Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Apr 10, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
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
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Apr 10, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Advice on Okeechobee Lake Route Approach to Clewiston, FL – Statute Miles 60-65
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
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Apr 9, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Request for Information on National Park Service Docks in Ocracoke, Pamilco Sound, NC
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
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Apr 8, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Cruising the Upper Waccamaw River to Conway, SC
For a wonderful article on the Upper Waccamaw River to Conway, SC, by Peg and Jim Healy, see /?p=138583
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Apr 8, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
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
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Apr 8, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
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
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Apr 7, 2014by: Claiborne Young No Comments
How To Cure the Windows 8 Blues
Now, strictly speaking, this is not a cruising topic, BUT many of us cruise with Windows based computers aboard, so when I plucked the info below off of the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) mailing list, I thought it well worth repeating here.
I may write further sometime about what I consider the single, most stupid corporate decision made since the millennium, namely, the introduction of the “Metro interface” in Windows 8. For now, though, please allow me to share a few, vastly over-simplified thoughts.
Yes, there was a need for Microsoft (Windows parent company) to introduce a new interface that works well with tablet computers and smartphones. However, to introduce an operating system that simply will not work with a traditional keyboard and mouse arrangement, thereby abandoning the millions of existing desktop and laptop computers that do not have touchscreen capability, is, without any question in my tiny mind, one of the biggest bonehead moves that could possibly be conceived.
If you don’t already know, Windows 8 and 8.1’s interface is designed to work with touch screen technology. It doesn’t work worth a whit with a traditional keyboard and mouse. Why didn’t Microsoft simply introduce one version of Windows 8 for, what I will call, traditional desktops and laptops, that boots directly to the desktop, and another for tablets and smartphones that boots to the metro interface, I guess we will never know.
Oh no, Microsoft made the decision that they were going to ram the metro interface down the throats of every Windows user! The result has been nothing short of chaos in the PC industry.
Oh, and by the way, Microsoft added to the stupidity factor when it introduced Windows 8.1. Yes, this version does let you boot directly to the desktop, but guess what happens when the user presses the “Start” key. You guessed it, the computer immediately returns to the dreaded Metro interface. Again, truly, truly DUMB!
My local computer hardware person has made a cottage industry from businesses that buy new Windows 8 computers, never turn them on, and take them directly to “Brian” to have Windows 8 wiped off the machine, and Windows 7 installed! “Brian” says he does not have a single business client that will even allow a Windows 8 machine in their offices.
So, with that off my chest, when I saw the exchange of information below, I realized that there is a less expensive alternative than having a computer professional replace Windows 8 with Windows 7. This is information WELL WORTH KNOWING! Read on:
This exchange began with this message:
I don’t understand why people call Windows 8 garbage. It is just Windows 7 with a different user interface. That user interface is easily disabled and you can return to the standard Windows 7 user interface, including Start button and menu. I set it up that way for all of my customers.
Ken Tischler
Microship
DeFever 49RPH
Bay St Louis, MS
I replied:
Sorry Ken, cannot agree with you. Windows 8 and 8.1 is pure garbage. My local computer hardware person is cleaning up by way of businesses that buy new computers, and then immediately bring them to him, have Windows 8 or 8.1 wiped off the hard drive, and then install Windows 7. He says not a single business that he serves will have an 8 or 8.1 machine in their offices, under any circumstances!
And, please explain how the metro interface can be “easily” disabled. Even 8.1 takes you straight back to this seriously stupid interface whenever the user clicks the “Start” button!
Thanks in advance!
Claiborne S. Young
And, Captain Ken’s important answer:
Claiborne,
I will agree with you wholeheartedly that Microsoft did something incredibly stupid when they told users they would give the Start button back in 8.1, then have it just take you to the start screen everyone loves to hate. Including me!
However, under the hood, Windows 8 is on the same kernel as Vista and 7. Just open a command prompt and type winver. You will see the version as Windows 6.3. Vista was 6.1 and 7 was 6.2.
The easiest way to get the Win 7 UI back is to run one of free utilities at will do this for you. My two favorites are Classic Shell (http://www.classicshell.net/) and StartMenu8 (http://www.iobit.com/iobitstartmenu8.php) for free. If you want a bit more polish, then you can spend $5 and get Start8 (http://www.stardock.com/products/start8/). I now make it standard policy to install one of these programs (usually Classic Shell) on every Windows 8 computer I deploy. It does not remove all of the Win 8 eccentricities but certainly makes it more familiar and user friendly.
Microsoft had a beautiful and stable operating system in Win 7. I wish they would have built upon its success rather than try to reinvent the wheel.
Ken Tischler
Microship
DeFever 49RPH
So, now all of us Windows users have a plan of action. THANK YOU Captain Ken!
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Apr 5, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments

NOAA’s Paper Charts Here to Stay

Here’s good news for those of us who still want to have aboard as backup those old-fashioned, fold-able paper charts!

