate.gov/media/VideoPlayer?EventID=2443575804_2014041245

      When the page opens, there will be a video window on the left side of the page. Click the play arrow. Let the video begin, and then hover your pointer near the bottom of the video window. A slide will appear. You will need to keep sliding this slider button to the right, until you reach the 462.30 minute mark. The debate concerning the “Margolis Amendment” is shown between time reference 462.30 and 469.5.

      It’s not often that members of the cruising community can actually see their “enemy” in regards to Florida anchoring rights, but this is an exception. We urge all cruisers to take advantage of this opportunity. And, oh yes, PLEASE let us know what you think, by using the “Comment” function below!

      Claiborne,
      I believe it is also important to recognize Davis Childs (NMMA rep.) and Bonnie Basham (Boat US rep.) both were there and both had cards in to speak if necessary.
      R, Phil

      I agree totally with Captain Phil’s comment above. Both NMMA and Boat/US have been invaluable and responded at light speed to this “out of the blue” situation! So, THANKS Bonnie Basham and Davis Childs!

      Be the first to comment!

      1. David Burnham -  December 24, 2014 - 9:31 pm

        I’ve not heard of an instance of a complaint from the boating community when a waterfront private property owner builds a pier or dock out over navigable water that belongs to the boating public. So why should a waterfront private property owner complain when those public boaters are enjoying the navigable waters that were not obstructed by his pier or dock?

        Reply to David
    • Great Photos Of Jacksonville Landing Dock – Downtown Jacksonville, FL on the St. Johns River

      Here are several revealing photos of the free docks (no power or water connections), provided to us by our dear friends, and SSECN strategic partners, Susan Landry and Chuck Baier. As many of you already know, Chuck and Susan are the owners owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com)! THANKS CHUCK AND SUSAN!
      One word of warning – I know from personal experience that it can get surprisingly right at the Jacksonville Lnading dock, so keep an eye on the weather and wind!

      jacksonvillelanding1

      jacksonvillelanding2

      jacksonvillelanding3

      Be the first to comment!

    • New Entry Channel Markers to Maximo Marina, near Western Florida ICW Statute Mile 115


      Maximo Marina is on the charted canal cutting into Boca Ciega Bay’s southeastern shores, east-northeast of unlighted daybeacon #14. Our thanks to Skipper Burnham for this excellent report.

      The Maximo Marina on the east end of Boca Ciega Bay at Gulfport, Florida is accessed by a long channel that has just recently been remarked by new unlit daymark pilings which prevents deep draft boats from running aground as they enter Boca Ciega Bay when leaving Maximo Marina and turn north to go to the Gulfport City Marina. These unlit daymarks are not on any charts or chart plotters and the western most pair of the 3 sets of unlit daymarkers, green#7 and red #8, extend into Boca Ciega Bay as far as the pair of markers, #14 and #15, just to the south or them that mark another channel coming from Tampa Bay. Green #15 is a lighted marker, red #14 is unlit.
      The real confusion comes from the fact that the daymarks on the channel to the Maximo Marina, the northern channel, have the even numbered red daymarks on the right (as they should), and the southern channel coming from Tampa Bay, has the red marked pilings on the left as you approach the southerly channel from the west. The two unlit red daymarks that mark the two channels are less than two tenths of a nautical mile apart and look identical from a distance. Until chart plotters are updated, cruise carefully after dark on the west end of Boca Ciega Bay.
      David Burnham

      Larry,
      The photos of the new Maximo Marina entrance channel day markers I took yesterday did not give enough detail to be useful. However, I am sending you this Google Earth image of the approximate locations of the new markers so that you can compare this image of the east end of Boca Ciega Bay with your charts.
      David

      maximo

      Maximo Marina Entrance Channel

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Maximo Marina

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

      Be the first to comment!

