Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Sep 17, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Advice on New Shoaling at AICW/Browns Inlet Intersection Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 237
Browns Inlet/AICW Intersection - Click for Chartview
The intersection of the Waterway and Browns Inlet, south of Swansboro, NC was last dredged in December of 2012, but, as with most SSECN designated “AICW Problem Stretches,” shoaling usually reappears sooner or later. Captain Bell reports that shallow depths are occurring as expected. Past experience dictates that the channel can shift quickly and that close attention to the relocated and temporary USCG buoys is your best bet to avoid grounding.
Do not get within 60 feet of green 61a or you will be aground as was a sailboat today.
David Bell
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Browns Inlet Intersection
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Sep 17, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Punta Gorda Boater’s Alliance Offers “Boater’s Alert Card”
Now here’s a really super idea that has become reality thanks to our good friends and SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, at the Punta Gorda Boater’s Alliance. Talk about a “no brainer.” Each and EVERY cruiser plying the waters of Charlotte Harbor, Peace River and /or Pine Island Sound will want to have one of these card on their console or dashboard. And, note they are waterproof, and ready for use anytime, anywhere.
Punta Gorda “Boater’s Alert Cards” are available without cost at all Charlotte Harbor/Punta Gorda marinas and yacht clubs, and from local, on-the-water law enforcement officers (see listing below).
Furthermore, the Punta Gorda Boater’s Alliance (http://www.boat2puntagorda.com/AB/index.html) has generously offered to share what they have learned in creating their “Boater’s Alert Card” with any other boat owner’s/cruisers’ organization, or governmental entity, thereby greatly facilitating the wider availability of these very useful cruising tools.
Don’t delay, pick up a card TODAY at any Punta Gorda marina or yacht club! And, CONGRATULATIONS to the Punta Gorda Boater’s Alliance on a job very well done!!!
Punta Gorda Boaters Alliance, in cooperation with on-water law enforcement agencies and the University of Florida – Sea grant program, developed a waterproof Boaters Alert card listing phone numbers to call if encountering any of the situations listed. This ongoing program is maintained by the Punta Gorda Boaters Alliance.
Cards can be obtained a the following locations:
Punta Gorda Police Marine Officers
Local Florida Fish and Wildlife Patrol
Charlotte Count Sheriff’s Marine Patrol
Local Marinas
Yacht Club
West Marine (Punta Gorda)
Excellent idea!
HELMUT G KRAMER MD,MSc
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Sep 16, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Waterspout Storm Damages Maximo Marina, St. Petersburg Florida, off Boca Ciega Bay
Maximo Marina - Click for Chartview
The following copyrighted story and link were taken from the website of ABC News out of Tampa, FL. Despite all advice about waterspouts, it is apparent that there is little one can do to prepare for such sudden storms. Maximo Marina is located on the charted canal cutting into Boca Ciega Bay’s southeastern shores, east-northeast of marker #14. There is also a large, strip shopping center located within two blocks of this facility, which contains a West Marine. Anyone know if there was any damage to the shopping center as well???
http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_south_pinellas/st_petersburg/quick-moving-storm-damages-maximo-marina-in-st-petersburg#ixzz2f5SFRYgi
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Maximo Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Maximo Marina
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Sep 16, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Southport Marina Offers New Video Look At It’s Facilities and Services (Statute Mile 309)
SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Southport Marina has just introduced a new video showcasing this fine marina’s facilities and services. It is very definitely worth a look.
Southport Marina is located in the heart of the old river village of the same name. In the 1950’s and early 60’s, Southport was my boyhood summer home aboard. I have nothing but the warmest memories of my time spent on the docks of the old Southport harbor. May you too be so fortunate.
Check out the new video at:
http://vimeo.com/channels/394509
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Southport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Southport Marina
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Sep 16, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
A Case Made For Cruising the Georgia Portion of the AICW
Click Chartlet Above to Open a Chart View Page Centered on Jekyll Harbor Marina
The author of the article below, Captain Sonny Reeves, is a frequent SSECN contributor and a live-aboard cruiser at SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Jekyll Harbor Marina, located immediately south of the Jekyll Island Bridge. We always think his opinions are worth considering, even if you don’t entirely agree with his arguments.
We think Captain Sonny makes a very good case for NOT bypassing the Georgia portion of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, IF and only if you have the time to play the tides, and are willing to take extra navigational care.
In an earlier posting (9/6/13) here on the SSECN, Captain Sonny gives more good advice, AND provides a homemade video, of how best to navigate the Waterway channel through the Jekyll Creek AICW Problem Stretch (see /?p=119133)
Also, don’t miss Captain Sonny’s discussion below of the shoreside Jekyll Island delights. Clearly, this is a GREAT place to visit, and access is easy enough from Jekyll Harbor Marina!
