Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

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
Share:
Be the first to comment!
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
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Aug 6, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
AICW Marine Fatalities, Snow’s Cut and Southport, NC
Snow’s Cut begins at Statute Mile 295 and Southport is on the Cape Fear River at Statute Mile 309. Our thoughts go out to the families of these victims.
Cruising News:
Regret that Wilmington NC reported a drowning in Snow’s Cut Sunday and a boating fatality near Southport, Sat. eve. Southport appears to have been due to navigational hazard/error. Very sorry to learn of these losses.
Sherri
This Article from Star News Online: Click link below for full report.
The search continued Monday morning for a boy believed drowned in the waters beneath the Snow’s Cut bridge Saturday.
The 13-year-old Rocky Point boy went missing about 1:45 pm Saturday. He was with his parents and 3-year-old brother swimming and fishing along the southern banks of the Intracoastal Waterway near Carolina Beach, according to the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20120805/ARTICLES/120809853

A U.S. Coast Guard boat searches the water under Snow’s Cut Bridge for a teenager who disappeared in the water about 1:40 p.m. on Aug. 4, 2012.
This article from WCET – TV6, Wilmington, NC. Click link below for full article:
SOUTHPORT, NC (WECT) – A Wilmington woman is dead and another three are hurt after a boat crashed into a platform in Southport, according to the Coast Guard.
According to Sgt. Ben Meyer, Barbara Pierce, 57, was pronounced dead at New Hanover Regional Medical Center due to injuries sustained from the boat crash.
Meyer said, Pierce’s husband, Edward Pierce, 58, was driving the boat and most likely slammed into a concrete slab in the Cape Fear River, trying to avoid a collision. The two of them along with passengers Michelle Boley, 30, and Taylor Gill, 25, were headed north to Wilmington.
On Saturday night, good Samaritans helped the responding agency with the rescue. Pierce contacted the Coast Guard for help at approximately 9 p.m. A 25-foot response boat was dispatched, according to the release.
If you have more details about the circumstances of this collision, let us hear from you. Thanks!
I am puzzled as to why the obstacle that the Pierce boat struck is not lighted or better yet, removed.
Horace Whitaker
http://www.wect.com/story/19199168/coast-guard-reponds-to-fatal-boat-crash-in-southport
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 31, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
IMPORTANT NOTICE – CHANGE IN SSECN MENU STRUCTURE
All SSECN Visitors please Note that we have just changed our top of the page, blue background, menu structure. We have done this because the features accessible from the OLD top menus were a sub-set of what was/is available from the red, vertically stacked, accordion menus on the right side of this, and all SSECN pages (except Chart View pages). This partial duplication of function has led to confusion, so, effective immediately, the blue menus at the top of this and all SSECN pages now only access special, mostly non-regional features of our web site.
FOR MOST PURPOSES, YOU WILL NOW WANT TO BEGIN YOUR USE OF OUR SITE BY MAKING A SELECTION FROM THE RED, VERTICALLY STACKED MENUS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THIS, AND ALL OTHER (except Chart View) SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PAGES. Simply click on the coastline of your choice, “South Carolina” for example, and then it’s off to the races!
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 30, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Morehead City, NC Dining/Seafood Shopping Recommendations (Statute Mile 203-205)
Now, here is a VERY useful posting from our good friends, Captains George and Ann, who liveaboard in Morehead City, North Carolina. Some of the dining/shopping recommendations below are found within easy walking distance of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Morehead City Yacht Basin, or the other area dockage facilities, including the Morehead City (Municipal) Docks, while others will require a short taxi ride. However, you get there, rely on these recommendations from knowledgeable MC locals!!!!
Georgia B’s is [found] on the north side of Arendell between 5th and 6th before you get to the wonderful City News stand and the ACE Marine Hardware from the [Morehead City] Yacht Basin. Piccatas moved further west on Arendell on the south side,
still pretty good for lunch, for dinner we tend to go to Beaufort Grocery Too (where the old Shepherd’s Point was, and who in turn serves an excellent Sunday brunch), Ruddy Duck, Wind and Sea, Circa 81 (not walking distance but fantastic). or of course Floyd’s, but I have had some spotty luck there lately. We don’t go out that often as I am married to a great chef, but Beaufort/MHC are certainly great dining towns given their size.
I also can’t leave the topic of local eating without mentioning the wonderful Blue Ocean seafood market on Bridge’s street before you get to Lowe’s foods.