    • Don’t Miss “Oriental Nautical Wheelers” in Oriental, NC (Statute Mile 181)

      Nautical Wheelers - New Bern NC IMG_7778rzed Over the weekend of April 19-20, 2014 I had the good fortune to attend the Oriental, NC Boat Show, and hold three seminars. During the show, I made the acquaintance of Bill and Camilla Wheeler and their unique business, “Oriental Nautical Wheelers.” I am very pleased to say that this firm is our newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
      Oriental Nautical Wheelers is located in a historical Oriental homeplace, right on (411) Broad Street (252-249-0359), in downtown Oriental. It is within easy walking distance of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Oriental Marina and Condos, and Oriental Harbor Marina, plus the town’s two free docks. From Whittaker Creek, you will need to have auto transportation available for a visit.
      How to describe Oriental Nautical Wheelers? I could say that this unique establishment contains everything “coastal” from clothing, to shoes, to home furnishings and accessories, to Adirondack chairs. However, that would overlook the wine section, the voluminous selection of all types of gifts and personal items, not to mention the “revolutionary Keira Watering Cans.”
      The selection and range of merchandise is staggering, in a very good way, you understand! EVERY cruiser visiting Oriental will want to be SURE to include a stroll to “Oriental Nautical Wheelers.” Don’t believe me? Well, then just follow the photo gallery link below!

      Click Here To Visit Oriental Nautical Wheelers Web Site

      Click Here To Visit Oriental Nautical Wheelers Photo Gallery

      Be the first to comment!

    • A New, High Volume Dredge Arrives at Amelia Island Yacht Basin (Statute Mile 720.5)

      Amelia Island Yacht Basin - Marina and Boat Yard - Amelia Island Florida In December of this year, after a personal visit to this facility, we reported that SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Amelia Island Yacht Basin, was awaiting the arrival of a new, high-volume dredge that would be permanently located here. Amelia Island has always offered superbly sheltered dockage, and full on-site services, including repairs. The rub has been depths both on the canal-like entrance channel and in the dockage basin. Well, all that will begin to change very soon.

      New Amelia Island Yacht Basin Dredge

      New Amelia Island Yacht Basin Dredge

      While attending the just completed MTOA Spring Rendezvous in Fernandina Beach, I again made a personal visit to Amelia Island Yacht Basin, and had a most informative conversation with General Manager, Bill Galloway and Office Manager, Kristen Galloway. I was very pleased to learn that the NEW DREDGE HAS JUST ARRIVED! Some piping must still be delivered, but in a few weeks, dredging of the entrance channel will begin.
      Bill explained to me that this new dredge can “do in a few hours what took our old dredge a few weeks to accomplish.” While it will take a bit of time to get the entrance channel and harbor to the depth targets set by marina management, once that is accomplished the on-site dredge will only need to do a bit of maintenance dredging from time to time.
      Wow, what a wonderful improvement to an already excellent facility. We’ll keep you informed as the dredging operations proceed!

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Amelia Island Yacht Basin

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Amelia Island Yacht Basin

      Be the first to comment!

    • More Information on Bridge Pointe Marina (New Bern, NC, on the Trent River)

      Bridge Pointe Marina, New Bern, NC We announced a few months ago, that SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Bridge Pointe Marina in New Bern, NC, had reopened after a year-long rebuilding project. I have twice undertaken a personal inspection of Bridge Pointe’s new reincarnation, and it can be stated with no fear of inaccuracy, that this is now a state-of-the-art facility. Below, we hear more from dockmaster, Jesse Schmucher, about his newly revamped marina.

      Our new state-of-the-art marina includes 150 Brazilian hardwood [decked] floating deep water slips ranging from 30FT ‘“ 150FT, cable television, free wireless internet, metered electric and fresh water connections for each slip. Our newly redesigned and completely renovated boater’s lounge includes showers, restrooms, charcoal grills, laundry, and a comfortable air conditioned sitting area. Monthly dockage rates are $6.50 per slip foot, plus a $20 Pedestal Fee + Metered Electric (13 Cents per kilowatt). We will be offering a special rate for a limited time, so be sure to contact us today at (252)637-7372 or by email at bridgepointemarina@colwenhotels.com.

      For more information on Bridge Pointe Marina, follow the links below:

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

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

      Be the first to comment!

    • REMINDER: Northern Mouth of Alligator River, Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 81

      A reminder to everyone that the location of markers through this stretch does not coincide with older charts or with the Magenta line. Our oft repeated advice: follow the markers, not the Magenta line! Smaller buoys are often difficult to spot and require a reduction in speed and a sharp lookout!
      For more comments on the area, see /?p=125911 and /?p=101600 and /?p=56971.