Hi Capt. Claiborne,
I am seeing a lot of discussion from ICW boaters on the Georgia ICW. Please don’t fear the ditch! Yes, there is shallow water! Yes, you do have to pay attention and watch: The tides, the depth, the shore, the markers, other boaters with their head in their rear locker and currents. Our tide range runs to 8 ft. twice a day. We do have many very nice places to stop and visit: Blackbeard Island, Cumberland Island, and Darien are wonderful this time of the year as it cools off towards November. I and my wife are legal liveaboards at Jekyll Harbor Marina. We travel up to Charleston and down to St. Augustine often.
http://ontheofficewautoteacher.blogspot.com/2013/05/brickhill-river-ancorage-cumberland.html
Here on Jekyll Island we enjoy the miles (27 and counting) of very safe bike trails; the trail via the maritime forest to the old village is awesome!, Millionaires Village, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Driftwood Beach, fresh Georgia Shrimp, (Reds are Running!) fishing and all the amenities of Jekyll Harbor Marina: grills, hot tub, pool, free loaner car, bikes and the new ships store. Jekyll Island is a state park and very safe.
Our world famous Shrimp and Grits Festival is coming up Sept 20. Please don’t fear the ditch in Georgia. Many barges with tugs that draw 8 ft pass by north and south at low tide. As long as those commercial barges get through the shallow spots the Army Corp of Engineers is not going to try and dredge. None of the states on the ICW that I know of can afford to dredge the ditch.
Call Capt Wes or Capt Scott at Jekyll Harbor Marina for local knowledge
Too many cruisers bypass this beautiful section of the world with its unique character because of the rumors perpetuated by those that don’t know.
Enjoy!
Sonny Reeves
Claiborne, We did a recent blog post on just this subject, http://trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com/2013/06/should-you-avoid-georgia-icw.html . It will also be published in the Defever Cruisers upcoming magazine. Georgia is one of our favorite sections of the waterway.
Chuck Baier
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Jekyll Harbor Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jekyll Harbor Marina
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Sep 16, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Downtown Marina of Beaufort Recertified As “Clean Marina” (Statute Mile 536.5)
Well, of course, the Downtown Marina of Beaufort (SC) is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR. Naturally this facility’s far seeing management comes up aces in being an environmentally responsible facility! Congratulations to Rick and Mandy Griffith on their marina’s recertification as a “South Carolina Clean Marina.”

At the same awards ceremony, Downtown Marina in Beaufort, SC received its recertification of its Clean Marina status. The marina, under the stewardship of Rick Griffin, CMM, has met the high standards of the program continually since 1998.
`Becoming a Clean Marina involves using best management in all phases of the marina’s operations, SCMA President Iggy del Valle said in congratulating the recipients. `It isn’t an easy process and, in some cases, involves added expenses.’ The marinas go beyond normal regulatory requirements in managing potential pollutants, keeping their facilities as `green’ as possible and educating their customers on better environmental actions to keep our waterways clean.
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Downtown Marina of Beaufort
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Downtown Marina of Beaufort
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Sep 16, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
GREAT Idea – Do You Have An Old/Unused Boat in Your Backyard?
Fellow nautical writer, Wally Moran, is a frequent contributor to the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net, and we often, with permission, excerpt entries from his web blog, “LiveBloggin’ the ICW (http://bloggingtheicw.blogspot.com/)!
Now, Captain Wally has come up with a really GREAT idea about what you can do with that old boat that’s been sitting under the tree in your backyard forever, gathering dirt and tree sap.
The entire Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net strongly recommends that all who have unused boats, follow the link below, AND LET’S HELP GET MORE CRUISERS OUT ON THE WATER!
GREAT JOB Wally!
I’ll bet you have one….
Wally Moran Contributing Editor, SAIL Magazine
Abandoned boats that is, sitting in your yard, taking up space and no rent being paid. Worse still, they’ll cost you money to get rid of. It’s a no win situation – or is it?
I think I can help you. I’ve just started a new feature on my blog entitled ‘Free Boats’. The first posting increased my daily blog hits by over 1500%, with 85% of hits coming from the US, and another 10% from Canada.
There’s a significant interest in getting a free boat it seems. Now how does this help you?
Some of those boats in the back row of your yard are salvageable, as you know. If someone takes over a boat, you’ve turned it from a useless piece of junk into someone’s hopes and dreams – and for that, they’ll pay you rent, they’ll pay for dock space, they’ll buy parts, they’ll hire your people to do work on the boat.
Those aren’t junk boats in your back row – those are ‘underperforming assets’, and we can change that by showcasing these boats on LiveBloggin’ the ICW in our Free Boats section. Best of all, there is no charge to you for listing a boat, or even several.
If you’re interested in getting these boats dealt with, contact me via PM through Linked In. Remember, there’s no cost to you to list, and no cost at any time. The blog url is http://bloggingtheICW.blogspot.com
Thanks Claiborne ‘“ for anyone interested who has a boat they would like to move, you can also reach me at getafreeboat@gmail.com
If you’re interested in finding a boat, sign up using email or Google ‘“ and please note, the site is spam free. You’ll only be notified when posts are made on LiveBloggin’ the ICW.