They mostly supply local restaurants but have a great retail shop. If Eric the manager is there he gives out great cooking tips for any of the plethora of locally caught species that typically don’t show up in supermarkets. He is an outstanding chef in his own right; he cooked for a dinner party we had once and it was superb. Ant cruisers provisioning in MHC must include Blue Ocean in their shopping itinerary!
All the Best,
George and Ann
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Morehead City Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Morehead City
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 28, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
“Best Breakfast on the AICW” – Input and Comments From the Cruising Community
We hoped our story about the wonderful breakfasts available at Blackstone’s Cafe in Beaufort, SC (See /?p=92926) would lead to a wealth of input and a lively discussion from our fellow cruisers. As usual, the cruising community has NOT disappointed. Check out all the many articles below.
And, WE WOULD STILL LIKE TO HAVE MORE INPUT. Please send your dockside convenient breakfast spot recommendations directly to me at CruisersNet@triad.twcbc.com.
Bon Appeit!
I second the Stuffed Pig in Marathon for breakfast’¦..seafood or crab omelettes, just great
Twins
Bakers Kitchen in downtown New Bern’¦.off the ICW but worth the side trip for the best french toast on the East Coast!
Steve on CrossRoads
If breakfast is as important a meal to you as it is to me, and if you are in Beaufort, (S.C.), then you really ought to visit with David and Roseanne Steele at their place, called Shoofly Kitchen. (http://www.shooflykitchen.com) It is on Boundary Street, close to everything, and they serve the best eggs and grits I have ever had, including even those made by either my mother or my wife. And of course the `crabby benedict’ and the `Combahee Crab Omelet’ are just too good to describe. My wife’s favorite is the `Three cheese and fresh herb omelet’. Shoofly Kitchen is a small, quiet, homey, friendly, and relaxing place, located at 1209 Boundary Street in downtown Beaufort.
David and Roseanne also serve a tasty and varied lunch menu, so, if the weather is not so good, or you have a good book, you could do a late breakfast AND an early lunch before retiring for a nap. I recommend the `Ham & Brie Cheese on Wheat’ or the `Cranberry & Pecan Chicken Salad on wheat’, but everything is fresh and tasty and its just impossible to go wrong at Shoofly.
If you go, please let them know that the folks at Port Royal Landing Marina referred you. Or better yet, stop by the marina and get a coupon for free desert! Thanks, and bon appetite!
Tom Wilson, CMM
President, Port Royal Landing Marina, Inc
I rarely eat breakfast out, but when in Ft Pierce, Mangrove Mattie’s is a must do on Sunday for a champagne brunch. You won’t find a better spread anywhere. The bottomless champagne flute or mimosa glass is icing on the cake.
Peter Kafer
By the way, I noticed today that Georgia B’s (252-622-4579 – 506 Arendell St) has finally opened in MHC [Morehead City, NC] in the old Piccata’s location. They are advertising breakfast on the reader board so we will have to check it out and report. That would be the closest breakfast spot to the Yacht Basin, which is where we live on our old Hatteras 75% of the time.
[Georgia B’s] is [found] is on the north side of Arendell between 5th and 6th before you get to the wonderful City News stand and the ACE Marine Hardware from the Yacht Basin. Piccatas moved further west on Arendell on the south side, still pretty good for lunch, for dinner we tend to go to Beaufort Grocery Too (where the old Shepherd’s Point was, and who in turn serves an excellent Sunday
brunch)
By the way, does Ocracoke count? Flying Melon there certainly has to rate high up on our “favorite breakfast” spots! We are thinking about braving the coming weeks weather forecast and cruising there again this week.
George and Ann
Claiborne,
I would have to vote for Yana’s restaurant in Swansboro. They are at 117 Front St and open at 6am. Everything is cooked to order and the place is full of 50ies memorabilia.
Glenn Terrill
member of Fairfield Harbour YC
Sorry. I live in Beaufort and you’re crazy if you think Blackstones outdoes brunch at the Beaufort Inn or British Open Pub on Cat Island.
Beaufortonian
Claiborne replies: I’ve never had lunch or brunch at Blackstones (but I would LOVE to try it soon). So, my review was strictly limited to their breakfast offerings!
I’ve got to agree with Blackstone’s , but I’ve eaten at most of your selections. Another I’ve found that’s very good is `On A Roll’ in Morehead City, about 2 blocks from the downtown city marina at Jaycee Park. One of the perks of cruising.
