When is a Boat Not a Boat?
Our thanks to Ted Arisaka for posting this article in Save Georgia’s Anchorages.
When a Boat Isn’t: Supreme Court Decides
BoatingLaw.com and Great Harbor Trawlers
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The Story of Shad Boats by David Cecelski
Historian David Cecelski introduces his 12-part series, “The Story of Shad Boats,” that explores the origins, construction and history of the workboats found on the North Carolina coast in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Story of Shad Boats
Coastal Review Online
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NC Coastal Communities Adjust Restrictions
North Carolina State Parks announced this week that trails and restrooms at its parks statewide will open Saturday, including Carolina Beach State Park, Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers Net’s Marina Directory Listing For the Camden TDA/Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center“>Dismal Swamp State Park, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, Fort Macon State Park, Goose Creek State Park, Hammocks Beach State Park, Jockey’s Ridge State Park and Pettigrew State Park. This is good news for cruisers wanting to experience the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Coastal Communities Adjust Restrictions
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East to West Transit of the Okeechobee Waterway
Our thanks to Gene Faatz for sharing his navigation of Lake Okeechobee. Few of us cruisers ever get to see 26kts, so it is interesting to read his report.
Other than a couple of canoes and crew boats we saw very, very little boat traffic on the St. Lucie River to the St. Lucie Lock. After locking through with a 10 ft. lift it was smooth cruising at 26 kts. all the way to the Port Mayaca Lock which was open for pass through. When clearing the lock and entering Lake “O” it is VERY shallow with depths going down to about 4 ft. and you MUST favor the green markers and idle for about 3/4 of a mile to deeper water. The lake has plenty of water even though it was officially at 11.3 ft. all the way to Clewiston at 26 kts., but at the junction of the rim canal it has shoaled on the NW corner but all was good to the Moore Haven Lock which at this time is about a 1 ft. drop.
Gene FaatzClick Here To View the Okeechobee Waterway Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For St. Lucie Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the St. Lucie Lock
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Moore Haven Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Moore Haven
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Good Visit to Church Creek Anchorage, SC AICW Statute Mile 487.5
As you can tell from the comments of Charlie and Jackie, Church Creek is a long-time favorite anchorage. Church Creek anchorage lies 18 miles south of Charleston. Church Creek, with 13-22 ft. depths, indents the eastern flank of the AICW’s hard by marker #77.
3-27-2020- back in one of our favorite anchorages- Church Crk, about mm 486.8. We always go farther into crk than most- quieter! Anchor held first time- never dragged here before. Great Verizon, 19 over air TV, normal tidal current, no shopping or dog walking. Plenty of swing room for many large boats. Beautiful view is worth the stop. Some protection from southerly wind- more of a moderate weather anchorage. This is in top 5 of our favorites- been here well over 12 times- and will be back in future.
Charlie and Jackie on Traveler.Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Church Creek Anchorage
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NC Outer Banks Lift Visitor Restrictions May 16
Visitor restrictions will be lifted beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, May 16, for Dare, Hyde and Currituck counties, including Manteo, home to Manteo Waterfront Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR.
Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Woodard announces entry for visitors.
Visitor restrictions will be lifted beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, May 16, for Dare, Hyde and Currituck counties.
The three counties worked together to make the decision after Gov. Roy Cooper Tuesday issued Executive Order 138 that modified the state’s stay-at-home rder and transition to Phase 1 of slowly easing certain COVID-19 restrictions and made the announcement Wednesday morning.
Visitors will be permitted entry to Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Manteo, Hatteras Island, Roanoke Island, Dare County mainland, Currituck County Outer Banks and Ocracoke Island. Visitors are encouraged to contact their accommodations provider to confirm reservation and arrival plans.
Allowing visitors on May 16 will allow seven days for local businesses, attractions, and accommodations providers to prepare for the arrival of visitors following the new business operating requirements put in place by the governor’s order, according to the counties.
Entry restrictions for visitors to mainland Hyde County were lifted at 5 a.m. Wednesday, Hyde announced. Ocracoke nonresident property owners will be allowed entry May 11. All nonresident property owners should bring their own supplies to sustain themselves in their homes as much as possible such as groceries, medication, paper products and other essentials.
Officials reminded visitors that the pandemic is not over and state and local restrictions are in effect including:
- Social distancing guidelines.
