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Comments from Cruisers (8) Add Comment

1. Gene Fuller -  May 20, 2016 - 3:15 pm

   I think Larry and others are largely missing the point. This project has almost nothing to do with navigating the ICW or special privileges for megayachts. After all, it is only a couple of miles in length. The real reason for the project is for economic support of local businesses. Not a whole lot different than a new highway to support a large factory or deepening a harbor to support commercial shipping.

   Gene

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2. George Barr -  May 20, 2016 - 2:05 pm

   The CONTROLLING depth of the ICW is 12′. I think Larry is reacting as I did to the 15’depth of the project using taxpayer money in a section of the ICW that has few reported shoaling problems from cruisers. It is clearly for the benefit of the megayachts who visit the port. It is about 20:1 from my experience on Foreign vs. USA registration…. and there are numerous spots on the FL ICW that don’t even carry 6 ft. without tidal help where the money could have been better spent. I’d suggest that if FT LAUDERDALE wants to deepen it’s waters…they should fund it from their tax base… or impose fees on marinas catering to those depths…. and let the taxpayers deal with NORMAL maintenance of the ICW which should be funded by users through fuel and use taxes… not the general public.

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3. Joseph Schnaufer -  May 14, 2016 - 1:08 pm

   I think all the mega yachts contribute far more to the community finances than the smaller recreational boats!

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• Fred -  May 16, 2016 - 9:44 am

  Considering that most of the mega yachts that will need these additional depths in this area are mostly foreign flagged vessels that avoid taxes in the U.S.

  Whereas US tax payers and local boaters cannot find affordable dockage and other marine services, these funds are being spent purely for the wealthy.

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• Capt. Mike Wright -  May 20, 2016 - 1:21 pm

  Amen brother

4. Gregory Yount -  May 13, 2016 - 8:40 pm

   I think Larry is dead on. How many recreational boaters are needing or clamoring for 15′ depths?! Re-work Matanzas Inlet, Jupiter Inlet or one of the many ICW shoal areas.

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5. Heidi Hasenfus -  May 13, 2016 - 2:11 pm

   I, too, find the tone odd… The dredging project is to accommodate deep draft vessels, which spans many economic ranges, both private and commercial. And the positive about this 1% you mention, is that they spend a lot of money, as their vessels, guests, and crew require a range of services ranging from high end boutiques and restaurants to neighborhood hardware stores and fast food restaurants to mechanics and professional services. That’s a lot of employment creating more taxpayers and more spending. Circle of economic life.

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6. Bill Marett -  May 13, 2016 - 9:48 am

   I find the titling of this article odd. Larry seems to be adopting the non-boat owners’ view that all boaters are wealthy and that improvements to the nation’s waterways is “welfare for the rich.” Certainly that characterization is wrong. What I suspect Larry meant is that the money for this deepening project could be better spent elsewhere to the benefit of cruisers who rely on the ICW. A fair point, but to describe the project as is done in the title gives the wrong impression and is a disservice to the very idea that the waterways are for all boaters, not just the rich.
   Bill Marett

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