Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Aug 30, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Beaufort, NC Town Commissioners Take NO Action on Proposed Anchoring Registration Requirements at 8/28/12 Meeting
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net has published two previous articles about a controversial proposal that would require all boat owners who anchor in Beaufort, NC’s Town Creek or Taylor Creek, to register their vessels with the Beaufort Police Department (see /?p=94843 and /?p=95293). Please note that the status reported in the second linked article has now been superseded by the information below.
Thanks to generous input from “Cartaret County News-Times” (http://www.carolinacoastonline.com/news_times/) Managing Editor, Ms. Beth Blake, and reporter Ben Hogwood, we can report that the Beaufort Town Commissioners took NO ACTION on these controversial proposals during their meeting of 8/28/12. Instead, a committee has been appointed to further study the matter. This special group met on 8/20/12, and apparently no agreement was reached.
Our “reading of the tea leaves” here at the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is that these proposals may now just wither on the vine and never be heard from again. Then again, that might not be the case at all. All cruisers please be assured that we are watching this situation closely, and will bring you news of any new developments as soon as they occur!
For now though, cruisers can still anchor on the popular waters of Beaufort’s Town Creek and Taylor Creek with no worries. How nice!
You can read the full text of Ben Hogwood’s “Cartaret News Times” article at:
http://www.carolinacoastonline.com/news_times/news/article_771c73a6-f2b3-11e1-b6cc-0019bb2963f4.html
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Outer Town Creek Anchorage
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Inner Town Creek Anchorage
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Taylor Creek/Beaufort Waterfront Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Beaufort, NC
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Aug 30, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Sixth Edition of “The Intracoastal Waterway Chartbook” Released
We are pleased to help promote the new, updated sixth edition of “The Intracoastal Waterway Chartbook,” authored by yours truly’s dear friends (and frequent SSECN contributors), Captains John and Leslie Kettlewell.
I truly don’t think there is a better paper chartbook for the AICW anywhere than this one. John and Leslie, kind of like this fellow, have been at this for 25+ years. So, not only do you get the latest charts, but you get the benefit of all their experience as well.
So, if you are in the market for a paper chart book, run, don’t walk to your nearest bookshop and pick up a copy of the just released sixth edition!
August 27, 2012
New Sixth Edition of ICW Chartbook Released
The new sixth edition of The Intracoastal Waterway Chartbook, published by International Marine/McGraw-Hill, is now available at major book and marine stores. The book was created by chart editors John and Leslie Kettlewell, who have been doing the “Ditch” for more than 25 years.
The new edition includes all the latest NOAA charts, at full scale and in full color, all in the unique “flip-chart” format that has made this book so popular. Just start at page one and proceed down the entire 1090 miles of the ICW, flipping from page to page, all in order. This is still the handiest way to navigate as you proceed down the Waterway, but if you also use an electronic chart plotter this book is a perfect companion to it. Let the electronics keep track of exactly where you are, while you use the chartbook to look ahead and plan for what is coming up. Or use the chartbook to look for a marina, fuel dock, or anchorage for the night. New in this edition, the locations of marinas are identified right on the charts, and then a separate marina listing appendix provides GPS coordinates and the marina phone numbers. The best way to make marina reservations, get pricing, or to get the latest approach information is just to give them a call on your cell
phone. Of course, like in the past, hundreds of great anchorages are marked on the charts, and brief descriptions are in an appendix. The sixth edition features many new anchorages.
All the major alternate routes, like the Dismal Swamp Canal and Umbrella Cut, are included, as well as charts to get you in and out of all the major inlets.
It would cost many hundreds of dollars to purchase all the paper charts needed to match the coverage in the chartbook, and you still wouldn’t have all the unique local information and the handy mile-by-mile, flip-chart format.
John Kettlewell is a long-standing member of Boating Writers International, and he and his wife, Leslie, have been cruising the waters between Labrador and the Caribbean for more than 30 years. They are members of the Taunton and Cuttyhunk Yacht Clubs, and they currently keep their motorsailor in New England.
For more information contact: John J. Kettlewell, jjkettlewell@gmail.com
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Aug 30, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Eye Witness Account of How Tropical Storm Isaac Impacted Riviera Dunes Marina (off Tampa Bay on Manatee River, Palmetto, FL)
After reading the account below, it makes my very proud that Riviera Dunes Marina is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
From: “First Matey”
Subject: Isaac Preparations and Riding Out of Storm
We were tenants at Riviera Dunes Marina, Palmetto, FL, during the approach and passing of T/S Isaac. This marina has a reputation for being a great place to be during a storm because of its location five miles up the Manatee River off Tampa Bay (thus tidal surges have a lot of space to fill before getting too drastic etc.), but being there during this one was most revealing. Doc Craig, the marina manager, had his crew use lines that the marina owns, (three strand nylon with sizes for each size vessel) actually double line every vessel in the marina. See photo that shows owners lines and the white marina lines…

The marina staff started several days before the storms forecasted arrival in accordance with marina storm preparation “SOP”. Several captains volunteered to help to make sure that all vessels were properly fendered, tied, and prepared for the storm. I have never seen this in my years of cruising, although it is such a great thing to offer, I am sure it exists in some other places. I understand this marina has a special offer to insure a slip during a storm for any captains who may want to insure a spot for the ultimate protection of this 360 protected marina harbor.
As you know, Bradenton – Palmetto, did not get much of the storm effects. Actually the wind is blowing more today, Tuesday, August 28th than it did during the day the storm was to pass. None the less, no damage, no nicks, in fact all is well and in place.
Our prayers are with everyone who remains in the path of Isaac and hopefully all will fair without harm.