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Sep 11, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Wassau Sound Inlet, Georgia (near Statute Mile 585.5)
Click Chartlet Above to Open A Chart View Page Centered on Wassau Sound
Over the first part of September, 2013, there has been an interesting discussion on the American Great Loop Cruisers’ Association Forum (http://www.greatloop.org/) as to the usability of Wassau Sound Inlet, which pierces the northeastern Georgia coastline a few miles south of the Savannah River inlet. From the AICW, the most practical approach to this seaward cut, is to leave the Waterway at marker #40, southeast of the Waterway – Herb River intersection (just a short hop south of Thunderbolt, GA), and then follow the wide but scantily marked Wilmington River channel to Wassau Sound, and eventually to this sound’s inlet.
Personally, I wouldn’t think about attempting this passage without a well functioning chart plotter aboard, outfitted with the latest charts, and, even then, only with light winds and good weather in the offing!
My real question is, does anyone use or are the inlets between Thunderbolt and Brunswick usable for a 5 ft draft? Assuming a calm day.
I see many are marked by buoys, but does that mean that you can follow the charts and not have a problem ? I would like to run out of Delegal Creek and run to St Simons.
I realize St Simons entrance is not a problem as it is a shipping channel.
Bob and Libby
I used Wassaw Sound inlet last about two years ago. Beyond G9 and R10, I had trouble finding the movable marks over the bar to R2. Latest chart shows the channel bending quite sharply to the south and that is how I recall we found the movable marks. Take it slow in good visibility at half tide or higher the first time.
There is plenty of water once you know where the channel really is. My first time through in a sail boat 10 years ago didn’t work out so well, spent about four hours at the bottom of the tide cycle with our keel on the bottom.
Chuck Gorgen
ODYSSEE
Olivia, To get the latest information you might contact Sea Tow or TowboatUS for that area. The buoys are constantly being moved because of shoaling and if there are steep seas running, they are hard to find because they are spaced far apart and get lost in the troughs of the swells. The inlet should only be used in calm conditions.
Chuck
Last year, after Hurricane Sandy had passed the area, I was helping a friend move his 48ft Island Packet (5ft draft) south to Miami and we used, with no issues, Wassau inlet. We had spent the night in Thunderbolt. The marks are far apart but a chart plotter helped keep us oriented. Wind was 15/20 WSW with a good 4-5ft chop once we were away from the inlet. Tide had just ebbed at Thunderbolt and current was light and with us as we came down the river, and while a bit confused, there were no standing or breaking waves at the inlet. The inlet was no issue for our offshore capable boat. If you look at the mast heights of the really big sailing yachts in maintenance at Thunderbolt then Wilmington River/Wassau inlet is most likely what they use as they can’t get under the 65ft bridge just to the north and have drafts not appropriate for the ICW travel to the south.
Roger Arrowood
My name is Kevin Quinn. I keep my boats on the Wilmington River and I am out on the Wassaw Sound every week. I have a USCG Masters License with a Sail Endorsement. I would be glad to help anyone wanting to make this passage down the Wilmington, through the Wassaw sound and out the inlet. I will help you on the phone, Email or on board. 912-355-0737
krquinn@bellsouth.net
Kevin Quinn
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wassau Sound
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Sep 6, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Shallow Depths Confirmed on “AICW North of Ben Sawyer Bridge to Isle of Palms Bridge” Problem Stretch (Statute Mile 460)
For the last year or two, the AICW channel north of Charleston, SC Harbor, between the Isle of Palms and Ben Sawyer Bridges, has been an SSECN designated “AICW Problem Stretch. Recently, these waters were the co-subject (along the Ashepoo – Coosaw Cutoff) of a joint call from the SSECN, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association, and the South Carolina Marine Association, suggesting members of the cruising community contact the SC US Congressional delegation, and ask them to support a special appropriation to dredge these waters. (see /?p=121335).
Now, our good friends, and SSECN strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, founders and owners of “On The Water ChartGuides” (http://www.onthewaterchartguides.com/), give us an updated, graphic report relaying what they discovered as they navigated through the Waterway north of Charleston on 8/27/13.
NOTE THAT THE DOYLE’S SOUNDINGS WERE TAKEN AT MID-TIDE, MEANING THAT YOU MUST SUBTRACT 2.3 FEET FROM THEIR SOUNDINGS TO DISCOVER WHAT MLW DEPTHS WOULD BE. As you will discover, there are a few spots southwest of the Swinton Creek intersection that would only carry as little as 3 feet at MLW!
YIKES!!!!!! We need to get these waters dredged NOW!!!!!
Incidentally, Diana and Mark are just about to publish a new edition of their immensely popular “ICW CruiseGuide.” Click on the book graphic to the above right for more details, and to place a pre-order!