Phil Mullins
Yes Blackstones is very good but clearly not the best. What really bugs me about them, they don’t give you a spoon for your coffee. Why?
One of the best is in Jacksonville Florida, called Grumpy’s. It is on Kingsley Ave. Try it. Also the Double T Dinner in Annapolis, the one on Hiway2 and West St. Great
Ed Hart
Your choice of Blackstone’s was right on. Can’t say it’s absolutely the `best’, but certainly one of the very best choices. Another super breakfast spot is the Causeway Cafe in Wrightsville Beach, NC.
Capt Norman Quinn
Blackstone’s is #1, without question. A VERY CLOSE #2 is The Stuffed Pig in Marathon, Fl. I know it is south and west of Miami, but it is worth the trip. Don’t miss the pig races in March. The loser is bacon!
http://www.thestuffedpig.com/
Jeff Graham
So many restraunts, so little time! Blackstones is at the top of my list. I love their spicy Cajun Shrimp & Grits.
My second favorite is not on the ICW but on the lower Chesapeake Bay at Cape Charles, VA. The Cape Charles Coffee House serves French Toast that melts in your mouth and is served in a mouth watering presentation’“it’s almost too pretty to eat.
As an alternative to the Thomas Cafe in Charleston, SC, an honorable mention goes to Aunnie’s who serves up southern soul food like Grandma’s kitchen.
Susan Parker
Claiborne, if you are using Cox’s as a reference point it puts your judgement in question, though the others you mention and Blackstones are indeed good. For one thing, it is not convenient to the water. For another, it is cheap, but not very good. On A Roll Gourmet Deli in Morehead City is walking distance from the Yacht Basin, MH City Docks and Portside and the corn beef hash on the weekend is divine, but it is good every day.
In Beaufort NC, the Boardwalk Cafe at the Beaufort City Docks is probably the best all around of the lot with nice outside water view seating as a bonus.
George
Claiborne replies: George is right that Cox’s is NOT convenient to dockside dining. A car or taxi ride is necessary to reach it from any of the area dockage facilities. HOWEVER, I might have to disagree with Captain George about the quality of the food, hence I broke my own rule and included it on my initial list!
We have been up and down the waterway and Blackstone’s is THE BEST. In fact we are ‘summering’ in Beaufort this year and enjoy Blackstone’s twice a week. The hash browns are just tasty wonderful.
Don’t miss it!
Jeff Graham
s/v Far Niente
I have never had pancakes or french toast the equal or better of Daijio in Ocracoke. I have eaten at most of the places on your list and they don’t hold a candle to this duo of entries.
Mike Glover,
Manteo, NC
MV Simpleman
We can tell that you have not visited Seven Seas Marina in Port Orange, just south of Daytona. We, long ago, ruled that their breakfast was never to be passed up. Visit there, and buy breakfast, even at lunch time! You won’t be sorry.
Judy and Dick
Breakfast at T-Ray’s is the highlight of stopping at Fernandina’s Marina as soon as we get to Florida. You can work up an appetite walking from the Marina to T’Ray’s, but you’ll appreciate the walk on the way back to your boat.
David Burnham
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 27, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Blackstone’s Cafe (Beaufort, SC) – The BEST Breakfast on the AICW (Statute Mile 536.5)
OK, I’m about to go out on a proverbial limb, and do something seriously DANGEROUS! I propose that the very best breakfast available to cruisers on the entire course of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, from Norfolk, VA to Miami, Florida, is found at Blackstone’s Cafe (205 Scott Street, 843-524-4330), located in historic downtown Beaufort, South Carolina, and within easy walking distance of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Downtown Marina of Beaufort. Yes, in my humble opinion, a better breakfast than Thomas Cafe in Georgetown, South Carolina, than Cox Family Restaurant in Morehead City, North Carolina and even better than the Variety Store Restaurant at Charleston (South Carolina) City Marina.
OK, I know that’s a tall statement, but really, fellow cruisers, you have to taste the white cheddar and fresh mushroom omelet, not to mention the light as a cloud buttermilk pancakes or the awesome “Cajun Shrimp and Grits, not to mention the unforgettable corn beef hash. My oh my, my cholesterol level jumps 10 points by just thinking about a breakfast at Blackstones.
Then, there is the interior decor at Blackstone’s Cafe which I can only describe as eclectic. There are colorful military unit flags sitting cheek by jowl with posters from movies made in Beaufort, such as “The Big Chill.” There’s even outside dining in an open courtyard, which was my chosen spot during a recent July, 2012 visit. The combination of my omelet and the river breezes, well, words just fail me.