We are in love with this area up the Manatee. Palmetto is a slice of old Florida and Bradenton has all that one could want with a beautiful river walk park. It is just nice. And we actually enjoyed riding out Isaac here with the fine folks who run Riviera Dunes, especially their Dockmaster and marina manager, Doc Craig and his lovely wife Linda.
Our prayers are with everyone who remains in the path of Isaac and hopefully all will fair without harm.
Thanks for all you do Claiborne in getting good info out to all.
“First Matey”
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Riviera Dunes Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Riviera Dunes Marina
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Aug 28, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More on Opposition to Mooring Pilot Program for Sunset Cove Anchorage, Keys Inside Route, Buttonwood Sound – Key Largo, FL

Sunset Cove - Click for Chartview
Sunset Cove is one of the most popular anchorages in the northern Florid Keys. This haven is located on the waters of southeastern Buttonwood Sound, in charted Sunset Cove, near statute Mile 1143 off the Florida Keys Inside Route.
The excellent report below, written by Florida Keys Keynoter reporter Kevin Wadlow appeared on KeysNet.com and is reprinted here with his permission. KeysNet website is http://www.keysnet.com and is a good source of local perspective on all things in the Keys.
KEY LARGO
Boaters Oppose State Pilot for Sunset Cove
A managed anchoring area proposed for Key Largo’s Sunset Cove fails to meet requirements for a state pilot program, says a staff report to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Monroe County’s draft ordinance to create several new managed anchoring zones reaches the FWC board at its Sept. 5 meeting in Tampa.
FWC Division of Law Enforcement staff who reviewed the county plan endorsed it, “contingent upon the Sunset Cove Managed Anchorage Zone provision being removed.”
A pilot program for five Florida coastal areas was enacted in 2009 to “explore potential options for regulating the anchoring or mooring of non-liveaboard vessels outside the marked boundaries of public mooring fields.”
Sunset Cove lies about 50 miles from the nearest existing mooring field, FWC staff said.
“Staff understands the Sunset Cove provision was originally added to the ordinance due to the amount of public comment received from residents” in a June 2011 meeting,” the report says. “Unfortunately, Sunset Cove is 45 to 50 miles from the Marathon mooring field… These were the mooring fields identified as part of Monroe County’s original application package for the pilot program.”
“There is also strong opposition from the boater groups on this provision,” the report says.
The FWC board members must approve local ordinances created under the pilot program. The board can amend or overrule its staff recommendation.
Monroe County officials only recently received the FWC staff report, said local Marine Resources Administrator Rich Jones.
The Keys ordinance also designates managed anchoring zones in the Lower Keys at Boca Chica Basin, Cow Key Channel and Key West Harbor; and in Marathon’s Boot Key Harbor and Sister Creek.
“Monroe County did something unique” by requiring proof of monthly sewage pumpouts for boats in the managed zones, FWC staff noted. A photo used in the state report to illustrate septic problems shows a toilet seat positioned over an open hole in a boat’s deck, with ocean water visible below.
Monroe County rules also would bar boats from the managed areas if they “exhibit pre-derelict vessel conditions” such as being unable to navigate, or appear to be in imminent danger of sinking. Of 39 comments received by the FWC on the Monroe County anchoring law, 18 were logged as “negative” with 12 being “positive.”
Kevin Wadlow
Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Sunset Cove
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sunset Cove Anchorage
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Aug 26, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Reminder of Alternate Route(s) Around Georgia’s St. Andrew Sound, AICW Statute Miles 686 to 696
Captain Ehlen’s comments and this reminder were prompted by a discussion of markers in St. Andrew Sound, see link below. The alternate route he mentions is the Umbrella Cut Route which takes you northbound from Mile 696 in Cumberland River through Floyd Creek, across the Satilla River and into the Little Satilla to rejoin the AICW at Mile 686 in Jekyll Sound. This is often considered the route of choice when the primary Waterway route, which passes through St. Andrew Sound and almost out into the briny blue, is kicking up. A third option northward would be to turn to starboard (ESE) out of Floyd Cut into the Satilla River and follow the markers northeast, west of Horseshoe Shoal, to rejoin the Waterway east of Raccoon Key Spit. Strong winds out of the southeast across St. Andrew would make this route uncomfortable.
There’s a second, `alternate’ ICW route that heads away from St. Andrew Sound and is shown on the charts. Longer, shallower water (go on a rising tide) but avoids going out towards the ocean in bad conditions.
There appears to also be a third option, but it isn’t as well buoyed and I don’t know if the charted depths are still correct.
Wade Ehlen
MT 36 Shady Lady
New Bern NC
Click Here To Read An Ongoing Discussion of St. Andrew Sound
Click Here To View An Earlier Posting on Umbrella Cut
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Northern End of Umbrella Cut
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Floyd Cut
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Aug 25, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Myrtle Beach Yacht Club Lowers Transient Rate, AICW Statute Mile 346
Myrtle Beach Yacht Club on Coquina Harbor has been a great stopping place and a friend to cruisers for years and this rate reduction is certainly good news for the fall migration!. Naturally, they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Cruising News:
MBYC has lowered it’s transient dockage to $1.25/foot with a Boat/Us discount of .25 cents
Bud Coonfield myrtlebeachyc@sc.rr.com
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Myrtle Beach Yacht Club
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Myrtle Beach Yacht Club
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Aug 24, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
South River Anchorages (off North Carolina’s Neuse River, near St. M. 178.5) – Captains Mark and Diana Report

Eastman Creek anchorage. Hang a left at the duck blind!
While successful entry can be just a tiny bit tricky for first timers, South River provides what is, for my money, the best set of anchorages off the Neuse River. We particularly like to drop the hook off the long deserted community of “Lukens,” or, if time is not a concern and/or heavy weather is in the offing, Eastman Creek is almost idyllic!