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW North of Ben Sawyer Bridge to Isle of Palms Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Sep 5, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
GREAT Shot Of Mile Hammock Bay Anchorage (Statute Mile 244.5)
We just had to share this truly quality photo of the very popular anchorage at Mile Hammock Bay (off the North Carolina portion of the AICW, hard by the Waterway’s intersection with New River and New River Inlet), sent to us by our good friends, and SSECN strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, founders and owners of “On The Water ChartGuides” (http://www.onthewaterchartguides.com/). Mornings like the one pictured here are, at least in our opinion, what cruising is all about!
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Mile Hammock Bay Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Mile Hammock Bay Anchorage
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Sep 3, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
New, AICW No-Wake Zone Protects Barefoot Marina and Barefoot Marina Landing Dock (Statute Mile 353.5)
Click Chartlet Above to Open a Chart View Page Centered on Barefoot Marina
We have just heard by telephone from dockmaster, Bill Rathbun, at SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Barefoot Marina, that a new, official AICW no-wake zone has been established from a point just south of the Barefoot Landing Bridge, to a point 100 yards or so east and south of Barefoot Marina. This new no-wake zone will protect vessels at both Barefoot Marina, and those moored to the facility on the other side of the Pine Island Cut/Canal at Barefoot Landing Marina Transient Dock.
So, as you cruise south this fall, SLOW DOWN as you pass under the Barefoot Bridge, and continue at idle speed until you are well south of the marina docks!
THANKS for this update Captain Bill!
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Barefoot Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Barefoot Marina
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Sep 2, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
AICW Passage Through Flagler County, Florida Will Soon be Live on the Web (between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach)
South Facing AICW Camera at Bings Landing - Courtesy of Flagler County
Our good friends, and frequent SSECN contributors, Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier (authors of “The Great Book of Anchorages” series, including the soon to be released Bahamas edition, http://www.tgboa.com), recently forwarded the link below. As you will see, this link leads to an article which appeared in the 8/27/13 edition of the “Daytona Beach News-Journal.” It relates that a series of eight web connected video cameras will soon be delivering LIVE video of the AICW, available to anyone with a web connection, as the Waterway passes through Flagler County. The 19 mile Flagler County section of the AICW lies south of St. Augustine, and north of Daytona Beach, including SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Marineland Marina.
We were so intrigued by this story that, after a bit of research, we found our way to Flagler County Manager, Carl Laundrie, who is in charge of this project. In an interview on 8/30/13, Mr. Laundrie told the SSECN that the system would likely be available to the on-line public “by the end of September.” This is somewhat at variance with the news story linked below, but, as this data comes directly from the proverbial “horse’s mouth,” we think the “end of September” dating is accurate.
Mr. Laundrie also told us that, when fully implemented, cruisers will be able to access a single URL address, and see thumbnails of all eight cameras. Clicking on any one image will bring up a full size view.
We have been promised that the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net will be one of the first to know when the public viewing URL is up and running. That address will appear here on the SSECN just as soon as it is available!
While some have made “Big Brother is Watching” noises about this story, we think this is a positive development for the cruising community. Remember, there has never been any such creature as having “too much” information when you are on the water, or planning a cruise on the water. The presence of the eight Flagler County webcams will be a good source of info for this stretch of the Eastern Florida AICW.
http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20130827/NEWS/130829523?p=1&tc=pg
Claiborne, When I first read the article I had mixed feelings. On one hand, we seem to be losing more and more privacy while out in public. On the other hand, if this could somehow improve safety on the water, as it hints, then I would be all for it. I suppose we will see if it makes any difference over time. But it’s still an interesting concept. I could go on line and see what the conditions are on the waterway before I haul up the anchor. There may be several benefits. Now if they could only rig one up in the middle of the Pamlico and Albemarle.
Chuck
Well, not everyone thinks the Waterway webcams are a good idea:
More surveillance Is there no end to living under the eyes of someone else’s cameras? I moved off land to get away from this kind of Nosey busybody BS. What we do on our our boats is Nonya business.
Rudolph
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Aug 31, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments 24.5639,-81.73069999
Ocean Side Marina on Stock Island (just north of Key West) Being Sold – Improvments Coming Soon

View In Chartview

With special permission from KeysNet.com (http://www.keysnet.com), we have reprinted a portion of his article below. The marina which is the subject of this article lies on the Hawk Channel side of Stock Island, just north of Key West.
Having personally visited this facility several times within the last five years, it did indeed seem to be a bit down on its luck. Hopefully, with the purchase described below, everything will return to first-class status in short order!
Local developer buys iconic marina
Singh plans $25M upgrade, 80 new condos at Oceanside
One of the Florida Keys’ most successful developers will purchase one of the Keys’ most iconic marinas.
Pritam Singh will close on a deal today to purchase Oceanside Marina, on Stock Island, for $5 million from BB T Bank, he told The Citizen on Wednesday. Singh said he plans to invest another $25 million into the marina for repairs and upgrades, including 80 new condos and a restaurant.
“It (the marina) was ‘the’ place, and it can be again,” Singh said. “It was a jewel among the marinas of Key West. It was the premier sportfishing marina of the Florida Keys. There have been more world records from boats out of here than anywhere else in the country.”