Clearly, Blackstone’s is where the local crowd meets for breakfast, of both the nautical and non-nautical variety. You never know what interesting conversation you might run across. Years ago, it was here that I first heard about a strangely named movie that was going to be shot in Beaufort within a few months. Who had ever heard of a story entitled, “Forest Gump?”
Still not enough for you? Well, consider this. Owner/founder Roger Alley came sailing, that’s right, “sailing” into Beaufort, SC some years ago with the intent of only interrupting his cruise for a night or two to sample the many charms of Beaufort. He was so taken with the community that he founded Blackstones (originally a combination gourmet food store and cafe), and he has made his home here ever since!
I WOULD LIKE TO USE THIS ARTICLE TO BEGIN A LIVELY DISCUSSION ABOUT WHO/WHERE YOU THINK THE BEST BREAKFAST ON THE AICW CAN BE FOUND. PLEASE contribute your favorites, by e-mailing me directly at CruisersNet@triad.twcbc.com, or clicking the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below. Let’s discover together where the best diet busting breakfast spots are to be found. Both yours truly and your fellow cruisers ARE EAGER TO HEAR FROM YOU. So, PLEASE chime in!

Well, the cruising community has heard my appeal to name/discuss their favorite breakfast spots, and the SSECN has been honored with a TON of welcome input. So much, in fact, that this collection of messages is too lengthy to insert at the bottom of this posting.
Instead, click HERE to check out what and where your fellow cruisers are recommending as the best coastal breakfast spots to be found!
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Downtown Beaufort Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Downtown Beaufort, SC
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 26, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Susan Leaf Photo Gallery Now Available

Visitor at Toogoodoo Creek, South Carolina
Over the last several years, we have been privileged to publish some absolutely outstanding images in the SSECN’s “Photo of the Week” section. More than a few of these noteworthy images have come to us courtesy of Captain Susan Leaf. Now, Susan has been kind enough to share a very special collection of her favorite photos with the cruising community. Don’t dare miss clicking on the “Click Here For Photo Gallery” link below to peruse these memorable pics!!!!
In regards to Susan’s interest in nautical photography, she writes:
I’ve been interested in photography since art school, mainly for painting ideas. When I and my husband, Elden, became full time cruisers in 2010, I decided digital photos would be a great way to share our journeys. Thus began the collecting and arranging of thousands of photos of our trip up and down the East coast from North Carolina to Florida. The further we went, the more varied and beautiful the subjects. The collection will continue to grow as we plan on exploring the west coast of Florida and the Bahamas in the coming years.
Susan
So, don’t delay, click away:
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 26, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Thoroughfare Creek Anchorage (off AICW/Waccamaw River) – Statute Mile 389 – Captains Mark and Diana Report
Now here’s a really useful article from our strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, founders and owners of On The Water ChartGuides. Sometimes we all, or at least I do, get so wrapped up with memories of an anchorage’s natural beauty, rich history and superb shelter, we forget there may be another side to the story.
And, indeed, that is just the case here. Along a river replete with wonderful spots to drop the hook overnight, Thoroughfare Creek vies with Bull Creek for the best of the best in this region. And yet, as you will see below, there may be certain times of the year when a disadvantage or two may show up in these waters. Read on!
The Waccamaw River in Summer: More PWCs than Mosquitoes
Thoroughfare Creek October 15 Versus June 15
We often revel in the changing seasons. Every transit is different depending on the weather, the seasonal cloud formations, the patterns of bird and mammal migration, and the colors of the wooded shores or saltmarsh expanses.
But here’s a seasonal change we weren’t expecting: the Waccamaw River in summer.
For most experienced ICW cruisers, the Waccamaw River is one of their favorite cruising grounds. Anchorage after peaceful anchorage, typically the only boat tucked into a surreal cypress setting draped with Spanish moss. Birds call from the dark swampy woods and ospreys whistle from their huge stick nests.
But that’s the Waccamaw River of early spring or fall. Come summer, especially on weekends, this waterway that is part of a national wildlife refuge becomes a playground for the jet skis, pontoon boats, and Baja cruisers from nearby overflowing Myrtle Beach.
Don’t believe us? We witnessed quiet Thoroughfare Creek anchorage (STM 388.8) become a speedway for party boats to access the sandy bluffs at charted Belin, known to locals as “Sandy Island.” It looked like Coney Island!