      Temporary floating red buoy! Didn’t go aground but S/V ahead of us did! Slow and easy!
      Adventure

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the North Mouth of Alligator River

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

      Be the first to comment!

    • More Discussion of Longer FEC RR Bridge Closures in Store for South Florida?

      Wow, here is a piece of sobering news from our “man on the scene” in Stuart, Florida, Captain Ted Guy. Ted is a maritime attorney and the past president of the Treasure Coast Marine Industries Association, and is unusually knowledgeable about all things nautical when it comes to Eastern Florida and the Okeechobee Waterway. Looks like we may all have more time to wait at railway bridges in Florida, starting in 2015!

      Claiborne, my friend,
      A local controversy has sprung up in the boating community about FEC adding 16 passenger trains each way each day to about ten or twelve freights each way each day, more than doubling the bridge closure down time per day. It will affect their drawbridges from Cocoa Beach to Miami. The new service starting in 2015 is called “All Aboard Florida”, although I’ve heard they may rename it. Check out www.allaboardflorida.com .
      W.E. “Ted” Guy, Jr.

      This is going to be a huge problem if it ever comes to completion. Some estimates say the bridge will be closed up to 75% of the time for train crossings.
      In addition the bridge is beyond it’s end of life and the RR company (FEC) does not intend to replace it. A breakdown is very likely.
      For more information, see the grass roots campaign at:
      http://www.floridanotallaboard.com/
      Paul Sears
      Sailing Vessel `Aurora’ currently in Palm City to the West of the RR bridge!

      Vero Beach county officials are raising concerns about the impact of the All-Aboard Florida passenger rail service as outlined the article by Lisa Zahner linked here from VeroNew.com:
      http://www.veronews.com/news/indian_river_county/traffic/county-vero-beach-raise-concerns-about-all-aboard-florida/article_3d54f83e-ba10-11e3-87b7-001a4bcf6878.html

      Be the first to comment!

    • Report from Moore Haven City Dock, Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 78

      Moore Haven – Click for Chartview

      Moore Haven City Dock, the first stop west of Lake Okeechobee, is located at Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 78, on the Moore Haven waterfront. This report comes to us from our good friends, Peg and Jim Healy.

      The muni docks at Moore Haven are in good shape, have power and water, and are $1.00/ft. There is a good enough Mexican restaurant about 1/2 mile from the docks, but generally, Moore Haven has limited options. It’s a very convenient stop which we use and recommend.
      Peg and Jim Healy

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Moore Haven

      Be the first to comment!

    • Good Advice on Okeechobee Lake Route Approach to Clewiston, FL – Statute Miles 60-65

      Approach Channel - Click for Chartview

      Approach Channel – Click for Chartview

      The portion of the Okeechobee Waterway “Lake Route,” described below by the Healys is found between Statute Miles 60 to 65 and is charted as Approach Channel.

      The one additional thing to highlight about the Lake crossing that I have not seen mentioned is that the area charted from Rocky Reef to Clewiston is a narrow channel exposed to whatever prevailing crosswinds are to be found on the lake. It is a man-made, dredged channel. The natural bottom is sandstone; hard, not soft, and so, the channel edges are also hard. The markers at the Lake end of the channel are further apart than the markers at the shore end. They can be hard to see depending on daylighting conditions. BE SURE YOU STAY IN THAT CHANNEL. DO NOT ALLOW THE BOAT TO GET PUSHED OUT OF THAT CHANNEL BY CROSSWINDS. Backsight to make sure you really are *in* that channel. Sandstone is soft rock, but it’s plenty hard enough to hurt bronze propellors and SS rudders and shafts.
      Peg and Jim Healy

      Excellent advice! We were in Roland Martins marina in Clewiston a couple years ago, and there was a brand new 54 foot trawler being delivered to a boat show on the face dock. The delivery captain just barely missed a turn in that channel, and took out both props, shafts, and rudders. I don’t even want to think about that yard bill!
      Jonathan Gorham

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

      Be the first to comment!