Millionaire Texas oil men Tex Schramm and Clint Murchison built the marina in the late 1960s, Singh said.
The marina fell on hard times since its glory years. In early 2010, BB T Bank took the deed for the property in lieu of foreclosure from the Cortex Cos., which had changed the name to Kings Pointe Marina.
The group who managed the marina for the bank changed the name back to Oceanside in 2011.
Singh admitted that the marina needs a lot of work to bring it back to its heyday. One entire boat barn needs to be leveled, and the seawalls and boat ramp are in dire need of repairs, he said.
Rows of boat slips will remain untouched, as the slips were sold to individual owners. Singh said he purchased 8 acres of upland and 4 acres of bay bottom.
He has been working with Monroe County planning staff for the past several months to determine how much development can occur there. But he added that he plans to keep it a sportfishing marina.
“The saying is, ‘The legend is back,'” Singh said. “It’s beautiful. It’s an extraordinary site.”
Singh called Stock Island an up-and-coming community with a lot of potential. He cited the success of restaurateur Bobby Mongelli, who owns Hogfish Bar Grill and Roostica on Stock Island.
He also referenced the changes being made on Shrimp Road, on the other side of Safe Harbor, by the owners of Stock Island Marina Village, who have built a dog park and community garden on their property, extended their piers and are looking at building a hotel on Safe Harbor.
“Stock Island is great,” Singh said. “It is fabulous.”
Doesn’t sound like sailors will be appreciated. Maybe I’ll add a tuna tower!
Has Royer s/v Skye
Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Ocean Side Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ocean Side Marina
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Aug 31, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Unexpected Good Stay at Carolina Beach Mooring Field, AICW Statute Mile 295
Carolina Beach Mooring Field - Click for Chartview
The Carolina Beach Mooring Field lies south of the AICW channel, and also south of Snow Cut’s easterly entrance, in the harbor channel leading to Carolina Beach commercial district. As you will see below, Captain Spence relays welcome improvements in service to mooring users in this field.
We stayed here a year ago, and I was not looking forward to a second visit. We were only spending one night and after an 8 1/2 hour day I didn’t feel much like launching the dinghy from the second deck in the wind just to go pay our mooring fee. I was very happy to read that they now send a boat out each evening to collect fees. And great news ‘“ a second dinghy dock on the beach side with access to the beach is supposed to open in about two weeks!
Paula Spence
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Carolina Beach Mooring Field
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Carolina Beach Mooring Field
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Aug 30, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
New Okeechobee Waterway Lock Hours Due to HIGH Water
St. Lucie Lock/Okeechobee Waterway
The text below is reprinted with permission from “East Coasts Alerts,” authored by our good friends Mel and Tom Neale. This publication is a service of Boat/US. You can read the full text of the Neal’s latest “Alert” at http://www.boatus.com/cruising/tomneale/alert.asp. You can also apply for a FREE e-mail subscription at http://www.boatus.com/cruising/TomNeale/signup.asp. We highly recommend this companion publication. After all, NO-ONE knows more about cruising that Tom and Mel Neale!!!
Back to the Okeechobee Waterway, this is the first time in my somewhat defective memory that I can remember the Okeechobee locks having reduced lockage hours due to HIGH water. It’s usually during times of drought that the USACOE finds it necessary to curb the locks.
Well, as we reported earlier, the prodigious summer Florida rainfall has actually caused some concern about the dikes around Lake Okeechobee (see /?p=121826) and the release of polluted water into the OKWW, east and west of Lake Okeechobee (see /?p=121537). I guess the restricted lock hours described below are just another casualty of all this excess water!
Okeechobee Waterway Revised Locking Hours Due to High Lake Okeechobee Water Levels:
1. Lake Okeechobee is experiencing unusually high water levels requiring adjustments to lockage times on the Okeechobee Waterway to maintain maximum water releases from Lake Okeechobee to the Caloosahatchee River (C-43) and the St. Lucie Canal.
2. Lockage schedules for Moore Haven Lock and Ortona Lock are temporarily revised as of this date to maintain maximum water releases from Lake Okeechobee. Lockage schedules are revised as follows:
Moore Haven Lock (26.833683Â°-81.088144Â°). First lockage is at 7AM local time both east and west bound continuing to lock through traffic only on the odd hour throughout the day until securing at 7PM local time.
Ortona Lock (26.789265Â°-81.304948Â°): First lockage is at 8am local time both east and west bound continuing to lock thru traffic only on the even hour throughout the day until securing at 6PM local time.
Port Mayaca Lock (26.984290-80.621067Â°): No restrictions. Lock gates remain open for passage 24/7.
W.P. Franklin Lock (26.723504Â°-81.693068Â°): No restrictions. Lockage is on request between 7AM and 7PM local time.
St. Lucie Lock (27.111128Â°-80.284610Â°): No restrictions. Lockage is on request between 7AM and 7PM local time.