April 4, 2014

Contact:

Dawn Forsythe, 301-713-2780 x144

NOAA’s paper nautical charts are here to stay

New certified printing agents bring buying options

It won’t be long before mariners and the boating public will have a wider choice of options and special services when they purchase NOAA paper nautical charts, thanks to NOAA’s expanded “print-on-demand” chart production and distribution system, Coast Survey officials announced today. This week, Coast Survey certified new print-on-demand chart printing agents, and gave them the flexibility to offer different color palettes, various papers, a cleaner margin, and a range of services.

NOAA has now authorized seven companies to sell NOAA’s paper nautical charts that are printed when the customer orders them — or “on demand.” The information on the charts is still maintained by NOAA, and the charts are corrected with Notices to Mariners up to the week of purchase.

“Last October, we announced that NOAA would stop using the government printing and distribution system we originally adopted in 1861,” explained Rear Admiral Gerd Glang, director of NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey. “We asked private companies to help us transition from the government-run system to a robust and competitive market for paper nautical charts, and we are pleased with the results.”

Rear Adm. Gerd Glang certifies a new print-on-demand chart agent after inspecting the company’s sample chart.

Five companies have now joined the original “print-on-demand” distributor OceanGrafix and the more recently certified East View Geospatial. The newly certified companies are Frugal Navigator, Marine Press, Paradise Cay Publications, The Map Shop, and Williams & Heintz Map Corporation.

Glang is confident that the expansion of the print-on-demand system will lead to new options for all who purchase U.S. nautical charts. As a premium service, for example, print agents are authorized to customize charts with user-specified overlays.

“With more chart printing agents, we hope to encourage competition and ensure fully up-to-date charts are widely available. Buyers can shop around and find different types of paper, or choose between traditional or new color palettes. Our printing agents can offer delivery or in-shop service, and customers can have their navigation track lines or other information printed as overlays on their chart,” Glang pointed out.

“All charts sold by NOAA-certified agents are NOAA charts, and fully meet navigational standards.”

For the last 150 years, the federal government produced nautical charts using lithographic printing presses. Although chart-making techniques advanced from the 19^th century’s delicate hand-applied etchings on copper plates to a process that is now completely computer-based, the system remained based on printing large volumes of charts, then selling them from stock for years. Charts for sale were gradually more and more outdated until a new edition was printed. The print-on-demand system allows the changes made by Coast Survey cartographers to reach mariners much faster.

Coast Survey continues to examine applications from additional companies wishing to become certified as NOAA chart printing agents. The examination process includes testing of applicants’ sample charts, to make sure they stand up to normal onboard usage conditions.

The paper charts sold by the NOAA-certified printing agents meet carriage requirements for ships covered by Safety of Life at Sea regulations, specified in Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

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.

POD charts are no substitute for being able to walk into a store and quickly purchase several charts you need’“you need to plan ahead because it takes some time to order and print the charts, and POD places are still very rare. Don’t plan on being able to find a NOAA paper chart in every harbor’“even major ones. However, it is good news for those of us in the paper chartbook business as we are already seeing a surge in sales.
John Kettlewell

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Apr 5, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report on Shoaling in St. Lucie River, Okeechobee Waterway, Statute Mile 1, Stuart, FL