So we gave up on anchoring in Thoroughfare Creek, deciding to press on along the magenta line. We departed the Waccamaw with the company of a noisy jet skier, zig-zagging back and forth right off our stern using our wake to “catch some air.”
Sheesh …
Best and see you On the Water!
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
http://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
I live in the area and often anchor in Thoroughfare Creek for the evening. It is a beautiful and very special spot. Fortunately for most cruisers, it is quiet and serene during the normal passage times. Just plan to forget it on the weekends from Memorial Day through Labor day’¦.Before and after that, it’s all yours!
Geoff Groat
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Anchorage Directory Listing For the Thoroughfare Creek Anchorages
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Thoroughfare Creek Anchorages
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 25, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Praise for “Those Who Help When You Need It”
Captain Parky offers thanks for the many folks that cruisers encounter who just know how to help when and where they are needed.
Subject: Help When You Need It
Cruising News:
We cruisers are always grateful for the kindness of strangers. Those who take us to the nearest grocery store or library. Those who give us good advice on local attractions or events not to miss. Those who will help us repair our engines no matter where we are and those who will find a badly needed part at reasonable cost. In these days of `Buyer Beware’ America, the following gentlemen in the Hampton Roads and Outer Banks area would be on my personal list for a Congressional Medal of Honor.
1) Robert the Lock Keeper at Deep Creek Lock who never fails to give up to date advice about the Dismal Swamp and offers a cup of fresh made coffee and cake to start off your day at the 8.30am opening.
2) At Manteo City Marina ‘“ kind and friendly Dockmaster Carl Jordan who helps all boaters find what they need to make their visit a pleasure. See www.manteowaterfront.com or call (252) 305 4800.
3) Bob McBride, Owner of Mile Marker ‘0’ marine store at Portsmouth City Dock seven days a week. Bob will give you a ride to Walmart or find that badly needed part within four hours. See www.marinesuppliesportsmouthva.com or call (757) 673 4816.
4) It’s not often that a fully experienced diesel mechanic will travel 50 miles to fix an engine or quickly polish your diesel fuel for reasonable prices. Based in Coinjock, Ken Moore does that and much more no matter where your boat is. See www.marinepro.com or call (252) 457 0016.
These people will help you avoid the more prevalent outfits who think boat owners are made of money and cannot do without their national chain stores and overpriced marinas. We all know who they are! 🙂
Cap’n Parky
MV Pisces
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Virginia Bridge Directory Listing For Deep Creek Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Deep Creek Lock
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Manteo Waterfront Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Manteo Waterfront Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Mile 0
Click Here To View Our Full Port of Call Entry for Coinjock, NC
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 22, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Excellent Report on Nine Foot Slough Channel into Ocracoke, NC, Pamlico Sound
Nine Foot Shoal Channel
Nine Foot Shoal Channel has been slowly losing its depth for the last year or so. As you consider using this route into alternate route to Ocracoke, keep in mind that this channel is named a “shoal channel”! Note too, that the primary entrance from Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke and Silver Lake Harbor is the Big Foot Slough Channel, which the vast majority of cruising craft and both Ocracoke car ferries use! However, Captain Ben seems to have found a route through Nine Foot Shoal Channel.
Cruising News:
Hi Claiborne –
I type this sitting in Silver Lake on the hook at Ocracoke. Glum overcast day, but relaxing none the less. We came through a whopper of a storm on the Pamlico to get here, but not the worry as we all came across ok. Just a little annoying following sea to bully the boat around. Lightning is the only scare on the Pamlico in a storm and we were fortunate in that regard.
Anyway, on to the report of the title. Nine Foot Slough always worries me a bit because who knows what you’re going to find. But I think I found a good strategy. Reports of 5-1/2 feet concerned me from other cruisers. I am happy to say our lowest was 7 feet at low tide.
We came through at around 430pm on Saturday, July 21 at low tide. From #8 to #6 I measured 7 feet of water this is lowest we saw. From #6 to #5 I saw the water increase in depth from 8 feet to 13 feet. At #5 it was 10 feet. From #5 to #4 I saw the water go steady around 10 feet. At #4 it was 9 feet. Between #2 and #1 it was 10 feet then increasing to 11 feet. In the main channel the water increased to 17 feet.
The strategy is this: At the #8, I could see the water tower dead ahead, middle of the channel near #4 I plugged that into the autopilot or, when I was piloting manually I headed straight for it. My depth readings are based on that path and we had no trouble at all. Hopefully no fall hurricane disrupts that path, but in this occasion, it worked for us.