While Diana and Mark don’t cover all the South River anchorages we list in our Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net North Carolina Anchorage Directory, they have caught most of the best ones, and they list one on Big Creek that I’ve never tried due to the presence of a commercial fish processing operation!
Of course, all the info below is taken from the Doyle’s just released, two volume paper set of AICW AnchorGuides. Learn more at http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com.
Hi Claiborne,
Admit it, how many times have we all anchored off Oriental’s waterfront or at nearby Cedar Creek along Adams Creek?

Hardy Creek's end-of-the-road dinghy landing and shore access
If you’ve had enough ice cream at The Bean, what about trying something different next time you have a few days in the area?
Off the Neuse River is the lovely South River, at STM 178.1, a worthwhile 6- to 9-mile detour off the ICW’s Magenta Line. Reminiscent of Chesapeake Bay cruising, South River has many anchoring options, varied protection, and scenic wooded shorelines.
Here’s a quick overview of two anchorages “on the way” and then our favorite, Eastman Creek.
Hardy Creek Anchorage
This is the South River anchorage closest to the ICW, so it’s a good place to stop if you don’t have time to continue up South River until the next day. Pet owners will particularly like this stop, with easy shore access at a street-end bulkhead (look for three street signs), good for an evening walk through a quiet rural residential neighborhood.
Big Creek
Moving further upriver to explore South River, Big Creek is much more protected than Hardy Creek. It’s a quiet anchorage in a broad spacious river set in wooded marsh, with an easy entry off South River. But no shore access and, lately, a reputed 11-footer. Alligator that is!
Eastman Creek
If you like quiet, scenic, solitude, then continue up the South River (9 miles off the ICW) to Eastman Creek. It’s worth the detour’”presumably the quest for a bucolic anchorage is what motivated you to explore the South River in the first place!

Shrimpers working the South River
Other than a prominent house at the creek entrance, it’s a pristine setting of marsh and woods. There’s no shore access, but you can splash the kayaks, dinghy explore, or toss in some fish lines.
And Diana has an insider naturalist’s tip for you if you visit this anchorage in the early spring: Take your sundowner on deck at dusk and listen for a nasal “peent” call followed by an eery winnowing noise. Those are male American Woodcocks, aka timberdoodles, doing their “sky dance” aerial courtship displays. If you look closely you may actually spot a bird zig-zagging downward. The winnowing noise is created by the rushing air vibrating their tail feathers as the bird plummets from about 300 feet in the air. It’s one of the unique sounds and spectacles of spring’”which you can view from the box seats of your cockpit or flybridge.
Best and see you On the Water,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the South River/Hardy Creek Anchorage
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the South River/Lukens Anchorage
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the South River – Eastern Shore Anchorage
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the South River/Eastman Creek Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of South River
Well, clearly I’m a little behind the times when it comes to Big Creek (see below). I know what happened. After encountering an unhappy smell here years ago, we have always just anchored elsewhere on South River, and have not stuck our nose in this sidewater for many years. I’ll know better now!
Claiborne,
I live on Big Creek and I can assure you that any commercial fish processing operation is long gone. Nothing here but a few homes and the 11 foot aligator.
Dave Boxmeyer
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Aug 23, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Follow Up on Marker/Charting Confusion and Increased Shoaling on AICW’s Passage Through Georgia’s St. Andrew Sound (St. M. 690)
Back on 8/10/12, we began a string of messages here on the SSECN about shoaling and marker confusion/problems on the AICW’s passage through often ROUGH St. Andrew Sound, south of Jekyll Creek/Island (see /?p=94169). We asked for additional input from the cruising community, AND WE GOT IT! This string of messages was featured in our 8/17/12 SSECN Alert, and more of you clicked through to this posting than any other linked in this Alert!
The real originator of all this important information was my good friend and fellow nautical writer, Captain John Kettlewell. Well, while all this was in progress, John was querying the USCG and the NOAA charting people. With John’s permission, we have reproduced those messages below.
Hello:
Can you explain the current positioning of Buoy R32 in St. Andrew Sound, Light List III #37385 [30°59.3230N / 081°24.2378W, 30.988716 / -81.403964]? On the ICW charts the magenta course line is shown to the west of the buoy; however, it appears to be a starboard side marker for the ICW (headed south). Someone has reported to me that if they leave the R32 to starboard when southbound it puts them right on a shoal, which is charted to the northeast of the buoy on chart #11489 (http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/11489.shtml ). It appears that both the buoy may be off station and the chart incorrect.
I am the author of the Intracoastal Waterway Chartbook, and other ICW guides and publications.
John J. Kettlewell
Mr. Kettlewell,
We are checking into your inquiry. It may take a few days as I’ve had to reach out to the field unit.
Sincerely,
Lee
Lee Dragon
Local Notice to Mariners
Seventh Coast Guard District
Aids to Navigation (Dpw)
Please see the email below from Mr. Kettlewell regarding the magenta line in the ICW St Andrews Sound area chart 11489.
The buoys are St Andrews Sound Buoy 31A (LLNR 37384 [30°59.3047N / 081°23.9754W, 30.988411 / -81.399590]) and St Andrews Sound LB 32 (LLNR 37385 [30°59.3230N / 081°24.2378W, 30.988716 / -81.403964]). The ANT team believes the magenta line to be incorrect and needs to be moved to go between B31A and LB32. It does make for a sharp corner, there is not much room between Horseshoe
shoal and the North breakers. They continued by saying the area is a just a bad corner and the magenta line needs to be moved to the east of LB32. The sector will engage the ACOE regarding shifting shoals, etc.
I hope this information helps.
Lee
And, Captain Kettlewell’s final word to the SSECN concerning the above message:
See below [above, in this format – editor]. This doesn’t really answer the question to my satisfaction, but apparently the CG thinks the marked channel is correct.
