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    • Report from Largo Sound Mooring Field, Key Largo, Hawk Channel

      Largo Sound - Click for Chartview

      Largo Sound – Click for Chartview

      Largo Sound in John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park lies between Key Largo and El Radabob Key off Hawk Channel. The Sound is accessed through narrow South Sound Creek (which also allows access to the marina associated with the Park) at the tip of Lower South Sound Point. Like Captain Manning, we have always found less than ideal depths upon entering the Sound, but for boats that draw LESS THAN 4 1/2 feet, this mooring field is an interesting alternative!

      We stayed 4 nights Feb. 2014. Depth at the docks is 19′, approach 6.5 ft in on the channel. Mooring we found 4’6’³ at the outer mouth of the channel as you enter the lagoon during low tide. Don’t cut the marks, leave 100 yards or so before turning toward the mooing balls. If you enter and leave at high tide you will have 5’6’³ ft. depth. We never saw anything below that in the mooring field.
      Paul Manning

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Largo Sound Mooring Field

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

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    • ARGUS View of Marker #32, St. Andrew Sound, GA, AICW Statute Mile 690

      Marker #32 – Click for Chartview

      Much discussion has taken place regarding Marker #32 at statute Mile 690 in St. Andrew Sound, most of which has involved alternate routes to avoid Marker #32. Below, John Hersey, ARGUS Project Leader for SURVICE Engineering Company offers two ARGUS perspectives of the waters surrounding Marker #32.

      argus

      argus2

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    • Vessel Fire in Carrabelle, FL, Northern Gulf Coast

      Carrabelle, FL – Click for Chartview

      This story of a vessel fire in Carrabelle, FL was posted by Captain Janice Marois on her blog, http://janice142.com/, where she was anchored. Initially very frightening, once the fire location was determined and contained, Captain Marois was able to calmly relate and photograph the episode. For photos and the complete story, go to:

      http://janice142.com/Articles/BoatOnFire.html

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    • Severe Grounding at AICW/Mason Inlet Intersection, Statute Mile 280

      AICW/Mason Inlet - Click for Chartview

      The SSECN has imposed a “Navigation Alert” for the intersection of the AICW and Mason Inlet since August 5, 2013, and a warning has appeared concerning these waters in a USCG Local Notice to Mariners (see /?p=120325). We have had also several additional reports of shoaling on these troubled waters since our Nav. Alert was issued (see /?p=127818). Below, Captain Sonia and crew confirm the need for extreme caution in any passage through the Waterway/Mason Inlet intersection.

      We grounded there with a 5,5ft draft. While our rudder was free, our keel was stuck and our depth sounder showed 5 ft. We could however not move. We were towed by Seatow and fell onto our side and was towed for about 60 feet on our side before stabilizing. Our rudder was bent and our boat twisted, which resulted in serious damage. As we understood from both Seatow and Boatus, the barges create pockets with walls over an extended area. Be very careful and pass within 20 feet of the docks [red side].
      Sonia

      Not having been there I can’t speak for this particular grounding, but in many similar situations I have seen and been involved in on the ICW the best course of action when aground is to put an anchor out towards deep water and wait for tidal help before trying to get off. Near Mason Inlet there is usually at least 3 or 4 feet of tide. Many times I have pulled my own boat off of groundings with no damage by doing this. Often you can pull the bow around towards deeper water as the tide helps and then winch yourself in the right direction. Generally, within the ICW you are sheltered from wave action and there is no great danger in simply waiting. On the other hand, trying to tow a boat off that is hard aground often leads to damage. Of course if the boat hit near high tide and/or you are in an exposed location that would alter your choices.
      John Kettlewell

      We came through this area, southbound about one hour after low water on 1/23/2014. We were aware that this was a problem area and were moving very slowly. As we proceeded the depth started to decrease very rapidly. We kept moving towards the red side and finally found enough water, we draw about 3 1/2 feet, to get thru. We did kiss the bottom once. This is not the place to be at low water.
      David Boxmeyer