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 lemongrass 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 Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To Nine Foot Shoal Channel, Big Foot Slough Channel, Silver Lake and Ocracoke
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 22, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More AICW Shoaling Reported Near Isle of Palms, (Statute Mile 460)
From earlier reports and as Captain Bell confirms, the water gets thin between AICW markers #111 and #119, north of the Waterway’s entrance into Charleston Harbor. While not yet designated an SSECN Problem Stretch, we have established a Navigation Alert for these waters and caution should be exercised through the AICW channel past the Isle of Palms.
Three days ago we had to wait for one hour past low water, which was `0’³ tide, to pass between 117A and 119. Our sailboat has a five foot draft. We made two slow attempts to pass but ran aground mid channel and west or land side of mid channel. NOTE: while we waited for an hour past low tide we made an attempt to bypass the low spot by going around the Atlantic side loop. The chart shows deep water, which there is until you are 100 yards from 119, then there is a shoal that is less than four feet. So back to 117A you go.
David Bell
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
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 19, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
News From Downtown Beaufort Marina (Statute Mile 536.5)
We had the happy occasion to visit in person with Captains Mandy and Rick Griffin, proprietors of SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Downtown Marina of Beaufort, on 7/18/12. We gathered a whole raft of new and updated information.
First of all, Captain Mandy updated us on the often changing opening schedule of the nearby Lady’s Island Bridge. You can check out the updated regulations at /ladyaeâ„¢s-island-bridge.
Next, we discovered that Downtown Beaufort Marina is running a new, 3-month dockage special. Those who commit to a 90-day stay will pay an appealing $13.50 per foot, per month!
Captain Mandy also updated us thoroughly on the downtown Beaufort Restaurant situation. And, we had the happy opportunity ourselves to dine at Plums for lunch, Blackstone’s Cafe for breakfast and Breakwater Restaurant for dinner. No comment on what all this eating did to my waistline, but all three meals were SUPERB. Downtown Beaufort has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to GOOD dining.
You can check out all Captain Mandy’s other restaurant tips by following the link to Downtown Beaufort Marina’s listing in the SSECN South Carolina Marina Directory, below. Just scroll down to the “Restaurant Recommendations” field.
Next, Captain Rick give us the GOOD news that his facility has received a $100,000.00 community assistance grant. This money will be used to upgrade the marina’s dockside power, particularly the 50-amp hookups, and establish a mooring field west of the dockage basin. Due to the permitting process, the power upgrades are probably six months away, and planning studies are just getting underway for the mooring field. Nevertheless, this is great future news for an already first class facility!
We can say without hesitation that this marina, operated by two of the finest folks in the business, is a great place to visit. We would not take anything for our time spent there and miss the whole crowd down there immensely. Everything you need is close by. Stop in and tell them that Dan and Patsy said hello.
Dan and Patsy Traylor
Winston-Salem N.C.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Downtown Beaufort Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Downtown Beaufort Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 17, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good News from Leland Oil Co. Marina – McClellanville, SC (St. M. 430) – Captains Mark and Diana Report

Leland Oil Co. Marina
Here’s another excellent report from our strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, owners and originator of On The Water Chart Guides. This article concerns Leland Oil Company Marina, located on the waters of Jeremy Creek at McClellanville, SC. This facility lies about half-way between Winyah Bay and Charleston Harbor.
As has been previously reported here on the Cruisers’ Net, and made clear once again below by Captains Diana and Mark, McClellanville Oil Co. Marina may just be “the” most improved facility in the SC Low Country. Even so, no-one will ever mistake this place for Pier 66, or Morehead City Yacht Basin, BUT with things as they now stand, we can recommend a stop here for those who want to experience a last, little piece of South Carolina Low Country, small town, charm!

T. W. Graham & Co. Seafood Restaurant
Hi Claiborne,
Diana and I were through McClellanville last month and thought you’d like an update on what Dwayne’s up to at Leland Oil.
ICW veterans have long known about the shrimp boat docks at McClellanville, SC (STM 430.0).
In the past, you’d trade beer to raft up for the night In the tiny harbor of Jeremy Creek. But, of course, you’d have to stay up with the shrimpers to drink the beer ‘¦ and then untangle your boat at oh-dark-thirty so they could get off to work and you could catch a few hours of sleep before moving on.