    • Request for Information on National Park Service Docks in Ocracoke, Pamilco Sound, NC

      Silver Lake - Click for Chartview

      Silver Lake – Click for Chartview

      The Ocracoke National Park Service Docks are on the northern shores of Silver Lake Harbor, just east of its entrance.

      Would love to hear if anyone has stayed at the NPS dock in the past few months. We sailed to Ocracoke about a year ago and the NPS docks were covered in bird droppings and looked to be in disrepair. The fellow at the desk at the adjacent museum (or whatever that building is) wasn’t happy to be answering questions about it! So we just anchored that time, but would like more current information for an upcoming trip.
      Kathrine Noel

      I’m reporting in [from Ocracoke] that the NPS docks are closed and `under construction’. There is obvious construction on the sidewalks and there was a tiny sign saying the docks were closed. There is a new dingy dock that is very nice. We used it, though it’s behind the construction area, so it probably couldn’t be used during the work week. Had a delicious dinner at the Flying Melon. I did forget to say that the docks are supposed to be ready for service in May. We’ll see; I’m not confident!!
      Headed to Belhaven tomorrow to wait out the yucky weather. Will post a review of that visit too!
      Kathrine Noel

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Ocracoke National Park Service Docks

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ocracoke National Park Service Docks

      Be the first to comment!

    • Proof of Pumpout to be Required in Key West

      This is an important story for those to know who will be visiting Key West. What it boils down to, is that if you anchor, or pick up a mooring in Key West, this proposal would make it mandatory for cruisers to show proof of a recent waste pump-out before coming ashore by dinghy. Now, let me stress, such a regulation is made far LESS onerous courtesy of the fact that the city of Key West provides regular, FREE pump-outs to boats at anchor and on a mooring. Nevertheless, this new requirement is one of which NEW cruisers, and cruisers visiting Key West for the first time, need to be made aware. The issue of proof of pumpout has been a topic of discussion for cruisers for sometime now, see /?p=131066. The article linked below by Sean Kinney of KeysInfoNet.com outlines the proposed pumpout regulation for Key West cruisers.

      http://www.keysnet.com/2014/03/29/495799/city-owned-marina-likely-to-require.html?sp=/99/106/

      So what do those of us who don’t pumpout do (composting toilet)? The Keys seem to be doing everything in their power to drive away transient cruising boats.
      John Kettlewell

      Sooner or later, communities are going to get the message that all it takes to keep their waters clean of recreation boat waste, is a free pump out boat. Use some of those free flowing federal dollars for something that doesn’t benefit anyone but the taxpayers.
      Not many people will pump waste overboard if there is a feasible and reasonable alternative. But, everybody has to, sooner or later, if there isn’t.
      R. Holiman

      Be the first to comment!

    • Florida’s Derelict Vessel Issue Addressed by Legislature

      The issue of derelict vessels in Florida’s anchorages has been brewing for years with much discussion as to how to remedy the situation. New bills now before the Florida congress attempt to offer a solution that will remove the offending vessels without imposing on the rights of legitimate cruisers. It will not be an easy task, since the enforcement of any new regulations will been given to local marine law enforcement which, in the past, has not been on the best of terms with the cruising community, especially transients. The excellent article linked below from KeysNews.com by Timothy O’Hara discusses the bills in detail.

      http://keysnews.com/node/54451

      Laws and regulations already exist that cover this issue thoroughly, but nobody wants to assume the responsibility or pay for the operation to remove the boat. The FWC has developed a detailed and logical set of regulations and procedures for dealing with true derelict vessels. It is not lack of laws, but passing the buck that has caused the real problems. In the Keys the headline grabbing costs have mostly been generated by a few large commercial vessels, like the tugboat that sank recently. Most truly derelict vessels are not insured and in many cases the owners have no assets to seize. I suppose you can now throw them in jail, further costing the taxpayers large sums for years to come.
      John Kettlewell

      Lets hope that local law enforcement doesn’t consider any and all anchorages on the ICW to be `adjacent to heavily travelled channels’. I believe that , as worded, this leaves too much open to interpretation.
      Cambren Davis

      Be the first to comment!


    Social Media Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com