St. Lucie Shoaling – Click for Chartview
Skipper Harmon is referring to a stretch of shoaling at the eastern end of the Okeechobee Waterway where we have had a Navigation Alert posted since May of 2013, (see /?p=113451). Again, our advice, and that of Skipper Harmon, is to ignore the magenta line and follow the markers.
The problem stretch near markers 17 and 17A claimed another boater. I recently completed the Okeechobee Waterway and found the charts make this area very confusing and, the small can marker 17A is hard to see. The charts depict a dredged channel and the magenta line indicates you can pass west of the green marker 17. If you follow this route (magenta line) you will find very shallow water. When I passed the area all east bound traffic was leaving the green markers 17A and 17 to the starboard, west bound to the port. If you are meeting traffic, slowing down will allow everyone to pass 17 safely.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position in St. Lucie River
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Apr 1, 2014by: Claiborne Young No Comments
North Carolina Mariners Museum Annex, Beaufort, NC Now Offering Transient Dockage, Near St. M. 201)

NC Mariners Museum Annex Docks – Beaufort, NC – Google Earth
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net just received an e-mail from former “Coastal Cruising” magazine contributor, Captain Brent Creelman, who now works with the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, North Carolina. As you will read below, the museum annex, which lies at the intersection of the Gallants Channel and Town creek, north of the eventually to be replaced (with a high-rise) Grayden Paul bridge, near 34Â°43.669’N,76Â°40.054’W, is now offering transient dockage for visiting vessels. The transient rate is a VERY reasonable $1.00 per foot, per night!
While power and water connections are available, there are no other shoreside facilities, and it will be a hefty walk (or a very quick taxi ride) from this facility to the many delights and dining attractions in downtown Beaufort. Mariners should also be advised that to reach these docks, they must either navigate the Bulkhead Channel from Beaufort Inlet, and then pass through the restricted Grayden Paul Bridge, or run the somewhat iffy (but still very do-able), Russell Slue – Gallant Channel route from the AICW to a point just short of Town Creek.
Even with those mild disadvantages, many cruisers will be understandably enticed by the dockage rates featured at these docks. If interested, drop Captain Creelman an email, or give him a call!
Ahoy Fellow Mariners!
The Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort invites transient vessels and historically significant craft to visit and be our guests at the museum’s expansion site on Gallants Channel just north of downtown.
The facility has deep water wharfs running some 1,500′ and floating docks with 10 slips and a 100′ face dock.
The Friends of the Museum is offering a very reasonable short term dockage rate of just $1/foot per night, or $10/foot per month.
Water and power are available but there are no shore side facilities at this time. There is ample parking on site.
Located less than a mile from the AICW the site is well protected, has plenty of water depth, and is just a mile from Beaufort’s Front Street.
Brent Creelman
Director of Operations
Friends of the Museum
brent@maritimefriends.org
252-728-2762
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Mariner’s Wharf Annex Docks
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Mar 31, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Channel to South Seas Resort and Redfish Pass Described, Western Florida ICW, Statute Mile 14

Redfish Pass – Click for Chartview
Skipper Colgan describes a channel from the Waterway to South Seas Resort and Redfish Pass which departs the Waterway southwestward and is marked by a series of non-waterway buoys 24, 23, 22, etc into South Seas Resort.
I recently found a channel from GICW to South Seas Resort on Captiva Island with reworked channel markers starting south of ICW “39” in descending order, then making a dogleg to right and eventually leading to Redfish Pass. South Seas entrance is to port prior to Redfish. Redfish Pass is now a straight heading out of 270 with proper buoyage. The 1,4,5 aids on charts have been relocated to mark current channel. South Seas Resort has a handout printed showing both.
Pete Colgan
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For South Seas Island Resort Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of South Seas Island Resort Marina
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Mar 31, 2014by: Claiborne Young No Comments
On the Water ChartGuides Now Offering E-Book Editions of Their Popular AnchorGuides
Well, Skippers Mark and Diana Doyle have been busy boys and girls of late. It was less than two weeks ago that we featured an announcement from this dynamic cruising duo that their company, On The Water ChartGuides, had just been granted non-profit status, and, consequently, prices of their various publications had taken a dynamic nose-dive (see /?p=137541).
Now, below we learn that their extremely popular AnchorGuides are available in Apple electronic book format for just $3.99!
Wow, is this great news or what! Click their ad panel in the upper, right corner of this article to learn more!
Hi Claiborne,
Here’s another one of the things we’ve been working on for a bit … eBooks!
More and more iPads out there and we’re trying to drive the prices WAY down for our non-profit projects … to make everything really affordable and convenient for folks.
$3.99 for an on-steroid version of the AnchorGuides should be popular.
eBooks free us from print costs (color, page count, format size, you name it) so we can add LOTS of extras in these digital versions:
Vector charts with breadcrumb tracks
Raster charts with breadcrumb tracks
Satellite maps with breadcrumb tracks
Street maps for going ashore
Geotagged photos of the anchorage and shore access
Audio summaries
Plus Diana’s quote is spot-on … our first order was from Spain! Go figure.
lol
Thanks again for your support,
Mark & Diana
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Mar 30, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Skipper Seeking Advice on a Southerly Cruise
Skipper Jerry is asking for your input into a cruise he is planning. He has given us his email so you can communicate directly. While the bulk of the cruise will be well beyond the waters covered by SSECN, we know that many of you have made the trip he is proposing. If you have advice for Skipper Jerry, give him a shout!
I’m looking for input from SSEC members who have sailed recently to Guatemala through Mexico. I will be sailing from Fort Myers Beach and am interested in any customs problems and piracy issues. jcvillines@gmail.com
Jerry
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Mar 27, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Praise for Fort Myers Yacht Basin, Caloosahatchee River/Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 135
Ft Myers Yacht Basin – Click for Chartview