Now there is a more “civilized” alternative. Last year, Dwayne Merritt at Leland Oil put in floating docks to provide a place for recreational boats to tie up for the night, allowing them to keep their beer … and get some sleep.
We recently stayed at Leland Oil and saw first-hand the new floating docks. Very nice! And Dwayne continues to make this facility more welcoming to cruising sail and power boats.
McClellanville is worth a saunter, a quiet village of well-kept houses clustered on a few blocks near the shrimp docks. With its small streets, lack of traffic, and friendly residents, walking the town feels like going back a few decades.
There is one stop in town, the local seafood restaurant, T.W. Graham. In true small-town style, it has abbreviated hours but is worth the wait. FRESH-FRESH seafood!
Best and see you On the Water,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Leland Oil Co. Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Leland Oil Co. Marina
www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 11, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
New On-site Restaurant Now Open at Dolphin Cove Marina, Ashley River, Charleston, SC
Dolphin Cove Marina overlooks the Ashley River’s eastern shores north of unlighted daybeacon #16, northwest of the charted “R TR”. To reach this facility from the AICW’s run through lower Ashley River, your vessel must pass through/under the Ashley River Memorial/US 17 twin bridges.
Dolphin Cove is sometimes overlooked by cruisers who opt for the Charleston City Marina or, on the Cooper River side of Charleston, the Charleston Martime Center or Charleston Harbor Marina.
And, there is certainly nothing wrong with that plan of action. After all, both Charleston Harbor Marina and Charleston City Marina are CRUISERS NET SPONSORS!
However, if you seek a quieter, lower energy setting to coil your lines, consider Dolphin Cove, farther upstream on Cooper River. To access the principal Charleston historic and business districts, you will need a rental car, or a taxi ride, but now Dolphin Cove offers an on-site dining option, as you will discover below. PLEASE give the HydeOut a try, and tell everyone the SSECN sent you!!!
Subject: We have a bigger dock! Restaurant now open!
Cruising News:
The HydeOut (843-745-0426) at Dolphin Cove Marina is now open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week! See our website at www.hydeout-charleston.com for more information. We have 22 dedicated boatslips for your use to enjoy your dining experience.
Jennifer Carter
The shrimp sandwich is amazing! And you’ll love the fried green tomato sandwich if you like something lighter. Either way, the service is great, the food is fine and the setting is sublime. The whole family enjoyed it so much that we’ll be returning tonight (second time this week).
Paula
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Dolphin Cove Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dolphin Cove Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 9, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
ARGUS Confirms Shoaling on AICW Problem Stretch – AICW Channel South of McClellanville, SC to Awendaw Creek (St. M. 430 to 435)
Perhaps the #1 advantage of being Survice Enginnering’s ARGUS Project’s strategic web partner, is that the SSECN is the FIRST to receive shallow water updates from the various ARGUS volunteer research vessels traveling Southeastern USA coastal waters. And, that’s just what’s happened here!
Now, it isn’t exactly a surprise that the ARGUS equipment aboard M/V Elixir has just reported finding less than optimum depths along the path of the AICW south of McClellanville, South Carolina. After all, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net declared these waters as an “AICW Problem Stretch” several years ago! However, it’s certainly nice for ARGUS to verify this data, and even to pin-point the shallowest spots!
Take a look at the first graphic below, and note the color coded ARGUS “solution sets” along the track of the AICW immediately southwest of marker #37. This stretch of the AICW lies just southwest of Jeremy Creek and McClellanville. As you can see, Elixir discovered some 6-foot MLW depths right along the mid-width of the AICW channel. Still enough for most vessels, but definitely getting on the thin side:
And, then we have a second set of ARGUS soundings (“solution sets”) depicted in the graphic below, just a small hop farther to the southwest (northeast of marker #40). Again, LOTS of 6-foot MLW depths noted here:
PLEASE NOTE that these depths (“solution sets”) are so NEW, they are NOT yet depicted on the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Chart View “ARGUS Layer.” That will be corrected on our next update from Survice Engineering, due to be received soon. However, we thought this data was so interesting, it was worth calling to the attention of the cruising community even before this update is received and processed!
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW Channel South of McClellanville, SC to Awendaw Creek
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 6, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Shoaling MAY No Longer Be An Issue At the AICW/Little River Inlet/Calabash Creek Intersection (Statute Mile 342)
The shoaling reported earlier at the three way intersection of the AICW, Little River Inlet and Calabash Creek seems to have abated. Captain Bell offers good advice concerning the markers through this area.