JJK
We transit this route several times a year. Last transit was June of this year heading north to Brunswick. We have a full keel 6ft draft sailing vessel and usually time our passage close to high tide due to transiting Jekyll Creek. We always pass R32 on the east side of the buoy as the CG stated (the Magenta Line is incorrect in the turn). It is a tight turn and particular attention should be paid to the alignment of G 31A and G 31 as you round R 32 keeping it to port (heading north). It is a little unnerving due to the quick depth change (deep to shallow) but there was at least 15 ft of water at high tide in June. Pretty much the same for the past 3 years. Hope this helps.
Capt. Jesse Price s/v Wind Dust
Hi;
We had occasion to pass r32 on 9-6-12 at 7:45 a.m. heading South in a 48′ sailboat drawing 6′ . The buoy is on station according to our gps and it has a square yellow icw marker that’s well hidden from view if a vessel attempts to round it to the East. We passed the buoy by about 75′ to the West as the magenta line suggests and had a minimum of 12′ at low tide.
No signs of coast guard nor any other government agency.
Best Regards
Pete
I transited from the St Marys to Jekyll Island via the outside (St Andrews Sound) on Labor Day weekend. Many of the buoys are either missing or off position. For example, N2 is missing and 31A is off position and on its side. Local boaters indicate that the buoys become entangled in shrimp shrimp nets and once the are freed they are just left in the new position. Shoaling has occurred to the east of the channel. I found that transiting from the outer marker (C Sta) to the following points provided a safe passage at low water for my 6 ft draft: N30 55.331 W081 20.260, N30 57.095 W081 21.555, N30 57.774 W081 21.864, N30 58.750 W081 22.296, N30 58.846 W081 23.224 then straight for R 32 (staying just to the west of R 32) then proceeding north up the ICW.
Joe Blanchard
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Aug 22, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Doin’ the Dismal — Dismal Swamp’s Goat Island Anchorage (Statute Mile 43.5, AICW Dismal Swamp Alternate Route) – Captains Mark and Diana Report

Looking westerly into the Goat Island oxbow anchorage from G11
I could not agree more with Captains Diana and Mark. If you are not in a hurry, and are willing to take a small chance of encountering semi-sunken debris, then by all means “Do the Dismal,” as AICW veterans would say. Cruising the canal, particularly early in the morning is a very unique ecological experience. The water is the color of coffee, with just a hint of cream, and morning mist can often be seen rishing from these colored depths. The canal is bordered by almost all-natural shores, overlooked by tall cypress trees trailing their beards of grey moss. South Carolina’s Waccamaw River justifiably has the reputation as the most beautiful stretch between Norfolk and Miami, but I, for one, think the Dismal has a good claim on being #2!
Hi Claiborne,
We always advise cruisers … don’t take the name too literally. The “Dismal Swamp” is in fact a stunningly beautiful alternative route through the lowlands (okay, swamps) of Virginia and North Carolina.
Every boater should do the Dismal at least once, for the experience as well as a change of scenery over the Virginia Cut Route.

Goat Island Camping Platform where you can go ashore to explore or land a pet
Goat Island Anchorage is located along the Dismal’s Pasquotank River, just before you reach the bustle of Elizabeth City. It’s your chance to experience the swamp for a peaceful night at anchor, tucked safely behind mosquito screens. Listen for owls and frogs, seemingly in the wilderness, but safely within earshot of homes hidden along the oxbow canal.
It’s an ideal anchorage: wide and deep yet boasting all-around protection. You can anchor anywhere in the oxbow behind Goat Island, selecting a spot to get the best protection for the night’s forecast.
Goat Island even has a small dock with a boardwalk (the Goat Island Camping Platform) where you can go ashore to explore or land a pet.
The anchorage is well-positioned for both north- and southbound staging. Only 7 miles to the south, you can treat yourself to dockage at one of Elizabeth City’s free options: Mid-Atlantic Christian University Docks, Jennette Brothers Bulkhead, or the Elizabeth City Courtesy Docks and Bulkhead.
And cruiser-friendly Elizabeth City is the perfect pit stop, with many stores and restaurants, and free rides to and from the local supermarket.
Best and see you On the Water,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Anchoarge Listing For the Goat Island Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Goat Island Anchorage
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Aug 22, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Dungeness Greyfield Channel Anchorage (Statute Mile 711.5)
Just like Captains Mike and Mary (see below), we dearly love the anchorage off Cumberland Island’s so-called, “Sea Camp Dock.” Going ashore and just experiencing the lush, maritime forest, walking to the beach, and exploring the old Carnegie mansions, well, it just doesn’t get any better than this! Don’t miss this anchorage!
We recently took our trawler, the Patricia Ann, on a 4-day cruise over to Cumberland Island, our favorite anchorage. We wanted to look for the white deer and walk the deserted beaches at dawn. We saw the white deer several years ago…actually we just caught a brief glimpse of them in the distance. Ever since, we have gone in search of white deer! They are not albinos but real white deer.
We were up at 5 AM each morning as usual; the coffee was just beginning to brew and the aroma was delightful. And just a little while later, with coffee in hand, we watched from the flybridge as the sun began her climb over the horizon. A beautiful day was beginning with not a cloud in the sky.
As we began our day with showers and breakfast, it dawned on us just how fortunate live-aboard cruisers really are. We can leave the dock for days on end and truly understand the term “freedom” and “independence”.
Read more of our exploration of this island wilderness………
http://paradiseyachtsales.blogspot.com/2011/03/trawler-living-aboard-tip-exploration.html
Mike and Mary Dickens
Paradise Yachts
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Dungeness Greyfield Channel Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Dungeness Greyfield Channel Anchorage
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Aug 19, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Florida Keys Inside Route Discussion
Over the week of August 13-18, several posts appeared on the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) Mail List concerning the general cruising characteristics of the Florida Keys Inside route. Those messages are reproduced below. Incidentally, the entire SSECN staff highly recommends the T&T list if you own one of these roomy, fuel efficient vessels.