- Gatherings limited to 10 people or less.
- Restaurants operating on a takeout or delivery basis only.
- Limits on the number of people allowed into stores.
- Continued closure of personal care and grooming businesses and entertainment businesses without retail or dining.
Visitors are encouraged to wear a mask or cloth face covering in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Officials stressed CDC recommendations to not travel if you are sick or were exposed within 14 days to COVID-19.
Learn More
- Dare County: www.darenc.com/covid19.
- Ocracoke Island: http://hydecountync.gov/
ocracoke-covid/index.php - Hyde County: http://hydehealth.com/public-
health/ - Currituck County: https://co.currituck.nc.us/
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Manteo Waterfront Marina
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Comments from Cruisers (2)
- Reply to James
Ocracoke and Manteo, here we come…
- Reply to Cruisers
Awesome…tell Carl Jordan in Manteo that Cruisers Net sends its very best to one hell of marina manager.😎
Bahamas Chatter: Spanish Wells bridge to Russell Island has collapsed
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Spanish Wells bridge to Russell Island has collapsed
Spanish Wells bridge to Russell Island has collapsedPosted: 06 May 2020 01:45 PM PDT
A REPORT FROM EYEWITNESS NEWS, BAHAMAS– The bridge from Spanish Wells to Russell Island has collapsed, cutting off access to the islands and cutting off the community’s access to its main water supply.
Progressive Liberal Party Senator Clay Sweeting told Eyewitness News a cement truck and golf cart were on the bridge when it collapsed shortly before 2 p.m.
Sweeting said the government signed a contract to replace the bridge in July 2019.
“It’s been deteriorating for some time,” he said.
“The new bridge is in containers on Russell Island waiting to be installed, so right now it’s not too much that can be done. There are a lot of residents on Russell Island that cannot transport themselves to Spanish Wells and vice versa.
“Also the water main is attached to the bridge and that also has collapsed. So now the community over there will be without water for the most part.”
Sweeting added: “Right now we are trying to assess the situation not much we can do. We need to get some heavy equipment in.”
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Dataw Island Marina Now Open, near SC AICW Statute Mile 521.5
Dataw Island Marina, a former Cruisers Net sponsor, was completely destroyed by Hurricane Matthew, but has now rebuilt and is open for business (temporarily restricted to day-time only transients and outside dining.) The marina is located just a short distance south off the Waterway via Parrot Creek, then Morgan River, west of marker #6, along the southern banks of the Morgan River. A wonderful, intimate marina and a great stopover!
We are happy to report that the Dataw Island Marina is once again fully operational with fuel, wet slips, dry stack, a restaurant, and a full-service boatyard.
The Dataw Island Marina has rebuilt their wetslips and has a fuel once again. Gone are the days of being limited to dry stack. Hooray!!!
Laura McCarthyClick Here For The Cruisers Net South Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Dataw Island Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dataw Island Marina
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Hurricane Preparedness Week in North Carolina: Determining your risk
That time of year is rapidly approaching. Are you, your crew and your vessel ready?
Hurricane Preparedness Week in North Carolina: Determining your risk
OBXToday.comHurricane forecasts will see some changes for 2020: Here’s what will be different
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NOAA: The Watch – May 6, 2020
News you can use from NOAA Planet Stewards.
Planet Stewards Program – The Watch – May 6, 2020
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Bahamas Chatter: Cruising Permit Update
Bahamas Chatter is produced by A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, Explorer Chartbooks, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Cruising Permit Update
Cruising Permit UpdatePosted: 05 May 2020 02:06 PM PDT
CRUISING PERMIT UPDATE – from the Bahamas Customs Department:
“Because of the Emergency Orders that are in place, any vessel in Bahamian waters whose Cruising Permit expires will not be penalized. Once the E/O has been lifted, the renewal process will be resumed.”
Regards,
Geannine R. Moss, Ed.D, MBA, MPA
Comptroller of Customs
Bahamas Customs Department
(242) 604-3021, (242) 604-3116
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Status Update: Windmill Harbour Marina, Hilton Head Island, SC AICW Statute Mile 558
Windmill Harbour Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located on Skull Creek, on the shores of Hilton Head Island. As of 5/6 transients are welcome.