A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! Ft. Myers Yacht Basin lies along the southeasterly banks of the Caloosahatchee River, between the 3rd and 4th bridges from west to east.
S/V Jolie and her crew are making our annual stop at Ft Myers City Yacht Basin. Last night the marina put on a customer-appreciation event, with a catered sunset cruise on a local tour boat. We continue to be impressed by the fine service and love being right in the heart of historic downtown Ft Myers. Shops, restaurants, galleries, theater and more are close by and there’s even a free trolley that goes to Publix. The new pricing structure includes $1/foot for transients.
Julie
Oops, I neglected to add that the pricing of $1/foot is the weekly winter rate for transients. Nightly winter rate is $1.95/ft. From May 1 ‘“ Oct 31, it’s $0.90/ft/week and $1.70/ft/night.
Julie
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Ft Myers Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ft Myers Yacht Basin
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Mar 27, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Madeira Beach Marina (Statute Mile 122.5)
Madeira Beach Marina – Click for Chartview
Madeira Beach Marina flanks the northwestern banks of the cove southwest of unlighted daybeacon #10, itself just southeast of the Welch Causeway Bridge.
Wonderful experience here, very friendly staff. Bathrooms/showers are very well maintained. Ended up staying a couple extra nights because we liked it here so much.
Kevin
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Listing For Madeira Beach Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Madeira Beach – Johns Pass Anchorage
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Mar 26, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Successful Passage through Little Mud River AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 655
Little Mud River is almost universally acknowledged to be the worst section of the entire AICW run from Norfolk, VA to Miami, FL. This “AICW Problem Stretch” lies some 21 statute miles north of Brunswick, Georgia. SSECN recommends navigating this stretch at mid to high tide only, as Skipper Lancaster was savvy enough to do. For a comprehensive report from Little Mud River, go to /?p=128659
I hit Little Mud River just after low tide. Following the guidance I anchored for 2 hrs. Went through on a rising tide 6 minimum except for the SW entrance which was 4’8″, more water on the E Side.
Keep up the good work, I check regularly.
Sliding behind Hilton Head Island right now.
Steve Lancaster
In early March, we timed our north bound departure from Brunswick to traverse Little Mud at high tide, and saw nothing less than 11 feet all the way through. This river is too shallow to pass at low tide, but because the tide here is approx. 8 feet, there is lots of water when the tide is up.
A captain who follows SSECN advice to pass at mid to high tide should not have any problems.
Richard Ross MV Chez Nous
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Little Mud River
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Susan Parker - August 17, 2015 - 10:46 am

We traversed the Little Mud River this morning 08/17/15 at 2 hours before high tide. We say 7 ft. near G 193. We draw 4 ft. As others have said, don’t try it at low tide.
Reply to Susan
Mar 25, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from New Pass, between Longboat and Lido Keys, Sarasota, FL, near Statute Mile 75