Just to add my 23 cents worth, I have always considered a 5-foot draft to be the cutoff for safe cruising of the Florida Keys inside route. On numerous occasions, I have sounded 5-feet directly between the markers in the Key Largo region, particularly where the main channel passes the marked entrance to Tavernier Creek.
If your vessel draws 5-feet or preferably less, don’t let these soundings discourage you. Some of the most wonderful anchorages, not to mention the views, you will ever enjoy lie off the FLK inside route!
Looking for info on the practicability of taking the inside route from Miami to Marathon.
I draw 5 feet. What is the opinion of the boaters that have done this route. Is it doable?
Thanks
Larry
Larry,
We’ve done the inside route and we draw 4’9″. Never had a problem, but then we watch the water, not a screen. It is marked adequately. Neither Jill or I can recall anyplace where another 3″ would have made a difference. There is a tide down there, though I doubt it is much more than 2 feet. If those 3″ might make a difference, plan to transient at high tide during a new or full moon, might want to consider spring tides too.
Rudy
Briney Bug- Panama City, Fl
Larry,
I have gone the inside route from Miami to Marathon a number of times, both in Pooh (draft 4’8″) and my previous sailboat with 5′ draft. Should be little problem. Not to say the water isn’t skinny; we often are reading
depths of 5.0 to 5.2 feet on parts of this route (shallowest is just north of Islamorada), but haven’t touched bottom.
Steamboat Pass, just south of Islamorada used to be a problem, but this has been dredged and is now good for around 6 feet (deep water ;-).
Mark Richter
Sorry Larry, but I disagree. I carry 5′ draft and have soft grounded in the center of the channel on two different trips on the inside route several years apart. I won’t try it a third time.
Paul
Time of year can make quite a difference. In the winter, northers will blow water out of Florida Bay. But don’t let that discourage you. It’s wonderful cruising!
Regards,
Randy Pickelmann
Morning Star
The trick is to wear polarized sun glasses, use you eyes.
The water is usually clear, and it looks scary shallow, it is, but with 5 ft u can make it.
The channels are well marked. The tide is about 6 inches in the upper keys,wind can effect water levels more than the tide.
Go for it!
See you in paradise!
Capt. Sterling
I don’t know where Mr. Kennedy traveled in the ICW on the inside, we have found the inner passage from Miami to Spanish Key to be a chalky green only rarely clear. We obey the day markers backed up by GPS. If your draft is 6-plus you are cruising for a bruising. If you need Sea Tow they are not allowed to move you until the environmental police arrive. The fines are prodigious..
We have made the trip back and forth seven times.at different times of the year. Mr. Kennedy obviously has had a different experience.
One thing is beyond dispute If you need Sea Tow you are in bad trouble
Peter Denton
Susie Q
42′ Draft 4′
Now that I know that Captain Sterling runs a tourist boat in the Keys, I must defer to his greater experience. I guess I was there at the wrong time. But it remains true that if you are passing over water that is 4,5or 6 feet it is impossible to tell the difference even if the water is crystal clear. Several of the passes are that shallow. Call me naive but I advise extreme caution. Remember you do not have advantage of some one who has local Knowledge.
Peter Denton
Susie Q
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Aug 17, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Glowing Review of Bucksport Marina, AICW Statute Mile 377
Many good words about newly renovated (and under new ownership) Bucksport Marina and their on-site restaurant, continue to be recorded here on the Cruisers’ Net! And, of course, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! PLEASE patronize them and all our other sponsors whenever possible!!!!
This location is quaint and beautiful! The view is simply fantastic and Chef Jay made our visit extremely memorable. The food was delicious and the Chef came over and talked to us, it was so personable! If you have yet to stop while heading south, DO NOT pass this place up!!
Mae M
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Directory Listing For Bucksport Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bucksport Marina
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Aug 16, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Three Excellent Repair Recommendations for the Tampa Bay Region (Western Florida Coastline)
Our sincere thanks to Skipper Sue and Capt. Warren for these recommendations. As I’ve often said, tips by fellow cruisers pointed towards talented and fair service professionals are worth several times their weight in gold!
Dear Claiborne,
I was cruising out of Bradenton, Fl recently and needed some quick air conditioning repairs and diesel engine repairs. As a result of some local recommendations and my own personal experience, I want to share and highly recommend these two resources.
For my engine repairs, I learned of a young man named Jon Lynch who runs Florida Marine Power. I called Mr. Lynch and he responded quickly. The work took some time and Mr. Lynch stayed on board with us until 9:45PM until the work was completed and tested for satisfaction. His rates are fair also. What a fine young man. The point I want to make and let other cruisers know, is that I have never met such an honest and talented diesel technician. This skipper would like to highly recommend Florida Marine Power and Mr. Jon Lynch, telephone 941-545-8250. You will not be disappointed.
Our air conditioning system repairs were met with equal responsiveness. We were told of “Brad’s Marine Air Conditioning” and a Mr. Brad Coats. Mr. Coats worked us into his schedule quickly, even though it meant coming by in the evening. He worked diligently and saved us a lot of money by repairing the compressor, rather than just selling us a new unit. I heard several skippers tell of how Brad had helped others saving money and keeping the crew cool and happy. Brad is located in St. Petersburg and covers down to Sarasota if necessary. His tele: 727-492-2622
We’ve worked with a number of marine technicians, but these two are definitely stand outs !!
Skipper Sue
M/V WinSue
I also have had wonderful service from Jon Lynch, who specializes in diesel engines, as well as general maintenance. He also works with a very talented electric tech – Eric Stammer, who can be reached via Jon Lynch.