At the border of North And South Carolina, Heading North, We passed R4 and R2 right on the magenta line provided by Navionics on our chart plotter. After passing R2 we began to favor the outside or green side of the turn heading north. We were at .25′ of tide and did not see less than 11′ of water. Not a problem area.
David Bell
We transit this area almost daily and have had no troubles. The 2 casino boats that turn at this intersection leaving and returning from Little River Inlet have probably helped to keep the area clear of any shoaling. They draw around 8-9′.
Capt. John Schwab
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of This Intersection
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 6, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
North Carolina Cruising Articles by Captain Cathy Gillenwater – Taken From Her Site, “East Coast Boating Adventures”
The Salty Southeast Cruisers Net is pleased to announce another strategic partnership, this one with Captain Cathy Gillenwater and her web-site, “East Coast Boating Adventures” (http://www.eastcoastboatingadventures.com/). Captain Cathy has given us carte blanche to copy her articles and photography, both of which are well worth viewing.
To kick off this “win-win” sharing arrangement, Captain Cathy presents three excellent articles on North Carolina Cruising:
1. Captain Cathy Gives Us a Good Account of a Visit to Cape Lookout Bight, Cape Lookout National Seashore and nearby Shackleford Banks. To check out this article, please go to:
/?p=91222
2. Captain Cathy takes us on a tour of an extreme southeastern North Carolina facility, Blue Water Point Motel, Marina and Restaurant. Please visit:
/?p=91320
3. And finally, Captain Cathy visits SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Bald Head Island. Her photography associated with this article is really well worth a perusal all by itself:

/?p=91331
Just wanted to say Thank You for everything. It is a huge honor to be added to your website.
Cathy Gillenwater
East Coast Boating Adventures
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jun 25, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Public Meeting
The FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission) has scheduled a public meeting, to be held in Tallahassee, FL (see below), on 7/11/12, to consider the Monroe County (Florida Keys) proposed anchorage regulations, as part of the Keys participation in the Florida Pilot Mooring Field Program. ALL cruisers who can possibly attend this event, PLEASE do so!
Hello,
We are scheduling a public meeting to discuss the Monroe County Anchoring and Mooring Ordinance for Wednesday, July 11th, at the FWC Bryant Building in Room 272 [in Tallahassee, Florida – editor]. We have scheduled the meeting for 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Attached is the FAW notice, that will be published next week, that has the address and time of the public meeting. There will be representatives from Monroe County ready to answer questions from any organizations or individuals that would like to know more about the ordinance.
We are planning on being able to take the Monroe proposed ordinance to the September 5-6th FWC Commission Meeting in Tampa. To accomplish this we will need to coordinate the review, conduct the public meeting, and have a 2 week internet posting of the ordinance to collect public comment. I anticipate posting the proposed ordinance on our FWC website the first full week of July. I will send out notification of that posting when it goes live on the internet. I have attached the current Monroe Co. ordinance language for your review prior to the public meeting and internet posting. Thank you.
Tom
Captain Tom Shipp
FWC / DLE / Boating and Waterways
Note that the proposed ordinance requires proof of pumpout, which I believe is a gross overreach. The anchoring and mooring pilot program law states that it is to regulate anchoring, not pollution controls or equipment onboard. These things are already covered by federal and state regulations. Once again, the anchoring and mooring pilot program is leading to further complication on the water, and a hodge-podge of laws in Florida that few transient boaters will even be aware of.
John Kettlewell
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jun 22, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
New Oriental, North Carolina Photo Gallery Now Available For Viewing
Hello Fellow Cruisers:
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is proud to announce a new Oriental, North Carolina Photo album for your viewing pleasure. Just click the “Click Here for Photo Gallery” button below, and it’s off to the races.
While some of these Oriental photos date back all the way to the 1980’s, most are the result of a June, 2012 visit to this charming riverside village by yours truly and the “first-rate, first-mate.”
You can also find your way to this photo album, and all existing and future, special North Carolina photo albums by clicking the “North Carolina” selection in the red, vertically stacked menus on the right side of all (except Chart View) Cruisers’ Net pages. After clicking, a drop down menu will appear. Then, click on “NC Photo Albums” and a sub-drop down menu will appear. Then, just click on the Photo Album of your choice. For now, we only offer Beaufort and Oriental Photo albums, but these will soon be augmented.
ENJOY!
Share:
Be the first to comment!