New Pass – Click for Chartview
New Pass is the northernmost of Sarasota’s two inlets, and this channel separates Longboat Key from Lido Key. It is spanned by a bascule bridge with a vertical clearance of 23ft.
IN SPITE OF CAPTAIN CONWAY’S INFO BELOW, WE SPECIFICALLY DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT ANY MARINER MAKE USE OF NEW PASS! This channel shoals faster than it can be dredged, and I have personally photographed a large sailcraft (several years ago) that foundered when it tried to navigate New Pass. You would be far better served to make use of Longboat Pass to the north, or, better yet, Venice Pass to the south.
If anyone has ignored this advice, and run New Pass recently, let us hear from you.
Sailed from St. Petersburg to Longboat Key. We took a bike ride over the New Pass bridge/channel. The bridge went up before we got over it and we saw a 40′ sailboat pass under. This tells me the depth is at least 4′ and probably 5-6″‘. I’m not sure of the tides at that time.
For a long time I avoided this pass due to a reputation as risky & too shallow. I think I call some folks down there & get their input. I think it’s worth a second look…
Mike Conway
Skipper Holiman confirms the reputation of risk for this channel:
I went out this pass in a 3 foot draft twin inboard cruiser in September 2001, right after Tropical Storm Gabrielle had passed by and blew all of the moored channel markers out of the channel. The wind was still up and there were breakers on the bars. Luckily the sun was right to read the water depth, but I pretty much decided I was never going to use this pass again in anything that it would hurt to run aground.
There is nothing that would make me attempt to go through this pass with my five foot draft sailboat.
R. Holiman
Last October I transited New Pass and found marker “mo(a)” intact, but was warned about a dredged channel with a rough heading of 60 degrees (shown on chart leading to bridge) that had shoaled. I found local traffic heading into New Pass by running parallel to beach roughly in area where NEW PASS is printed on charts [west of Lido Key] and I found small floating nav aids marking shallow passage leading around point to deep water in land pass. I recall wreck did appear on latest chart plotter chip and believe it to be further inside pass perhaps between marker 8 and 9. My boat drew 4′ without hitting.
Pete Colgan
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New Pass
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Mar 19, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.0788,-80.92729999
Shoaling Warned in Ponce de Leon Inlet, near AICW Statute Miles 843 and 839

View In Chartview

This warning of shoaling in Ponce de Leon Inlet comes from SeaTow’s Facebook page. To see that posting, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/SeaTowDaytona/posts/697592116939014:0
Ponce Inlet (as it is known to all the locals) intersects the Waterway at Statute Mile 839.5, with a second southerly intersection near St. M. 843.
Shoal Warning:
Heavy shoaling exists beyond the posted shoaling markers in Ponce Inlet. Please take caution when transiting the area, as shoaling may not be visible. Keep south off the shoal markers and keep them 150′ off your beam to avoid running aground. The yellow line illustrates our recommended course.
***Note: Sand bar conditions can change at anytime and Sea Tow Daytona/Ponce is not responsible for the current accuracy of map.

Ponce Inlet
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ponce Inlet
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Mar 10, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Free Pumpout Boat in Ashley River Anchorages, Charleston, SC, near AICW Statute Mile 469
Charleston City Marina – Click for Chartview

Charleston Waterkeeper’s Pumpout Program has been in operation since November, 2013 and dispatches out of Charleston City Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! Service is primarily in the Ashley River anchorages just off the Waterway and the quote below explains how contact is made with the pumpout boat. More more information, see http://charlestonwaterkeeper.org/pumpout-program/?utm_source=Contacts&utm_campaign=0a22560a63-2014_February_Newsletter2_5_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4b986f571f-0a22560a63-26071177
How It Works
To request a pumpout call (843) 608-9287. If you are a new client please let us know.
If you are a returning client we will put you on the pumpout schedule for the next week. If you are a new client you will receive a phone call from Charleston Waterkeeper to gather the information we need to provide you with pumpout service.

For a pumpout, call (843) 608-9287. To contact Charleston Waterkeeper, call 843-607-3390 or email info@charlestonwaterkeeper.org
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Charleston City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charleston City Marina
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Mar 10, 2014by: Claiborne Young No Comments
You Never Know What You’re Going to See While Cruising the Okeechobee Waterway
How about this totally unexpected sight while cruising the Okeechobee Waterway in October of 2012 near Alva, Florida!!!!
We are once again greatly indebted to Skippers Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com) for providing this unique image! THANKS CHUCK AND SUSAN!
Must’ve been on a Wednesday.
Paul
Is that a wind generator on that `trawler camel’?????
Mike Anderson
It’s so nice that there is a swimming pool for the camel.
One never knows what may be found in sunny Florida.
Robert Wilson
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