3. Locks will resume normal hours of operations from 7AM to 7PM daily for the five locks on the Okeechobee Waterway once water levels on Lake Okeechobee are at a reduced level. For additional information regarding this issue and others may be obtained by accessing the Jacksonville District website: http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Navigation/NoticestoNavigation.aspx US Army Corps of Engineers point of contact is Mr. Jack J. Pasch, Supervisor Facility Management Specialist at (863)983-8101 x229 or email: jack.j.pasch@usace.army.mil (From a Notice to Navigation Interests, USACE Jacksonville, 12 August 2013)
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Aug 27, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
“The Great Book of Anchorages, The Bahamas,” Slated For September, 2013 Release
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is very pleased to announce the impending publication of a new member of the “Great Book of Anchorages” series, authored by our good friends, and frequent SSECN contributors, Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier. Chuck and Susan are the founder and owners of Beach House Publications (http://www.tgboa.com).
As you will see from the full text of their Press Release below, this new, exciting volume concerns itself with the myriad anchorages in the Bahamas! Wow, talk about a NEEDED anchorage guide book. I can’t think of any waters where a volume of this ilk will be more useful. Follow the links below to pre-order your copy TODAY!!!!!
Sarasota, Florida ‘“ August 5, 2013 — Publishers Chuck Baier and Susan Landry of Beach House Publications announce their collaboration with Wavey Line Publishing, producers of Wavey Line Charts, for the newest `The Great Book of Anchorages, The Bahamas,’ scheduled for release in September 2013.
Beach House Publications (http://www.tgboa.com/) released the first in the series of The Great Book of Anchorages, Norfolk to Key West, including The St. Johns River, in August of 2012. After an extensive cruise through the Bahamas for research, we are pleased to announce the release of our Bahamas Edition in September 2013. This new edition, featuring very detailed Wavey Line Chartlets and many anchorage details in a unique format, will prove to be a valuable resource for boaters traveling to the Bahamas. The Bahamas Edition covers hundreds of anchorages in the most popular and well traveled areas of the Bahamas, including Grand Bahama, Abacos, Berry Islands, Bimini, Eleuthera, and the Exumas to Georgetown.
Sample Page - "The Great Book of Anchorages, Bahamas Edition"
Wavey Line Publishing has a portfolio of more than 300 charts covering the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos Islands and the Dominican Republic North Coast in paper and electronic versions. Bob C. Gascoine and Jane Minty published their surveys and their first chart, TC001, in December 1993. TC001 had the distinction of being the first navigational chart primarily for use with GPS. It featured new innovations such as a ‘˜one mile grid’ for ease of position plotting and ‘˜Waypoint List.’ The first edition sold out in six months; soon after Bob and Jane took up hydrography as a full-time occupation. Although Wavey Line Charts has a portfolio of more than 300 charts, only a third of these are published in hard copy as printed charts. Wavey Line licenses many more of these charts to all major electronic chart companies including: Jeppsen Digital Charts, Garmin, Nobeltec, Navionics, EarthNC, Maptech, Fugawi, GeoGarage Marine and Transas marine.
This will be the second in what will eventually be a series of six anchorage books that will encompass the waterways of the eastern United States. Additional books in the series will be the Chesapeake and Delaware Bay, New Jersey to New York, including the Hudson River, Chicago to Mobile, and the Gulf Coast Intracoastal Waterway from Mobile, Alabama to Cape Sable, Florida. The Great Book of Anchorages is available to the boating community now at http://www.tgboa.com, along with Photo Galleries and Interactive Maps. The publications can be purchased through several local and online venders, and the list can be found on the website at http://www.tgboa.com/get-your-copy. The next edition will be The Chesapeake Bay, which is currently in the research stage and will be available by Spring/Summer 2014. The order and dates of release for the additional books will depend on input and requests from the boating community.
The most unique anchorage guide available. The Great Book of Anchorages may very well become the standard for anchorage books to follow. Boaters can finally do an entire cruise without any marina stops or choose when they want to find paid dockage. The books are designed for information on anchoring and free docks and nothing else. It doesn’t pretend to be a cruising guide or combination cruising guide and anchorage information.
- Hundreds of anchorages and free docks in each edition.
- Anchorage and free dock details including color chartlets.
- Anchorage and dock locations with GPS waypoints.
- Easy-to-use format and indexing for quick reference.
- Discussions on types of anchors and anchoring techniques.
- Suggestions for planning your next trip.
- Save time and searching with anchorage locations at your fingertips.
- Save thousands of dollars in dockage fees.
If you would like more information on The Great Book of Anchorages series, would like to order books, or interview Chuck or Susan, call us at 713-244-4686 or email info@tgboa.com.
Website, http://www.tgboa.com.
Susan Landry, Publisher/Author/Editor
Chuck Baier, Publisher/Author
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Aug 26, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Liveaboard/Landing Issues at Tarpon Basin, Key Largo, FL Keys Inside Route, Mile 1139.5
Tarpon Basin - Click for Chartview
Tarpon Basin is crossed by the FL Keys Inside Route, just south of Blackwater Sound and Dusenberry Creek. There are at least 3 good spots to drop the hook here, and creative skippers will find more.