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

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    • High Praise for Spoon River Restaurant, Belhaven, NC, AICW Statute Mile 136

      Belhaven Waterfront - Click for Chartview

      These reviews of Spoon River restaurant come to us from our friends at Cruisers Forum (http://www.cruisersforum.com/). Spoon River Restaurant has only been in business a little over a year and is open seven days a week. They are located just off the waterfront and are listed as:
      Spoon River Artworks and Market
      263 Pamlico St, Belhaven, NC ‘Ž
      (252) 945-3899
      And their Facebook address is:
      https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spoon-River-Artworks-and-Market/471584979558789

      My wife and I just had dinner at Spoon River restaurant in Belhaven, NC.
      It was one of the top 5 meals I have ever had a chance to sit down to. To put things into perspective, I regularly eat at the finest chophouses and seafood restaurants in the world entertaining clients and enjoying the fruits of our sales channels…. on the company dime… DC, NY, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Philly, DC, London, MX City, Paris, Nairobi, Dar Es Salaam, Dubai, etc… So, we spare no expense. I am a snob and this makes me highly qualified in this regard
      The encore to this awesome meal was the pricing which BLEW us away. For 2 person meal that would have easily cost us 250 in DC, including a very good bottle of wine, full meals, and deserts that were so big we could not finish them…. 75.
      So, we highly recommend the unexpected pleasure in Belhaven.
      Zboss

      We live nearby and can second that report.
      We had lunch there this fall and were quite impressed both with the food, and with the reasonable prices.
      My only suggestion would be for an improvement in the wait staff. The young gentleman that served us could certainly have been more attentive.
      Still highly recommended!
      redsky49

      We had three meals at Spoon River (northbound in the spring and back in the fall) and we are just constantly amazed by the quality, presentation and service they provide. Small town, BIG surprise. We will be back.
      Win Benbow

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Carol Whitehead -  July 19, 2015 - 4:31 pm

        We had dinner at Spoon River last night and it was undoubtedly the best meal we have ever enjoyed. The menu choices and the food are excellent. The waitstaff are excellent and well trained. All in all a very pleasant evening. I would give them five stars!

        Reply to Carol
    • Stock Island Marina Village Now Officially Open, Key West, FL

      Stock Island Marina Village - Click for Chartview

      Although Stock Island Marina has been operating for several years, the completed marina village has just had its official grand opening. The marina, along Shrimp Road, occupies the westerly shores of Safe Harbor, north of marker #5.
      The facility consists of 128 floating docks, a dog park, community garden, high-speed fuel pump, gym, laundry facilities, bathrooms with showers, lounge area, bar and restaurant, pool, nature trails, retail fish house and an 80-room ’boutique fish camp.’
      For the complete article as posted on KeysInfoNet, go to:
      http://www.keysnet.com/2014/01/25/494261/stock-island-marina-village-now.html

       

      While a very nice, much needed Marina in the Key West Area, Cruisers should be aware that although the floating concrete docks are wide and convenient, there are no pilings between the slips. Docking in a stiff wind could be challenging if the wind is blowing your vessel away from the finger pier and into the adjoining vessel. The slips are basically `side to’ !
      Rich D

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Stock Island Marina Village

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Stock Island Marina Village

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    • More on Alternate Route to Avoid R32 in St. Andrew Sound, AICW Statute Mile 690

      Marker #32 - Click for Chartview

      Captains Chris and Janet are responding to a recent posting relating a very rough passage that adhered strictly to the magenta line through St. Andrew Sound (/?p=130811). Their suggested route below comes complete with a chart. We would like to hear from others who might have made a similar cut close to Horseshoe Shoal to the west of Marker #32. Note Chris and Janet’s very wise tracking of tide during their crossing.