EFFECTIVE 5/6/20MARINA LOCK HOURS OF OPERATION BACK TO NORMAL!Daylight Savings time hours: 8am – 7pm every dayAs usual, Fuel Dock closes 1 hour before the Lock.Marina office will remain closed until further notice.Please note the Lock will be closed tomorrow 5/6/20 from 2pm to 3pm for pressure washing and routine maintenance.Dear Boaters,I hope this email finds everyone happy and healthy. We have had lots of folks out enjoying these beautiful spring days on the water. Let’s hope this weather continues for a while before the humidity and temperature goes up.According to the latest updates given by Governor McMaster, he has lifted the “stay at home or work” order. We now feel that it is safe to switch back to normal working hours and start allowing transients back, taking into account the most recent health and safety precautions. We will utilize electronic document signing and take payments over the telephone to continue social distancing guidelines. We are still encouraging self service at the fuel dock for fuel and pump outs. PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) will be utilized by our staff, and we will increase the sanitation of our common areas such as bathrooms and Lock controls. We look forward to serving all of our regular slip owners, slip renters, and transients who love Windmill Harbour as much as we do.We are hopeful that we have “flattened the curve” as they say, but we should still remain vigilant and abide by proper social distancing measures.Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.Sincerely,Jake McMillanHarbourmaster
Tide Conditions this weekendMay 9th and 10thPlease note the low tidesSaturday – 5:01pm Level -0.7′Sunday – 5:49pm Level -0.2′Please be advised that there may be a substantial wait time to be Locked back in on each afternoon. Please have patience and understand we are doing our best to get you safely in within a timely manner.Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms on the 10th!Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Windmill Harbour Marina
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Anchorage Problems in Georgia
Our thanks to Ted Arisaka of Save Georgia’s Anchorages for calling our attention to this article on anchoring restrictions in Georgia, a topic that dominated cruisers’ news in the fall. Enter “anchoring” in our Search Window for related discussions.
Anchorage Problems in Georgia
Charles J Doane, April 20, 2020
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Simplifying Your Boating Experience, Safe Harbor Charleston City Marina, SC AICW Statute Mile 469
One of a number of Safe Harbor Marinas along the Intracoastal Waterway, Safe Harbor Charleston City Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located along the Ashley River’s northeastern banks, northeast of marker #5.
Simplifying your boating experience | Introducing ePay
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Safe Harbor Charleston City Marina
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FWC Seeing a Large Number of Non-Residents in Monroe County
The opening of boat ramps in Miami has had a direct affect on the northern Keys as attested in this report. See also Restrictions on Cruisers Transiting the Keys.
FWC Seeing a Large Number of Non-Residents in Monroe County
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Restrictions on Cruisers Transiting the Florida Keys
Visitors are currently banned in the Florida Keys and cruisers wanting to move north are finding marinas and dinghy dockage closed to transients, meaning no supplies. These restrictions on water-born travelers in the Keys is being discussed at length on AGLCA’s Forum and summarized nicely by Ben Sanderson, re-posted here with his permission. See also Non-Residents.
True, legally, transients are barred. However, after living here in Marathon for two years, we have never seen the dinghy police. Just say’n for those in real need who have been quarantined for awhile. We’re leaving in the next few days or we would offer to get the groceries. There are several other loopers still here that may speak up and offer. We are all in this pandemic together.
Another idea is to have Publix deliver the groceries to the fuel dock while you are fueling. They make deliveries from online orders. Not sure about Winn-Dixie.
I was super curious so I checked the boat ramp up by us and there were no signs. So I worked my way down to the ramp by Keys Fisheries (bay/gulf side). Saw the homemade signs and a marked patrol vehicle sitting in the lot as they do at all of the ramps since the new regs went into effect a couple of months ago.
Talked to the officer, CBP T. Diaz, while there and asked why the signs as transients are trying to get food. His words, not mine, were to the effect that during this past late winter too many boaters were anchored off shore and the whole boat ramp and waiting wall was filled with dinghies which interfered with the trailer boats. Understandable. So the city manager put up the signs. I explained the situation with some transient boats needing to get food supplies for a couple of hours so they could head north and he replied that Monroe County deputies wouldn’t write a citation for a dinghy or two if that was what they were doing and the signs really aren’t official anyway as well as no real regulation. Just stay at the end of the wall or better yet, anchor your dinghy a few feet out from shore and wade in. Maybe even leave a note on the dinghy with a contact number.