John Guthrie
I would also highly recommend Patrick Halbert of Accelerated Yacht Services, Phone: (727) 656-0250
Patrick’s a whiz at everything boats ‘” from master woodworking to diesel repairs & repowering, and all categories in between. Also, reasonable, competitive rates.
For Patrick’s bio, check out
http://www.daviderdmanyachts.com/patrick_halbert.html
Captain Paul Warren
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Aug 15, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Don’t Even Think About Anchoring In The Charted “Oxbow” Off the AICW/Dawho River (Statute Mile 500) – Captains Mark and Diana Report
I well remember one delightful October afternoon in 1983 when we came cruising along the AICW’s run through South Carolina’s Dawho River. This stream, along with a man-made canal, serves to connect the AICW between the North and South Edisto Rivers.
Anyway, we were on our initial research trip, seeking out anchorages for the first edition of my “Cruising Guide to Coastal South Carolina and Georgia.” As I always still do to this day before beginning on-site research of new waters, I had poured over (in this case) chart 11518, looking for good anchorage possibilities. And here, hard by marker #128, were several charted oxbows which NOAA reported as having 6 to 12 foot depths.
Well, like Diana and Mark, we arrived, THANK GOODNESS, at MLW. Imagine my astonishment when our first look inside all three oxbows revealed nothing but MUD!!!! To say the least, we warned everyone away from these potential traps and cheats in the pages of “CGSC-GA!”
A check of the very latest version of chart 11518 on the Cruisers’ Net’s “Chart View” module, shows that NOAA is FINALLY showing no depth on the northeastern oxbow at MLW, but is still erroneously promising some MLW depths in the south side oxbow, which is the subject of Mark and Diana’s article below (see chartlet at right – click to open a Chart View page centered on the oxbow in question). It only took NOAA 29 years to correct 1/3 of their error. Need I say more about my opinion of the NOAA charting folks.
So, if you seek to safely drop the hook on the Dawho River section of the South Carolina AICW, please continue cruising west, pass under the Dawho – Edisto Island Bridge, and give Fishing Creek along the northerly banks a try. Even this body of water has a TRICKY entrance. Follow the link below to learn how safe entry can be achieved!

Check Out the MUD!
Hi Claiborne,
No names mentioned here … but someone asked us about anchoring in the oxbow off Dawho River R128.
We told them: In a word, DON’T !!!
As you well know, the closest tide station, Dawho Bridge, has an STR (Spring Tidal Range) of 7.2 feet, which can make a lot of South Carolina and Georgia bad ideas seem like good ones … especially when NOAA charts the oxbow at 7 feet low water.
[See depth-annotated track and NOAA chart screenshot below.]
We’ve heard people chatting about this possibility before, so on our last pass northbound (two months ago), we just happened to be passing R128 near low tide.
As you can see in the chart screenshot and accompanying photo, there is plenty of water in the ICW channel but EVERYTHING dries out in the oxbow.
Again, no recommendation being made here. Just sharing data. Captains are responsible for their own decisions and outcome.
Best and see you On the Water,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Oxbow Off the AICW/Dawho River
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Fishing Creek
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Fishing Creek Anchorage
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Aug 13, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
New Photo Gallery for McClellanville, South Carolina (Statute Mile 430)
We have just put together a new photo gallery for McClellanville, South Carolina, one of the most charming ports of call on the Palmetto State Coastline. Strolling the sandy lanes of this fair community has always led to a considerably lowering of my blood pressure!
Click Here To Check Out Our New McClellanville Photo Gallery
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Aug 11, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Excellent Dining Report from Ocracoke, NC, Pamlico Sound

Entering Ocracoke's Silver Lake Harbor
Captain Rick is responding to the comments below by Captain Ben and then adds a detailed dining guide to several other eating establishments – which he obviously enjoyed! – in Ocracoke.
On a separate note we had an decent if unspectacular meal at Jolly Roger’s Pub, a bit overpriced in my humble O for average fare (lots of fries with my humble mackerel). We figured we made up for the average fare with a very nice view. Not bad food, just ok. Probably next visit would just order appetizers and beer. Ocracoke beautiful as always.
Cheers,
Capt Ben and his Motley Crew.
I sail over to Ocracoke 3 or 4 times each year, and I sailed to Ocracoke the week after Capt. Ben was there. I tend to agree about the Jolly Roger. It is really more of a spot for beer and music on the waterfront ‘“ and the food is pretty average.
A better bet for beer and burgers is the bar at the docks of the Anchorage Inn & Marina. Great burgers, and if you go there in late afternoon you get to watch the headboats come in to unload and weigh their catch, and the pelicans congregate to get the scraps.
I find the Back Porch Restaurant to be the best restaurant on the island; I’ve never had a bad meal there and the Crab Bignette are to die for.
Another good bet is Dajio; the food is great (though I think the lemmongrass vinnegrette would be better than the Balsamic Vinnegrette on the Dajio Salad (which has chirozo, fried parmesan cheese bits, and grilled scallops). Dajio also has an outdoor bar and music 2 or 3 times each week.
For breakfast/brunch try the Flying Melon Cafe. The Panne Perdu (really light and fluffy New Orleans style french toast) with blueberries is to die for. I thought my girlfriend would want to go there every morning before we sailed home.
Rick Brass
s/v Imzadi
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Anchorage Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ocracoke.
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Aug 9, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
FORGET THE CHARTS! AICW and Brickhill River (South) Anchorage Breadcrumbs (St. M. 704) – Captains Mark and Diana Report
Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, owners and founder of On The Water ChartGuides (http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com) share another fascinating excerpt from their very soon to be released two volume AICW Anchorage Guide series.