      Unless seriously constrained by draft or schedule, a 6 kt boat passing through Jekyll Creek at high tide can cross the outer end of Horseshoe Shoal well to the west of both #31 and #32. We made our first transit of this area 30 minutes after high tide at the Jekyll Marina Station and never saw less than 12 feet on the shoal with wave conditions moderated.
      Heading south [from Jekyll Creek], when the magenta line crossed Latitude 31 on the chart, we turned for the old tower on Little Cumberland Island. When the water depth plummeted (west of #32 by 0.6 nm) we turned to intercept the magenta line off #33. This became our standard route.
      Caveat, we are unhurried cruisers with 5.5 foot draft. We arrange our days to pass Jekyll, Crooked River, Amelia River #1, and Sawmill Creek #49, each, an hour before high tide.
      Chris and Janet

      We have taken a similar path six times across Horseshoe Shoals with our 3ft draft Great Harbour trawler. Our route is more north/south right along 081 25.0 W. We’ve always seemed to transit at half tide or better on both ebb and flood tides and are careful to not let the strong current set us east or west. Correcting for the tide we’ve always seen depths that concur with those charted (7 to 8ft mlw). We don’t turn away from our N/S heading until the depths drop off. Have been hesitant to share this as we are each responsible for our on navigation and have different risk tolerance. With a 3ft draft we are probably more tolerant of 7ft charted depths even in area’s where the significant tidal currents can change the bottom quickly.
      Roger Arrowood

      Hi All,
      I think Capt Chris and Janet have my chart plotter 🙂
      That is the course I take every crossing of that sound. Good job explaining how to BTW. As always you are welcome to call for local knowledge at Jekyll Harbor Marina or Tow Boat US. We have several Captains that cross the sound each day ferrying clients to Cumberland and can report on conditions. Hope this helps!
      Sonny Reeves

      Jan 18 2014
      We can confirm the above comments on this route.
      Came thru 1 hour before high tide with 5.5 ft draft and never saw less than 12′ of water.
      Randy Tice

      We have crossed this path many times most recent was Jan 12 going South. Always cutting the corner at the angle shown. As soon as we pass R30 we start turning to the light house. We draw 4 ft and have crossed at low tide.
      Sonny Reeves

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

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


      In reponse to an earlier SSECN posting on an alternate to Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff (see /?p=120938), Captain Mullins and crew took the Round-your-elbow route into St. Helena Sound to avoid the Cutoff and did so successfully.

      On our trip south on an Ocean Alexander 58, 4 ft. draft, we determined that we were going to transit the Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff at low tide so we decided to turn left, heading south, after we passed through the cut at Fenwick Island. The Ashepoo river had 20 to 25 ft. of water in the middle and we followed it to the mouth, exited and went out in the St. Helena sound, turned north and bypassed the problem stretch all together. I would recommend this route for anyone with a 4 or 5 ft. or deeper draft heading into that area.

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

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    • Good Advice on Northern Fields Cut, AICW Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 574

      Northern Fields Cut - Click for Chartview

      The intersection of Northern Fields Cut and the Wright River lies north of the intersection of the Waterway and the Savannah River. Shoaling there has always been an issue and even with last year’s dredging, shallow depths might be expected. However, Captain Mullins offers good advice for a clear passage.

      Just helped take a Ocean Alexander 58 through Field’s cut at low tide.(4 ft. draft) Entering the cut from the north going south, you must stay close to the green markers on the left for the first 150 yds, then edge over to the red side until you approach the Savannah River and exit close to the Red side.
      We had a fish finder screen aboard and when we entered the cut, we could see how the bottom jumped up about 100 yds from the north entrance.
      There was a sailboat in front of us that tried to stay on the Green side all the way and had run aground 4 times by the time we caught up with him.
      Phil Mullins

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Northern Fields Cut

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

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    • Reports from Little Shark River, South of Marco Island, SW Florida Coastline

      Little Shark River Outer Anchorage - Click for Chartview

      Little Shark River is an interesting, but sometimes very buggy anchorage that lies well south of Everglades City and a short hop north of Cape Sable. It is one of the most backwater cruising possibilities in all of Florida. The SSECN recommends three Little Shark River anchorages in our Western Florida Anchorage Directory, but there are actually several dozen spots you might choose to drop the hook. These reports come to us from the Great Loop forum.