One of our readers, Captain Mary Dixon, sent us the link below, which leads to a truly interesting article, which appeared in KeysNet.com (http://www.keysnet.com), about boats anchored long term in Tarpon Basin. As you will see, the problems reported in this article center around a small group of (I will NOT call them “crusiers”) people living on anchored vessels in Tarpon Basin. This unfortunate group is making life difficult for everyone, including fellow boat owners whose vessels are anchored in Tarpon Basin. Here is a case where many of those living on the water are asking for change, as well as the shorside powers that be! And, if this situation is not resolved soon, the responsible boat owners in Tarpon Bay may lose their rights to a public dinghy dock, which has been a great resource for all legitimate mariners!
With special permission from KeysNet.com publisher, Captain Wayne Markham, we have reprinted a portion of his article below. Follow the link in Captain Dixon’s note, or below the excerpted portions of the story, to read the entire text. Many thanks Captain Markham!!!!
Cruising News:
Interesting development for Key Largo Tarpon Basin. http://www.keysnet.com/2013/08/24/489480/key-largo-liveaboards-beg-to-keep.html
Mary Dixon
Reprinted by Permission from KeysNet.com
Key Largo liveaboards beg to keep access
By KEVIN WADLOW
kwadlow@keynoter.com
Posted – Saturday, August 24, 2013 10:35 AM EDT
Reluctant to evict the solid citizens of the Tarpon Basin liveaboard community because of a few scofflaws, Monroe County commissioners decided Wednesday to seek more law enforcement.
It was a problem that cropped up literally in the commission’s own back yard, the bayfront park behind the Murray E. Nelson Government and Cultural Center at mile marker 102.5.
“We’ve had people showering naked next to the dumpster. People bathing in the fountain, naked,” county Building Official Jerry Smith told the commission. “We deal with this on a daily basis.”
Commissioner Sylvia Murphy said the small park once attracted sunset-watchers and children’s parties. Efforts were made to accommodate a number of well-behaved boaters who started using a small dock at the site to tie their dinghies.
“We were very good to the people who live on the hook out there,” Murphy said. “For two and a half years, it was wonderful. Then all of a sudden, a different quality began to take place.”
Now the park has been overrun by a small group of sketchy characters who create anxiety among visitors and county staff, she contended.
…..
Several boaters who rely on the government-center property for shore access appealed for the county to oust the “bad apples” before banning everybody from the dock.
“The undesirables showed up when you closed other areas” used for liveaboard landing spots, said James Chapman. “You pushed them to us.”
He added, “They’re mostly gone now because they were arrested or their boats sunk.”
Murphy agreed the boaters who attended the Wednesday session “are the good ones. You’re not the problem, and you can’t solve it,” she said. “I don’t know what else we can do, except close off the dock to dinghies.”
“If you choose to close this off, you’re saying Key Largo is a town and island that is inaccessible by the water,” said liveaboard Chadwick Acevedo, married and employed. “What kind of island has no water access for the public?”
The boaters describe themselves as working locally for modest wages or retirees living a fixed income. Local marinas are too expensive, they said.
County Mayor George Neugent, a former liveaboard, said the proposed ordinance to curtail use of the park “gives me heartburn.”
Full article can be read at:
http://www.keysnet.com/2013/08/24/489480/key-largo-liveaboards-beg-to-keep.html
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Tarpon Basin Northern Anchorage
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Tarpon Basin Southern Anchorage
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Tarpon Basin Interior Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Tarpon Basin Anchorages
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Aug 22, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Continuing Problems on Northern Gulf ICW Between Panama City and Choctawhatchee Bay (near Statute Mile 265)
Back in July, we reported that the a narrow, canal-like section of the Northern Gulf ICW (a. k. a. the Gulf Coast Intracoastal Waterway) had been closed, due to the collapse of a dike, following torrential rains, and tons of mud and sand had been washed into the channel. Then, on 8/24/13, we published an article that dredging had partially reopened the channel, but budgetary restrictions had kept the ACOE from widening the channel to its original breadth (see /?p=119741).
Now, below we hear from Captain Rich Gano, in Panama City, (who sent us the original report of the Waterway closing) that more rains have worsened the situation, and moneys are still not available for a full fix. Sounds like there may be hope though!
Last month I reported on the dike break which closed the ICW between Panama City and Destin for a week or two. We have continued to have inordinate amounts of rain, and the US COE now reports this same area has shoaled up to on the southern half of the channel at this mile marker. The northern part of the channel is OK.
For the uninitiated, that is NOT enough room for easy passage of two trawlers. There is no estimate of when the money will be available to fix this, but because it hinders barge delivery of fuel to Panama City (our normal method), I assume it will not be long.