Before going any further, PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DOYLES ARE OFFERING A PRE-RELEASE 42% DISCOUNT ON THEIR NEW ANCHORAGE GUIDES. THAT SPECIAL OFFER ENDS TOMORROW, 8/10/12. ALL INTERESTED CRUISERS SHOULD FOLLOW THE LINK ABOVE WITHOUT DELAY!
Back to the article below – Diana and Mark take a good look at the anchorage found on southern Brickhill River, hard by the Cumberland Island National National Park.
The “dynamic duo” also bring to light some critical info on the Cumberland Narrows “AICW Problem Stretch” (see /aicw-channel-through-cumberland-dividings). Note the AICW soundings on the included excerpt page from their Anchorage Guide below, and how these show the good depths lie on the EAST side of the markers at the intersection of the Waterway and southern Brickhill River, far from the magenta line!
Hi Claiborne,
We all accept that paper and electronic charts are notoriously inaccurate. All too often, charted navaid positions and the ICW’s Magenta Line do not correspond at all to the real world.
Just look at how the ICW is charted to the WEST of the red navaids off Brickhill River’s southern entrance. Ouch!
Cruisers hear that Brickhill River is “mis-charted” and has a “really shallow entrance” … but, “once inside, has excellent depths.”
What does that really mean? Do you just “feel your way in” and hope for the best? That might turn out to be a disaster and is almost certainly not worth the stress. So you pass on the anchorage and move on.
But wait! Brickhill River is a real gem of an anchorage, particularly for active boaters who enjoy hiking in national parks.
Thus Brickhill River (South) anchorage turns out to be one of the better examples of the value of our new AnchorGuides with their digital breadcrumb tracks.
Look at the depth-annotated survey track on the page [below]. You can see the entrance surveyed as low as 10 feet (at 7.0 feet above MLLW) along the southern shore. The northern shore had much more water, with depths consistently in the teens. Now the “shallow entrance” anecdotal report can be confirmed and visualized as an extension of shoaling from the southern bank, with a natural channel running along the northern bank.
And now you can see the true ICW path, EAST of the red navaids, right over the non-existent “mis-charted” shoal and island!
Once you’re safely in Brickhill River, you’ll enjoy a beautiful anchorage with all-around protection off Cumberland Island National Park. Cumberland Island is one of the largest undeveloped barrier islands along the Atlantic coast, home to a national seashore and one of the largest maritime forests in the U.S.
You can access the national park at a small park dock or adjacent tiny beach, both for a nominal day-use fee. Nearby shore amenities include picnic tables, trails, and restrooms.
For a hi-res detailed map of the island, visit http://1.usa.gov/NZMHsW
Brickhill River (South) anchorage is located just off “Plum Orchard” on the map.
Best and see you On the Water,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
Click Here To View the Georgia Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Brickhill River Southern Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Brickhill River Southern Anchorage
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Aug 7, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Marine Stadium Anchorage Review – Captains Mark and Diana Report (Statute Mile 1091.5)

Looking northwest over the Miami skyline
The so-called Marina Stadium Anchorage is actually a large cove indenting the northwestern banks of Virgina Key, lying opposite the city of Miami on the eastern flank of Biscayne Bay. For any number of years, we did not recommend anchoring here, as the city of Miami was ticketing vessels who dropped the hook on these waters. Well, those times seem to be past, and this anchor down spot can once again be labeled as a good place to spend the night, within sight of downtown Miami.
The excellent article below, authored by our strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, founders and owners of On The Water ChartGuides (http://www.onthewaterchartguides.com/), is largely taken from this dynamic duo’s very soon to be released, two volume paper AICW Anchorage Guide series. And, if that sounds appealing, Mark and Diana are currently running a 42%, pre-release discount for their new guides through 8/10/12. Follow the link above to learn more!
People always ask us if there is a spacious, scenic, and safe anchorage in the heart of Miami.
And our response, “Absolutely! Try Marine Stadium anchorage.”
Marine Stadium is a huge manmade basin along Virginia Key, constructed in 1963 as the first stadium in the U.S. specifically for powerboat racing. Spectators viewed high-speed races, or sometimes floating concerts, from the 6,566-seat grandstand stadium, enjoying the backdrop of the Miami skyline.
But you don’t have to worry about hydroplane races now. The last major race was held there in 1987 and the basin has become the perfect training venue for Olympic sailing and rowing teams. We enjoyed watching the men’s Canadian 49’er team showing off their stuff during our last visit.
The grandstand was declared unsafe after Hurricane Andrew, and it has since become a bit of a three-dimensional canvas for colorful graffiti artists. But don’t let the urban art create the impression the anchorage is unsafe. We have noticed regular patrols by the Miami marine police and the anchorage is consistently populated by local and transient vessels.
The anchorage is surprisingly “scenic” ‘” in a South Florida sort of way. The basin opens to the northwest, framing a perfect view of the day- or nighttime Miami skyline. The grandstand, along the southwest shore, is still an interesting historic structure. And the northeast shore is an undeveloped greenspace, with a small dock and sandy beach with casuarina trees where you can take Fido ashore.
At the mouth of the basin you can dinghy to the Rusty Pelican restaurant near Rickenbacker Marina (which has an easy to hit fuel dock and a few moorings of its own). Personally we prefer the shelter (and price!) of Marine Stadium anchorage to the exposure of these out-of-the-basin moorings.
Marine Stadium’s next metamorphosis may be to a full-fledged mooring field. The city has plans to populate the basin with guest moorings, but the project is currently on hold due to budget constraints.
But no need to wait until the moorings are in to enjoy the history, scenery, and convenience of Marine Stadium anchorage.