      Going south from Marco I. we have stopped at the Little Shark River. One time we found it to be buggy on warm, windless night. Every other time (about five) we have found it to be a pleasant, quiet stop. VERY remote with plenty of place to anchor.
      Mitch & Carole On Serendipity

      A good stop for the night when traveling out of Marco is Little Shark River. This breaks the trip up into two nice segments. When anchoring in Little Shark, go up the river 1/2 mile or so past the entrance. You will find good depths and good holding. Plan on a fast tidal current in both directions, inbound and outbound. This current will set you securely on your anchor for the night. Even with the cool temps currently being experienced, have screens ready for the bugs.
      Marty and Jerry Richardson onboard M/V Monarch

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Little Shark River Outer Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Little Shark River Outer Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Little Shark River Southern Fork Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Little Shark River Southern Fork Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Little Shark River Upper Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Little Shark River Upper Anchorage

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    • Increased Shoaling and Local Advice on Big Sarasota Pass, Sarasota, FL – Western Florida Coastline

      Big Sarasota Pass - Click for Chartview

      In the spring of 2013, we had a lengthy discussion on Big Sarasota Pass, /?p=111868. Now Captain Ray brings us valuable local knowledge.

      I am a local, and the pass is more than just dicey these days. Over the past year’¦last week we sailed our Mariner 31 outside and back, drawing 3’10’³, and saw 5’6’³ at high tide. That’s down from 7′ only a few months ago. Be careful if you must come into Big Pass, pretend you are a large barge and make wide turns around the floating markers on your way in.
      Captain Ray

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Big Sarasota Pass

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    • Pumpout Log Required or Enforced in NC?

      If you have any recent information about NC’s log requirement, let us hear from you. Apropos to this discussion is the new Key West regulation requiring a pumpout log (/?p=133955). And apropos to both situations is this ongoing discussion on Trawler Forum concerning a pumpout log requirement – or lack thereof – in NC. Got to: http://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/s27/nc-pumpout-log-13076.html

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    • Proof of Pumpout to be Required in Key West, FL


      Key West – Click for Chartview

      Captain Landry’s comment is in response to an article by Gwen Filosa that appeared January 16, 2014 in KeyNews.com, Florida Keys and Key West’s Daily Online News. While the search for cleaner waters is admirable, proof of pumpout is often difficult to provide. The new regulation does specify “liveaboards” and may not affect transients. See /?p=131066 for an earlier posting on this issue.

      The [Key West] city’s Bight Management Board unanimously approved Wednesday a new policy requiring liveaboards using the historic seaport’s dinghy dock to show proof they are having sewage pumpout service done regularly. http://keysnews.com/node/52935
      Susan Landry

      I don’t have a pumpout log.
      A good time to sing the praises of my Nature’s Head. [Composting toilet]
      Tom Murphy

      This law raises a lot of questions. How are you supposed to provide proof of pumpout if you have just arrived from an offshore run from Mexico? What if you don’t pumpout because you have a composting head, an incinerating toilet, or use a porta pottie? What if your boat doesn’t have toilet facilities and you want to dinghy in? What if the place you pumped out is free, is not attended, and offers no proof of pumpout? Is an acceptable pumpout log just notes that the owner keeps? I had some friends who lived on a large steel trawler with a 400-gallon tank and they pumped out once a season or so, but usually they just headed offshore and dumped legally. What are they supposed to do?
      John Kettlewell

      Apropos to this proposal to is an ongoing discussion on Trawler Forum concerning a pumpout log requirement – or lack thereof – in NC. Got to: http://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/s27/nc-pumpout-log-13076.html