Rich Gano
Calypso
Click Here, Or on Chartlet Above, To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of The “Partially Reopened” Section of the Northern Gulf ICW
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Aug 21, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
A GOOD Time For Florida Keys Cruising and a GOOD Dockage Deal at Hawks Cay Marina (off Hawk Channel East and North of Marathon)
We picked up the message below from the American Great Loop Cruisers’ Association Forum (AGLCA, http://www.greatloop.org/). It is authored by one of the dockmasters at Hawk’s Cay Marina (off Hawk Channel between east and north of Marathon).
Not only does this article contain a very nice fall, 2013 dockage offer at this absolutely first-rate facility, but it also confirms that the fall months, BEFORE the arrival of the “snowbirds,” is a very good time for cruising the Florida Keys!
Now that the frenzy of Lobster Season Opening has passed, it’s your chance to enjoy the time of year when you feel like you have the beautiful Florida Keys waters a bit to yourself. We want to share our quieter season with you, so we are offering extra savings on our already value oriented fall rates. Book your Main Marina dates for a stay between August 15 and December 23, 2013 and receive 20% off our published Daily, Weekly or Monthly rates. To qualify, you must confirm with a deposit by August 31st. Ask for the Fabulous Fall Special. Enjoy our tropical destination resort marina and the beautiful Keys waters during this special time and save money at the same time.
Beverly Seiling
Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Hawk’s Cay Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Mariner’s Cay Marina
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Aug 20, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Groundings in Jarvis Creek, AICW Statute 560, Calibogue Sound, Hilton Head, SC
Jarvis Creek - Click for Chartview
Jarvis Creek and its anchorage opens on the eastern shores of northern Calibogue Sound, south of Jenkins Islands and east of flashing daybeacon #1.
In the SSECN “South Carolina Anchorage Directory, we have always given Jarvis Creek our lowest recommendation (only one anchor), and the shoals surrounding this stream’s mouth are certainly one reason for this less than glowing review. Now, based on the experiences of the two shrimpers (see below), we are wondering whether we should remove Jarvis Creek entirely from our suggested anchorages????
If ANYONE has had a good or bad experience exploring and/or anchoring in Jarvis Creek, PLEASE share your observations. Either make use of the “Comment” function below, or send e-mail to EditorialDirector@CruisersNet.net. Many thanks in advance!
UPDATE: Make SURE to read the note from Captain Moore below the photo at the bottom of this posting. His local knowledge clears up most of the mystery surrounding this grounding!
Cruising News:
island packet . 2 trawlers aground in jarvis crk. trying to re float today [8/15/2013]. s of broad crk marina on icw?
Wooduck
And this reprint from The Island Packet:
By SARAH BOWMAN
sbowman@islandpacket.com
Posted: August 17, 2013
Two shrimp boats ran aground Wednesday in a marsh on the north end of Hilton Head Island. James Murray is captain of the overturned Lady Essie, a 1969, 65-foot shrimp trawler based in Port Royal. He said he came into Jarvis Creek at 7 a.m. to tow another shrimp trawler, the Dianie, from the dock behind the Crazy Crab restaurant, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Sgt. Robin McIntosh said.
Murray, who is 69 and from Savannah, said he was unfamiliar with the creek and the shallow areas, and he ran aground as he was trying to leave the creek.
Island Packet - Staff Photo by Drew Martin
We live near the Jarvis Creek grounded shrimpers, and they are not at the mouth of the creek. I would estimate that they are a little over 1/2 mile into the creek. (I cannot check this, as we just pulled our Whaler for some maintenance.) I do not disagree with your conclusions regarding Jarvis Creek, but I would doubt if the typical anchoring boat would be where these boats are grounded.
K. C. Moore, Jr.
Hilton Head
I live on Hilton Head Island and dock at Windmill Harbour, just visible on the upper left corner of your map insert, the entrance where the 10 ft. depth is shown, so I pass this mess all the time. My guess is that it is skipper error, rather than silting, and it is farther up the creek than I would go. the boats are a long way up the creek
Shrimp boats always used Jarvis Creek to tie up next to the Crazy Crab restaurant on Highway 278 one mile on the island. The article says there was towing involved, so I believe that was the issue, as it is exceptionally tight in the upper are of the creek. the crazy crab is some 1/4 mile further up the creek than where the boats grounded.
From what I can see, the boats are considerably higher up the creek than where your red anchor is placed, and I would place them between the 9ft and 5ft marks on the upper right hand side of the map insert, where it turns to the starboard (as you enter) – nearly off your insert. They appear well North East of the red anchor at any rate.
There was a Coast Guard or Auxiliary boat looking at them when I passed them the other day, and they took fuel off them, so it looks like they may be there for a while. They are on the Northwest bank of the creek, parallel to the shore, and both well aground. The fishing rig and booms have now been removed from the second boat (see left boat in picture still has booms on – they are now gone), so it is a lot safer.
I would not go that far up the creek to anchor anyway, because it would be really tight to turn around.
Hope This helps –
Bill Lawrenson,
SV Serenity,
Hilton Head Island
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Jarvis Creek Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Jarvis Creek
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