Best and see you On the Water,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Marine Stadium Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Marine Stadium Anchorage
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Aug 7, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Sign of the Times: The Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge Becomes a Boat Ramp (Statute Mile 338)

Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge - As It Used to Be
Many of us were glad to see the old Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge replaced by a modern high-rise last year. Between the mechanical problems and shoaling, many cruisers most certainly did NOT have a soft place in their hearts for the old, floating span.
Now that it’s gone, though, I cannot help but be a little saddened at this piece of the past that is now long gone forever.
Below, we are pleased to present another superb report from our strategic partners, Captains Dian and Mark Doyle, founders and owners of On The Water Chartguides (http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com). Check out their NEW paper AICW Anchorage Guides (with a 42% discount until 8/10/12), by following the link above!
Hi Claiborne,
Passed through the Sunset Beach area a couple months ago and was reminiscing … about bridges, and about a slower pace. [smile]
The Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge at STM 337.9 was an historic landmark’”the only vehicle pontoon bridge left in operation on the entire East Coast.
But a floating pontoon bridge, with “zero clearance,” became more and more incompatible with modern times and schedules.
About six times per month the tide was so low the bridge couldn’t be opened. Boats had to circle and wait through low tide. And if there were high winds, the bridge could be closed indefinitely.
In addition to its hourly scheduled openings, the bridge opened for every commercial vessel. (Trivia Fact: Because the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway was constructed before bridges, technically commercial vessels take precedence over vehicular traffic.)
And, of course, many island residents (local taxpayers) felt they were spending too much time waiting for the bridge …
But the final demise of the bridge was credited to safety concerns for island residents. Emergency crews had difficulty responding promptly to calls on the island. There was also concern about the risk of a serious fire spreading, given that large ladder trucks and tankers were too heavy to cross the old pontoon bridge.
The site of the old pontoon bridge will become a public park, with boat ramp access to the ICW and plans to incorporate remnants of the old pontoon bridge in the park design.
As of June 2012, you can see construction of the boat ramp at the old pontoon bridge location.
Best and see you On the Water,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com

Soon to be a memorial park with boat ramp ICW access
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Aug 7, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
“Venice Water Cop” Passes Away
Retired FWC “Water Cop,” Tim Erickson, passed away recently, and I’m sure he will be missed by family and friends. Many cruisers had another name for this “Venice Water Cop,” but with his passing, perhaps we will not recall that moniker now.
For many years Officer Erickson was known for his tenacious, “letter of the law” enforcement of Florida statutes which require state registration of vessels, even though they may be Federally documented.
Several years ago, the SSECN was involved in an e-mail writing campaign to the Venice City Council, protesting Officer Erickson’s treatment of visiting cruisers. Turns out he was a state employee, and this protest went for naught.
Erickson retired several years ago, and Venice waters have been free of his presence for some time now. And so, with Office Erickson’s passing, it is a sad end to an entirely sad affair.
For the past several days, there has been a LIVELY discussion concerning Officer Erickson on the AGLCA forum. Many of those messages are copied below!
Many Loopers through the years have stayed or planned to stay at the “free” city park dock in Venice, FL. That became a problem when a vigorous and tenacious Florida Fish and Wildlife officer began issuing tickets for alleged various wrongdoings by boaters passing through. The officer was Tim Erickson. Tim Erickson passed away on July 22, 2012 (http://tinyurl.com/8vl56gq).
Bill
Tim Erickson was certainly controversial if not infamous. He used to hang out every afternoon at the Crows Nest dock and the Venice free dock checking every boat for a Florida sticker, which is usually required after 90 days in the state. Probably earned the sate many dollars in registration fees, fines and sales tax dollars. But he caused many cruisers to bypass the best town on the gulf coast.
I wrote about Venice and its beauty in this blog when we first moved there in 2007, and the subsequent firestorm that ensued in both this and the T&T blogs made front page in the Sarasota Herald and Venice papers. The Venice town council was barraged with complaints from cruisers.
Shortly thereafter Tim made headlines again when he was the first to respond to a horrific crash on the gulf when a news helicopter clipped a race boat with fatalities. So all his press was not bad. About a year later he retired, removing the threat to cruisers wishing to stop at the Crows Nest dock, and also their restaurant, among the best in Florida. So, RIP Tim.
Unfortunately, the Venice Council stopped overnight docking at the nearby free dock, one of the few (maybe the only) good free docks on the coast. They were anticipating a fee-based mooring field which has not yet been developed.
Venice is still a great destination either to visit or live, there is free anchorage near the dock and other docking options
Bob
Bob,
I had long, sometimes rather heated, discussions with Tim about this issue. I was not the only person to have these discussion by any means. As I remember Tim was sort of a “pilot program” on the tax and the transient boater issue. We sure don’t need to get that monster started here again in the forum. I don’t know that he issued many actual citations for a violation of the tax law, as a state officer I don’t know that he could unless there was a Florida law violation. No question that he ruffled some feathers………
Tim was a very nice guy. As stated in his obit, he started a very popular children’s fishing program. I”ll certainly miss my friend.
Sharkey
Sharkey has it right.
I’m sure that it was not Tim’s idea to “harass” cruisers visiting Venice, but simply following orders.
I would think sales tax collection was the driver. Tim could not know or care about sales tax on boats, just whether or not it was registered in Florida if the boat was in the state 90 days. You generally need out-of-state fuel or marina receipts newer than 90 days to avoid citation.
When cruisers cited by Tim or other officers visit the tax office to buy a Florida boat registration, they must show on newer boats whether or not sales tax equivalent to Florida’s rate was paid. You can’t get a Florida registration unless the sales tax question is resolved first. Most states with sales tax have a similar program. We see game wardens regularly walking the docks in Racine, taking note of boats with no WI registration stickers. If they are still there a few months later the same process ensues.
Bob Kunath
Sans Souci
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