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

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    • “The Professor” Sets Sail For Another Island

      It was with much sadness that I read the announcements below on the St. Augustine’s Cruisers’ Net (https://www.facebook.com/groups/staugustinecruisersnet/), about the passing of actor Russell Johnson, best known as Professor in the 1960s TV sitcom “Gilligan’s Island.” Like Captain Tarlecky, I think this show helped inspire my life to be associated with the water and cruising. According to CNN.com (see http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/16/showbiz/russell-johnson-obit/), Johnson, “died Thursday, his agent said. Johnson was 89.” Farewell “Professor” Johnson and godspeed on your journey!”

      Its with great sadness that I learned that “The Professor” from Gilligan’s Island has passed away. For me, I always thought that living on an island and inventing all kinds of cool stuff is basically what I wanted to do and this drove at least a part of my desire to get out on the water and explore all those little tropical islands and also develop a career at an engineer. So… thanks for all the laughs Professor.
      Alex Tarlecky

      A sad day for those who loved the castaways.
      Rudolph Andreae

      ‘˜My heart is broken’: Dawn Wells bids farewell to ‘˜Gilligan’s Island’ costar Russell Johnson ==> http://twitchy.com/2014/01/16/my-heart-is-broken-dawn-wells-bids-farewell-gilligans-island-costar-russell-johnson/

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    • Take Action to Reduce the Ethanol Requirement – Submit Your Comments!

      This Nation Marine Manufacturers Association (http://www.nmma.org) Action Alert regarding ethanol went out to NMMA members this Wednesday. Last month, NMMA testified before the EPA explaining the unintended dangers of the Renewable Fuel Standard and its impact on the marine industry. NMMA will also be submitting written comments this month. But our voices, our opinions and our comments are critical to our overall success.

      If you want the EPA to reduce the ethanol mandate, to modify the RFS and protect marine engines, then you must speak up! A format to submit your comments is contained in the following link: http://hd.nmma.org/t/88183/2164904/14107/7/

      It is past time to terminate the negative effects of ethanol/gas mixtures. E-10 has endangered American boaters and their families, required costly repairs and modifications to boats and boat engines and befits the widespread label of `The Ethanol Fraud.’ The taxpayer forced subsidy is not only unjustified and unsustainable, it discriminates against those who must pay premium prices to locate and purchase non-ethanol fuel to protect their assets and families from the harmful results of ethanol in motor fuels.
      Frank Leggett

      The EPA must be bought and sold by Monsanto. It’s clear the Ethanol pollutes more than gasoline. Ethanol harms engines and fuel tanks. It breaks down quickly releasing water into the bottom of fuel tanks where the water causes corrosion. This edict of 15% will also cause a major disruption in marina businesses and break the backs of boater’s budgets.
      Rudolph Andreae

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    • Hawk Channel Plagued with Crab Pots between Rodriguez Key and Marathon, FL

      In response to reports of numerous crab pots in the west side approach to Marathon (/?p=131869), Captain Lindberg’s remarks refer to 50 statute miles of the Hawk Channel between Rodriguez Key, just north of Key Largo at mile 1145, and Marathon at statute mile 1195.

      We just came back from sailing Fort Lauderdale to Boca Chica and back 12/23/13-1/3/14. The pots were so bad between Rodriguez Key and Marathon that we had to drop sails and motor. We had planned on putting out two fishing lines, however it was impossible with all the pots.
      Brenda Lindberg

      This was our experience as well during the week of January 6th, 2014.
      Be Aware and Careful !
      DeeDee Lisenby

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    • Recent Passage through Snake Creek Bridge and Overhead Powerline Clearance