My recommendation is still to go into or near Boot Key Harbor and anchor semi-legally and then dingy in since the bay side isn’t nearly as good and there is lots of seagrass on that side. I forgot to check Burdines dinghy dock area but a neighbor went there last week by boat and docked without a question raised. Burdines has both fuel and water. Both Pancho’s Fuel Dock and Marathon Marina & RV Resort have fuel and water and are connected to BKHarbor. Bayside, Faro Blanco has fuel only from my understanding. I’ll also bet if you dinghied up to Dockside bar & grill, bought a couple of cold beers and a meal and asked the owner, Simone, if you could leave it tied for an hour while you fetched groceries, I’ll bet she says okay.
FWC Seeing a Large Number of Non-Residents in Monroe County
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Marc
We were there when they were throwing the proverbial switch on. It was eerie strange to see Mallory Square with only approximately 100 people and 2 performers in it at sunset. The anchorage was packed with boats all around Listeria Island. We had dinner at Jack Flats and Sloppy Joes was closed. They were not selling dinghy permits. Very few places open. The CVS or Starbucks was not open. The Schooner Wharf Bar was open and in full swing with a very good guitar player.
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Celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, Historic Edenton, Chowan County, NC, Albemarle Sound
A longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Edenton always has an exciting calendar of events including safe activities during the coronavirus pandemic. Edenton is at the mouth of the Chowan River on the northwest shore of Albemarle Sound.
Click here for Celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Edenton Harbor City Docks
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Good Words for Belhaven, NC, AICW Statute Mile 135.5, Pungo River
Belhaven, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, sits on the northern shore of Pantego Creek which meets the western shoulder of the Waterway at Mile 135 south of the Alligator River – Pungo River Canal. Our thanks to Kevin and Debbie Stone for these kind words.
Belhaven Visitor Lounge, located across the street from the floating dinghy dock, and associated with the Chamber of Commerce, is a most wonderful example of gracious hospitality and “welcome”! During open hours, a book exchange, free wifi, restroom, and a lovely setting with plenty of sitting room to relax, are enhanced even further by the overwhelmingly friendly offers to help with what else boaters might need. We have visited several times, and during our most recent visit we needed to have a time-sensitive document printed so we could sign and mail it promptly; Diana could not have been more kind, having posted her phone # on the outside door and quickly came to help us take care of that, even though it was outside of their open hours; she is a gem! SV Grace’s crew will look for Diana’s beautiful smile each time we are there.
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Belhaven, NC
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Belhaven, NC
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Status Update: Washington Waterfront Docks, Washington, NC, Pamlico River
Whether you want to revisit the past, satisfy your curiosities, discover the arts or explore your true nature, you can do it from the heart of the Inner Banks – Washington, North Carolina. Washington City Docks, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, has proven to be well worth the journey up the beautiful Pamlico River!
The Washington Waterfront Docks is open and doing business pretty much as usual.
Dock Attendants are on hand from 8AM to 7PM every day. We have 320 feet of bulkhead docks (without power and water) where boaters can stay for 2 days at no charge, and are able to accept a limited number of boats up to about 80 feet on docks with power and water. Ice, laundry, pumpout, and loaner bicycles for playing tourist or running to the store. As a matter of fact, we have 4 northbound cruisers hanging out in Washington right now, waiting for passage through Maryland to open up.
Some of the restaurants within 2 blocks of the docks are currently closed, but there are 4 or 5 available for takeout orders. We are seeing a large number of families coming down to the waterfront to walk, play, and picnic. And our local marine service providers are all open for business.
Rick Brass
DockmasterClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Washington City Docks
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Is It Time to Lift All Restrictions on Marinas and Transient Dockage?
We want to hear from all of you who have been “at sea” on the Intracoastal Waterway for the past six weeks. Yours has been a unique experience. Are you ready to come ashore? Ready to use transient services such as ship’s store, onsite restaurant, showers, pool, ice machines, laundry, loaner car, etc. when you are lucky enough to acquire a slip? Are you ready for “normal”? Under what conditions will you feel comfortable? Let us hear from you!
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Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Phil
Although for the short term some precautions such as extra cleaning & sanitzing of bath & showers loaner cars water supply outlets may need to remain the rest of the country except New york City & California should be able to reopen given the above conditions and keeping groups small.
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good read