      Snake Creek Bridge - Click for Chartview

      Snake Creek is the northernmost (and easternmost) channel in the Florida Keys that provides reasonably reliable access from the Florida Keys Inside (Florida Bay) Route to Hawk Channel, or the other way around. Several earlier articles here on the Cruisers’ Net, as well as my own soundings, indicate that MLW soundings on the extreme Hawk Channel end of the Snake Creek channel, have risen to 5-foot levels.
      Snake Creek, is one of only three passages (the other two being Channel Five and Moser Channel) between Miami and Big Pine Key that cruisers can (reliably) use to cruise between the inside and outside Florida Keys routes.
      So, timely operation of the bascule bridge crossing Snake Creek is an important consideration for cruisers. Below, Captain Dennis found the bridge tender a bit balky, and he also comments on some nearby powerlines.

      I just went through Snake Creek bridge yesterday in a Hunter 285. They publish that they open on demand other then restricted hours. They have change the restricted hours a couple times in the recent past so I won’t quote those hours now, but during the restricted hours they still open on the hour and on the half hour when requested. After just missing the 10:00 am opening, when we could not get a response on the VHF radio from the bridge attendant, we whistled for passing at 1030 at 11 and again at 1130 before we finally got an opening. The bridge attendant’s phone number is 305-664-3632. the mast on our hunter is 44 and a half feet above the water. I estimate that we cleared the power lines by 6-10′ so your 70′ stick is way too high. I tried to call just to see for cities reference, but all I got was a recording.
      Capt Dennis with Sailshare

      We went through the snake creek channel twice in a leopard 46 with a 70′ mast without incident. The lower wires are telephone and data cables. This was done in Feb 2011.
      T. Macpherson

      We have taken a 50′ Prout 3 1/2′ draft with 70′ bridge clearance under the Snake creek bridge wires at low tide. The bridge tenders said we were pretty close to the lowest wires, maybe within a foot or two.
      Captain Harold Ochstein

      January 14, 2014
      We took 42ft cat through Snake Creek 12/30/13 ‘“ Took it on rising tide with no issues, except ‘“ bridge tender would not respond. After waiting 15min and requesting response again, then waiting another 15min requesting response, another captain came on and said he was waiting also and that bridge would open at 4. It did open at 4pm, however no response what so ever from bridge tender. I asked some of the locals at fuel dock, and they indicated this was pretty common complaint.
      Brenda & George Lindberg

      Don’t know why they have not replaced that bridge yet. I lived in the Keys in the 80’s and 90’s and that bridge was stuck in the up position more than twice that I can remember. Great for the boaters, but once it was stuck for over 24 hours. Hundreds of people south were stuck, missed flights and also the nearest hospital was in Marathon. Monroe County needs to hire more friendly people as bridge tenders.
      Frank Collins

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

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    • Web Cams Up and Running in Flagler County, FL, AICW Between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach

      Flagler County, south of St. Augustine, and north of Daytona Beach, now boasts eight live webcams along the Waterway as it flows flows through this county. These sites also include current weather conditions.
      To view these sites go to:

      http://www.palmcoastandtheflaglerbeaches.com/where-we-are/webcams-weather.stml

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Allen Walker -  July 23, 2017 - 3:59 pm

        Most of the cams have been off line for over a year… called them and all they can say it’s the CATV company’s problem…

        Reply to Allen
    • NOAA Announces The Magenta Line will Stay, and (Hopefully) Be Improved

      Back on 10/2/13, the SSECN, as well as many other nautical publications, reported that the NOAA charting folks were seriously considering doing away with the infamous “magenta line,” which is supposed, but often does not, mark the route to keep to the best depths on the AICW, and other USA Waterways (see /?p=124482). In fact, it seemed like an almost “done deal” that the line was going to disappear from future editions of NOAA charts.
      Not so fast. The cruising community responded with a barrage of e-mails to NOAA, and, today (1/14/14) it was announced that the magenta line was not only going to be retained, but an effort was going to be made to relocate it to better indicate where the best depths are to be found. Here is an excerpt from the NOAA announcement:

      NOAA Coast Survey to improve `magenta line’ on Intracoastal Waterway nautical charts
      The Office of Coast Survey announced today that future editions of nautical charts of the Intracoastal Waterway will be updated to include an improved `magenta line’ that has historically aided navigation down the East Coast and around the Gulf Coast. Additionally, Coast Survey will change the magenta line’s function, from the perceived `recommended route’ established more than a hundred years ago, to an advisory directional guide that helps prevent boaters from going astray in the maze of channels that comprise the route.
      The decision comes on the heels of a year’s investigation into problems with the magenta line. In early 2013, after receiving reports of groundings by boaters who followed the line into shoals, Coast Survey started to remove the magenta line from Intracoastal Waterway nautical charts.
      `We cannot deliberately include chart features that we know may pose a danger to navigation,’ explained Rear Admiral Gerd Glang, director of NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey. `The problems of the magenta line’s misplacement, which had been developing over the past seven decades, were aggravated when some boaters assumed that the line indicated a precise route through safe water ‘“ although it actually went over land, shoals, or obstructions.’
      In 2013, while Coast Survey cartographers were removing poorly placed lines from charts that were undergoing regularly scheduled updates, Glang ordered a cartographic review of the magenta line’s function and maintenance. Simultaneous with an internal review of the issues, Glang issued a Federal Register Notice asking for public comments. Almost 240 individuals and organizations offered comments, saying that the line helped safe navigation on the Intracoastal Waterway.
      `We asked Intracoastal Waterway users to let us know if they need the route designated on nautical charts, and the response was 99.9 percent in favor of keeping it on charts,’ Glang said. `Many of the commenters explained how the magenta line saved them from dangerous or costly navigation errors. They also confirmed that we need to clear up any misunderstanding about what the magenta line is ‘“ and what it isn’t.’
      The internal review and public comments confirm that the magenta line needs to be removed where it poses a danger to navigation, rebuilt to avoid shoals and other dangers, and reinstated to all the Intracoastal Waterway nautical charts. Importantly, Coast Survey will add notes to the Intracoastal Waterway charts, emphasizing that vessels transiting the waterway should be aware of changing conditions and always honor aids to navigation.
      Improvements will take years to fully implement
      `Today’s decision to reinstate the magenta line is not a quick fix,’ cautions Captain Shep Smith, chief of Coast Survey’s Marine Chart Division. `It will take at least three years to fix problems that were 70 years in the making.’

      You can read the full announcement at:

      http://noaacoastsurvey.wordpress.com/2014/01/14/noaa-coast-survey-to-improve-magenta-line-on-intracoastal-waterway-nautical-charts/

      Sounds like GOOD news for the cruising community, and though I’ll believe the “improvements” to the magenta line just as soon as I see them!

      I’m glad they’re keeping the line and hopefully improving it. It is good to see that they are responding to public input.
      John Kettlewell

      This is great news. When used as intended, it provides a clear indication of the correct ICW waterways.
      Dave Boxmeyer

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    • Good Words for Downtown Marina of Beaufort, SC, AICW Statute Mile 536.5

      The Downtown Marina Of Beaufort, SC, 1006 Bay Street Beaufort, SC 29902 (843) 524-4422 or Marker #239 on ICW

      Downtown Marina - Click for Chartview

      Here are good words for Downtown Marina of Beaufort as originally posted on Trawler Forum, http://www.trawlerforum.com/. A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, Downtown Marina is located north of AICW marker #239, a short distance west of the Lady’s Island swing bridge, in the heart of downtown Beaufort.

      I like the Beaufort Downtown Marina. They are right downtown with several restaurants very close by. Blackstones is best for breakfast. They have a loaner car for grocery shopping. If you want to anchor or take a mooring ball, you can tie up to the park wall during the day, but not overnight. Tides are pretty swift in that area.
      Don on “Moonstruck”

      Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Downtown Marina

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

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